Sound Off #80 - Peter Piper gets active, Shooting Sims takeover, and more!

LBX Collective

Sponsored by Intercard!

On this week's episode, Kevin Williams and Brandon Willey kick things off with a discussion on the critical importance of guest experience design in entertainment venues and how thoughtful layout, theming, and competition can boost revenue by 30-50% compared to simply clustering machines around power sockets.
• Research shows many operators leave significant money on the table by neglecting guest experience
• Most GMs juggle too many responsibilities to focus adequately on guest experience development
• Legoland Shanghai sets new standards with a hybrid approach between theme park and LBE venue
• Pinstripes filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection while keeping 18 facilities operational
• Altitude announces ambitious expansion with 12-15 new active entertainment facilities planned for 2026
• Peter Piper Pizza adds active entertainment zones to 24 locations
• Sega opening a Tokyo store following Shanghai success, expanding IP licensing for attractions
• Shooting simulators becoming the next essential component for competitive socializing venues
• Bumble Bear relaunching Killer Queen arcade with improved onboarding for new players
• Microsoft pivoting toward platform-agnostic gaming through partnerships with Meta, AMD, and Steam
Support the show by subscribing to the Stinger Report and following our various podcasts to stay updated on the latest developments in location-based entertainment.

Chapters

1. Guest Experience Design Impact (00:00:00)

2. The Business of Entertainment Venues (00:05:15)

3. Legoland Shanghai: Setting New Standards (00:11:34)

4. Pinstripes' Financial Troubles (00:16:44)

5. Growth in Active Entertainment (00:24:28)

6. Sega Store Expansion & IP Strategy (00:30:53)

7. Shooting Simulators: The Next Big Thing (00:35:06)

8. Killer Queen Relaunch: Social Gaming (00:41:04)

9. Microsoft's Platform-Agnostic Gaming Future (00:45:26)