Stinger Report - 09/11/2020

TSR Newsletter | November 9, 2020

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-- The Stinger Report: Service Message --

The Global Digital Out-Of-Home Entertainment (DOE) Sector covered in The Stinger Report .

Wishing all our subscribers, famlies, loved ones, (and those serving) stay safe and well.

Kevin Williams

Publisher, The Stinger Report (TSR)

The Roadmap Ahead for Entertainment

Part 1 | # 1045

Report Skinny

The only way to “Stay-Up-To-Date” regarding the new phases of immersive entertainment is with The Stinger Report. In this new series, we look at the Virtual Exhibition Scene – in particular the Blooloop V-Expo, the VR LBE Summit and new physical event dates. Meanwhile, the main part of the report covers the New Showroom on the Amusement Industry, and the successful first UNIS Showcase virtual event, along with an extensive selection of new releases.

Main Report

Moving on towards how the vital exhibition and convention industry can play a part in a lockdown market, and the latest video conferenced gatherings are covered, with some unusual developments and innovations that were collected from this cacophony of online events.

- Virtual Exhibition Scene

New developments in the industry were revealed during Blooloop V-Expo – a virtual conference and exhibition organized by the UK attraction trade media service. The three-day event offered a chance for the attractions and FEC industries to get together – the closest approximation to holding an actual event. During the event, presentations were given by many executives from across the trade. New launches included other new developments: LAI Games revealed their new digital supported hoops game (‘Slam ‘N’ Jam’); AlterFace Projects revealed their new interactive dark ride attraction (‘Action League’); and many other new announcements with technology and application presentations were given by the likes of Sally Dark Rides as well as CAVU, who discussed the technology applications in modern attractions, such as immersion. An obvious increase in interest for LBE and FEC development to diversify away from exclusive theme park investment was seen – for example, Lionsgate revealed they were planning to develop LBE based exhibitions, experiences, and live events. This investment is not at a detriment to their wider theme park investment as the company revealed, after the conference, that it had green-lighted the expansion of the Lionsgate Zone at the Dubai MOTIONCATE, the region’s largest immersive theme park. This will see the launch of a franchised ‘John Wick and Now You See Me’ roller coaster – scheduled to open in early 2021.

Back at the V-Expo, and one of the most highly anticipated presentations was from the chief executive of The London Resort – the UK consultancy theme park project in the final stage of submitting its concept for evaluation by the English government. Revealed was more of the overview and a fly-through of the entrance and surroundings of the site. One of the new additions was the “Colosseum” – the operator’s interpretation of an eSports venue to support the resort. Submitting the proposal at the end of the year, for an extended three-month review process, the operators are hoping for a decision from the inspectorate to present to government to consider, possibly, by the end of the following year. The Blooloop event closed with a great private quiz show, organized on the new platform, Two Bit Circus – Remote. The video conference-based experience proved a great success and fun a way to wind down and illustrated the power of this form of social entertainment (The Stinger Report will look at this application later in the report). Overall, the Blooloop event proved a commendable first effort and the organizers felt it offered a valuable (beta) platform the industry to build on.

Concerning an actual industry conference that took part recently, and another innovative take in presenting a virtual exhibition experience in VR was achieved from event organizers (VR World Arcade) of the VR LBE Summit 2020. This fifth event focused on the independent VR arcade operation scene, and took the bold step to actually hold the event in VR – allowing attendees to log in using their app. The event, sponsored by Microsoft, saw a virtual expo hall, along with a packed two-day conference session, that saw the leading topics impacting VR arcade operators, developers, and investors. Several thought-provoking panel sessions took place, with delegates from Ubisoft, Zero Latency, Raw Thrills and HP, to just name four. LAI Games gave a rundown regarding the thinking and development of ‘Virtual Rabbids: The Big Ride’, the highest earning unattended VR attraction. Another event held in a virtual reality representation of an exhibition was the Bristol VR Labs (BVR 2.0). The event was held on the platform AltspaceVR and included a presentation on the state of the XR commercial entertainment scene by Stinger Report owners KWP (a video from the session can be found on The Stinger Report’s Facebook page).

Regarding the continuing upheaval in the event organization scene, and the latest event date postponements and changes were announced during October. First off, the brand new ShowUp virtual event announced that it had moved to February 1-to-3 2021, to avoid a logjam of virtual events taking place in October and November following the implosion of the IAAPA physical event. Following this announcement, the Middle East convention calendar reflected the date changes seen in Europe and North America. The Dubai Entertainment Attractions and Leisure (DEAL) was first to reveal a postponement of their planned March event to a new May 17-19 2021 date; while Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo (SEA), scheduled for February, also pushed back to a new June 1-3 2021 date. Hopes are, in the exhibition community, that physical events will be able to recommence for the latter part of 2021. Speculation is still high that the newly rescheduled Amusement Expo International, in May 5-7 2021, will be the first physical trade show for the international sector (we shall keep you abreast of developments).

