The second-place IAAPA Brass Ring Award for Best New Product in the Games and Devices category was earned by LAI Games for Cyberpunk 2077: Turf Wars. IAAPA called it “immersive, dynamic and uniquely innovative” with its interactive marbles and projection mapping. Introduced earlier this year at Amusement Expo, the game was a Dave & Buster’s exclusive through mid-summer before a wider release. (The company also brought brand-new games to the show floor like Ubisoft All-Star VR, Phantom Vanguard, Cube Clash, Kaiju Rampage Unite and Hyper Grid.) “Cyberpunk 2077: Turf Wars brings a level of innovation, immersion and floor-presence that genuinely…
Author: Matt Harding
Incredible Technologies made the surprise debut of Silver Strike League Night this week at IAAPA Expo. The major update of their original Silver Strike game will officially launch next spring and be “more like physical bowling than you ever dreamed an arcade game could be,” the company said. IT partnered with Storm Products (which will be featured in the game) and, once again, former pro and PBA Tour sportscaster Randy Pedersen will serve as commentator. Players can choose from four throwing styles now (righty, lefty, two-handed and Granny Style) and four levels of spin, ranging from straight ball to maximum…
Industry veteran Jim Bennington was recently tapped by Hawaii’s Fun Factory to be their chief of operations. He brings with him 25 years of experience in the amusements, arcade and family entertainment industry, most recently leading his consultancy No Cash Value LLC. Previously, Bennington was the vice president of games and entertainment at Lucky Strike Entertainment. “We are delighted to welcome Jim to our leadership ‘ohana,” said Linda Fernandez, founder and CEO of Fun Factory (pictured with him above at IAAPA Expo 2025). “His technical expertise, operational vision and passion for the guest experience perfectly aligns with our mission to…
Semnox Solutions recently completed one of its largest East Coast installations with Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. The company deployed a comprehensive suite of kiosks, readers and card conversion software across the amusement pier and waterpark. Semnox installed 30 XcessOS readers and nine Klimate Outdoor Kiosks as part of a multi-phase rollout that also included an arcade conversion, indoor kiosk installations and more. Additional midway prize-award functionality is expected for the 2026 season. “The new readers have been bulletproof the whole season,” said Ken Taylor, the managing director at Casino Pier. “Its components have been robust and reliable.” Added Leinad Borman of Semnox Solutions: “This project has been years in the making,…
Day 1 of IAAPA Expo was a rousing success with booths staying busy from 10 a.m. all the way through 6 p.m. There are more than 1,100 exhibitors on the show floor and around 38,000 attendees are expected to walk the many miles from booth to booth. There are also a plethora of educational opportunities, networking events and more. “Expo reflects the extraordinary creativity and innovation of our industry,” said Jakob Wahl, president and CEO of IAAPA. “Every exhibitor, every attendee and every session represents our shared passion for creating memorable moments and happiness. The attractions industry doesn’t just entertain – it transforms lives, strengthens communities and continues to grow as a global economic…
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…