Project, the London-based games developer, has announced that it will be unveiling the latest generation of its Server Based Gaming offering, Player’s Choice, at ICE 2008.

The system, which has been running successfully in both the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic, will house a compendium of five games including the Roulette-based Chip & Spin, the 20-line, five-reel animated Finders Keepers, Joker Poker, Super Lotto and traditional Roulette. Project’s SBG solution features a proven back of house system that delivers high level, real-time management reporting and provides the customer with the ability to remotely download new games to the terminal. The back office system includes a flat screen monitor, scanner, PC and keyboard. Project has increased its Server Based Gaming machine density having secured a contract to supply additional terminals for operational use in a chain of arcades and bars in the Czech Republic.

Managing Director Tony Boulton said: “Our system has a good pedigree operating in both the UK and Europe. Our niche within the market is the ability to deliver smaller network solutions at an affordable cost and I believe that it is an exciting development for the company, offering huge opportunities in international markets.”

Namco Europe launches Kiddie Rides Division with Chris Bell as General Manager

Namco Europe has completed a major strategic business development with the formation of a dedicated Kiddie Rides Division. The Division, which will be inaugurated at ATEI, is being headed-up by well known kiddie ride expert Chris Bell who has been appointed to the post of General Manager. Chris, who has 25 years experience in the industry, 20 of which gained in the Kiddie Ride sector, reports directly to Namco Europe Managing Director John McKenzie.

“Our Kiddie Rides division is an important strategic addition to the overall Namco Europe business offering,” stated John McKenzie. “Our aim is to provide operators with the broadest range of high earning fun-based family equipment and Kiddie Rides are an integral part of that philosophy.” He continued: “Chris Bell represents a great appointment with his professionalism, breadth of excellent contacts and encyclopaedic knowledge of the sector. Bringing Chris on board is a clear sign of our intent to take the new division forward.”

Reflecting on his new role, Chris Bell said: “Working for a company of such standing and substance in the product sector that is closest to my heart represents a wonderful opportunity. I spent over two decades working in the Kiddie Rides business and to be involved in the start-up of a new division is fantastic. ATEI can’t come fast enough and I look forward to meeting up with colleagues and clients in London.”

The Kiddie Rides Division of Namco Europe will be showing a range of licensed and non-licensed kiddie rides from stand U2340/34 at ATEI.

Funtastic Business: Strong Concepts for your success
funworld with new multi-product strategy

Intelligent entertainment – networked games world-wide: with PHOTO PLAY, innovator funworld has been presenting an impressive performance record since 1980. With much foresight as well as the courage to run a risk, company founder Josef Öhlinger set the course for extraordinary decisions that were to be crowned by success. Öhlinger brought the touch-screen era to Europe and positioned PHOTO PLAY with its “positive games” that are devoid of violence, pornography and gambling.
Now he and his ambitious team have adopted a new strategy that stands for more products covered by the funworld umbrella brand. While development and sales of networked games systems in the touch-screen sector will remain to be the essence, further business areas covered by the new “funworld – A winning Partnership” claim were successfully integrated: Touch Toy provides positive playing for the youngest, BET-solutions the complete infrastructure required for the sports betting business and fun|select offers  a clever selection of products that stands for top takings. Naturally, PHOTO PLAY will continue to form the core of the company. The brand-new System 2008 with twelve new games and interesting features has proved remarkable during its launch.
Company boss, Josef Öhlinger, sees the take-over of “BET-solutions” as an essential step into the future. Based on sound technological expertise, special knowledge of the betting industry was bundled and set on a firm footing. Nevertheless, Öhlinger also deems fun|select’s potential to be acutely high: “The dynamics provided by simple games concepts such as ‘Stacker’ or ‘Music-Changer’ are extremely promising.”
funworld’s complete range will be first presented with a completely new brand appearance at the IMA in Düsseldorf and the ATEI in London. For this, one of the German-speaking region’s largest advertising agencies has created a punchy new advertising line.  “A winning Partnership” will be something to be remembered.

Products can be seen at the following shows:

IMA,  Düsseldorf, Booth 8a / H20
ATEI, London, Booth U2300

Modelling the success of Sega Prize Japan – Sega Amusements Europe are about to launch their own Prize Program – Sega Prize Europe. Walking on the shoulders of giants, the Sega Prize Europe team aim to build on Japan’s most impressive credentials – over 50 million pieces of plush a year.

On the other side of the world Sega Prize U.S.A (formed in 2006) captured a valuable segment of the market by becoming the sole supplier of Disney plush to the leisure industry in North America and Canada. Sega Prize Europe has hit the road running pre-launch with a unique combination of its Sega UFO Catcher, huge prize portfolio and an enviable catalogue of dedicated global licences– a proven formula for success.

“The phenomenal results of the Sega UFO catcher (£2000 per week in some locations), plays a major part with the launch of Sega Prize Europe” says Alan Smith – head of the New Sega Prize Europe Division. “Because of the unique way that the UFO functions, with players testing their Skill against the prizes and machine, we can utilise boxes and with boxes comes a whole plethora of additional products that we can offer to the market place” continued Mr Smith.

The addition of Sega Prize Europe to the World wide “Prize Team” contributed to the successful acquisition of the global licence for “The Golden Compass”.  Trevor Clarke the newly appointed business development manager for Sega Prize Europe commented “Sega Prize (Worldwide) are a global player, Europe is backed by heavy support from our counterparts enabling Sega to identify and acquire more global licences and offer our customers, relevant, timely product in every market”.

Sega Prize Europe is dedicated to providing a wide range of high spec, high quality products specifically tailored to the Sega UFO Catcher and the amusement market in general. The additional benefit to operators is a “One Stop One Call ordering service” simplifying the process of ordering. This “Complete Solution” provided by Sega Prize Europe is on view for all to see at the ATEI in London in January 08.

The Sega stand will feature the “UFO catcher experience” and a range of hand-picked merchandise from Sega Prize Europe.

Merit Entertainment announces the release of their latest Sneak Peek Game- Luxor 2. This highly anticipated sequel to one of Merit’s highest-earning games ever automatically downloads to all MegaNet-connected Megatouch IONs.

Luxor 2 takes players on a mystical journey through ancient Egypt. The non-stop action, killer power-ups, and hundreds of gorgeous levels will draw players in huge numbers, resulting in a booming cashbox for operators.

Sneak Peek Games are free to all MegaNet-connected IONs (including the Aurora). Merit reminds operators that MegaNet itself is free for any broadband connected Megatouch linked to an AMI jukebox.

“Our past Sneak Peek Games like Photo Pop and Beer Pong 21 have really given MegaNet operators a huge competitive advantage,” said Colin Higbie, Merit’s Director of Marketing. “Megatouch IONs already out earn all other countertops, so connecting your machines and accessing hot Sneak Peek Games like Luxor 2 months before anyone else really maximizes your earnings.” 

For 30 years, Merit has ensured long-term return on investment for operators by providing continually high-earning equipment along with updates and upgrades for its products. With an installed base of over 250,000 touch-screen games garnering nearly 4.6 billion plays per year, Merit Entertainment is the worldwide leader in touch-screen entertainment devices. Merit Entertainment products appear globally in a wide array of venues and appeal to an almost limitless demographic. Merit continues to expand its position in the industry with ever-increasing entertainment, content, and new games. The company maintains a website with all the latest information at www.meritgames.com.