Industry veteran Markeal Williams, the longtime lead technician for GameTime and General Vending, died Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Florida, with his family by his side, colleagues reported. Williams started his career more than 30 years ago at Grand Prix Racerama, growing into a lead role with that company managing its hundreds of games. He later joined Flippers Cinema and Arcade, where he played a key role in converting a traditional move theater into an entertainment center. He spend the last 18 years with GameTime and General Vending, where he was the lead technician and “operational…
Author: Matt Harding
Player One Amusement Group, now part of GENDA Americas, recently opened an emojiPlanet location at Tsawwassen Mills, a mall in the British Columbia area of the same name. A grand opening celebration will be held Jan. 24. The emojiPlanet venue was developed in close collaboration with the emoji company and UNIS. “emojiPlanet was created to bring joy, color and connection to our communities,” said Michael Williams, the marketing director at Player One Amusement Group. “We are genuinely honored to work so closely with the emoji company and UNIS. Without the strength and global influence of the emoji brand, this type…
TouchTunes has published their annual look at the most played artists and songs. The top played male artists were Morgan Wallen, Zach Bryan, Shaboozey, Chris Stapelto and Toby Keith. The top played female artists were Chappell Roan, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Jessie Murph and Lady Gaga. The company also gave out Jukebox Awards: Chappell Roan for Artist of the Year; Morgan Wallen’s I’m The Problem as Album of the Year; and Creed as their National Jukebox Day Ambassador. The top played genres were rock (driving 38% of play), country (24%) and rap/hip-hop (14%). More statistics are available here on the TouchTunes…
Fly Extreme Sports Park in Metepec, Mexico, recently opened their more than 30,000-sq.-ft. facility with the help of Sacoa Cashless System and BMI. The park has trampolines, a rope course, climbing walls, arcade games, bowling, a playground, sports bar and more. “We are thrilled to support Fly Extreme Sports Park on this incredible project,” said Sebastian Mochkovsky, CEO of Sacoa USA. “Their new Metepec center is a perfect example of how innovative attractions and seamless technology can come together to create next-level entertainment.”
The global trade association IAAPA has chosen Todd Andrus as its vice president and executive director of North America. Andrus has more than 26 years of experience in hospitality, attractions and marketing. He was most recently the corporate senior director at Premier Parks, leading the marketing strategy and partnerships for 14 parks and attractions throughout the U.S. and Canada. “Todd’s remarkable experience across theme parks, FECs, aquariums and destination attractions makes him an incredible fit for our IAAPA family,” said COO Michael Shelton. “What stands out most is his passion for our industry and his commitment to serving members. We’re…
The American Amusement Machine Charitable Foundation recently welcomed more than 60 young athletes and their families for the private KEEN Kids Arcade at Lucky Strike Chicago. KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) is a free, non-competitive, one-on-one program that joins physical activity and fun to empower youth with disabilities. It’s one of the AAMCF’s prominent charity organizations. Sponsors of this year’s KEEN Kids Arcade included Bay Tek Entertainment, TouchTunes, Alpha-Omega, Apple Industries, Pixel Plush & Prizes and Rhode Island Novelty. “We were absolutely thrilled to spend the day playing, bowling and connecting with these incredible athletes and their families,” said Tina…
Krazy Arrowz, the new digital-live archery experience from LASERTRON, won an IAAPA Brass Ring Award at the recent trade show. “We had people lining up to play Krazy Arrowz all day long,” said Jim Kessler, the CEO and owner of LASERTRON. “Everyone’s comment was about how much fun it was to play.” The company says the attraction “fuses live archery with fast-paced digital gameplay.” It uses real arrows that players fire at a massive target area. Players can test their skills and strategy on more than 15 games – from competitive team battles to trivia challenges. Learn more by going…
Join IAAPA for their FEC Summit 2026 in Glendale, Arizona, from Feb. 1-3. (The early-bird rate for registration ends Jan. 9, so hurry up if you plan on attending!) Click here to register. The association says the event features top industry operators and innovators for “three powerful days of insights, strategies and real-world solutions designed to accelerate growth and strengthen your business for lasting success.” The Wigwam Resort at 300 E. Wigwam Blvd., in Litchfield Park will play host for the event and have a room rate of $249 per night.
One of the world’s largest pinball tournaments, Pincinnati, was held at the Eastgate Holiday Inn Dec. 5-7 in Cincinnati, Ohio. WKRC reported the event is in its seventh year. Organized by Erik Wurtenberger and Jerry Westerkamp, the event featured 140 participants competing in three tournaments for cash and prizes. Upwards of 1,000 people attended the event, which offered a free play hall on some 150 machines. “The games are awesome, but all the different types of people you meet and get to hang out with is really the best part,” Wurtenberger said. Learn more at www.pincinnati.com.
Lucky Strike Entertainment recently held the grand opening of their facility in Aliso Viejo, California, according to Business Wire. The opening marks the company’s continued Golden State expansion – facilities in Beverly Hills and Ladera Ranch opened last December. “We’re proud to open the doors to Lucky Strike Aliso Viejo and bring our signature entertainment experience to South Orange County,” said CEO Thomas Shannon. “This venue exemplifies the energy, innovation and hospitality at the core of what makes Lucky Strike so special.” The 38,000-sq.-ft. space has 35 bowling lanes, a 60-game arcade and dining and beverage options. Officially open as…