The Stinger Report

The Stinger Report

Sammy's Gradual SEGA Assimilation
Sammy's surprise purchase from CSK of a 22% stake in SEGA shows that there is more than one way to take over a company. As the Christmas season approaches, Sammy's assimilation of SEGA shows no signs of slowing, with or without more stock purchases. Sammy officials will serve on SEGA's board and will shape future policies and strategy. Not surprisingly, it appears SEGA games and technology will be developed to work closely with Sammy's amusement platforms and technology. Quite possibly the two manufacturers will cooperate hand-in-glove on important joint projects that have yet to be revealed. The Stinger reveals some specific plans, as well as some tantalizing possibilities, in all of these areas. The outlines of a "de facto merger" are beginning to clarify.

Golf War Playoffs
Incredible Technologies undertakes major changes in their ITS prize payments, and cancelling their Vegas national playoffs, while at the same time Global VR launches their kit platform while claiming success in the lawsuit. The Stinger Report, in another exclusive, previews a possible settlement of the IT-GVR lawsuit. TSR also speaks to top flight players for their view of the best platforms, and investigates reports of a new golf game coming soon.

Disney Accident Report
A customer died and in effect, it's Disney's fault: that was the import of a just-released report by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health. The CA-DOSH report examined a fatal accident at Disneyland Resort last September. In response, Disney released a statement concurring with CA-DOSH findings - maintenance procedures broke down, resulting in the failure to tighten bolts and the omission of a safety wire on the coaster car's guide wheel. Meanwhile, the victim's family's attorneys came forward to blame Disney, seemingly in prelude to lawsuits. The Stinger examines the impact of these events and reports allegations of a new fault being laid at WDC. This issue helped fuel December's boardroom feud at troubled Disney management, with Roy Disney resigning and calling for CEO Michael Eisner to follow suit.

The Reemergence of uWink
Reclusive uWink has burst onto the scene for a wild new foray into establishing the unique touchscreen experience. Through some fancy financial tap-dancing known as "a reverse acquisition" (of the "shell" company Prologue in this case), uWink hopes to be able to dust off their two years of near hibernation from the market. The Stinger reveals links to establishing their new touchscreen Pay-for-Play system (SNAP!), and links to establishing assets on the European mobile phone circuit.

The Stinger Report (in brief) is provided to Highwaygames by Kevin Williams, the publisher of "The Stinger Report". To read the full articles and information, please visit www.thestingerreport.com.