The European amusement industry has failed to make any major progress or advancements, even though people's lives are changing at a rapid pace, according to Gamewax managing director Yoshitaka Komiya.

According to Komiya, during recent research into the Japanese amusement market one of the major target demographics - the teenage girl - revealed they were not keen on existing arcades.

"Most girls admitted that arcades had no influence on their daily lives and felt it was pointless to go there," he said. "It was indeed a shocking phenomenon but this is the world we must face."

There are numbers of arcades in Japan due for closure over the coming months representing a true picture of the traditional arcade sector in the market. However, shopping centres and commercial complex arcades are apparently indicating a healthy growth and becoming a good entertainment spot for young families to gather.

"So how do we get more of this family demographic into the arcades?" Komiya asks. "One answer is a SICK product - stronger than ice cream for kids. We also understand that it is an important aspect for the arcade that we attract the type of target demographic in order to help provide a family friendly and pure entertainment environment.

"At Gamewax we are committed to a continued effort to develop unique products that are saleable worldwide and serve to revitalise the arcade business which we are all dependent on."