In the second part of this five part coverage of the major International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) event we continue to look at the amusement component with information on the developments from the leading North American manufactures and the inclusion of a powerful showing by the Asian sector at the International exhibition, illustrating a move towards a greater presence in the market.
Main REPORT:
Continuing the coverage of the amusement potion of the upstairs IAAPA show floor:
Namco America
A booth space that seemed as big as previous IAAPA attendances, with a slew of new titles on display, seemed to put the scope of Namco's amusement presence in perspective. A prominent location at the front of the second floor exhibition hall helped Namco executives underline their commitment to the amusement sector. The eagerly-awaited new video game was the first thing that many saw visiting the trade event. 'Tank! Tank! Tank!' was brought over to Las Vegas with four cabinets of the game on display. Having been previewed at Gala'09, Namco decided to miss AMOA'09 (counter to what the Stinger was previously told and reported) and go straight for IAAPA. The portrait-view display and pneumatic recoil of the cannon, moving the whole seat assembly (borrowed from the deluxe 'Tokyo Wars'), are just two parts of the appeal of this frenetic city tank blaster. The game also includes the Nam-Cam camera system capturing images of the players and representing them over their respective tanks in network blasting action. The Stinger played the game intensively and found it fun. Despite this, operators will find it is dependent on their feeling being forced to buy the twin cabinet package (reported to be between $15,000 and $17,000 by well placed sources).
Breaking Stinger News - Just as the Stinger completed this comprehensive overview of the IAAPA show floor, more news came in regarding Japanese aspirations for 'Tank! Tank! Tank'. It was revealed that Namco Bandai Games were offering a Christmas themed additional character and new level to operators, while more than four other additional levels (themed with new characters) are in the works for the game. However, these updates are for the Japanese sector only (through the ALL.Net service) - international buyers will be literally left out in the cold regarding updates. Namco's subsidiaries are so far unwilling to support the new additions to what has been called a 'Motion Cabinet-Battle Party Game', focusing on selling the game as is. The question has to be whether this disconnect is in the amusement scene's best interest?
The second big Namco new video amusement presentation at the show was 'Deadstorm Pirates'. Fresh from the Japanese preview and loctest during JAMMA'09, Namco America surprised many by shipping over the two-player enclosed pirate shooter (Namco call it a "closed booth style gun game"). The action has players as pirates battling ghostly pirates that bore a striking resemblance to the action seen in the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movie, with great graphics and a selection of zombies and monsters to blast. Players both shoot and use the central ship's wheel to avoid dangers along the way. Released on the Playstation 3 based System 357 hardware, it was shown in an 70 per cent state (the game was nicknamed 'Let's Go Pirate!' by some), sitting in its own themed game theater. Namco representatives confirmed that the final version would include a seat motion system, missing on the IAAPA pre-production system.
NOTE - The 'Let's Go Pirate!' joke was less funny when it was revealed after JAMMA'09 that the famous original 'closed booth' game from SEGA may have had a more comprehensive influence on the 'Deadstorm Pirate' project. Sources close to the Stinger revealed that the original SEGA AM# team leaders linked to the LindBergh powered 2006 release 'Let's Go Jungle: Lost on the Island of Spice', were involved with the Namco game. Those that saw the preview at JAMMA'09 had questioned the similarity in approach, but left it at that until recently. Still a rumor, it seems that the SEGA AM team members were part of the recent exodus of SEGA R&D executives, itself part of the ongoing SEGA-Sammy merger. It has been revealed that Bandai Namco Games R&D scooped up a number of these existing team members. When 'Let's Go Jungle' hit the arcades, proving a success, it was always questioned why SEGA did not at the time come up with a sequel/upgrade to build on the install base and popularity. It can now be revealed that AM# was in fact working on a sequel title called 'Let's Go Island', but before this prototype saw the light of day, members of the R&D team departed SEGA only to re-materialize at Bandai Namco. Sources close to SEGA have now revealed that - though started in 2007, postponed and then restarted - 'Let's Go Island' is now being lined-up for release in 2010. The appearance of the Namco title has thus proven an uncomfortable development, especially as it gains a jump on their sequel.
