The BANDAI NAMCO Amusement Europe Ltd team is upbeat following an excellent IAAPA, which attracted large crowds to the stand.
“This was one of the best IAAPA shows of recent years,” says James Anderson, Sales & Commercial Director. “We welcomed a lot of UK and European customers and although people can see that the issues around currency are going to affect them – they are still buying as long as they can be sure that it is high-earning product. Luckily we had plenty for them to choose from, supplied by some of the strongest brands in the industry.”
Among the proven games on the BNAE stand was World’s Largest PAC-MAN which was relatively late to market this year but which has proved itself over the summer with great sales. Featuring a massive 108inch screen it offers a unique experience that can’t be found at home.
Andamiro’s SpongeBob Pineapple Arcade is another success for BNAE. “We launched this game back in January and it has continued to draw players with its unique concept of collecting cards for ticket bonuses, plus the great look and feel of the game,” says John Crompton, regional sales manager.
Jurassic Park and Mario Kart are also among the highest-earning titles that BNAE has ever experienced. “They just keep going and going in terms of income – Mario Kart is the strongest driver of the year by far,” says Kjeld Erichsen, International Business Development Manager.
“We also have very high expectations for Cruis’n Blast from Raw Thrills,” adds Julian Goicoa, International Manager. “It is proving itself in location tests as one of the strongest driving games on site.”
Among the new releases at IAAPA was PAC-MAN Smash Slimline – a smaller and more affordable version of the huge hit air hockey table PAC-MAN Smash. “This complements the regular hit stable of PAC-MAN themed products that we have developed,” says James Anderson.
BNAE also showed a teaser of a new four player DC Comics themed pusher, which will also feature collectable cards on the playfield and has a concept of heroes and villains. “Needless to say, there was incredible interest for this product at the show,” adds Anderson.
Also new at IAAPA was some highly intuitive new software for Adrenaline Amusement’s Snaky Tickets. “It has transformed the gameplay on a game that was already a real hit with players,” says Geoff Spencer, regional sales manager. “Now the snake moves fluidly on the screen, allowing players to use new moves and coil and uncoil. It will give the game a new lease of life.”
Adrenaline also unveiled Crazy Tower on the BNAE stand. This four-player uses hologram technology to allow the player to build a tower of blocks creating an incredible 3-D effect.
Space Invaders Frenzy was shown for the first time at the show with an 108inch screen and fabulous sound effects, incorporating a sit-down cabinet as a fast actioned shooting game with ticket payout.
IAAPA also saw the unveiling of the new theatre style horror game– The Walking Dead, from Raw Thrills, which is not for the faint-hearted. “This is the kind of game that is not suitable for every location but will be incredible in the right sites due to the global strength of the brand, some customers are even talking about making a special themed area for the game!” says Erichsen.
Much hilarity was created by Apple Industries’ latest Emoji concept for its Scene Machine, which takes a customer’s photo and turns it into a dedicated emoji – complete with tears of laughter, halos, devil horns and more. This joins the incredible Photo Studio Deluxe, which allows for group photos.
The new division BANDAI NAMCO Management Solutions enjoyed its first show. “IAAPA was a great opportunity for us to have meaningful conversations with customers from the UK and Ireland about what the Embed and Deltronic products can do for them,” says Steve Short, General Manager.
The Prize Division showed new plush for DC Comics movies next year for the European market with great feedback and launched Ms PAC-MAN for all territories. “There is great fondness for Ms. PAC-MAN and I think we have a real hit on our hands with this range,” says Darrell Simmonds, EMEA Sales Manager.
Finally, BNAE also signed several turnkey and theming contracts during the IAAPA show. “There was a lot of interest in our exceptional theming concept for indoor and outdoor amusement parks says Darius Kaskelis Entertainment Project Development Manager. “Professional concept design and exceptional ambience can have a significant impact on overall revenues in long term although require only 5-10% of your total investment.”
