Halloween is just three days away, and the arcade’s biggest horror game is reawakening. Come and experience it first-hand on SEGA Amusements International’s stands S4602 and S4803 at IAAPA Orlando, 17th–20th November.
Nearly thirty years after it first arrived in arcades, House of the Dead returns in an attraction experience format. Ahead of the franchise’s 30th anniversary next year, SEGA Amusements International unveils its most ambitious build yet: a two-player, attendant-free horror attraction designed to anchor any location.
House of the Dead has been in arcades since 1997. There have been five amusement titles, plus spin-off movies and console games, and the series has a global following among horror fans and casual players alike. Every instalment has been a proven earner for operators.
“We’re proud to bring this quintessential horror game back to arcades in our most impressive build to date, all under one simple promise: ‘Dare to Experience’,” says Siraj Elkhawad, CEO of SEGA Amusements International. “With the franchise’s 30th anniversary just around the corner, this means a great deal to us. The House of the Dead brand has defined horror gaming for a generation, and reawakening it like this, for the very first time, felt like the only way to do that legacy justice.”
A chilling theme park-styled manor cabinet that turns heads
Long before anyone picks up a gun, the cabinet sets the atmosphere and becomes an irresistible draw. Modelled on the game’s own manor, it pairs two 43” vertical displays, the manor’s side windows, with an 85” display as the main entrance. At first, all you see is shuttered windows and a locked front door. Then the windows blow open, the door bursts wide, and onlookers get a glimpse of the horrors waiting inside.
Gothic detailing, animated lighting and a working clock tower give it presence on any floor and make it a selfie favourite. Every clip a player shares is an invitation from a friend.
Serious engineering, seriously scary
Behind the atmosphere sits some serious engineering. House of the Dead Reawakened runs on Unreal Engine 5, delivering VR graphics through the DPVR E4C, a commercial-grade, reliable headset. Screen-filling hordes of mutant creatures and horror environments are rendered in more detail than the arcade sector has seen before, all on dedicated hardware. As Justin Burke, COO at SEGA Amusements International, puts it: “Try telling your brain it’s not real.”
“Players don’t just watch the action, they feel surrounded by it,” adds Shinichi Ogasawara, Senior Game Designer.
Built to survive a busy floor
“We looked at the most common complaints operators raise about VR hardware, and cable damage topped the list, so we worked with DPVR to develop a custom-designed, armoured HMD cable harness. It’s been load-tested to 286lbs (130kg), and we’re confident enough in what we’ve built to back it with a full twelve-month warranty,” says Nigel Allison, Manufacturing & R&D Director.
The early verdict
“We previewed the game exclusively to some of the biggest global operators ahead of launch, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Since then, the questions we’ve had have all been about when production starts and how many units can be shipped,” says Justin Burke.
Secret location testing has produced a similar response. “We’re seeing players re-join the queue for a second, even third go, straight after finishing,” says Patrick Michael, Head of External Development & Partnerships. Early indications from R&D point to very strong earnings potential.
Dare to experience it first!
House of the Dead Reawakened makes its global debut at IAAPA Orlando (17th–20th November), and you won’t want to miss it. Dare to experience it first-hand on SEGA Amusements International’s stands S4602 and S4803.
Get in touch on +44 (0) 208 391 8090, +1 847 364 9787 or sales@segaarcade.com to find out more. Our team is on hand to discuss placement, specifications, and how our industry-leading support can back your investment from day one.
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About SEGA Amusements International
SEGA Amusements International (Part of the Kaizen Entertainment Group) is a global leader in developing, producing, and distributing world-class arcade games and merchandise. With a rich legacy of creativity and innovation, we’ve shaped generations of fun, captivating players worldwide while helping venues reach their full potential. With our unwavering commitment to excellence, we cater to a diverse range of markets, including Family Entertainment Centres, Arcades, Bowling venues, Bars & Restaurants, Cinemas, and various other leisure entertainment destinations worldwide. Backed by expert service and support, SEGA Amusements is your trusted, full-circle partner in delivering unforgettable entertainment experiences that drive lasting success.
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