Arcade News Round-Up: Trailers, Japan and Expo Updates

The arcade industry is moving into a busy new season, with fresh game trailers, Japanese updates, trade-show reveals and developments across location-based entertainment. This round-up covers the key stories, from new Raw Thrills footage to Sega, Bandai Namco, pinball and upcoming international expos.

For more Australian arcade coverage, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog. Readers planning a home setup can also compare arcade machines, racing arcades and virtual pinball machines.

New arcade trailers from Raw Thrills, LAI Games and Sega

Raw Thrills has released another look at Minecraft Dungeons Arcade, focusing on the game’s Series 3 cards. Betson published the video, following earlier updates for the arcade adaptation.

LAI Games briefly removed its promotional video for Smash DX before uploading it again. No explanation was given for the change, but the revised video is now available.

Sega Amusements has published a new trailer for Hyper Cross. The game shipped almost six months earlier, although confirmed location sightings had not been reported at the time. Further promotion could help raise awareness among operators.

Two additional videos showcase Apex Rebels. One from Middle East distributor ASI demonstrates the game at DEAL, while another from Alan Ng revisits the Chinese teaser first seen in November. It also includes several extra glimpses of Motorland Sakura. A more detailed feature on Apex Rebels was planned.

Japanese arcade updates

Japan’s new financial year has brought announcements involving Sega, Taito, Bandai Namco and Marvelous. The news covers both new software and wider changes in the amusement sector.

Sega Fave and Initial D

Sega has completed the merger of its Japanese arcade division and Toys subsidiary under the name Sega Fave. The company’s redesigned website can be found here. The toy and amusement operations still appear to function as separate subdivisions, although the restructure is intended to encourage cooperation between them.

Only a few days after the merger, Sega released the Season 4 update for Initial D The Arcade. It adds new content, including a course featuring the series’ familiar blue-sky scenery. There was no indication that Sega Amusements would bring this version to Australia or other Western markets.

Taito and Bandai Namco

Taito continues to support its remaining arcade projects despite a smaller in-house development presence and the end of online service for long-running titles such as Groove Coaster. Its latest collaboration with Capcom updates Street Fighter 6 Type Arcade with Ed, a new stage and additional customisation options. Unlike several other games in this round-up, the update was expected to be available outside Japan, including at Round1US venues.

Bandai Namco’s rhythm game The Idolm@ster Tours remains in development after its surprise announcement at JAEPO 2023. Further location tests were announced alongside a revised control panel. The new design differs from earlier appearances, making comparisons with Beatmania less direct.

Elsewhere, the expensive sequel to Bandai Namco’s Gundam Pods was taken offline after performing poorly. In more positive news, Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 6RR+ has launched in Japan, while the next numbered entry appears to have been delayed.

Bandai Namco’s overseas-focused Techinca division is also testing Top Shooting, another apparent variation on the Top Gun, Quick Shot and Skill Shooter format. The similarities have prompted comparisons with the familiar pointing meme.

Marvelous has publicly revealed a new edition of its Pokémon children’s card game after reported secret trials in Japan. A July release window was cited. Competition in the category is growing, with Bandai Namco Amusement preparing Animal Kaiser Plus and Marvelous testing Naruto Arcade Battle.

More Amusement Expo 2024 videos

Several products shown at Amusement Expo 2024 did not receive dedicated coverage but still deserve attention. Stern’s JAWS pinball machine received a closer look, followed by American Pinball’s Barry O’s Barbecue Challenge. Operators and collectors comparing new tables can also explore RETROCADE’s virtual pinball range.

ASI also demonstrated Super Shooting, a new Chinese target shooter based on the style of Bullseye Crack Shot. Its shipping timing was unclear, and the displayed frame rate still appeared to need refinement.

Playbox Carnival from PLAYMIND is a smaller and more affordable take on the larger PLAYBOX concept. A release date was not confirmed, partly because each unit requires game modifications to support its vertical screen layout.

The next major event on the calendar was EVO Japan 2024, where exA-Arcadia planned to reveal several games, including new fighting titles, along with another announcement of interest to arcade operators and players.

May trade shows in Saudi Arabia and China

The Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo was scheduled for 7–9 May at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center. The Asia Attractions and Amusement Expo was scheduled for 10–12 May at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou.

Preview information was limited. Yuto Games promoted its stand at SEA, while Bravo Amusement announced its presence at AAA. Wahlap was also expected to reveal a new environmental shooting game in May, described as being unlike other products, although its connection with AAA had not been confirmed.

Arcade game shows and Golden Axe on television

Arcade Animals has turned its idea for a competitive arcade game show into a working online series inspired by Starcade. Six episodes were available, with three more in development. Viewers could support the next episodes through the project’s Kickstarter campaign page.

The independently produced series is released online rather than through television, so it does not have the resources of a conventional broadcast show. That informal approach is also part of its appeal for arcade fans.

At the more traditional end of the television spectrum, Comedy Central is developing an animated sitcom based on Sega’s Golden Axe. The creative team includes producers and writers associated with American Dad, Rick & Morty and Star Trek: Lower Decks. The project reflects Sega’s broader effort to develop older intellectual properties, although its eventual quality and completion remained uncertain.

Other arcade and retro-gaming headlines

• Pac-Man’s Pixel Bash For Charity is available.
• Bandai Namco Amusement and Arccer Amusement have released the coin pusher Tower Island.
• Alan-1 is preparing a comic book connected with the Asteroids Recharged arcade release.
• A Japanese arcade destroyed by fire may be rebuilt.
• QBIX has shown a brief trailer for Chef Express.
• Arcade Belgium appeared at D-CON Geek 2024.
• Several senior figures reportedly left Bandai Namco.
• Wilcox Arcade returned to activity, while Meow Wolf announced layoffs and cost reductions.
• A Baby Pac-Man machine is being rebuilt, and a Final Fight comic book is in development.
• DSM Arcade showed its Perfect Pour prototype at MGC 2024.
• The history of a rescued United Kingdom Puck Man board has been investigated.
• Tokyo’s Mikado arcade announced a price increase that appeared to receive a positive response from customers.
• A strange Star Wars-themed Birdly-style VR attraction has drawn attention.
• Namco’s Numan Athletics is next for Arcade Archives.
• The Zilog Z80 processor, used in some classic arcade hardware, is losing official support after 48 years.
• Nintendo’s Game Boy reached its 35th anniversary, with arcade ports and new homebrew games still being discussed.
• A new version of a Sega Saturn X-Men recreation adds playable Storm and three-player co-op.
• Take-Two reversed course on some layoffs and cancelled projects.
• Fallout 4 reached number one across Europe following the Amazon television series.
• Atari and WayForward are developing a Yars’ Revenge metroidvania for Switch.

This round-up highlights a busy period for arcade releases, location tests and amusement products. The strongest developments include new Raw Thrills and Sega footage, continuing Japanese arcade activity and a broad selection of trade-show reveals.