International Bowl Expo 2024 is primarily a trade event for the bowling industry, but bowling centres frequently include arcades, redemption attractions and other amusements. That makes the annual gathering a useful preview of upcoming arcade equipment, even though its games presence is smaller than at Amusement Expo.
The event’s exhibitor line-up includes several manufacturers and distributors with recent releases, alongside companies expected to bring selections from their existing ranges. Here is what to watch for.
Featured arcade products at Bowl Expo
Amusement Source International
Amusement Source International is working with Dreamfuns, a Chinese crane manufacturer associated with the neon crane trend. Its display is also expected to include more video-focused attractions, including Wahlap’s Thunderbolt Shot and the augmented-reality alley bowler Zombie Rolling.
Raw Thrills
Raw Thrills is expected to present NBA Superstars to the wider amusement industry for the first time, although the game is already playable at Dave & Buster’s. The company will also show recent releases including Godzilla Kaiju Wars VR and Marvel: Contest of Champions.
The Bowl Expo version of Godzilla Kaiju Wars VR should be production hardware rather than the prototype previously seen. There was no confirmation of a third chapter at the time of this preview.
TouchMagix
TouchMagix will introduce a Pudgy Penguins crane, displayed alongside the Pudgy Penguins Polar Challenge videmption game first shown at IAAPA 2023. Early promotional material suggests a conventional crane with Pudgy Penguins branding rather than an interactive format such as Carnival Cups Crane. It also appears to include officially branded Pudgy Penguins plush, marking a new step for TouchMagix.
Other exhibitors and expected line-ups
Most of the remaining exhibitors are expected to reflect their Amusement Expo selections, potentially with fewer cabinets on the floor. The following predictions are based on announced products, exhibitor listings and recent show activity rather than confirmed full booth line-ups.
Andamiro USA
Andamiro USA had not issued a Bowl Expo announcement, but it appeared on the exhibitor list. Its recent redemption games, including Wacky Racers and Krazy Balls, would be logical candidates for the booth.
Bandai Namco Amusement America
Bandai Namco Amusement America was added to the exhibitor list after initially being absent. The company does not usually preview its show line-ups and has previously debuted games at Bowl Expo. Even so, a showing for Taiko No Tatsujin, Bike Dash Delivery or Goldstorm Pirates would be unexpected.
More likely possibilities include Animal Kaiser Plus, Pac-Man’s Pixel Bash for Charity and Arccer Amusement’s Tower Island. The original Pixel Bash was also unveiled at an earlier Bowl Expo.
Bay Tek Entertainment
Bay Tek Entertainment has moved away from bringing large numbers of prototypes to trade shows. Its Bowl Expo presence is therefore more likely to centre on sports-themed games suited to bowling venues.
Coastal Amusements
Coastal Amusements is the clearest exception to the otherwise familiar line-up. The company will debut a new ball drop redemption game called Level Up at the show.
Elaut Group USA
Elaut Group USA could bring an imported video game, although a smaller version of its Amusement Expo display appears just as plausible.
JET Games
JET Games recently launched Mega Shot, which should be the main attraction at its booth. The company is also expected to show its broader range of sports titles.
LAI Games
LAI Games is expected to feature Ace Amusement’s Air Strike, Playmore’s Cosmic Tower, Wahlap’s Dragon’s Bane and Superwing’s SMASH. Four cabinets of SMASH are not expected this time, unless the company surprises operators with a standard cabinet option that would be more practical for smaller venues.
Sega Amusements
Sega Amusements plans to bring Mission: Impossible Arcade DX, Skill Fall Revolution and the Capto Candy crane. The DX model offers a less expensive alternative to the SDX version. Sega’s announcement did not mention Apex Rebels or another new video or redemption title, suggesting a smaller booth than the company’s display last year.
Stern Pinball
Stern Pinball is expected to provide a different kind of compact entertainment for bowling centres, with John Wick likely to be available. New games are not normally revealed at this type of event, but the show could provide a first opportunity to play this machine.
UNIS
UNIS will focus on its crane range and Bigfoot Mayhem. The company has two booth spaces, so there may be more on display, although an unannounced major release would be a surprise.
Additional exhibitors
ICE and Komuse are also expected to bring their established redemption ranges. Neither company had recently introduced a new video game of particular interest to arcade players.
Rilix may show the refreshed design of its VR coaster, although it was not clear whether a new machine type would accompany the update. Triotech’s smaller-show presence may be limited to one or two attractions, potentially including Super Blaster and/or Storm VR.
Valley-Dynamo continues to show its video game Jet Pong, but another title in that category would be unexpected. A new air hockey table remains a possibility.
What Bowl Expo means for arcade operators
The preview points to a show led by redemption, cranes, sports games, immersive attractions and compact entertainment suited to bowling centres. Operators assessing equipment for a venue should also consider cabinet footprint, service access and audience flow; RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide covers those practical decisions.
For readers following wider industry developments, the RETROCADE arcade blog will continue tracking new releases. Anyone planning a home or venue installation can browse arcade machines, while operators needing maintenance support can explore arcade repairs.
Further coverage from Bowl Expo 2024 is expected through event videos and show reports. The most significant questions are whether any unannounced products appear and how the confirmed releases perform on the exhibition floor.
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