The Stinger Report's gaze into the crystal ball for 2010 (updated)

As 2010 in finally upon us, it’s a good time to take a look further into trends we can expect to see throughout the rest of the year. Thanks to Kevin Williams of The Stinger Report for bringing us this look!

– ‘Crystal Ball Gazing on “Digital Out-of-Home Entertainment” Trends 2010’

It is that time of the New Year when our free trade e-Newsletter (The Stinger Report)– likes to ponder some of the issues that will impact the international amusement  industry – and this year we thought we would give Arcade Heroes a sneak peak at our observations:

– KidTainment

The explosion of its popularity in Japan has been one of the many under reported stories of the amusement scene – though the growing following from the vital 6-12 age group and increased revenue, will prove harder to sideline in the New Year.

– Adults Rediscover Arcade

The ‘StayCation’ mentality of the Generation Z audience sees chains that mix food, drink and games gain greater mobility – all shaped by offering new game designs only available out-of-home in a social networking environment.
– Metal Gear Solid Arcade

One of the big shake-ups of E3’09 – the news of a arcade version of the popular Konami franchise – will get its first airing in March 2010… we hope!
– Diorama Amusement

Unique game systems using model dioramas that players control – the development of more physical elements to the amusement experience an immerging trend in the development of the genre.

– Connected Racers


Along with Taito (Top Speed) – Konami and Global VR (NASCAR-2) are all proposing to release amusement drivers with a connected (broadband) element – reminiscent of the 1998 ‘San Francisco Rush The Rock: Wave Net’ released by Atari.
– Co-Op & Multi-Players

The unique element of audience participation has been expanded into the amusement game experience with the increased inclusion of co-operative play. Though an element attempted by consumer casual gaming – amusement dose it better and bigger!

– Unique Interfaces

Though amusement may have done it first – it is still playing catch up on the Nintendo Wii in the home and new plans from Sony and Microsoft – 2010 will see the increased investment in special interface amusement – able to be better executed out-of-home!

These are just some of the possible big developments of 2010 – how many more will shape the amusement and attraction scene, represented as the ‘Digital Out-of-Home Entertainment’ sector, will be interesting to watch!