The coin-op amusement sector is set for slow recovery, according to InterGame sources.

February has always been a tough time for the coin-op industry in New Zealand but reports from Coincascade’s Gary Walker have confirmed the situation is worse than in previous years.

Cinemas have proved the strongest area for game performance with the release of 3D phenomenon Avatar certainly helping. New games performing well include the new Wu Mar cranes featuring LCD screens - the Movie Star range is doing particularly well.

Namco’s Tekken 6 BR is still taking excellent money, according to Walker, even after the home console version was released.

"We also have some new LAI photo booth games such as Star Blitz Mini that are doing very well as it has allowed us to get into the home hire sector, which is new business."

However, the government has announced that GST is likely to increase from 12.5 per cent to 15 per cent.

"Tax rates will fall but as we all know you have to make a profit to pay tax and GST comes off the top with little chance on the street to recover it. Not helpful at all," said Walker.