VEX Solutions recently released their first arcade game, the mixed-reality HyperDash. It’s an attendant-free, high-visibility arcade machine that “combines mixed-reality gameplay with active gaming thanks to two massive interactive LED screens – one vertical display and one floor display.” With a capacity of 1-4 players, quick 2-5-minute rounds and a compact footprint, VEX said the attraction requires no wearables, special lighting or staff, making it a “powerful addition to arcades, FECs and centers of all sizes.” “VEX has built its reputation on immersive VR experiences, but with HyperDash, we wanted to bring that same level of innovation to the arcade…
Author: Matt Harding
Jack Guarnieri, known throughout the business as Jersey Jack, is celebrating 50 years in coin-op today. (You may already know that if you’ve read his recent RePlay column, which he’s been writing since October 2004.) Jack’s journey began as a pinball mechanic, repairing electromechanical machines in college game rooms in the New York City area. “I was fortunate to become an operator, securing some locations and buying games, and after moving to New Jersey, I opened my first arcade, followed by a larger amusement center,” Guarnieri explained. He later worked as a consultant and then general manager for Mondial Distributing.…
AMOA’s On the Road educational program will be Oct. 22-23 at the Westin Chicago Northwest in Itasca, Illinois. It includes an Arachnid 360 factory tour in addition to a product showcase. The keynote speaker is Tony Leone of The Constance Group, who will give attendees “unstoppable strategies to help you crush the competition and claim your place at the top.” Other sessions include a legislative luncheon with John Russell of DGA Group; “Optimizing App Features for Business Impact” with AMI Entertainment, Stern Pinball and TouchTunes; and industry roundtables. Click here for the brochure or visit www.amoa.com for further details.
Rocco “Rex” Yannarell, a former vice president of international sales for Rowe, died in early August at age 96, according to his obituary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Yannarell joined the Army in 1946 and served in the Korean War. Upon his return home, he attended Pierce Business College and trained and worked as an accountant, later forming his own company that introduced mini bars in hotel rooms around the world. By age 40, he built a successful business that he sold. Looking for a new…
F1 Arcade, a Formula 1 racing experience venue, recently signed a master franchise agreement with Top Racing Iberia, which will bring an F1 Racing venue to Madrid, Spain, within the next year, followed by Portugal at a later date. These will mark the first locations outside of the U.S. or U.K. “The signing of this master franchise agreement represents a milestone in our international expansion plan,” said Jonathan Peters, F1 Arcade’s global president. “We firmly believe in the potential of the Iberian Peninsula – a market with a deep-rooted passion for Formula 1 and home to Spain’s very own Grand…
The Big Buck World Championship, part of BuckFest 2025, will be held at Marathon Music Works at 1402 Clinton St. in Nashville next month Oct. 10-11. Click here to learn more. For fans, there’s free all-ages admission. Doors open at 3 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. on Saturday. “Whether you’re here to compete, vibe to the music, play free arcade games or just soak in the energy – this two-day festival has it all,” organizers wrote. The Big Buck World Championship XVIII features more than $125,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs. There will also be an Amateur…
Sega Amusements will show off their next-generation prize merchandiser Mini Cube Prize World at IAAPA Expo Europe, coming up in Barcelona, Spain, from Sept. 23-25. “Unlike other similar models on the market, we’ve invested serious R&D to ensure Mini Cube Prize World is a sure hit,” said Sales Director Justin Burke. “Our exclusive version features upgraded artwork, software, clear and concise English instructions, comprehensive international safety certifications and easy-to-follow installation guides. “We’ve also developed detailed operator manuals tailored specifically for our international markets, giving operators everything they need for smooth setup, confident operation and long-term success.” The company will be…
Hero Zone VR has expanded its offerings with its recent purchase of SPREE Interactive, the free-roam system with kid-focused games. The majority of SPREE locations are at trampoline parks, including a significant deployment at Urban Air. The acquisition takes Hero Zone’s network to more than 500 venues globally. “This acquisition allows us to serve every demographic in a way no other LBVR provider can,” said Aziza Jarnija, a co-founder and sales director for Hero Zone. “From young children to seasoned gamers, we now offer something for everyone, further cementing our position as the industry leader.” For operators, the addition means…
This year’s Pinball Expo, the 41st iteration of the event, will be held Oct. 15-18 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel in Chicagoland. Hosted by the founder Rob Berk, the expo is sure to delight pinball enthusiasts and operators alike. Among the speakers leading seminars will be Gary Stern, Joe Kaminkow, Jack Guarnieri, Bob Burnham and J.J. Babich. There will also be tournaments for all types of machines and players, as well as movie nights, homebrew pinball exhibits and much more. Visit www.pinballexpo.com to see a full agenda and registration information.
For years, goods worth $800 or less have been allowed to enter the United States tariff-duty free under what’s called the “de minimis” exemption. Now, CNN reports that many countries including Australia, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand have suspended some U.S.-bound shipments until further notice because the Trump Administration is eliminating the exemption as of today, Aug. 29. U.S. Customs and Border Protection estimates that more than 1.36 billion de minimis shipments entered the country last fiscal year with more than 4 million processed each day.