The redemption adventure Lost Pirate is on its way to customers now, while four more of the latest machines from LAI Games will soon be heading out of the factory and into game rooms. The company reported that Tornado (coin pusher) and Galaxy Hunter (redemption pusher) are both due to ship this month; Kaiju Rampage (arcade battle game) is due in February and Mount Shabang (Arcade Matt-themed coin pusher) is shipping in March. Contact your authorized distributor or email sales@laigames.com for more details. You can also see these games and others in the lineup at www.laigames.com.
Author: Matt Harding
A mini-golf bar called The Fat Putter, part of the Let’s Go Putt chain, is now open in Des Moines, Iowa, following in the footsteps of their original Omaha location. KHAK reported that the Des Moines venue features 27 holes of mini-golf (three, 9-hole courses) spread across its 11,600-sq.-ft. space. Hole themes include Jurassic Park, football, beer pong, air hockey, roulette, Skee-Ball, Tetris and more. The facility also features a full bar. While they don’t have food, they recommend ordering from the nearby Fong’s Pizza. Visit them at: www.facebook.com/thefatputterdsm.
Monopoly Lifesized: Travel Edition is running now through Feb. 9 in Denver, according to The Gazette. The immersive experience based on the classic Parker Brothers board game is open Tuesdays through Sundays at the DCPA Off-Center at Broadway Park. It’s the first version of the experience in the U.S. Players roll a giant die on a dice board and then go into the corresponding room that represents the property or whatever the space is, where they have to solve puzzles to complete the challenge – similar to an escape room. Learn more about it at www.monopolylifesized.com.
Crystal Bees, a bowling center and bistro in Southington, Connecticut, recently closed. NBC CT reported that the venue had been open since 2016 and could no longer survive the current economic conditions. “Over the years, we’ve faced many challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic, and we were fortunate to weather that storm thanks to your support and resilience,” management wrote in a Facebook post. “However, the current economic landscape has made it increasingly difficult for us to continue as a restaurant and entertainment venue.” The notice went on to say: “We are forever grateful for the memories we created together,…
Dungeons & Dragons: The Tyrant’s Eye will be unveiled today, Jan. 3, by Stern Pinball. You can click here to see the teaser trailer, which seems to be exciting fans in the comment section. More information about the new pinball game will be posted at: www.sternpinball.com/game/dungeons-dragons. In other Stern news, the company previously announced the new Stern Vault Program. Vaulted titles are removed from active production and will remain in the vault “for a minimum of two years and many will never return.” Those that entered the vault with the conclusion of 2024 included: Deadpool, Iron Maiden, Star…
IAAPA’s annual FEC Summit is scheduled to run Jan. 19-21 at The Westin at 100 Iberville St. in New Orleans, La. Member pricing is $999, and non-member pricing is $1,699. Gerry O’Brion, the founder of What Big Brands Know, is the keynote speaker at the event, where you can “grow your business, broaden your business network and connect with other industry professionals.” The summit is an education program that allows attendees to learn from experts and their peers. Fun networking events like a masquerade mask and costume contest are also on the docket. Click here to register and get…
Mark Huggett, a former Southwest Airlines pilot, route operator and 24-year veteran of Discount Plush, died Nov. 18 following a battle with glioblastoma. “We will never forget Mark’s contributions to Discount Plush,” said the company’s Scott Davis. “Mark was known for his exceptional work ethic, bringing both business acumen and a sense of structure to the company. He delivered top-tier service and developed a loyal customer base. His colleagues and friends are deeply saddened by his passing but take pride in seeing his daughter, Terra Huggett, continue his work by taking over his sales role.” Huggett was with Discount…
The patented BluTap self-pour technology system from PayRange recently won Best Vending Solution at the Automation & Self-Service Awards in Tampa, Fla. “By seamlessly integrating connectivity, age verification and cashless payments, BluTap transforms traditional beverage pour bars into a streamlined and compliant self-service bar experience, all through the convenience of the user’s smartphone,” the company said. “We’re honored to have been awarded the Best Vending Solution … it further validates the market response we’ve seen,” said Stephanie Cordisco, executive vice president of PayRange. “Our first installations have been with national franchised hotel brands, and we’ve had consistent inquiries from franchisees…
Intercard’s global family recently grew with installations in Australia and Canada. Village Entertainment’s Action Zone Arcade was recently launched at the popular Warner Bros. Movie World theme park on Australia’s Gold Coast and RécréOFUN opened a fourth location in Montreal, Quebec (each of their facilities uses Intercard). Action Zone Arcade is a 30-game entertainment center that boasts the country’s first Goatz N Ropes game (Bay Tek Entertainment). The newest Montreal location of RécréOFUN has a 20-game arcade. The venue is best known for its indoor playgrounds.
RePlay has learned that Dan Van Elderen, the former Atari Games president and one of the most beloved figures ever to grace the coin-op business back in the “glory days,” went to rest on Dec. 11. His wife Judi and the Van Elderen family shared a message with Atari Games Coin-Op group admin on Facebook, Deb Geyer: Our Hearts Are Broken I am struggling to write this because Dan was always the best communicator. Dan passed on to Glory on Wednesday afternoon [12/11]. On Tuesday Dan worked on his computer for a good part of the day. He tied…