The Stinger Report #1230 - Vegas Amusement Gathering - Part 2

LBX Collective

In Part Two of the #StingerReport coverage: The Amusement Expo International (AEI) 2025 showcased key trends and innovations in the amusement and immersive entertainment industry, highlighting a resurgence in music games and evolving technologies like mixed reality (MR) and virtual reality (VR). BANDAI NAMCO Amusement America emphasized its global rollout of ‘Taiko no Tatsujin’ and introduced new platforms like ‘Wincha,’ a remote play crane app. LAI Games unveiled ‘Cyberpunk 2077: Turf Wars,’ leveraging projection mapping technology, while VR applications like ‘Virtual Rabbids Ultra HD’ and ‘Asphalt 9 Legends Arcade VR’ saw updates off the show floor. Redemption games, capsule collectibles, and branded attractions continued to dominate, with notable releases such as TRIOTECH's interactive theater experiences and Adrenaline Amusement’s UFC-themed UFC Challenge. However, VR’s presence appeared diminished compared to previous years, signalling shifting investment priorities. The event also reflected broader market dynamics, including Chinese exhibitors’ reduced participation due to tariffs and ongoing mergers like Lucky Strike Entertainment’s acquisition of Visalia Adventure Park.

Chapters

1. Stinger Report: AEI 2025 Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Bandai Namco's New Direction (00:00:35)

3. LAI Games and Cyberpunk 2077 (00:04:22)

4. Boxing Games and New Players (00:06:30)

5. VR Amusement Landscape and Decline (00:10:00)

6. Future Trends and Telling Absences (00:15:21)