KWP Feature Articles

A well known writer for the trade and consumer magazine and online sector covering all developments of ‘Public-Space’ entertainment, below are a selection of the most recent features penned by Kevin Williams:

1. VENDING TIMES
Coin-Operated Videogames Are Poised For A Big Rebound In 2009
By Kevin Williams, publisher, The Stinger Report

LONDON -- Can coin-op video come back? Many industry members have their doubts. Skeptics – including most operators today -- have dismissed the prospect of a return to dominance by video amusement as a major revenue generator, at least in some venues. But it’s just possible that today’s dismissal of videogames is as mistaken as the initial assumption, back in 1980, that video was just a flash in the pan…….

- If you would like a copy of the full feature please email us directly including the phrase ‘Request This article’ in the subject line

2. REPLAY MAGAZINE
A Crowded Scene: Product intense ATEI in London finds itself at a complicated crossroads
By Kevin Williams

The European amusement industry got the year started with a bang when it celebrated the 65th anniversary of the Amusement Trade Exhibition International (ATEI) in January. This year’s ATEI show was the first to take place in the eye of the financial storm, offering a barometer of the state of the European market if not the industry as a whole…..

- If you would like a copy of the full feature please email us directly including the phrase ‘Request This article’ in the subject line

3. INTERGAME MAGAZINE
Interactive Gaming – New York’s Amusement Surprise
By Kevin Williams

The latest capital visit sees The Stinger Report walk round the Big Apple! One of the most well known cities in the world offers some unusual surprises that proves’ amusement, rather than being a dead prospect, is alive and very much kicking. The feature looks at a small four mile square of Manhattan, but also takes time to look at the amusement history in the area and the possible amusement future….

4. INTERPARK MAGAZINE
New Freak-Show in Piccadilly!
By Kevin Williams

A taste of the States laid-down roots in the heart of London during August. Filling one of the most iconic locations in the very centre of Piccadilly Circus, a hoard of A-listers’ and assorted notaries celebrated the opening of the UK’s latest ‘Ripley’s Believe it or Not’ museum experience. The London location had played host previously to the ‘Guinness Book of Records’….

5. TOURIST ATTRACTIONS & PARKS
Retail-Tainment- Application of entertainment technology in retail
Author - Kevin Williams

The application of interactive entertainment to help ‘encourage’ visitors to spend more time and more money at retail has become a compelling aspect of the retail scene – especially in trying economic conditions. The phrase ‘Retailtainment’ is more commonly used to describe marketing as entertainment in retail sites….

6. BOWLING CENTER MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE
Eat-Drink-Play!
By Kevin Williams

The concept of amusement tied into the ‘hospitality’ sector is not new – the very first successful video amusement machine was tested in a tavern in Sunnyvale, California called Andy Capp's, back in 1972. The Nolan Bushnell’ start-up that would later grow into the legendary powerhouse Atari, tested 'PONG' at this tavern, receiving the very first fault call-out, only to find the improvised coin box overflowing with coins! What do we mean by Hospitality….

7. PLAY MAGAZINE
“Living Death – What killed arcade… and what is digging it up?”
Author - Kevin Williams

The formative representation of interactive entertainment -- amusement (fondly known as arcade gaming) has seen a cataclysmic decline, both in audience and media perception. Many have carved the tomb stone for the sector, while others have pointed the finger at home gaming as the wielder of the murder weapon. But what is the reality of the state of video amusement, and from a meteoric decline, can a rise ever be achieved….

8. CASUAL CONNECT MAGAZINE
Dress Code -- Casual!
Author - Kevin Williams

For many their first impression of a Casual Game experience would have been from their first taste of a video amusement (arcade) machine; be that at the seaside, at the cinema or in a Family Entertainment Center (FEC), be that the hundreds of Chuck E. Cheeses', the thousands of multiplexes, or countless of other sites that still depend on a arcade machine in their revenue stream….

- If you would like a copy of the full feature please email us directly including the phrase ‘Request This article’ in the subject line.

9. EDGE MAGAZINE
Arcade – A Rebirth!
Author - Kevin Williams

The doldrums and pain that the coin-operated video amusement -- lovingly called the arcade industry -- has weathered over the last few years has been blamed on a litany of reasons. The 'Golden Ages' of arcade seen stretching from 1979-1984 and again from 1989-1994 represented a 'coin-rush' for video amusement. Classic titles pulled in a steady stream of players into the arcades. However the erosion of the player-base to the joys of console gaming started a cascade of decline….

This is just a small sampling of recent articles – for a full copy of a particular features or for more information on KWP’s seminar presenting or writing availability, please email: click here to email us.