Cart Fury is cart racing simulation game which ultilises graphics and animation technology to simulate realistic damage to the carts as they race around the track, from minor damage to the framework and tyres to shedding pieces off the cart. The Cart can even totally collapse causes it to skid out and explode, the player can watch the damage done gradually heal over time. Game features 10 drivers and 12 tracks. [more information]
Arcades in London are currently being plagued by daylight robberies, these attacks consist of a gang of youths storming the premises holding up the staff and customers at knife point and crowbarring the AWPs (Amusement with Prize fruit machines) to get the money out. [more information]
NSM one of the leading suppliers of Juke boxes to the industry have sold their business to a Management team headed by Barry Kirby in the UK. Barry Kirby has worked for NSM for the last 10 years and has been the driving force behind their success in the UK and Ireland.
The deal means that the UK headquarters in Leeds will oversee the subsidiaries in the USA and Germany and the European manufacturing plant will now be moved in Leeds.
NSM will also now be developing their remote jukebox concept, more on this will follow. [more information]
With the recently announced exclusive distribution contract between Incredible Technologies and AMD Australia, some questions have been asked about the possible double standard by AMD. [more information]
With a wide selection of representatives in the amusement and leisure industries, this year's well organised AAE Trade Show was seen successful by most people involved.
Due to the Chinese restrictions in the amusement industry(as reported previously), attendance was down however the show still attracted high quality vistors.
For a full summary of exhibitors please follow this <a href="http://www.stas.net/dgsj/exhibitors.html">link</a>. [more information]
In an interesting twist, the local Hong Kong SNK agent is offering customers rebates if they keep their King of Fighters 2000 for 10days. [more information]
The Grid is a futuristic game show that takes sporting events to a different level, where contestants battle each other in a virtual-reality, holographic computer generated arena known as The Grid. Up to six players can compete in front of the studio audience using weapons, super moves (powers) and regular combat. [more information]
Psikyo have been developing a strong vertical shooting game titled, "Dragon Blaze" which will be demonstrated at the upcoming Jamma Trade Show. [more information]
We were sorry to hear that Rachael Davies will be leaving Midway shortly, she has been a very friendly member of the Midway team and will certainly be missed. We understand that she is going into the Music Business. [more information]
The much anticipated KOF2000 was released today in Japan. The game features 5 new faces giving a total of 34 fighters, 8 teams, and new features like the "Another Striker".
Please follow this <a href="/machine_display.php3?machine_id=1164">link</a> for pictures and details. [more information]
Following on from Cruising Exotica, Midways latest game Fury Cart Racing, is proving to be a winner with its testing locations around the world.
The game includes world champion drivers like Andretti, Fittapaldi and Montoya and has some very special track locations like Rio, Surfers Paradise and Frankfurt.
Players that have tested this game have been very impressed with the fire effects when the 'turbo' is initiated. The game is scheduled for global release end of August to early September and from what we have heard so far its a strong buy. [more information]
Amusement Expo 2000, Australia's premier event for serious coin machine operators, will be held at the Hyatt Regency Coolum on 25th - 28th October. [more information]
Excellent Soft Design is soon to release their new game, Come on Baby. Choose from 6 babies and compete in 12+ relay sports games. The game features 3D graphics, superior sound and specially designed cabinet.
To view a sample picture of the cabinet please press the icon on the left. [more information]
* Konami's Kozuki Hot on Mobile Phone Games
* Jaleco Looks To Beer
* On-Line Game Boy
* Konami To Distribute 3rd-Party DVD Software
* Illegal Copies of D'Cast Games On Net
* Sega's Digital Network Arcades Take Shape [more information]
We have received news from Sega UK following our comments that the jury is still out and find income reports from the first test units doing extremely well on site. [more information]
The Asian Amusement Expo opened with enthusiasm with a strong focus on technology and future product development. A full report coming soon. [more information]
As a major industry setback, Chinese Congress has made it illegal for the China coin op industry to import and distribute new equipment. In a move which will see many people suffer, from this Monday it is illegal for any company or person in China to import coin operated equipment and parts and sell to each other. [more information]
It is with pleasure we introduce Frank Seninsky, president of the US AMOA & Alpha Omega Group. Frank is a 30 year veteran in coinop and we welcome him as guest writer.
His first report is on Distribution which was featured recently in Replay Magazine. [more information]
With the strong push of unity, AALARA showcased the leading amusement, leisure and recreational industries at the Royal Pines Resort.
To read more about the Trade Show and the exhibitors please click <a href="http://www.highway.net.au/aalarashow.html">here</a> [more information]
Namco is set to release their new range of products to distributors shortly. Art Truck, Galaxian Fever, Shooting paradise and Kart Duel are now displayed in the Product Section of Highwaygames. Please follow this <a href="http://www.highwaygames.com/arcade-machines/search.html?manufacturer=130&year=2000">link</a> for pictures and details. [more information]
Computer software and books are set to follow the path of CD's which had parallel import controls abolished in 1998. This leads a chance to opening the Coinop markets in Australia to outside sellers. [more information]
Konami has deals with Microsoft allowing Microsoft right of first refusal to publish Konami games on PC while Konami has a similar five-year deal with Universal giving Konami right of first refusal on all Universal properties. [more information]
Each amusement centre will feature game terminals that enable players to compete with players at other locations as well as watch movies,cartoons, music video clips and sporting events. The centers will also have refreshment areas. [more information]
It has been established this week that the President of Bacta - Simon Thomas, Director and Chairman Brian Meaden, Vice President Designate - Tim Batstone, and ATE Director - Roger Withers may have conflicts of interest with their association in Leisurehub. [more information]
After the sell off of the Deith Leisure Group of companies and the cutback on all of the Sega Coin op activities in Europe, Sega have now completely come out of Distribution.