- New Showroom on the Amusement Industry

An example of the new marketing and promotion focus for those manufacturers looking to move forwards was seen at the UNIS Showcase 2020. Well known international developer and distributor UNIS Technology, refocusing the amazing effort they normally put into their IAAPA show floor presence, into a virtual conference event that went above and beyond. It was a slick and professional event (using the Accelevents platform), with the standard format of a virtual expo floor and a selection of informative and eye-opening presentations (one of which was organized by Stinger Report owners KWP).

The company showed new amusement releases, first with ‘Bigfoot Crush’ – a “Kidtainment” video amusement piece in a two-player race, the title being a licensed release, based on the Bigfoot franchise, and is part of a series being rolled out. Next up, ‘Octonauts’ – based on the kiddie animated series, the licensed video kiddie-ride, the UNIS series features a three character-based video system and the ride is based on the edutainment element of the TV series. Then, returning to more conventional “Video Amusement”, with ‘Fishing Derby’ – a four-player fishing reeling game, emulating a competitive deep sea fishing competition, with casting and reeling action controlled by the player aiming to reel in the big catches.

A big surprise was ‘Elevator Invasion’ – based on the successful series of ‘Elevator Action’ from TAITO, and which UNIS has released in partnership with TAITO, to develop a 2020 interpretation of this game. This is a two-player shooter cabinet, with the players blasting waves of opponents; the cabinet has a 65’’ display and physical elevator doors. The game also incorporates a special design blast-back weapon. This takes the classic 1983 title and builds off inspiration from the 2011 TAITO release ‘Elevator Action Death Parade’. UNIS has co-partnered to release this new dedicated video shooter with powerups and hidden features. This game is the latest of the close affiliation between the legendary Japanese amusement factory and the international amusement manufacturer and distributor

Following on, ‘Smash Arena’ – a brand new concept for the table game, the air hockey concept has been married to a video display, so the player’s physical puck is tracked and represented on the screen as their puck passes over it. This is a “Mixed Reality” (MR) style game experience for two players, with the first employment of this kind of tech with air hockey following on from the MR skeeball concept seen from UNIS. Whereas ‘Star Crusader’ continues the popularity of the water powered video game, with a four-player configuration against a dedicated single 65’’ screen. These games are debuting in both the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021.

But beyond the conventional amusement, UNIS presented their new strategy to grow their market share. The company launching a brand new and innovative range of products under the ‘Elite Park’ brand – dedicated “Mid-Scale Attraction” style offerings. In a presentation, the origins of exercise gaming were revealed by KWP, along with their importance as a new aspect of active entertainment. UNIS went on to show a range of highly physical games that incorporate, in some cases, a “Exergaming” element to the play. These game systems are seen as highly competitive multiplayer systems. First off the starting blocks was ‘Pogo Jump’ – with four players using individual, special jumping mat controllers to jump the character to victory, represented on a 55’’ screen. The enclosure is linkable up to six systems, with a touchscreen operator and score system. This reflects an “eSports” element that many of these designs incorporate. The range of systems incorporate a leaderboard feature for score retention.

Next up was UNIS’ ‘Hyper Glide’ – the system has four players sitting astride a unique peddle powered craft, using human power and their skills to steer their craft in a race through the skies, avoiding balloons and attempting to beat the other players, clearly inspired by the 1996 BANDAI NAMCO title ‘Prop Cycle’. Next up from UNIS was ‘Rowing Champ’ – a human powered rowing game, that has four players racing in a frantic white water competition, avoiding hazards and attempting to beat the competition. The system uses a unique rowing interface. Also reminiscent of the BANDAI NAMCO 1997 game ‘Rapid River’, without the problematic pneumatics.

It is fascinating to consider that over 20-years ago, the NAMCO concept of a more physical involvement in the game would evolve into what we are now seeing with the resurgence of interest in Exergaming. As KWP covered in its presentation during UNIS Showcase 2020, along with the Dancing Stage concept originated by KONAMI in their BEMANIA line, and what NAMCO originated with their “Body Joystick” style range of titles (including ‘Alpine Racer’, Final Furlong’, and ‘Prop Cycle’ to mention just three), we are at the launch of another phase of physical interaction in the gaming experience – we look forward to what will be created during this adoption.

Already released, the TAITO collaboration with UNIS – ‘On Point’ offers its unique physical AirSoft shooting with digital screen and has been configured into its own enclosure variant with four-player network action. And while still in concept, the final release will follow the enclosure methodology that UNIS is employing across the ‘Elite Park’ range, as well as supporting an eSports leaderboard capability to generate repeat visitation. Also, one of the bigger of the multiplayer systems on show from UNIS, and this time not incorporating a physical element, was ‘Formula Racer’. This is a full motion four-player F1-style racing attraction. This was another game representing the eSports aspirations of the ‘Elite Park’ – and the greater investment in a mid-scale attraction presentation. This was reminiscent of the extremely popular 1992 SEGA amusement attraction, ‘Virtual Formula’.

