Apple Industries of the US, presented its new photo booth from Namco's EAG Expo stand last week. EZ Photo has been designed to bring something new to failing pubs and bars in the UK and across Europe.
Featuring live interaction, there is no booth for the user to sit inside, they simply walk up to the machine and have their photo taken. A monitor can be placed on top of the machine so the whole of the location can see the photos that have been taken, bringing a real social side into the mix.
Set at a £5 vend, the new booth was set to go on test in a UK family restaurant when InterGame spoke to Allen Weisberg at the EAG Expo. Also on show was Apple’s popular Magazine Me, which is in the process of being modified for the European market.
Also making first time appearances on the Namco stand was ticket redemption game Puck Drop from Pentavision, which has tested well in the US and was almost ready for market in the UK when InterGame spoke with Namco’s John Brennan at the show. Also, Dunk Tank Prize, first seen by InterGame in prototype form at the Namco Open Day in September. Using simple two-button controls, players move the plunger over one of three prize holes and if positioned correctly, the plunger will drop down through the hole and push the dunk switch to release a prize.
As you would expect Namco showcased its latest big video games - Super Cars, the third game in the Fast and Furious series, Super Bikes 2 and Dead Heat. "Virtually everything you see on our stand has been tested and is ready for market," said Brennan. "Our sales guys have asked for this every year and it has made a definite difference to the numbers of orders we’ve taken - we’re now able to deliver when the customer wants it."
Namco’s prize division, led by Alan Smith, also showed a strong range of new licences - including Pac Man plush and redemption prize products to coincide with his recent birthday celebrations. Also new for 2011 is the Moshi Monsters range, which has just launched in the UK as a toy range and features a strong online community and "collectible" side. The Ben 10 range is still proving strong from Namco, as is Shaun the Sheep and Kyoto - a lifestyle range of desirable electronic goods. Also new is the Urbeez range of collectible vinyls and Hello Kitty, My Little Pony and Justin Bieber redemption toy ranges.
