The latest Inside VR newsletter from The VR Collective’s Bob Cooney detailed that a new facility called Uncaged VR & Game Lounge, located in Owatonna, Minn., is set to host its grand opening on May 3.  The free-roam destination promises “an unparalleled virtual reality adventure for all visitors. Game packages will include 30- and 60-minute options. There will also be immersive VR escape rooms and PC titles set in the VR world.   Learn more about the venue at www.uncagedvr.com. There is a lot more to explore in the current Inside VR newsletter from a look at Sandbox VR’s growth…

Alpha-Omega’s Joe Camarota is AAMA’s Lifetime Achievement Award winner and is being recognized in this year’s Lifetime Ad Journal. The commemorative publication features congratulatory messages from industry peers, partners and friends, and the proceeds benefit AAMCF’s three primary charity partners – KEEN Kids, Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and the Sunrise Association.   “Joe has long been a pillar of our industry and a passionate advocate for giving back,” said Tina Schwartz, executive director of AAMCF. “We’re thrilled to honor his legacy while continuing to support organizations that make a meaningful difference in the lives of children.”  For more information,…

The New Jersey Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission has officially approved three LAI Games titles – Galaxy Hunter, Tornado and Lost Pirate. The company’s Vice President of Sales Chris Brady (below, at right) was recently at the NJAA show to exhibit the new machines.   “We are thrilled to receive certifications for these three new games,” said Allison Timberlake, senior marketing manager at LAI. “We’re committed to offering games of skill that meet the strict demands of important markets like New Jersey.”   Galaxy Hunter is a coin-pusher and video game that combines pre-built towers and a multi-layered reward system to…

Lucky Strike Entertainment recently acquired an existing family entertainment center in Visalia, California, reported the Visalia Times Delta.    The company announced in March the finalization of its acquisition of Visalia Adventure Park, which it had been operating since February. Visalia Adventure Park has joined their portfolio of more than 360 entertainment centers across North America.   “In Visalia, we currently have a Bowlero bowling alley not too far from where Adventure Park is at right now, so we’re already very familiar with what the city has to offer,” said Lucky Strike’s COO Brandon Moore. “As we continue to expand on our FEC footprint, Visalia is a great…

All Star Sports Complex has permanently closed after more than three decades serving Tulsa, Oklahoma, reported Fox 23 News. The facility housed an 18-hole mini golf course, batting cages and an arcade.   Previous owners Jeff and Tami Higgins announced in February that All Star Sports Complex had changed ownership when holding a garage sale to sell various items from the business.   “Thank you for the past 33 years to our employees, family, friends, vendors, baseball/softball teams, umpires, trainers and soccer clubs,” they said.  

The first Universal theme park in Europe will reportedly be built in the U.K., according to the BBC. The massive, 476-acre attraction is planned for the Bedford area and is slated to open in 2031. Construction is expected to begin next year.  Universal currently has theme parks in Los Angeles and Orlando in the U.S., and also in Japan, Singapore and China.   “This is not just about bringing great American creations to Britain, this is also about showcasing the great British creations to the world,” said Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. “These are things like James Bond, Paddington Bear, these are…

Zombies Ready Deady Go! is now officially in stock and shipping globally, according to Sega Amusements International. “We’re seeing strong replay value and positive early earnings reports from initial installs,” said the company’s Lester Travasso.  The game is a friendly 4-player competition that involves players of all skill levels racing quirky zombie characters to the finish line by rolling balls into targets. Roll a ball into the zombie’s mouth at the end of the playfield to unlock the big-ticket super bonus.  Tickets in this redemption game are awarded based on race position and performance, so players are coming back time…

Bowl Expo 2025 will be held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in the Washington, D.C., area, from June 29-July 3. (Click here to register or visit www.bowlexpo.com for additional information.)  Keynote speakers include retired U.S. Navy four-star admiral William McRaven and former White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus.   The event will begin with the educational “boot camp” sessions and BPAA committee meetings on June 29. There will be more meetings and seminars on June 30, and there’s also a welcome reception that night from 7-9 p.m.  The trade show itself runs July 1-2 from 11…

Now that the Amusement Industry Hall of Fame Class of 2025 has had their shine, it’s time to begin thinking about the next group of industry icons who should be enshrined in 2026.   AAMA has opened nominations now through July 18. Click here to submit someone.   “You’ve seen who we’ve already honored – who do we still need to recognize?” AAMA queried. “If there’s someone whose impact has shaped the coin-op and amusement world, we want to hear about them.” 

Beth Standlee’s training and coaching company TrainerTainment is celebrating 20 years in business next month. (Part of the excitement will be a RePlay Magazine cover in May.)  The business, which recently announced that Candi Kelley has taken the reins as CEO, has also expanded on their offerings into The GrowthPro Group, the new parent company of TrainerTainment, ExecPro Services and SalesPro Services.  It’s the same company you know and love with a refreshed name to more fully explain everything they do. While you’re waiting on your May issue of RePlay, learn more about them at www.trainertainment.net.