California Extreme is the "Classic Arcade Games Show". Its annual two day Show features tournaments, speakers, parts vendors, and an opportunity to play games you may have not seen for years. [more information]
Merit Industries is proud to announce the release of Megatouch 7-Encore Edition. With this new software package, owners of Megatouch 260 games can treat their players to brand new content as well as an impressive new look. [more information]
Elaine Hodgson, President and CEO of Incredible Technologies, announced today the acquisition of the Silent Partner Route Management Software system. Silent Partner will be added to the ITNet Universe of services for the coin-op industry. [more information]
* Sega To Release Go Kart Game??
* Nintendo To Open Pokemon Shops Around World
* Square To List on NASDAQ, Enter Movie Biz
* SNK Move Into Aruze HQ
* Konami Raise Fiscal Year Forecast
* Konami Get FIFPro Soccer License [more information]
In an unbelievable series of events it appears that some local UK councils are starting to charge sites rates for their machines. Westminster council has started to increase rates on places were coin op equipment is introduced, so making the operator liable for the increase. [more information]
Enthusiasm over the TournaMAXX™ Global Player Ranking™ system keeps growing every day as Merit's Summer Sizzler 2000 tournaments are winding down.
The Summer Sizzler tournaments were the first opportunity that operators and customers in the United States and Canada had to test out the new TournaMAXX™ system and experience its capabilities for themselves. [more information]
Operators will have a chance to discuss all the ins and outs of Golden Tee Fore! at a special technical seminar to be held Friday, September 22 at 8:30am in Rooms 229-230 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. [more information]
The Large Spanish Group Cirsa have sold 4.9% of their company to the Italian communications and technology company Olivetti for around 81 Million Euros. [more information]
Sega USA has reorganised their distribution network and have included innovative ideas where distributors can now order parts online and receive account balances via the internet.
In the longer report, we have pictures of the latest distributor meeting. [more information]
Incredible Technologies (IT) with the assistance of Ontario-based Starburst Coin Machines, is closer than ever to releasing an online tournament version of their mega-popular Golden Tee Fore! to the Canadian market.
IT is currently creating a special online software version of Golden Tee Fore! for exclusive use in Canada. The software will include Canadian coinage and pricing, and will offer both Tournament and League Play formats. [more information]
Sega Enterprises, Inc. (USA), (SEU) invited its frontline distributors to their San Francisco headquarters to showoff the fall product lineup and to introduce new Internet based services. Also revealed was Sega's new distributor policy, one that focused on the "partnership" relationship the company wishes to foster between itself and it's distribution network.
"This meeting was the culmination of several months of intense effort and focus made by the entire Sega staff and our distributor partners," stated SEU President & Chief Operating Officer Al Stone. "Judging by the reaction of our guests, the hard work was well worth-while." [more information]
* New Namco Coin-Op Driver To Use PS2 Board
* Namco To Bow New Gun Game: "Ninja Assault"
* Capcom To Sell Direct
* Konami Use Net For Product Ideas
* Another Konami R&D Sub. to List [more information]
During the next two days, Highwaygames is undergoing a major upgrade including moving to a quicker server.
Please accept our apologies should the service be affected during this time. [more information]
With the changes in the law for operation of AWPs, Expolonia 2000 - Poland's Amusement & Gaming trade show is expecting a strong turnout. [more information]
Less than a year after opening their UK office, Nova Games Germany have decided to close down making their MD John Brennan redundant Industry vet John Brennan is believed to be in talks with a number of high profile companies including the Namco subsidiary Brent Leisure. [more information]
* Sony Set PS2 Release Date for Europe.
* Konami Sub-Licences Jap. Baseball Rights to Sega.
* Jaleco Bought Out By HK Net Company.
* Capcom Vs. SNK Tourney in Japan. [more information]
Sega Enterprises, Inc. (USA), (SEU) announces the addition of veteran coin-op sales executive David "Dave" Drouillard as International Sales Manager. Drouillard's responsibilities will involve the management and development of the South American marketplace for Sega coin-op games. "We're extremely pleased to have Dave on our team," stated SEU Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Barbara Joyiens. "Dave's professionalism and knowledge of the marketplace will be of tremendous benefit to both Sega and our Latin American customers. Dave is an integral part of our overall effort to establish Sega as the leader of coin-op entertainment in this growing market." [more information]
Increase earnings and help your customers understand game play with these <a href="/machine_display.php3?machine_id=1285">hints</a> or go straight to these track <a href="http://www.stas.net/dgsj/cart_fury.html">shortcuts</a>. [more information]
With the help of Psikyo, we are pleased to show advanced pictures and screen shots of Dragon Blaze, their new vertical shooting game which will be displayed at the upcoming Jamma Trade Show.
Please follow this <a href="/machine_display.php3?machine_id=1334">link</a> for pictures and details. [more information]
* Konami Takes Further Step Towards Pachi-Slot Profits.
* Shinjuku "Joypolis" To Be Closed.
* Konami Ties Up With Universal Music for Euro Dance Game.
* Sega, Sony Invest in Same Game Developer. [more information]
Merit Industries, one of the world's leading amusement video touch screen games manufacturers has recently opened an office in Wiesbaden, Germany, under the direction of Merit's new Vice President of European Operations, Peter Kuhn. [more information]
In addition to this week's story, we thank IT for their official response for granting AMD exclusive agency in Australia.
