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Sponsored by Alan-1!

On this week's show we discuss Amusement Expo momentum, immersive F&B bets in Vegas, a major leadership move at Topgolf, and a slate of arcades, kart tracks, and VR arenas opening, evolving, or closing. Adam Pratt shares new games that matter for barcades and FECs, and Chuck DeMonte lays out a practical marketing funnel to turn awareness into foot traffic.

• Amusement Expo schedule and why education days matter
• Odyssey Manor’s immersive cocktail design and repeat-visit hooks
• Dave McKillips to Topgolf and what how a multi-attraction strategy could fix
• Dartsee’s skills-first darts mode for progression and retention
• VR franchise growth vs footprint, content cadence and claims
• Pizza-arcade hybrids competing on value and redemption
• Active-play FECs challenging classic all-in-one models
• Andretti and K1 Speed’s karting-led event strategies
• Japanese-style arcade fit for Torrance demographics
• Perfect Pour Pabst Edition for bar venues
• Stern’s Pokémon pinball as a cross-generation magnet
• Simple marketing funnel: awareness to loyalty with clear metrics

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The evolving landscape of social entertainment is significantly reshaping the amusement industry, as evidenced by EAG 2026 in London, where a record number of exhibitors showcased products blending amusement with immersive social experiences. Key trends include the integration of competitive socializing venues with traditional amusement offerings, exemplified by innovations from SEGA Amusement International, GameVolt, and newcomers like Battleup and TRIOTECH. The event highlighted a surge in gamified activities such as mini golf, shuffleboard, shooting galleries, and AR-based games, reflecting a shift towards highly social, shareable experiences. Additionally, the rise of frictionless payment systems and service robots signals technological advancements supporting this trend. The industry’s recognition of social entertainment as a crucial growth area is further emphasized by upcoming US trade discussions, including a keynote on “Social Entertainment: Amusements Competitive Edge” at AEI 2026. This convergence signifies a strategic move for investor focus, as traditional amusement operators increasingly embrace social-driven revenue streams amid a competitive global market.

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Sponsored by Intercard!
Sponsored by Alan-1!

On this week's show we discuss how leadership changes ripple across our industry as CFOs step into CEO roles, raising questions about vision, risk, and long-term brand health. We weigh Disney’s shift, Six Flags’ policy pivots, VR’s LBE momentum, and the transmedia race between Netflix Houses and iQIYI Land.

• CFO-to-CEO executive shakeups and brand risk
• Disney leadership change, parks strategy, pricing reform
• CEC’s CIO transition and operational tech alignment
• Moonshot closure and competitive socializing lessons
• Rent pressure, relocations, and Kung Fu Saloon
• Regional park closures, debt load, and safety fallout
• Expansion announcements, branding notes, and logos
• LBE VR content trends, mini-games, and motion platforms
• Distribution, licensing, and keeping libraries fresh
• Funding flows to LBX and investor sentiment
• AR and MR feasibility vs marketing claims
• Six Flags online arcade and POV recording policy
• Cashless operations and guest friction
• IP crossovers: Bomberman, Pokémon pinball, Lego tie-ins
• Sega’s physical footprint rumors and positioning
• Netflix Houses vs iQIYI Land modularity and scale
• Investor reports, best practice, and trade show plans

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