The important point that UNIS wanted to underline about these games, is the modularity of the concept, using the ‘UNIS Intelligent Gaming System’ (UIGS) – based on an Android operation system and supporting online connection. With this ability for the multiple play units to be broken out, there was also a special coin-op kiosk that could be incorporated for traditional amusement deployment. The systems will be sold both as single and double units, as well as the full enclosure, customized by UNIS to meet the needs of the operators’ available space. The UIGS is a collaboration with Shiruan, with the payment handling system used in Asia by UNIS’ parent company with their Shiruan Amusement Entertainment System (AEMS); used by countless Asian amusement operators.

Several concepts for other enclosure physical attraction games were shown, including ‘Trampoline Double’, another unique jumping tracking system linked to physical play and ‘Boxing’ using unique boxing interface. ‘Soccer’ uses a screen ball tracked enclosure, and ‘Basketball’ has tracked balls and a large enclosure for safety of audience and players. Many of the ‘Elite Park’ range seems to encapsulate the concept of mid-scale attractions as touched on in our previous Stinger Report, offering a much more compelling audience and player experience. The inclusion of exergaming allows the motivation of gamification to encourage a fitness regime and workout. There is a strong possibility that these systems will find a life outside of the amusement scene, with gyms and leisure facility installation. One surprise addition to the exergaming range of Elite Park, was the appearance ‘Spin Racer’ – a game experience that used a giant ball controller for the player to rotate to control their character on screen.

Not all that UNIS showed in their presentations focused on amusement, eSports, and exergaming – the company had one more surprise up its sleeve. UNIS is fully investing in the creation of a “Consumer” line for the corporation (the consumer division started some five years ago). Already covered in previous Stinger Reports, UNIS had released this home game, ‘Bowl Master’, based on the amusement parent. One of UNIS’ first consumer lines was the ‘ATARI PONG’ coffee table, based on the collaboration towards the physical game experience that went on to be released into the amusement scene. And at the Showcase, UNIS revealed their ‘ATARI Mini PONG Jr.’ – the latest retro handheld to enter the market. To be launched in December, early prototype units were shown in action, with the new LCD display handheld allowing one- and two-player PONG action, with one-player games possible using inbuilt AI. Built in partnership with the team behind the success consumer and amusement ATARI PONG range, this system hopes to prove a strong draw to a new audience.

Regarding another amusement company that announced exploring the consumer console scene. Polycade, the start-up with the heavy retro vibe and social gaming focus, announced they would be launching the ‘Polycade AGS’ (Arcade Game Software). The system plugs into the owner’s PC or laptop and turns it into a Polycade video game system – with access to their extensive library of 90 retro and original pieces of content. This would be supported by the Polycade Arcade Controller, offering amusement style controls, and was described by the founder as “designed to bring arcade-style gaming to the couch!” This is a dedicated move into the consumer scene, after the company’s original Kickstarter to launch Polycade, offering both consumer and commercial wall mounted cabinets. However, they only achieved sales of some 70 units from a Kickstarter investment of some $125,000. This new venture is supported by an Indiegogo campaign.

Returning to UNIS Showcase 2020 and the consumer investment, and the company showed they will be launching the ‘Elite Games Basketball’. It was revealed that home-basketball is one of the popular spends for the average home, and this consumer interpretation of the amusement piece hoped to draw attention, comprising a fitness and game mode. The manufacturer continued plans to bring exergaming into the home and continued with the launch of the ‘UNIS Intelligent Gaming System’ (UIGS) – this home entertainment platform offers access to a library of games aimed at offering active gaming. The system is monitored and connected with unique interfaces, such as the ‘Elite Games Trampoline’, that has the players jumping on the mini trampoline interface while playing special active game experiences.

And finally, at the end of a barrage of new releases, the company lauched ‘UNIS SantiCare’ – a facility sanitation platform. The disinfection misting system allows the facility and its game machines to be effectively sanitized. And so, concluded the first UNIS Showcase – a virtual event, and what a gathering. It was clear to see the company doubled down on a new approach to the changing market, announcing the launch of key initiatives, such as their new web page incorporating virtual showrooms and a selection of attractive video amusement, with the entrance into the exergaming and mid-scale attraction scene through the Elite platform. All this and a compelling consumer lineup. But it was important to recognize that the UNIS Showcase 2020 was not all about promoting UNIS hardware, time and space was made for exhibitors and partners, with a virtual exhibition floor seeing a lot of operator interest in discussions and product reviews.

The whole event was a snapshot of the changed market, and how well a virtual event can be used as a launch pad for new thinking and investment in the industry’s future. IAAPA’s loss of an exhibition booth, was the industries gain for a great new way to do business.