Cromptons the well know Pusher manufacturer will now take on the UK sales and it is believed the UK sales staff too. [more information]
Konami is set to release a new non touch dancing game called "Dance Maniacs" at the end of this month.
At a private showing, Namco previews Mr Driller II, World Kicks for normal cabinets, Kart Duel and Keyboard mania. [more information]
For the last month and a half Gaelco has been very busy with the launch of Football Power into Europe. With Euro 2000, the machines could not get out the door fast enough.
Becoming one of the favourite video games in the European arcades very quickly, Football Power will be available in USA , Australia and Asia shortly.
For more details contact your local distributor or visit www.gaelco.com [more information]
Sega Europe took advantage of their close proximity to the famous Epsom Derby to hold their distributor meeting at the races last Friday. [more information]
The new Airplane simulation game was launched by Electrocoin in the UK yesterday at their annual summer get together, it is hoped that this sequel to landing gear will to be just as good an earner and as its predecessor, the general feeling was very positive. [more information]
We were saddened to hear this week of the demise of the Californian company Interactive Light. This very innovative company and founder of games like Kick it and Savage Quest has finally been hit by the current malaise that is hitting the world coin op market. [more information]
Kunnick PLC- one of the UK's largest single site operators and part owners of the Bell Fruit manufacturing company have raised money for a new industry project.
They have developed an online communication network called Midas and they are now focusing on software that can be utilised within this, rather than relying on the somewhat lack lustre crop of traditional video games. [more information]
With the worsing of the Australian coinop market, Leisure & Allied Industries (LAI) has closed the sales section from their Perth head office. [more information]
The WAR "win the shirt off my back" promotion is now officially over.
Operators of this game should now turn off this feature to prevent players entering this contest. [more information]
Michael Delucia president of Head Games & Cybertouch 2000 announced they have signed an exclusive agreement with Simon Deith of Deith Distributing, to represent both companies globally excluding North America. [more information]
A new company has been formed to develop and manufacture pintables,
based outside Chicago. "Illinois Pinball Inc" will launch their first product 'Pinball Pool' at the AMOA in Chicago.
The founder Gene Cunningham has bought the rights to the Capcom Pins and will focus on simple easy to play tables that will attract new and old players alike. [more information]
Barcelona, Spain
Amusetech the largest distributor of video products in Spain and member of the Circa Group of companies, have now agreed distribution rights with Operavideo to market their new Photo Punch 2000 in all markets outside Spain.
Managing Director Santiago Vinyas has been delighted with the products strong earning results and feels that this is a long term piece which will go on and on. [more information]
During the AALARA Trade Show, Frank Seninsky, president of the American AMOA & the Alpha Omega Group, has spoken about the benefits of operating redemption machines if done properly. [more information]
As the day closes on the first day, members and visitors were kept in touch with emerging trends and developments locally and internationally by Jim Eddy (AALARA), John Graff (IAAPA), Frank Seninsky (AMOA), and Al Turner (WWA).
In upcoming days special emphasis is placed on workshops, field trips and guest speakers. [more information]
The Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2000, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, attracted 62,000 industry professionals from around the world. Approximately 430 exhibitors filled 550,000 net square feet of space, displaying new interactive entertainment products and next generation technology. [more information]
Survey results released today by the Interactive Digital Software Association (IDSA), the trade group representing computer and video game publishers, show that an overwhelming percentage of computer and video game players play with friends and family, confirming the view that interactive entertainment brings people together and shattering the myth that games are not a social activity.
The results of the IDSA's fifth annual consumer survey, released today at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, reveal that fifty-nine percent of respondents play with friends, and most play with a member or members of their family, whether their siblings, spouses, a parent or extended family. Thirty-three percent play with brothers and/or sisters, 27 percent play with their spouse, 25 percent play with their parents, and a 43 percent play with other family members. [more information]
We understand that Konami are in final negotiations with Sega to buy the UK AWP manufacturer JPM. The deal thought to be worth in excess of GBP30,000,000 is said to be concluded by the end of the month. This will give Konami access to a substantial new area of revenue in European style gaming machines, and no doubt there will be synergy with their already successful gaming division.
For Sega it will mean a much needed boost in the arm, at a time of great expense with their Dreamcast platform in Mortal Kombat with the Sony Playstation 2. [more information]
Interactive Partners, in conjunction with SOFILO, have announced the forming of a major amusement entity, under the name of INSKOR Entertainment Limited. With this announcement Europe becomes the launch pad for an auspicious operation in the creation and development of original amusement projects. [more information]
Three games marked the debut of R3 Interactive's flagship character, Stanley Putz. Stanley will also appear on ArcadePlanet/Lazer-Tron's prizegames.com, in his first web game, Blazing Stanley. [more information]
Highway Entertainment