At a show where the comments centred around the sheer number of new products, BANDAI NAMCO Amusement Europe made a significant contribution.
It wasn’t only the debut-making machines that mad an impact either, as James Anderson, sales and commercial director, explained. “Even though we’re only on the first day, the show has been tremendously busy, but then we’ve got some amazing products here. From our own development, we’ve got Red Zone Rush, for which the reception has been amazing here in the US. The test results and initial orders have been exceptional.”
As popular as its new games are, Anderson was also keen to emphasise the continuing success of player-favourite Mario Kart. “Even now we still can’t build enough of them! I’d say it's crazy but then the on-going numbers it’s doing is testament to the gameplay and the massively attractive brand that Mario is, it just appeals to all demographics.
“We’re building them through December and January and we’ve another run planned for March. It’s so popular in the US and is probably the top-earning driver here.”
Anderson went on to reveal that the company’s line of DC pushers is continuing to sell well while its skipping/jump rope redemption piece Jumbo Jumpin’ is still a mainstay in most big FECs. “The original, Jumpin’ Jackpot, did some colossal numbers here and this is the natural evolution.”
New arrivals from Adrenaline, Hot Wheels and Rabbids and Ladders shared the limelight on the BNAE booth with both redemption titles seeing much attention, while new Raw Thrills driving game Nitro Trucks sat alongside Superbikes 3, Nerf and Big Buck Hunter Reloaded.
As always, BNAE’s range of plush and prizes was sharing the limelight with its Minecraft, Paddington Bear and Pac-Man 40th anniversary offerings. Anderson’s interview with InterGame was conducted across its new tabletop version of classic coin-op compendium Pac-Man’s Pixel Bash, which is also available in a charity cabinet.
Pictured: BANDAI NAMCO Amusement America’s senior vice president Frank Cosentino (left) with James Anderson
