The first arcade-industry roundup of 2024 covers Sega’s planned Japanese restructure, GENDA’s debut arcade title, a new Aka & Blue Type-R release, the upcoming EAG expo and more arcade and pinball news.
For Australian operators and collectors, these developments offer an early look at how major companies are approaching arcade hardware, location-based entertainment and specialist game releases this year. For more coverage, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog.
Sega Japan to become Sega Fave
Sega Sammy has announced that its Japanese amusement-machine business will be combined with Sega Toys at the beginning of April. The enlarged operation will be renamed Sega Fave. The company says the integration is intended to bring together the strengths of both businesses and create new forms of entertainment and “experiential value”.
The amusement machine division will be fully integrated into the former toy division, continuing a series of significant changes to Sega’s Japanese operations since 2020.
“We integrate our Amusement Machine business and Toy business, aiming to provide people with new entertainment based on the strengths of the mutual businesses and to offer a comfortable time and place in many scenes, and create new experiential value.”
The practical impact on arcade video-game development remains uncertain. Since Sega sold its Japanese location operations unit and merged its arcade and consumer-game development groups around 2020–21, its output has included substantial updates to established games such as Initial D The Arcade, Eiketsu Taisen and Chunithm New!, as well as the return of Virtua Fighter on APM3. However, Japan has seen relatively few entirely new video-arcade titles, with prize machines, medal games and photo booths continuing to represent a significant part of the business.
Sega Toys was also heavily involved in producing the Astro City Mini, so the new structure could create further opportunities for compact or retro-focused hardware. It is not yet known whether all remaining Japanese arcade video-game development will fall under Sega Fave, or whether the emphasis will remain primarily on products such as UFO Catchers.
A new Japanese OutRun arcade game therefore remains difficult to predict, although the restructure could eventually produce a more positive result. In Western markets, the Sega brand will continue through Sega Amusements; its branding and distribution agreement are not directly changed by this announcement.
GENDA reveals Breaking Down Arcade
GENDA, the company that acquired Sega’s former Japanese location operations in November 2020, is moving further into game development. Its first announced arcade title is Breaking Down Arcade, created in partnership with the Japanese athlete company named Breaking Down.
The concept closely recalls Sonic Blast Man, particularly the 2011 revival Sonic Blast Heroes. The new machine appears to use the same cabinet design associated with that earlier title, raising the possibility that Taito licensed the cabinet style for the project.
Breaking Down Arcade is scheduled to launch exclusively at 200 GiGO locations in Japan during spring. There is currently no information confirming a Western release, and an overseas version would likely require a different title and improved localisation.
ExA-Arcadia brings back Aka & Blue Type-R
ExA-Arcadia has announced a 2023 Edition of Aka & Blue Type-R, making the shoot ’em up available again after its original cartridge went out of production. The game was the first release for the exA-Arcadia platform when that system launched in 2019.
This edition features the latest software build and retains one frame of input lag. It also includes new artwork designed for Viewlix cabinets and one of four POP standees, giving operators additional promotional material for location use.
The art set and POP standees can be purchased separately. A Limited Edition set combines both items with a branded Sanwa joystick and button kit. Operators considering a new setup can also browse RETROCADE’s arcade parts range.
EAG 2024 approaches
EAG, the London amusement trade show formerly known as ATEI, is scheduled to begin on Tuesday next week. The event takes place each January and is expected to provide an early showcase of products and technology for the year ahead.
One exhibitor, UDC, has highlighted a rapid booth setup, offering a glimpse at the practical logistics behind preparing for a major industry expo.
Arcade and pinball releases from 2023
A review covering the major arcade and pinball releases of 2023 was initially available to members before being opened to all viewers on YouTube.
More arcade headlines
- Support an arcade operator whose wife is battling stage-four cancer.
- LAI Games releases a trailer for Asphalt Moto Blitz DX.
- Stern’s JAWS receives a gameplay video.
- Raw Thrills shows King Kong VR II in a new trailer.
- IAW speaks with DSM Arcade’s Dan about Perfect Pour.
- ColorDMD launches a display for Airborne pinball.
- Minecraft Dungeons Arcade is being tested in Japan.
- Direct footage captures the caribou in Big Buck Hunter Reloaded.
- An official topper is available for Scooby-Doo pinball.
- Retro Ralph examines new light-gun technology.
- A video explores the fighting games that challenged SNK’s dominance in China.
- Mercedes vehicles are being used to play arcade games—hopefully only when safely parked.
- A marble arcade cabinet is advertised for buyers with $100,000 to spend.
- Konami’s X-MEN coin-op receives an unofficial Sega Saturn port.
- Steam adds a Boomer Shooter category.
For readers planning a home setup, RETROCADE’s arcade-machine buying guide covers the key considerations before choosing a cabinet.
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