We spoke to Bruce Colbourne earlier this week who mentioned that this project could only be handled by one company successfully and that he will be working closely with IT to make it a success in Australia. [more information]
Cart Fury is cart racing simulation game which ultilises graphics and animation technology to simulate realistic damage to the carts as they race around the track, from minor damage to the framework and tyres to shedding pieces off the cart. The Cart can even totally collapse causes it to skid out and explode, the player can watch the damage done gradually heal over time. Game features 10 drivers and 12 tracks. [more information]
Arcades in London are currently being plagued by daylight robberies, these attacks consist of a gang of youths storming the premises holding up the staff and customers at knife point and crowbarring the AWPs (Amusement with Prize fruit machines) to get the money out. [more information]
NSM one of the leading suppliers of Juke boxes to the industry have sold their business to a Management team headed by Barry Kirby in the UK. Barry Kirby has worked for NSM for the last 10 years and has been the driving force behind their success in the UK and Ireland.
The deal means that the UK headquarters in Leeds will oversee the subsidiaries in the USA and Germany and the European manufacturing plant will now be moved in Leeds.
NSM will also now be developing their remote jukebox concept, more on this will follow. [more information]
With the recently announced exclusive distribution contract between Incredible Technologies and AMD Australia, some questions have been asked about the possible double standard by AMD. [more information]
With a wide selection of representatives in the amusement and leisure industries, this year's well organised AAE Trade Show was seen successful by most people involved.
Due to the Chinese restrictions in the amusement industry(as reported previously), attendance was down however the show still attracted high quality vistors.
For a full summary of exhibitors please follow this <a href="http://www.stas.net/dgsj/exhibitors.html">link</a>. [more information]
In an interesting twist, the local Hong Kong SNK agent is offering customers rebates if they keep their King of Fighters 2000 for 10days. [more information]
The Grid is a futuristic game show that takes sporting events to a different level, where contestants battle each other in a virtual-reality, holographic computer generated arena known as The Grid. Up to six players can compete in front of the studio audience using weapons, super moves (powers) and regular combat. [more information]
Psikyo have been developing a strong vertical shooting game titled, "Dragon Blaze" which will be demonstrated at the upcoming Jamma Trade Show. [more information]
We were sorry to hear that Rachael Davies will be leaving Midway shortly, she has been a very friendly member of the Midway team and will certainly be missed. We understand that she is going into the Music Business. [more information]
The much anticipated KOF2000 was released today in Japan. The game features 5 new faces giving a total of 34 fighters, 8 teams, and new features like the "Another Striker".
Please follow this <a href="/machine_display.php3?machine_id=1164">link</a> for pictures and details. [more information]
Following on from Cruising Exotica, Midways latest game Fury Cart Racing, is proving to be a winner with its testing locations around the world.
The game includes world champion drivers like Andretti, Fittapaldi and Montoya and has some very special track locations like Rio, Surfers Paradise and Frankfurt.
Players that have tested this game have been very impressed with the fire effects when the 'turbo' is initiated. The game is scheduled for global release end of August to early September and from what we have heard so far its a strong buy. [more information]
Amusement Expo 2000, Australia's premier event for serious coin machine operators, will be held at the Hyatt Regency Coolum on 25th - 28th October. [more information]
Excellent Soft Design is soon to release their new game, Come on Baby. Choose from 6 babies and compete in 12+ relay sports games. The game features 3D graphics, superior sound and specially designed cabinet.
To view a sample picture of the cabinet please press the icon on the left. [more information]
* Konami's Kozuki Hot on Mobile Phone Games
* Jaleco Looks To Beer
* On-Line Game Boy
* Konami To Distribute 3rd-Party DVD Software
* Illegal Copies of D'Cast Games On Net
* Sega's Digital Network Arcades Take Shape [more information]
We have received news from Sega UK following our comments that the jury is still out and find income reports from the first test units doing extremely well on site. [more information]
The Asian Amusement Expo opened with enthusiasm with a strong focus on technology and future product development. A full report coming soon. [more information]
As a major industry setback, Chinese Congress has made it illegal for the China coin op industry to import and distribute new equipment. In a move which will see many people suffer, from this Monday it is illegal for any company or person in China to import coin operated equipment and parts and sell to each other. [more information]
It is with pleasure we introduce Frank Seninsky, president of the US AMOA & Alpha Omega Group. Frank is a 30 year veteran in coinop and we welcome him as guest writer.
His first report is on Distribution which was featured recently in Replay Magazine. [more information]
With the strong push of unity, AALARA showcased the leading amusement, leisure and recreational industries at the Royal Pines Resort.
To read more about the Trade Show and the exhibitors please click <a href="http://www.highway.net.au/aalarashow.html">here</a> [more information]
Namco is set to release their new range of products to distributors shortly. Art Truck, Galaxian Fever, Shooting paradise and Kart Duel are now displayed in the Product Section of Highwaygames. Please follow this <a href="http://www.highwaygames.com/arcade-machines/search.html?manufacturer=130&year=2000">link</a> for pictures and details. [more information]
Computer software and books are set to follow the path of CD's which had parallel import controls abolished in 1998. This leads a chance to opening the Coinop markets in Australia to outside sellers. [more information]
Konami has deals with Microsoft allowing Microsoft right of first refusal to publish Konami games on PC while Konami has a similar five-year deal with Universal giving Konami right of first refusal on all Universal properties. [more information]
Each amusement centre will feature game terminals that enable players to compete with players at other locations as well as watch movies,cartoons, music video clips and sporting events. The centers will also have refreshment areas. [more information]
It has been established this week that the President of Bacta - Simon Thomas, Director and Chairman Brian Meaden, Vice President Designate - Tim Batstone, and ATE Director - Roger Withers may have conflicts of interest with their association in Leisurehub. [more information]