Table of Contents

• What makes Rev’d Up Fun one of the best FEC’s in the World?
• Alpha-Omega Amusements Celebrates 50 Years
• Amusement Expo is March 9-11
• Legislation Corner-Pending Virginia Bill

• It’s official, the Coronavirus has a name…COVID 19

• Fortnite – Changing the way we know Gaming

• Silverball Museum Raises $15,000 for Charity

• Boxblaster VR has Re-Platformed Exit Reality Attraction

• Tech Tips

• Space Invaders, Pong, Asteroids…In a Hotel?

• Introduction to ‘Frank’s Ranks’ Spreadsheets

• Top Ranking Redemption-Merchandiser-Video-Novelty Games

• Alpha-Omega Amusements Test Game Spreadsheets

• Top Merchandisers Rankings

• Rhode Island Novelty Latest Items

Kevin Johnson, owner of Rev’d Up Fun, wanted to open a Family Entertainment Center (FEC) to get kids out of the house. When asked what his goal was for opening Rev’d Up Fun, Kevin’s answer was simple, “I want to get them away from their TV, game consoles, and cell phones and get them back to enjoying time with their family”.

And family is just what Kevin understands, employing 7 family members to various full-time positions.

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One pinball and 50 years later, Alpha-Omega continues to be a leader in the Amusement industry. Featured in Replay’s February issue (Replay Magazine ), uncover the history behind Frank Seninsky purchasing his first pinball, earning his famous “Frank the Crank” name, Joe Camarota and Jerry Merola coming on to expand the leadership roles, and discover the people behind the scenes that keep Alpha-Omega on top of all high scores.

We at Alpha-Omega would also like to thank all our industry friends and family for the kind and generous words that make up the 50-Year Anniversary cover story.

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Amusement Expo International is right around the corner (Amusement Expo).

With over 160 exhibitors and 20+ seminars, this is a show you MUST attend.

The Amusement Expo will host 20+ seminars on Monday, March 9th, covering topics on valuating/selling routes; creating marketing plans; pinball; inspired leadership; cyber security; escape rooms; small footprint FECs; card-stored/cashless systems; unique promotions; FEC and Operator roundtables; hiring/retaining employees; ATM best practices; the “Infinite Game;” and rewards/membership programs.    Also offered will be a separate track on virtual reality topics and laser tag components.  Keynote speakers for the education day are Larry Johnson, co-author of the top selling book:  “Absolute Honesty:  Building a Corporate Culture That Values Straight Talk and Rewards Integrity” and Ed Rensi, former president and CEO of McDonalds.

Foundations Entertainment University will also be entering their 18^th year hosting their 51^st  seminar. With a new design and layout, you do not want to miss this educational seminar program covering all aspects of market & financial feasibility, planning, design, financing, development, marketing and managing a location-based entertainment business for long-term success.  For more information visit Foundations Entertainment University.

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A pending Virginia proposed House and Senate Bill (881 & 908, respectively) intends “skill games” to be considered illegal gaming.

If passed, prizes and tickets could not exceed the value of the cost to play the game or the total aggregate cost of playing multiple games.

These proposed bills (Virginia Assembly) are two of over 20 gaming legislation bills the House and Senate will review.  Of these Bills, the biggest ticket appears to be a Casino looking to operate in 5 cities and THE DEFINITION OF skill games.

According to AAMA President, Joe Camarota, “This was a hot subject at the AMOA State Council meetings.  I spoke to Charles Rowland from Virginia who has been fighting this for the last year. There is nothing definitive yet and, as always, AAMA stands ready to assist”.

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The virus that has taken the world by storm and finally has a name; COVID-19. Commonly known as the “Coronavirus”, the name is significant because the term “Coronavirus” is actually a family of viruses, including some that cause the household cold (https://lifehacker.com/)

According to CNN, COVID-19 has killed over 3,214 people and 94,250 people worldwide have been infected

In wake of the quick-moving virus, IAAPA announced they canceled their event in Beijing, set to take place on 3/22/20

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When is a game more than a game? When that game is Fortnite.  Fortnite has been dubbed “the most important (consumer) video game of the past decade and may continue through the 2020’s” (Business Insider)

Fortnite is completely free to play but its revenue exceeds 2 billion dollars! How is this possible?  Easy, Fortnite invites players to purchase “add-ons”, such as V-Bucks or Founder Packs that unlock limited loot or new characters.

Transcending the industry, Twitch and Fortnite star, Tyler Blevins, was the first e-Sports player on the cover of ESPN Magazine.

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Siverball Museum (Silverball Museum ) hosted their Pinball for a Cause Gala for Developmental Disabilities in November and raised $15,000 for people with autism, down syndrome, and other forms of disabilities.

Housing over 100 classic pinball and arcade games, the November event welcomed the community to raise donations through an auction and raffle tickets.

On the wave of success, Silverball Museum plans to host more events with The Arc of Palm Beach County (The Arc)

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Safety – Check your power cords to make sure all 3 prongs are good. If you have a game giving little shocks when you touch it, you probably have a ground plug broken off.  You must cut off and replace the plug if the ground is broken (Paul Sawinski, Manager/Technician)

Static Electricity – Fill a spray bottle with fabric softener mixed with water to lessen static during the cold months. Spray in front of any game to avoid static shocks (Paul Sawinski, Manager/Technician)

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According to The Verge, “Atari has licensed its name for a number of brand partnerships in the gaming space, but the company’s latest deal to build eight Atari-branded hotels marks its foray into the hospitality industry**”. Interested in a vacation that encourages you to play video games?  These hotels may be for you.

The Atari branded hotels (Atari Hotels) main attractions will be VR/AR and gaming, with select locations accommodating convention style halls to host e-Sports events.

This will be interesting to follow, especially the Hotels that do not host e-Sports. Is the Atari (or any arcade brand) significant enough to command guests as a “must” stay?  Can the gaming theme attract business executives, or will they rely solely on “gamers”?

**The hotels will be designed by the True North Studio and GSD group (Phoenix New Times) and Atari will receive a specified amount of hotel revenue.

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• Delcy Gauthier – Rhode Island Novelty
• Corporate Sales
• [email protected]
• 774-365-6118
• 630-201-6934

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