The Stinger Report

The Stinger Report

Consumer Changes Benefit Coin-Op
The years-long decline in player (and manufacturer) interest in coin-operated video amusement could see a change for the better in the coming years. This possible "reversal of fortune" comes as consumer games systems and content providers are warned of slowing sales in the face of public apathy.

The news that sequel console systems are scheduled for a 2005 to 2006 appearance has fueled a reshaping of the development model for game content, and has placed amusement in position to benefit from some of this confusion.

New console development has also been linked to consideration for replacements for popular arcade amusement architecture, building even more or the ability to port software from arcade to home with a minimum of development expenditure.

Major Atlus Stock Acquisition!
Atlus Co., Ltd., found themselves the latest Asian company with amusement links to be on the merger menu. During the end of March the company received a controlling 30% stock acquisition from Asian toy manufacturer Takara Co.

The company had only just been mentioned in TSR regarding the launch based on their license game for SNK Neo Geo Group, and that the appearance of the company's amusement interests had been low-key of late.

It is expected that no major changes will be announced as the two companies get to understand how the controlling stock involvement will affect the Atlus board, however it was revealed that a major Japanese amusement factory has an involvement with Takara that could influence the relationship.

NASCAR Simulation Moves Up a Gear!
The largest developer of location-based entertainment (LBE)racing centers has announced their move towards the development of attractions for other facilities, the developer announcing a considerable roll-out plan.

With the loss of previous competitors in this field, NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway has signed an agreement with Burroughs & Chapin to place their simulator attraction in two of their key sites. The agreement represents the first move towards a concrete expansion plan seen since Silicon's rebirth.

NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway operates 12 sites of their own. Now, with the addition of 10 more units at the NASCAR SpeedPark franchise run by Burroughs, we see the beginning of the company's move back into contention following its acquisition by Perfect Line.

UK Seaside In the Middle of Turf War!
One of Britain's top seaside locations has been the victim of multiple arson attacks against the twin piers of Brighton. In what started out as a feud for the control of the lucrative gaming and amusement business, serious crimes have been committed towards removing competition.

The fire bombing of the popular North Pier has caused retaliation with the firebombing of the remaining structure of the soon to be re-developed Western Pier Ball Room structure from a speedboat. The structure was destroyed completely.

One week later, a Brighton pier suffered a mysterious arson attack, which in this case only destroyed an attraction on the main body of the pier. The West Pier was destroyed in suspicious circumstances.

Namco's New Facility Experiment Revealed!
Hidden facility project revealed by TSR for Namco, as the company jumps into the Internet Café and LAN gaming sector with their own operation. The first experimental LEDZONE site opened in Tokyo, launched with high expectations of becoming a new facility chain.

In a somewhat unusual move for a leading Japanese game developer, Namco has acquired a non-exclusive license to use a non-amusement video game -- CounterStrike, one of the most popular LAN games in gaming history. This license was secured in order to ensure Namco had a popular experience to be played within the site, along with the development of
special terminals for Internet activities. Not for the first time amusement looks at fps (first person shooter) to supply success.

The development of a new R&D team to handle the creation of content for this experiment and the construction of a new facility model all hope to establish Namco's new endeavour on a market hungry for innovation.

Tilt! For Hi-Tech Pinball
The proposed project to develop the most advanced (video)pinball table (since the last one) seems to have run into difficulty following its latest appearance. TAB-Austria and their Virtual Pinball project was scheduled for a March launch, but has failed to make an
appearance.

Issues surround the quality of the game software - the ability of the game architecture to supply the required performance - and why a $7,377 price tag has been proposed - all over a system that hopes to restart the sector.

Sources close to TSR confirm that the trade reaction to the system was initially high, but delays and a high price have dampened the initial enthusiasm. The future for the system now depends on the ability for TAB to recapture market interest.

Namco Added to list of Merger Suitors
A matter of weeks away from the reporting of the SEGA/Sammy 'Internal Committee' findings towards the agreement of a merger of the two operations, and the field was thrown wide open, for a third time, with the announcement that Namco had thrown their hat into the ring.

No stranger to observing Namco/SEGA negotiations, TSR has found that along with Namco, SEGA have privately been in discussions with Electronic Arts. Sammy has been reported to be furious to be involved in a 'Dutch Auction' regarding the previously confirmed merger position.

With the appearance of Namco the possibility now exists that Japan could have by 2004 the largest conjoined amusement manufacturer and site operator in the World, with over 900 Japanese AM sites and a considerable International venue holding. Beyond this the new merger would directly change the video games sales and distribution structure forever.

Mixed Bag of Asian Market
SARS - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - the amusement market in Asia falls victim of virus, as the exhibition calendar and visitors to the theme parks and arcades in the quarantined areas dry up. What are the ramifications for video amusement and future development in a SARS world?

Beyond SARS, the other factors affecting Asian amusement include financial ups and downs. Examples. Capcom - the financially strapped developer admits drastic measures that
sees more than $7million worth of development spending shelved, while they mothball their AM business. Can AM survive if the company is acquired?

Taito - on the bright side the influential amusement company celebrated strong finical figures and turns to the future of their sector. The new invigoration sees some caution regarding sharing their sales with others?

Korean's New Simulator Bonanza!
In the light of confirmation TSR exclusive regarding agreements between SimuLine and SEGA Europe it is clear that the Korean sector is attempting to make a second bid for domination of the amusement simulator sector.

The Korean Amusement Machine Manufacturers Association sponsored exhibition held a few months ago comprised the largest gathering of hopeful amusement simulator makers. Companies such as Woxes and their F-16 simulator cockpit, and the VSTEC motorbike ride offered some of the most innovative experiences to date, but at a price that could tempt the new operator.

London Dome Project Gets Green light
More than Two years since the Millennium Dome project closed its doors to dwindling attendance and became the centre of the controversial Millennium plans - the London Borough of Greenwich voted to approve the development of the MDL (Meridian Delta Limited) Dome project.

After being considered for at least three attraction based entertainment projects, the Dome will now move towards a 20,000 seat concert and sports centric project - but TSR has ascertained that some attraction element will play its part in the final arena.

Building on the controversial site however could be due for one last bout of political pass-the-parcel with a last minute complaint by the Mayor (Ken Livingstone) of London regarding the percentage of housing made available to lower budget families. A range that could delay the final breaking of earth at the site on this latest development.

Revealing Costume for uWink!
Many have tried; few have succeeded to reveal the new structure of uWink. After some revealing leaks and a little bit of detective work some new information has appeared.

Stories that uWink's equipment is back on sale may be in fact true with the Shadowy company Bikini Vending once again mentioned in dispatches.

A possible acquisition and news of a change in fortune of the uWin Tournament system all adding to the revelations surrounding this once prominent manufacturer.

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