London is welcoming amusement operators, distributors and manufacturers as IAAPA Expo Europe 2022 begins. The conference opens first, with the exhibition floor following tomorrow. Although RETROCADE is not attending in person, this preview gathers the arcade-focused products and companies expected at the 2022 European conference and expo.
IAAPA is the trade organisation behind major amusement-industry exhibitions, with programmes covering education, business development and products used across amusement venues and arcades. The European event is generally held in September, while the organisation’s largest annual show takes place in November. For additional event background, watch videos from the 2021 IAAPA event.
The range on display spans redemption, pinball, sports games, virtual reality and mixed-reality attractions. For readers tracking the broader arcade sector, the RETROCADE Arcade Blog is a useful place to follow more industry news.
IAAPA Expo Europe 2022 exhibitors to watch
Axion Holographics
This Australian company is presenting an amusement attraction that creates its 3D effect with glasses. It is not a conventional hologram, but the technology is intended to deliver that kind of visual experience. Axion has appeared at IAAPA previously and was scheduled to attend both the European and US shows.
Bandai Namco Amusement Europe
Bandai Namco Amusement Europe acts as a European and Middle Eastern distributor for several North American arcade companies, which can make its role easy to misunderstand. Its represented brands include Raw Thrills/Play Mechanix, Adrenaline Amusements, Andamiro, Apple Industries, Triotech and TKM.
That makes the booth a likely place to find their current games alongside Bandai Namco’s own releases, including Pac-Man Battle Royale Chompionship and Pac-Man Baller. The latest software build for Raw Thrills’ Fast & Furious was also expected to be present, although no complete product announcement had been released.
Elaut USA
Elaut, known for high-end crane machines, was attending the event. Its published announcement did not identify a specific new title, but its event announcement provided the company’s exhibition details.
Electrocoin
The UK distributor planned to show several new redemption products, including two Mr. Do-branded machines: Air Balls and Space Rocks.
The expected headline attraction was Stern Pinball’s new James Bond 007 machine. However, during preparation for the show, Stern advised that the launch had been postponed and confirmed that the games had been removed from Electrocoin’s booth. As a result, no new Stern pinball title was available at this exhibition, disappointing visitors who had planned to see it.
Hero Zone VR
Hero Zone VR was bringing a free-roam location-based experience using wireless headsets and dedicated content. Its IAAPA profile stated that the system had already been installed at more than 150 locations, presumed to be predominantly in Europe.
Hologate
Hologate’s line-up included Ghostbusters VR Academy, the non-VR Hyper Golf, the latest configuration of its Blitz VR system and the Hologate Arena. Ghostbusters VR Academy is described as a hybrid experience: the arena supports one game format, while the Blitz driver enables another.
LAI Games
Despite having a relatively small booth on the venue map, LAI Games was expected to bring Asphalt 9 Legends Arcade DX. At least one unit had been indicated in an Instagram post.
NeoXperiences
The French developer formerly known as Scale-1 Portal has shifted its focus under the NeoXperiences name. Its work sits between mixed reality and projection-mapped entertainment, using 3D rooms to host different game experiences. One of those attractions was expected to appear at the London exhibition.
Playmind
Playmind, the company behind Playbox, was potentially demonstrating a new four-player version of its premium ball-toss machine. A six-player model had been shown at the previous year’s event.
Sega Amusements
Sega’s European plans centred on new redemption content, with the company also highlighting its SMART Darts system in video material. The footage below provides the clearest quick look at the system in use.
Trio-Tech
Trio-Tech now spends more of its time on rides and interactive theatres than traditional arcade products. Its STORM VR system was nevertheless expected to be part of the exhibition presence.
UDC Ltd.
The UK distributor was showcasing products from Ace Amusements and Touch Magix, while also representing Step Revolution, including StepManiaX, in Europe. Its booth build was documented in a time-lapse video.
UNIS
UNIS planned to bring new redemption and videmption products, as well as air-hockey tables. The company was also reported to be producing Emoji Roller, with units expected to be shipping by the time of the expo.
Valo Motion
This newer entrant specialises in mixed-reality sports attractions. Its portfolio includes an interactive trampoline, a climbing wall and a multiplayer arena that does not require VR headsets.
WIK
The Polish manufacturer’s unusually shaped booth was expected to feature sports games, particularly basketball and air-hockey machines. WIK also occasionally presents videmption products, but sports attractions remain its main emphasis. Its work with Bandai Namco includes the new Pac-Man Baller.
What the event means for arcade operators
IAAPA Expo Europe 2022 brought together a broad mix of equipment, from conventional redemption and sports cabinets to headset-free mixed-reality attractions. That variety is a useful reminder that modern amusement venues are combining classic arcade formats with larger social experiences.
For anyone comparing the practical differences between commercial attractions and home equipment, RETROCADE’s arcade-machine buying guide covers the key considerations. Readers interested in driving cabinets can browse racing arcades, while pinball fans can explore virtual pinball machines.
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