Play Meter

FROM THE EDITOR
With the onslaught of 1975 upon us, the keynote of this issue rings out the fact that the times, they are
a-changin' .
In recent years the industry has undergone some pretty drastic changes in a short period of time. Growth
has been phenomenal. The move to suburbia finally has ha~ its effects on the music and games business.
Massive apartment complexes, subdivisions and shopping malls are opening up magnificent locations for
enterprising operators across the country. And because of the changes, the image of the industry is changing
for the better.
We've seen the emergence of a not-so-new game of table soccer, otherwise known as foosball. In three short
years, the game has become a sport and, as such, established itself as a national pastim'e. As a consistent
money maker on locations, its low cost enables it to reap huge, consistent dividends. All indications are that
the sport is still in the growth stage of its development. Think of what the future holds.
We've seen one of the soundest segments of this industry threatened - namely the phonograph
manufacturers. One faltered and the remaining three immediately began to meet the demand of a changing
public that insisted on a bigger and better sound. Because of the changes the phonograph manufacturers had
to make, high-powered quadraphonic music is now available to meet the demands of our new breed of
listeners. And so the phonograph manufacturers began to make their comeback - and they're back, and still
growing stronger.
And speaking of our new breed of listeners out there, it's nice to note that albums are back, too, after a
long absence. And somebody I know is thinking very seriously of going into the little LP business if the
current suppliers don't respond to the now incredible demand for their products. Our new breed of listeners
happen to be followers of the Top 100 LPs rather than the "AM station" Top 100 45s. The recent rapid
growth of stereo FM radio stations gives testimony to this fact. With the proper equipment and the right
music we can meet the taste requirements of our new breed of listeners.
And last and certainly not least, what a change video games have brought to this industry. Less than three
years ago, the first video game appeared on the market. The public's initial response to the new type of game
was so fantastic that the video game market grew tremendously in an incredibly short period of time. But
they', too, had problems and made changes to conquer them. Prices, for the most part, are becoming more
stable, the game has far more play appeal and service has improved. Because of all this, video games have
become consistent earners on location and they're getting better all the time.
So we look at the year ahead with great anticipation. The possibilities and potential for this industry are
limitless. Each one of us has within us the means to explore those possibilities and realize those potentials.
In the face of these changing times, the operator will have to be well prepared to meet the new demands
and responsibilities of a changing industry still in the growth stages of its development. At Play Meter we're
dedicated to helping meet the demands of the times and, in so doing, it's nice to note that although the times,
they are a-changin', it's for the better!
Sincerely,
Ralph C. Lally II
Editor and Publisher
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