DEAL Expo 2025 took place in Dubai as an amusement and leisure trade show, with arcade manufacturers represented largely by Middle Eastern distributors. Although it is not usually as launch-heavy as IAAPA or Amusement Expo, the event still provided a look at new cabinets, updated designs and regional product portfolios through photographs and videos shared online.
For Australian arcade operators and enthusiasts, the show offered a useful snapshot of international releases and the distribution networks that can influence where new machines appear. Here are the main arcade highlights from the 2025 event.
Wahlap’s compact booth
Wahlap had its own small stand featuring Asphalt Moto Blitz DX and Taito’s Getter Spin G. Both machines carried “Distributed by Warehouse of Games” signage, identifying the company responsible for selling Wahlap’s products in the Middle East.
Wahlap also indicated that it plans a much larger presentation at China’s AAA Expo in May, where more of its upcoming arcade line-up is expected to be shown.
ASI presents Sega and Bandai Namco products
Amusement Services International, generally known as ASI, is one of the Middle East’s largest and longest-established amusement distributors. The company reached its 25th year in business in 2024 and has connections with major manufacturers including Sega, Bandai Namco and Konami. Its previous range has included DanceRush Stardom.
Sega Amusements occupied a prominent section of the ASI stand with a row of cabinets displayed closely together. Alpha Ops VR Strike, which had already been sold, was one of the main attractions. The Dubai cabinet showed a revised design with more active lighting around its motion platform. The marquee looked broadly familiar, although production details could still change before final manufacture.
Bandai Namco’s contribution included GoldStorm Pirates, plus sports and redemption machines such as Pac-Man Roller. Unlike the cabinet shown at the previous Amusement Expo, the GoldStorm Pirates machine in Dubai did not have the distinctive gold guns. Both GoldStorm Pirates and Alpha Ops VR Strike were due to ship during May.
A Terminator VR machine creates uncertainty
The biggest surprise at ASI’s stand was a Terminator-themed VR machine positioned in the “social games” area. Its Dubai cabinet was labelled Terminator Uprising, while ASI’s website lists it as Terminator 2. The difference means the final name remains uncertain.
Images and video suggest a cabinet similar to the VR Agent-style platform associated with Oculeap. Oculeap’s Zombie Frenzy was also displayed nearby, but there was no definitive confirmation that Oculeap made the Terminator project or that its licence had been formally confirmed. The clearest available view came from a video shared by ASI.
ASI also showed machines from Ace Amusement, Bay Tek and LAI Games, including Cyberpunk: Turf Wars. The available photographs did not reveal other new or substantially updated products from those suppliers.
UDC’s StepManiaX and redemption line-up
UDC primarily operates across the United Kingdom and Europe, while also marketing selected products in the Middle East. Its DEAL Expo display included StepManiaX, which received its 61st content update alongside the show, as well as Playmore pushers and additional Ace Amusement games.
UDC also released a video showreel covering the broader range of products at its event presence.
Warehouse of Games represents a broad portfolio
Warehouse of Games handled another major portion of the region’s arcade offering. Its display focused particularly on Raw Thrills, with additional products from Adrenaline Amusements, Andamiro, ICE, TouchMagix, Team Play and UNIS.
From 2025, the distributor’s portfolio also included newcomer Blue Motion Games. The company’s current releases include Cannonball Jam and Desert Storm.
Other arcade exhibitors
A number of smaller exhibitors showed one or two machines. SEA demonstrated Ice Crackers, a videmption shooter, while its Big Sea Fishing game was also present through ASI and Sega Amusements.
Chinese manufacturers Yuto Games and Epark were also represented, along with VR specialist Skyfun. Yuto has recently been promoting its Crazy Drift DR1 racing game across several online channels, but the machine did not appear to be part of its DEAL Expo display.
What DEAL Expo means for Australian operators
The Dubai show demonstrated how extensively major arcade brands rely on regional distributors to present and support equipment. Operators evaluating new machines should consider cabinet size, motion systems, service access and long-term parts support alongside the game itself. RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide covers practical points to assess before making a purchase.
AAA Expo in China was scheduled for May, while the ARE Expo in Manchester was due to take place at the end of April. AAA was expected to feature more new products, and ARE had confirmed Sega Amusements and Bandai Namco as exhibitors. For venues planning a dedicated driving attraction, RETROCADE’s racing arcade machines category offers relevant context, while arcade repair and maintenance support remains an important consideration for commercial equipment.
DEAL Expo 2025 did not provide a complete launch list, but it presented a varied mix of new, revised and distributor-supported arcade games. The event’s most intriguing reveal was the still-unclear Terminator VR cabinet, alongside established products from Sega, Bandai Namco and a wide range of independent manufacturers.
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