Breaking Stinger News - There was some confusion over the actual release schedules for Deadstorm Pirates, as it was revealed by a number of distributors who had been at JAMMA'09 when the machine was presented that a proposed Japanese / Asian operator price of $18,000 had been agreed - only for Namco American at IAAPA to propose an operator price of $12,000! How much of this was to do with the lack of a motion base for the seats or just a major change in territorial pricing was not known, but sources were already reporting that initial orders in Japan were being changed for the US price. Both SEGA and Namco sales seemed to be playing fast and loose during IAAPA'09 with the final cementing of product pricing - a fact that seems to illuminate the changed conditions of a direct sale amusement sector.
Back on the IAAPA'09 booth, the company had previously-launched 'NIRIN' and 'Razing Storm' on display; these titles being flanked by a large showing of redemption and skill prize machines. However, for the amusement sector, the two new videos on the Namco America booth proved pivotal to how many saw the future of the amusement scene. Just how well these games do in the field, will shape the aspirations of a number in the market.
Global VR
With a much-reduced showing than at previous IAPPAs, the company focused its main presentation on the new driver. 'Twisted: Nitro Stunt Racing' was represented by four mini-motion cabinets, two deluxe 42" and two standard 32" LCD display cabinets at the show, and these machines were constantly busy during the event. Following the comments made in our Stinger coverage after the first sighting of the game at the UK's Preview, our representatives were able to speak to GVR representatives, who confirmed that this was the final software release. Apparently, the reasoning behind the game's having continuous boost is to allow players to judge how much and how long they should use it. However a question was raised: if there is continuous boost, why was a boost meter needed? These observations aside, the game was presented as an excellently priced, easy to board, driver for the casual player base that represents the majority of the market's audience. Global VR also brought to IAAPA 'Justice League Heroes United'. Since its presentation at ATEI'09, the game has received mixed responses, though it did receive "most favored" product from a trade publication. Also at the show the company showed a 'Blazing Angels' cabinet. (Global VR also had a presence on the gaming floor at G2E - coverage later in our gaming component).
NOTE - The success of some of the IP that GVR has licensed for amusement was illustrated with news that EA's Need for Speed franchise had become a mega brand, helped in no small part by an amusement presence. First launched in 1994, on the 3DO console platform, EA would go on to generate 15 different installments of the series, with reported global sales of $2.7m and a reported 100 million copies sold worldwide on a multitude of different formats. No word on what percentage of the $2m was generated by amusement adaptations of the series, but it is known that EA have been very happy by the marketing support the amusement representation has provided.
Innovative Concepts in Entertainment (ICE)
The influential amusement distributor and manufacturer launched a new game at IAAPA - marking the importance of the show for them, compared to AMOA. The big new video amusement release was 'Panic Museum', a surprise appearance of the large theater enclosure shooting title, already covered in detail in our AOU and Preview coverage. ICE decided to use IAAPA'09 to announce that they had signed an agreement with Japanese factory Taito to distribute the product in the US. There was no word on how this agreement with Taito superseded the previous tacit agreement between Namco America and Taito.
NOTE - Readers of the Stinger will remember that Namco had represented Taito for many years, the last game presented by Namco from Taito being 'Chase H.Q. 2' shown in a twin format on the company's 2007 IAAPA booth. That, however, was the last example of the partnership (suspected to be a victim of the posturing between Bandai and Square). Taito titles have been incredibly absent from US soil, with the news of the ICE agreement apparently starting a brand new era. The Taito / Namco relationship had then reverted to Betson. Sources confirmed the company had reviewed this shooter, but finally passed on representation in favor of supporting their own shooter (Terminator).
