Play Meter

From The Editor Table Of Contents Be thrilled about what's to come "Nothing endures but change." -Heraclitus (500 B.C.) "The ever-whirling wheel of change; the which all mortal things doth sway." -Edmund Spenser (1500s) "Times change and we change with them." -Owen's Epigrammata (1615) "The only thing that one really knows about human nature is that it changes. Change is the one quality we can predicate on it. Oscar Wilde (1895) "God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things which should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other." -Reinhold Niebuhr's Serenity prayer (1943) "That's why it's time for a change." -Thomas Dewey (1944) I'm focusing this editorial on change because as I write this for our Directory '96, I realize that our readers will be picking this book up many times during the year. What is topping our industry priority list PLAY METER right now probably won't be a year from now. When Oscar Wilde talked of the changes in human nature, of course he wasn't talking about video games, pinballs, or jukeboxes. Our industry didn't exist! But we can't help but see a reflection of ourselves in his words. Change is certain. The coin-op industry has been through many changes, and yet we staunchly adhere to many of our old traditions. No one embraced 45 rpm records or CDs at first, solid-state pinballs were shunned, and there were few video game believers. Right now FECs R Us. The industry is struggling with some major growing pains spawned by public demand for more entertainment, more fun, more playthings, and less time to do it all in! And there are quite a few folks who say they can provide it. Thus FEC-mania. FECs are getting players out of the home with a variety of attractions. Ironically, one of the major complaints we heard from our readers on our State of the Industry Survey {Jan. '95) was that home systems are devastating our industry. More operators complained about the simultaneous release of home and arcade games than did back when Atari introduced its 2 6 00 system around 1979. Technology and a changing population will be our catalysts for change. The public is more demanding; the industry is taking note. Sure we'll complain about what's fading, but let's be happy about what will be. Valerie Cognevich Editor 4 Volume 22, No. 2 • Directory 1996 Special Issue Fax Listing 6 Play Meter was the first to put fax numbers for every amusement product company at your fingertips to save time when you are ready to send that important business message. Manufacturers 19 Our handy tabs will lead you to the major categories in the Directory, starting with game manufacturers in alphabetical order. Company officers are listed along with a description of the product line. Distributors 83 Locate the distributor you need by checking the alphabetical list and turning to the correct state. Basic information on the staff is there, from sales to service, and lines represented. Support/Supply 127 Whether it's lighting, prize merchandise, or coin handling equipment that's required, you can find it quickly in our comprehensive listing of industry suppliers. Associations 191 In addition to data on AMOA, AAMA, IAFEC, and other associations, this section contains details on major trade shows and sponsors, league programs, and state associations. Foreign 199 The coin-op entertainment industry is worldwide in nature, as seen in the foreign company register that spans the globe from Argentina to Canada and from Germany to Japan. Year End Index 208 You've faithfully kept all your Play Meter issues but want to review that "Tax Tips" article about deductions? Just turn to the index to pinpoint the exact edition and page. Cover Arachnid Inc. continues to advance the cause of electronic darts with the next generation of the Galaxy. Pictured clockwise from left: Marcio Bonilla, Bill Ward Jr., Sam Zammuto, and Bob Mills. 1996 DIRECTORY