The other day I was looking over the 2013 releases and upcoming list and one has to admit – it feels a little light compared to previous years. Given the time it takes to develop a game and bring it up to code of a solid earning title and a limited number of developers, I think we’ve just hit a slow spot with a lot going on behind the scenes. We don’t get to hear about those happenings too often since usually we only hear about games when they are pretty much ready to go. We’ve discussed a few games that should be coming out by the end of this year however so at least if we hold tight, more will be coming soon.
A lot of efforts are being put into creating the next big videmption game, aka a redemption piece where its a video game as opposed to a purely mechanical one. The latest attempt on that is Monopoly Arcade. The Monopoly concept has dabbled in video games before, although personally I have not attempted to play any of those versions. Also a few years ago Stern Pinball released Monopoly Pinball, which was certainly a unique way to bring the concept into the arcade realm.
This new version is being developed by Play Mechanix, Raw Thrills and ICE. This trio has been working together for a while, creating titles like Doodle Jump Arcade and the new Cut The Rope Arcade. In the trailer video here, which is directed more at operators who may potentially buy Monopoly, they also mention “the #1 redemption game of all-time!” which is referring to Deal or No Deal. It looks like the game is pretty much ready to go so it’s probably going to start popping up at arcades within the next month or two.
This is not the first time a monopoly game has been made for the arcade as their was one almost 20 years ago and some others too including one made by stern which I never knew about.
I see what you mean arcadeheroe about lack of announcements with games for the arcade as I don’t recall sega making any announcements as they normally have a private show around July time.
At least we have a rough idea with namco’s that will be due out including sonic storm wmmt4 and mariokart 3 if successful with banapass (fingers cross) but we still have the Japanese amusement show in September so maybe they’ll be more announcements
I’m not familiar with one made about 20 years ago, just another redemption piece but that was more mechanical than a video game.
As for annoucements, everyone has been lax on that it seems. The AAMA Gala was a couple of weeks ago and we’ve heard almost nothing from that event; AFAIK Namco and Raw Thrills showed nothing there. Batmobile was supposed to be there but they didn’t bring it. Sonic Storm hasn’t been seen in a while and given some cancellations (at least as far as we know – Cars Arcade and K.O. Drive look like they aren’t happening) I’d hate to see SS get the boot too but you never know. For the most part 2013 just feels kind of weak with most attention being given to new phone game->arcade development. At least we’ll have Batmobile, Transformers, Allied Tank Attack and maybe Sonic Storm by the end of the year to close it out a little stronger. Otherwise the only product anyone seemed really excited about this year were the beer pong games.
Admittingley it is sort of lack luster this year for arcade game announcements besides game we know are out in Japan but are unknown whether they come out west or not. Hopefully they’ll be some games anouncement in September time.
I completely forgot about batmobile game coming this year.
Seems sega may have gone quiet about K O drive sadly but cars arcade is still at my arcade though hasn’t it been released elsewhere?
Acording to coin-op news intergame EAG is to be the best show so maybe they know stuff we don’t possibly
Kieran, I just found out today that Cars Arcade was released in a very limited quantity by Raw Thrills, something below 500 units. It’s probably the most low-key release they’ve done but apparently the final version uses QR codes, which is something I did not see in the version I played in Vegas a few months ago.
This has to go down as the year that amusement changed to a smaller ‘cottage industry’ approach to marketing and promotion.
There is no excuse for the ineffectual promotion of new games – and the whole GALA and new Two day only Amusement Expo debacle will not be swept under the carpet so easily with the core amusement operators.
That ArcadeHeroes and The Stinger Report are the only services reporting new games in the wings seems to point to a trade that is duplicitous in private launches and hidden placement rather than a public image!