At IAAPA this week, Intercard officially unveiled CronusPlay, a wristwatch-sized device that uses near field communication technology to manage time-based play at amusement locations.

Scott Sherrod (left) and Alberto Borrero demonstrating Intercard’s new CronusPlay

“Based on feedback from customers, what we’ve really been noticing is that there are a lot of venues opening that are time-based,” said CEO Scott Sherrod. Such locations, he said, allow users to purchase a set amount of time to use the facilities.

“Usually to control that they use coloured wristbands. However, the problem with that is they can be cheated and it doesn’t give you real-time control or flexibility over how long an individual is actually out on the floor.”

CronusPlay is a dual-purpose device, he explained. The NFC technology allows for cashless operations, whereby users can make purchases with the device, while it also provides a countdown timer and visual alert for set durations of time. The latter means operators can offer variable lengths of time and manage multiple time slots.

Alberto Borrero, vice president of international marketing and sales, said that the industry is moving more towards time-based play and CronusPlay is a “fantastic tool” for managing that. It also offers numerous future applications, he said, suggesting that in some instances, where parents visiting a mall may wish to use other facilities while their children play in a safe and secure amusement centre, they carry around the device themselves and receive an alert when it is time to collect their children.   

“That is an option to explore,” he said.

CronusPlay was the main focus for Intercard at the show and, added Sherrod, it was very well received by visitors.

Scott Sherrod (left) and Alberto Borrero demonstrating Intercard’s new CronusPlay