While ICE gained the Taito product line, news was revealed that ICE had lost the exclusive US distribution representation of the Game Gate platform. Also on the booth, ICE attempted to link their licensed title 'Ball-istic' to the fitness and family play sector in recent media coverage. Along with a long line-up of redemption and skill games on display, the company had 'Dog Tags', a vending system that allowed visitors to create their own personalized dog-tags. This proved to be a new genre of systems with a number of examples of this technology dotted around the IAAPA show floor: expect this to be the big new fad system of 2010.
TrioTech Amusement
Straddling both the amusement and attraction scene the company actually took a place on the ground floor (attraction) sector, some distance from the amusement trade. The company is represented by SEGA now, though with no systems on the SEGA booth, but TrioTech did have a brand new amusement product on display with 'Mini Stomper'. This surprise appearance of the re-development of the 'UFO Stomper' concept answered a number of operators' prayers, offering the innovate play of the original in a package they could fit in their smaller sites - and at a price expected to meet many pockets. The new design used a unique ground based projection system to achieve a small height and footprint. Shown in a 60 per cent completed version, company representatives talked about how the cabinets design was still in a fluid state. A final version will be launched for Q1 2010, with the inclusion of a possible redemption feature.
Also taking pride of place on the TrioTech booth was the company's successful 'XD-Theater'. The multiple motion seat film theater system had a long queue line of show attendees eager to ride during all the days of the event, a testament to the popularity of this genre of system. TrioTech were also eager to promote the sales success they have achieved with their flexible theater installation, stating that their Canadian production plant was working overtime to maintain recent orders. The company also brought along the original 'UFO Stomper' as well as the passive ride amusement system 'Typhoon'.
Incredible Technologies
Came to IAAPA with the latest of their new range of titles including the showing of the completed 'Golden Tee Golf 2010'. The hospitality sector was hugely excited by the imminent launch of the successful golf game; the system presented impressive graphics and an even more impressive selection of new features for players. One such element is a new application that can be downloaded onto players' mobile phones that will show them the closest connected Golden Tee system to their current location; IT are renowned for their utilization of technology to improve the operator / player experience. Also on display was the launch of 'Silver Strike Live' - another new update for the popular bowling title, now with the dedicated online tournament infrastructure that supports the golf franchise. Other IT titles such as 'Lawn Darts' also graced the IAAPA booth, though not all the new releases were here. One unusual aspect of the attendance of IT at IAAPA'09 was that here was another amusement corporation with a joint representation at G2E (see Stinger's G2E coverage for more information)
There was a strong showing from the Korean and Taiwanese development scene at this year's IAAPA, with the selection at the Nevada show rivaling the July showing at GTi. A factor in the emergence of the Asian scene is the use of Chinese manufacturing; though many US manufacturers would like to keep the details close to their chest, this Taiwanese connection is allowing the re-emergence of the video amusement scene.
InJoy Motion
Representing themselves in the American market with the company's unusual tag-line "Shaking your View & Sonic". InJoy are entering the crowded driving scene with 'Street Racing Stars'. Shown on a large motion based super deluxe version and in a mini deluxe standard cabinet version, the night-based street racer followed similar lines to Namco's 'Midnight Maximum Tune'. The company also showed a deluxe two-player version of the game, using a similar 'swap driving position' as HUMMER and two other games on the show floor. Another driver on the booth was 'Dido Kart', with two motion cabinets allowing players to experience an oriental character's children kart racer; the play and style of the game bearing a slight resemblance to 'Mario Kart' and 'Wacky Racers'. InJoy however was keen to state that these games may look kind of similar to a few existing games, but are quite different in terms of designs, ways of play, graphics, and scenarios.
One of the new titles on display that was not a driver was 'Top Gunner', a two-player big machinegun shooter, with the controls allowing the player to swap from different weapon systems (though the Taiwan design needs some finesse in its operation). This formulaic game has players blasting alternate history German opponents; the game bears more than a slight resemblance to the Global VR shooter 'Paradise Lost'. The company also brought the large spinning 'XP360' 2-player motion cabinet version of their previously-launched 'Power Boat' game.
