After System 2006's outstanding performance, it was just a question of time until some of the top games move onto multiplayer mode. This has happened just a few days ago: Quiz Show, Double Jack and Clockwork are now available in multiplayer mode, where they fascinate players in 17 countries throughout the world on a daily basis. Here too country-overlapping hit parades are beginning to emerge. While "Swimming" leads the statistics, "Billiard" and "Quiz Maniac" are competing for second place. It remains to be seen in the coming weeks, whether one of the new games will make it to the top.
In total there are now nine multiplayer games available (in Germany it's even ten including "Skat"). The online playing experience remains to be a special kick for many, funworld's chief marketing and sales officer, Marco Huter, included: "This is where one really experiences just how the world is turned into a global village, which one wants to be a part of."
Co-players' photographs and (nick-)names are displayed for all to see. A special challenge is to play credits in a game. The quick sending of short messages too is possible. Language barriers are no longer an obstruction: messages are automatically displayed in the particular co-player's country language.
3/4/06 - Successful ENADA in Rimini with attractive Offers
Annually, the ENADA in Rimini marks the launch of the Italian spring season. The ENADA is a trade fair at which funworld's subsidiary, funworld Italy srl, is powerfully represented each year. The team around general manager Johann Mayr was able to attract much attention with the last months product innovations, the flexible Photo Play SPORTSTER Xtreme and System 2006, as well as with interesting leasing options. The changed legal situation made it necessary to produce a special Photo Play terminal range for this market. funworld was able to react quickly and has already completed first prototypes.
During this year's client event, product novelties were presented in detail to around seventy interested clients. Special emphasis was placed Photo Play's SPORTS ARENA. Games halls are widely available throughout Italy, therefore the significance of activities and decorative elements at the point of play were focussed on in particular. The concept met with much interest. The evening soon developed into an enthusiastic exchange of thoughts heightened by an outstanding meal of fish and seafood. Traditionally the gathering ended with a round of Grappa at midnight.
15/03/06 - Carfama is Photo Play partner for five further years
Carfama has been Photo Play's general agent in Spain since close to three years. Last week, during the Feria Andaluza del Recreativo 2006 in Malaga, an extension of the contract was officially signed. funworld's chief marketing & sales officer, Marco Huter, is pleased about the lasting collaboration: "We have found an optimal partner in Carfama, who were able to prove their ability to push Photo Play's market penetration on a continuing basis during the past months."
Apart from their strong power in sales and distribution, Carfama have invested a lot in marketing. Two trade fair appearances per year, a regular customer news magazine, the holding of national player championships and of intense customer events give proof of the great commitment. Beyond doubt, numerous clients from Spain will be present at the Photo Play World Games 2006 in Majorca.
9/3/06 - Crown Believe Sega's Ford Racing has the Legs to be a Classic Driver!
After a successful premier of Ford Racing Full Blown at ATEI, Sega Amusements Europe has sealed a deal with Crown Direct for the exclusive UK distribution rights for the new driver.
The new twin driver from Sega was kept under wraps until show day and was an immediate hit with players and operators. Seen as the most popular driver at the ATEI it appeals to all generations and features Ford cars across all eras from the classic Capri to the new Ford GT.
Mick Blanche, Crown's Sales Director said, "Sega is renowned for producing classic drivers and our customers were telling us they wanted Ford Racing. Sales at the show were very strong, and enough for us to be able commit to a significant number. We were delighted to be able to get the exclusive as sales continued to come in after the ATEI and have now almost sold through our initial commitment".
Paul Williams added, "The response to Ford Racing Full Blown was very strong and we are please that Crown were able to take a large proportion of the first production. The support for this product has been very positive across all territories and we are already looking to commit to further productions, particularly with strong orders from America and Asia".
Ford Racing is uniquely designed with an inbuilt software upgrade that will automatically update the all cabinets simultaneously with new cars and tracks at a preset date.
Sega Amusements Europe Ltd is pleased to announce the expansion of its Marketing team by the appointment of Mark Beauchamp as Promotions Executive.
He will take up the newly created role and initially be responsible for managing the promotion of WCCF as well as overseeing the continued roll out of further units across the UK. He will manage a team of soon to be appointed promotions staff. "The creation of this new promotions team adds to the dedication and commitment that Sega are putting behind WCCF", commented Sega's Justin Burke.
Many in the industry will be aware of Beauchamp as he has worked for Sega on a freelance basis over the past three years promoting Derby Owners Club, WCCF and through his presence at UK trade shows for the company. "Mark has excellent people skills bringing a new depth of experience and insight to the team and will be able to dedicate his efforts towards WCCF, he is greatly respected at all the locations he has come into contact with over the past three years we are delighted he has agreed to join us on a full time basis", continued Justin Burke on this latest appointment.
Talking about the importance of WCCF Burke offered that "the multiplayer format has been a pivotal product in the regeneration of arcades in Japan and we are confident that we will have a similar effect within Europe. However the product is very different from traditional video and requires a great deal of promotion to educate both the players and the operators. Mark will be able to converse directly with both the operators and players to promote the game".
