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FROM THE EDITOR I Valerie Cognevich Editor PLAY METER Happy Holidays and a few other thoughts 'm writing this in November, having returned from AMOA '93 just last week, but you 're reading it in December. But those of us here at the magazine are already thinking about the January and February issues. I've always said that magazine people see their lives go by much faster than most. Anyway, I'd sincerely like to say Happy Holidays to all of our wonderful readers and good friends. I hope that 1994 is a great year for you all. Speaking of the AMOA show, this time it was a refreshing mixture of exciting product. Redemption, no doubt, d ominated the show and the games just keep getting better. There was an assortment of dinosaurs in plush booths and as characters on quite a few games, but there was much, much more. Anyone even remotely considering redemption saw it all. The video games certainly ran the gamut, from virtual reality to inexpensive software . Ask any of the many kids roaming the floor what they liked and Mortal Kombat II was the common answer. "It's a whole new game, not just a rehash of the original like many sequels are," said one 14-year-old. They also typically liked the simulators and gun games. Street operators often commented that video was passing them by in favor of the more expensive, simulator-type games obviously geared toward large amusement centers. In a way they were right, but in the past the majority of games were designed for smaller locations; they just aren't now. But that doesn't mean manufacturers are ignoring street operators. There were some games-and kits-that will do great in street locations. And speaking of street locations , there were jukeboxes, pool tables, dart 10 games, and even some countertop games that all scream "street location!" Valley, which has been a strong force in the success of leagues, is making it even easier for operators with its league system. Arachnid and Merit are also taking the pain out of league paperwork. But it was pretty clear that expensive, massive games were the norm. It only confirms what we've been hearing: there is a trend emerging toward large family amusement centers. Virtual reality is in its infancy, but the foundation is being readied to build on. Alternate Worlds Technology is becoming a familiar name, as we've seen its offerings at several shows now . Of course, Visions of Reality is taking the concept perhaps several stages ahead both in technology and cost. We're talking hundreds of thousands of dollars here. You'll see in our Fax Poll results that operators are excited about the new technology but are wondering seriously whether it will be a reality for them. This industry thrives on change, and as one operator said, "We can't adopt an ostrich position toward anything with potential to enhance the industry." Someone described virtual reality right now as being at about the stage that video games were with the invention of Pong. If that's true, we have a lot of virtual reality surprises awaiting us at future shows. One thing I was happy to see was a smattering of games steering away from the violent fighting themes . My son liked lrem's Ninja Bat Man Baseball, which was a comical adventure. I liked Punky Doodle, another cartoonish adventure. But I had to laugh when I saw violence invading even redemption games with Splat-a-Rat. The game itself really isn't that violent and is similar to Whac-A -Mole, but what a name ! Sit back, ponder the wonders you saw at AMOA (and what you wanted to see), and start making those New Year's resolutions . After all, if you get an early start, you can break them all just that much sooner! D DECEMBER 1993