The new location-based entertainment extended reality (XR) association, LEXRA, has expanded its founding board and elected its first executive officers.   Jim Wyatt of Rilix is the association’s president; Brent Bushnell of DreamPark and Bryan Nay of Heroes VR are the co-vice presidents; and Jason Fiber of Virewirx is the secretary/treasurer.  Joining the founding board are Bushnell, Fiber, Christopher Rahofer of EMS Entertainment and Jonathon Frawley of Lexon Group.   “These new appointments bring even greater depth and diversity of experience to LEXRA’s founding board,” said Bob Cooney, founder and executive director of LEXRA. “With leaders spanning content creation, operations, design and technology, our board is positioned to guide…

Genda recently purchased Indigo NewCo Limited, an amusement arcade operation managed by its parent company, Inspired Gaming.  In the deal, the Japan-based Genda acquired more than 100 amusement arcades and 125 mini-locations across approximately 170 fun centers in the U.K.   “By expanding into the European market, Genda will deploy the popular Japanese-style “kawaii” games,” a press release noted. “The acquisition supports Genda’s strategy of growing its entertainment sector through the purchase of amusement arcade businesses in various countries.”  Other acquisitions this year included Player One Amusement Group, Barberio Entertainment Company and National Entertainment Network.  

The International Adventure & Trampoline Park Association recently announced a strategic partnership with AIMS International, the leader in amusement safety education.   The group said the alliance will allow IATP members to receive exclusive discounted registration rates for the annual AIMS International Safety Seminar, including access to a complimentary certification exam during the event.  “This partnership reinforces our shared commitment to safety as the foundation of our industry,” said Gina Elliott, chair of IATP. “By connecting our members to the world-class training and certification opportunities that AIMS provides – and by welcoming their presence at IATP events – we’re building a stronger, safer and more united industry.”  Learn more at www.indooradventureparks.org.  

Nov. 13 marked the grand opening event for The Social at Piqua Center in the Ohio city of the same name, reports the Sidney Daily News.   The complex, located on the former site of the Miami Valley Centre Mall, includes six new eateries, a full-service bar and a large arcade. An inflatable park that was already open at the venue also remains.   The city is also discussing adding more entertainment to the facility, including mini-golf and duckpin bowling. 

Join Creative Works in IAAPA Expo booth #4879 to see their tech-driven mini-golf attraction Lucky Putt, their free-roam Limitless VR attraction and a surprise. “We have a brand new attraction that you can see in our booth,” the company teased. “We’re not quite ready to reveal it, but here are clues about what to expect: small footprint, under 25 sq. ft.; short experience, perfect in an arcade setting; 2-6 player capacity; and inspired by escape room experiences.” Meanwhile, Lucky Putt has some new updates and features, including putter scanners, drink stands, software and animations, and new hole designs (they have…

CenterEdge Software, set to be in booth #4454 at IAAPA this week, recently announced the official release of CenterEdge Play, a cashless system powered by Kiosoft and “designed to simplify payments and enhance guest experiences while increasing revenue opportunities across arcades, attractions and unattended environments.” “Our clients have been asking us to deliver a cashless system for a while,” said CEO Marcus Mayer. “But we didn’t want to do that until we could deliver a comprehensive product that integrates seamlessly with Advantage to deliver the reliability you’ve come to expect from us. Today is that day, and we’re proud of…

The American Red Cross is teaming up with Pac-Man and Gashapon to celebrate the 45th anniversary of one of the all-time great games. Anyone who donates blood with the Red Cross from Nov. 17-Dec. 7 will receive a pair of American Red Cross x Pac-Man socks and a Pac-Man Gashapon toy, while supplies last.  “The Red Cross is facing a decline in donor turnout at a time when making and keeping appointments is critical to providing lifesaving blood products for patients during the holidays,” the organization said. “We are urging everyone who may be eligible to roll up a sleeve to ensure that there’s enough blood on the shelves for those who…

FEG, a leader in developing and operating high-performing arcades and attractions across the U.S., announced two additions to its executive leadership team – Parisa Jalili as chief commercial officer and Justin Green as chief growth officer. “Welcoming Parisa and Justin marks an exciting new chapter for Family Entertainment Group,” said CEO Rex Jackson. “Parisa’s commercial leadership and brand rigor, paired with Justin’s growth playbook and partnership experience, give us exactly the balance we want as we scale – disciplined execution with a relentless focus on guest experience and partner performance. Together, they’ll help shape the next era of innovation, expansion…

RePlay columnist Dustin Wilcox recently spoke with his hometown radio station, WHOP in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, about his Wilcox Arcade route. The station was doing an “alumni spotlight” on Wilcox, who graduated from Hopkinsville High School in 2019, earned a journalism degree at Murray State University in 2023 and continues to run his small route operation in Kentucky.  You can click here to read more about Dustin and hear him speak about his hometown and business.

The American Amusement Machine Association has announced the finalists for their upcoming FEC of the Year Award. They include Downtown Flavortown, Fun Warehouse, High Five Lakeway, Star Lanes Polaris and Uptown Alley. The 2026 winner will be celebrated at the Beers & Cheers event at Amusement Expo on March 18. (The association will also mark the return of FEC Connect, their signature program designed to bring the FEC community together.) “Our finalists are shining examples of what makes this industry so special,” said Pete Gustafson, AAMA’s executive vice president. “We’re thrilled to recognize their achievements and can’t wait to celebrate…