Tecway / Mecpower Corporation Development
Another of the Asian amusement companies that came to IAAPA with a big showing, the Hong Kong based operation showed some impressive new designs to break into the international sector. 'Super Hot Skiing' offered a snow board game, where the player uses his body as a joystick steering the progress of the character on screen. A game reminiscent of Namco's 'Alpine Racer', albeit with a very rudimentary playing style, the actual control interface needing some more work for the final production. Also on booth was 'DJ Magic', the latest version of the PentaVision music game concept jointly developed with MecPower, now in a two-player version using the same principle as 'DJ Max Technika' (also at the show on another booth), with the player touching the on screen elements in time with the rhythm line. Along with a selection of redemption and skill games the company showed the video amusement title 'Happy Magic Ball'. This two-player game is very reminiscent in game style to SEGA's 'Hamster Ball' and in its play to Taito's new 'Hopping Road'. In this new game - developed by Belrare (HK) Amusement Equipments - the player uses his balance and control to steer the character on screen.
Universal Space (UNIS)
Continuing to work hard on penetrating the international amusement scene, this distributor, operator and manufacturer came to IAAPA with some impressive new designs. One of the brand new concepts was 'Ultimate'; the two-player action game has the player steering the left and right (and jump) progress of his character through a futuristic city, avoiding various obstacles. The unique controller and game concept pays homage to the systems used on the 1998 Namco game 'Panic Park' - for their part the graphics and game play are also reminiscent of past GALECO titles but the stylish all white and neon-blue cabinet was a master of the latest 'bling' in amusement cabinet design. It will be interesting to see how the game performs on test.
However for those that took the time on the UNIS booth there was another surprise with the Raw Thrills game 'H2Overdrive Motion', the company showing a full motion version of the American aqua-racing game. The 'TsuMo' motion hardware was developed by Tsunami Visual Technologies for the powerboat racer - and only just completed to share in the success of the game at the show. Sources revealed a distribution agreement with Universal Space (UNIS) to sell this line in China, with Namco Europe covering Europe and U.K, while Namco USA plus Betson are jointly covering the U.S. market.
The motion base version of the game was developed by Tsunami in a unique arrangement. Tsunami were famous for developing their motion base platform, previously working with Raw Thrills on their 'Fast & Furious Motion' version, and with Global VR games (including 'Need For Speed Underground Motion', 'NASCAR Motion', 'Blazing Angels Motion' (yet to be released), and 'Need For Speed Carbon Motion'). The Global VR relationship ended in 2008, although they will continue to ship games developed under the agreement. Under a new partnership with UNIS, the agreement sees Tsunami broadening the coverage of their technology application - continuing a dream dating back to the 90s of a cost-effective and durable motion platform opportunity for all drivers.
Also on the UNIS booth was 'Cooking Mama', a touch screen game based on the popular Nintendo DS title. The latest consumer game to make it into a amusement presentation, this touch screen cooking game has the player performing tasks to create a selection of meals 'just like mama!' This was one of a number of more casual video games on the booth, along with 'Panda Family', a redemption two-player mini game button hitter developed by IGS. Another was 'Kiddie Xball' - a ball throwing screen game - as well as the redemption 'Funny Hamster' button hitter, and 'Gold Captain' pirate steering games.
Subsino Game Technology
The Taiwanese amusement manufacturer and distributor presented on their booth a selection of unique table top systems, the majority of which were developed by Digitger. First up was 'Kung Fu Ball', a two-player air-hockey-style layout style player. Each player uses five buttons to control their side of the action, with the platform including six mini games. The system turned many heads and looked to offer a brand new take on the table top game experience. Another new title was 'Burger Hunter', again developed by Joymax Technology. This four-player game had players clearing a pathway on screen to get to the passing meals – meals mean tickets - in medal (tokens) meets redemption based action, similar to games seen from SEGA in Japan.
News Story with thanks to Kevin Williams. Please visit
www.thestingerreport.com for others.
