Here is a concise round-up of notable arcade, pinball and amusement news from September 2022, including a leaked James Bond pinball machine, international venue expansion and several industry updates.
Coverage of IAAPA Expo Europe 2022 was also expected shortly, based on reports from people who attended in person.
James Bond Pinball Images Appear Online
Images of Stern Pinball’s next game appeared online after the company cancelled its planned reveal at the Electrocoin booth during IAAPA Expo Europe 2022. Stern said the announcement was postponed out of respect for the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
The images circulated through online pinball communities, including Reddit, Pinside and Facebook. They may not represent final production artwork, but they clearly point to a James Bond machine centred on Sean Connery’s portrayal of the character.
That direction suits the established pinball audience, which generally skews older, while Connery’s Bond regularly ranks highly in fan preferences. The leaked material shows both Pro and Premium versions, with the Pro model carrying a prominent Dr. No logo. The machines were expected to ship soon, although a full official announcement was still pending.
For readers comparing traditional pinball with modern alternatives, RETROCADE’s virtual pinball machines provide another way to enjoy table-style games at home.
Dave & Buster’s Targets the Middle East
Dave & Buster’s announced plans for 11 venues across Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt. The rollout will use franchising, creating the possibility of further growth if the initial locations perform well.
Dave & Buster’s To Open 11 Units Across KSA, UAE, Egypt
The Middle East has long been viewed as a growth region for arcades and amusement venues. Dubai helped establish that reputation over the years, while the DEAL trade show has continued to attract positive feedback from participating manufacturers.
The company was also testing a retail concept with Coca-Cola at its Hollywood, Florida location. Visitors scan their card when entering a convenience-store-style area and are charged for their purchases when they leave. If the trial succeeds, Dave & Buster’s may introduce the system at additional venues.
Further background is available in Meet Dave & Buster’s New, Futuristic Revenue Stream.
Asphalt 9 Legends Arcade Promotion
A new promotional video for Asphalt 9 Legends Arcade highlighted player feedback and offered a brief look at the racing title in action.
Driving fans can explore RETROCADE’s selection of racing arcades for more car-focused home gaming options.
Betson Northwest Showcase Set for October
Betson’s Northwest Amusement Showcase was scheduled for 1 October 2022. The pre-IAAPA event was intended to preview new products and provide educational seminars for arcade operators in the region.
Expected exhibitors and game suppliers included Andamiro USA, Bandai Namco Amusements, Coastal Amusements, Incredible Technologies and Rilix. Fast & Furious Arcade was also expected to appear.
The event became particularly relevant for visitors who could not attend IAAPA Expo Europe 2022. More information was available through Betson’s pre-IAAPA showcase details.
Industry Veteran Al Kress Dies
Al Kress died following complications from a fall at his home earlier in September 2022. His career covered several sides of the amusement business: he worked as an operator, distributor and manufacturer.
Kress was associated with Benchmark Games, which became part of the Elaut Group several years earlier. His experience and industry knowledge made him a respected figure across the sector.
Replay Magazine shared the news of Al Kress’s passing, and a full obituary was also available for readers wishing to learn more about his life and career.
His contribution to the amusement industry will be remembered with respect.
Repairing a Failed LCD Backlight
A repair video covered the process of addressing a failed backlight in a Makvision monitor used in an arcade game. It may be useful for operators and home owners troubleshooting a dark display.
Anyone planning a restoration can also review RETROCADE’s arcade repair services and browse suitable arcade parts.
Tekken 8 and the Changing Arcade Fighter Market
Tekken 8 prompted another discussion about the relationship between major fighting games and arcades. Although the series helped establish the genre in arcades, many modern releases now target home consoles first and may never receive an arcade version.
At the time, there was uncertainty about whether Tekken 8 would receive a Japanese arcade release. Bandai Namco Amusement appeared focused on Gundam EXVS in that market, and the game was not expected in American arcades.
One console fighter that might reach Japanese arcades was Omen of Sorrow. The four-button fighter was due to be tested on Taito’s NesicaXLive 2 platform. A successful test could have led to availability at Round1USA locations that still supported the platform.
More Arcade and Gaming Headlines
- Andamiro’s latest SpongeBob redemption game was shipping.
- Andamiro published an English page for Chrono Circle, a title expected to have limited availability outside Round1USA unless it appeared at IAAPA.
- Betson announced a large new distribution centre in Las Vegas.
- Modders added the 2023 NFL player roster to Midway’s NFL Blitz.
- Research indicated that US adults were reducing entertainment spending, a trend with potential implications for arcades and other out-of-home attractions.
- EVGA announced that it was ending its relationship with Nvidia and leaving the video-card business, a development of interest to operators using PC-based arcade hardware.
On the console side, Gimmick! was announced for PC and modern consoles but not as an ExA-Arcadia remaster. Ayaneo promoted a new handheld intended to compete with the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck. Taito’s Operation Wolf revival was announced for consoles, PC and Quest 2 rather than arcades, while a new Rise of the Triad edition was headed to PC.
Other features covered the history of the Magnavox Odyssey, additional Sega Genesis and Mega Drive titles for the Switch Online Expansion Pack, a large Sonic the Hedgehog balloon and an AI-controlled robot playing Go.
For more Australian arcade news and buying guidance, visit the RETROCADE arcade blog or browse the range of arcade machines.
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