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| “American’s Nevada Extravaganza! – Part 1.” (#632) |
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| Written by Stinger Report | |
| Friday, 02 May 2008 | |
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Stinger REPORT Skinny! (30/03/08) It was the best of times – it was the worst of times! The bitter sweet lament seems to sum up the mixed feelings that greet those that attended Amusement Showcase International (ASI) this year. In this first part of the show report we look at the turbulence that has hit the Japanese satellites – reflected on the show floor with prominent departures, also the latest new video releases that have hit the US shores and the reality of the ‘Tekken 6’, and that of ‘Street Fighter IV’ appearance plans in the States.
Main REPORT: A good chunk of the American industry gathered for the 24th anniversary Amusement Showcase International (Mar. 24-27), in the smaller South hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, Nevada; this the inaugural show of the American amusement scene year. With over 134 exhibitors (down from last year’s 152) and seminar sessions the AAMA trade event offered a showcase for the trade’s present and future. The show proved telling to the industry’s health from the start, noticeable empty booths littering a small (South) hall layout and an apprehensive atmosphere”.The show also reflected the changing times that have shaken up the American amusement scene -- fundamentally the structure of Distributor, Operator and Manufacturer has been decimated and thrown into question, with the key dominant forces now exploded into a free for all, with all bets off regarding alliances and territorial agreements. Formerly known as the American Coin Machine Exposition (ACME) in 1984, the show’s big developments, rather than being new products, were the big name firings from leading Japanese factories’ American satellites. How the mighty have fallen was best reflected by the SEGA Amusement USA booth -- resembling a shadow of its former self. A booth that was hard to find off the main drag, again with no large signage. Rumors were that the company had changed its booth size at the last minute throwing the organizers into consternation. The fallout of Stinger reported corporate positioning that started at IAAPA'07 took shape at ASI. The company was reeling from the news that the president and CEO had gone and replaced by a new structure that sees direction from UK topper (the UK office?). Sources speak of a 20 per cent reduction in staffing in the Chicago office. A vast inventory of unsold products and extremely poor performance was blamed for the lay-offs. On (In) booth, 'Sega RaceTV' (LindBergh Hardware), seemed to be experiencing a difficult birth -- news from AOU'08 in Japan said the game was not setting fires, while a update, incorporating a password-saved customized vehicle mode was hoped to enthuse Asian and US players. The game was one of only two big video pushes on the booth. The Asian team US inspired shooter 'Primeval Hunt' (LindBergh Hardware) was the other video, a cluster of the deluxe machines actively being promoted, with a staffer strategically placed to help reticent operators with the unique touchscreen element -- a factor which got some stick from stubborn operators. The remainder of the booth consisted of a smattering of redemption and UFO Catchers. One surprise appearance gave a glimpse of the new multicultural development spin from the conjoined SEGA offices -- the UK developed 'Shoot This Win That' skill game. This was one of the few new products on booth and sadly missed by many US operators. No new videos not already seen in the UK or Japan and no ‘MiniRider 2’ simulator were shown. |
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| Last Updated ( Friday, 02 May 2008 ) |
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