LAI Games is preparing a notably substantial showcase for IAAPA 2024, with several new attractions being teased ahead of the exhibition. The company has now confirmed its principal new video game: Kaiju Rampage, an arcade light-gun shooter with a familiar origin.
From Monster Eye 3 to Kaiju Rampage
Earlier in 2024, Wahlap presented Monster Eye 3, a new gun game developed with IGS, at trade shows in China. Wahlap had indicated that the title would reach Western markets in August, but that release window passed without a broad announcement. A small number of tests were seen in Texas, home of LAI Games USA, offering an early clue about the game’s eventual route to North American arcades.
LAI Games has now confirmed that Monster Eye 3 will be distributed in Western markets under the name Kaiju Rampage. The reveal was included among the company’s headline announcements for IAAPA 2024.
The branding is new, but the connection remains visible: the game’s logo includes the wording “World of Monster Eye by IGS”. The first two Monster Eye games did reach the United States, although neither received major distribution. Amusement Source International acquired the sequel shortly before COVID-19, but relatively few locations purchased it.
A New Shooter for LAI Games
LAI Games has previously handled Western distribution for titles from Wahlap and IGS, including Asphalt 9 Legends Arcade, its virtual-reality edition and the more recent Asphalt Moto Blitz. The company has shown less emphasis on gun games in recent years, although it developed Outnumbered internally at the beginning of 2020. Kaiju Rampage therefore gives LAI a fresh entry in a category that has been relatively quiet in its own catalogue.
For operators considering different arcade machines, the title offers a large-format experience without relying on an established entertainment licence.
Unreal Engine 5 and Motion-Driven Play
Kaiju Rampage runs on Unreal Engine 5 and displays its graphics at 60 frames per second on a 65-inch 4K screen. Its motion sensor adds physical interaction to quick-time events, requiring players to move their bodies so their characters respond on screen.
The cabinet also incorporates a motion base and an enclosed design with dynamic sensor lighting. Those features could help the game stand out in family entertainment centres, particularly for venues seeking a substantial attraction that is not tied to a major licensed property.
Part of a Busy IAAPA Shooter Line-Up
At least five or six shooting games are expected to debut at IAAPA 2024 based on the titles announced so far. Alongside Kaiju Rampage, GoldStorm Pirates appears to be one of the major shooter attractions. The line-up also includes Skull Of Shadow, plus the videmption games Angry Birds Boom! and Carnival Shot.
Alpha Ops VR Strike may represent a new virtual-reality entry, while the final chapters of Godzilla Kaiju Wars VR are also scheduled to appear. That gives the exhibition at least two games with “Kaiju” in their names.
The changing mix is notable. After a period when virtually every major manufacturer seemed to bring a racing game to a trade show, shooters are once again becoming a prominent part of the arcade release calendar. Operators comparing formats can explore more arcade industry news or review the arcade machine buying guide before planning a venue line-up.
LAI Games’ game catalogue will provide further information as the exhibition approaches. For Australian venues and collectors, the key question is whether Kaiju Rampage will eventually appear at local locations after its IAAPA presentation.
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