The Asia Amusements & Attractions Expo 2023 has wrapped up, offering a look at the games and attractions aimed primarily at China’s amusement market. That regional focus means only some of these products are likely to reach Western venues, including Australia.
The show did not reveal a large wave of major new video arcade releases, but several machines and amusement concepts stood out. Here is a concise tour of the highlights.
Wahlap puts Initial D: The Arcade front and centre
Wahlap’s most prominent game was the latest version of Sega’s Initial D: The Arcade. Wahlap has previously brought games to Western markets, although there is no indication that this particular racing title will receive a Western rollout.
The scale of the promotion was clear from this tweet, this one and another show-floor post.
Wahlap also displayed several other games, although they did not receive the same level of presentation as Initial D. A major media push for every title would be difficult, particularly at a broad industry expo. A wider booth overview shows some of those other games.
Thunderbolt Shot
One of the newer concepts at the Wahlap stand was Thunderbolt Shot. It is primarily a competitive electro-mechanical attraction, but it also incorporates video screens.
Amusement Source International photographed the machine. The company imports amusement equipment from China, and has said it is bringing several new pieces to the United States for testing, so a future Western trial for Thunderbolt Shot remains possible.
Yuto Games and Allied Tank Attack
Yuto Games has pursued an active YouTube marketing campaign, although it is unclear how widely Western venues have invested in its equipment. The tank attraction shown at the expo is a new cabinet version of InJoy Motion’s Allied Tank Attack.
For operators comparing different formats, the expo’s driving and shooting attractions also highlight why dedicated racing arcades remain a distinct category from standard upright video machines.
Other amusement equipment on display
Dreamfuns and Evangelion-themed cranes
Dreamfuns, known for colourful neon crane machines, presented an attraction with an Evangelion theme.
Ace Amusement’s Bullseye Crack Shot
Ace Amusement showed Bullseye Crack Shot, part of the recent group of skill-based shooting-gallery video games. Comparable examples include OnPoint and Quick Shot. The photograph was supplied by Amusement Source International.
Tong-Li Animation
Despite its name, Tong-Li Animation specialises in crane and merchandise equipment rather than animation software or video games. Its presence was another reminder of how much of the expo is devoted to prize and redemption attractions.
Funlandia playground concept
Funlandia presented a new playground concept at the show.
Three-Plus Amusement ball toss game
Three-Plus Amusement displayed a ball-toss video game. The photograph was credited to Amusement Source International.
This general overview provides another look at the expo.
What could reach Western arcades?
That covers the identifiable highlights, with a report also mentioning a Dance Rush clone at the event. Initial D: The Arcade appears to be the most obvious title for Western interest, but a repeat release outside Asia seems unlikely based on the information available from the expo.
For Australian operators and collectors, the show is a useful reminder that new arcade equipment spans racing, shooting, cranes, redemption and broader amusement concepts. Anyone planning a home setup can explore the arcade machine buying guide, browse arcade machines or consider a compact bartop arcade.
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