Arcade Games

Incredible Technologies Unveils More Info On Golden Tee PGA Tour

Incredible Technologies Unveils More Info On Golden Tee PGA Tour 516 685 GAD Vending

ARCADEHERO FEBRUARY 26, 2021 0

Teased back at the beginning of January, Incredible Technologies recently issued a press release, a new trailer, and a new cabinet design for their flagship game title, Golden Tee. The new title is known as Golden Tee PGA Tour, which sports an official PGA license for the first time in the franchise’s history. With the new updates, let’s take a look at what this new arcade game has to offer.

First the cabinet. It was 2007 that saw the introduction of the “Showcase Pedestal” concept, something that has become something of a norm for modern arcade designs throughout the 2010s, even occasionally being adapted and applied to Deluxe games like Nerf Arcade. This new game maintains some of the classic GT pedestal ideas while upgrading it with a sharper look enhanced by blue LEDs behind the monitor mount and underneath the control panel. Given that it’s always been more of a bar game, I’m surprised it took this long to officially get cupholders built into the cabinet, but better late than never:

You’ll also notice that it no longer sports a standard coin door, just offering a lone bill acceptor in the center. It also supports NFC login and payments (both Apple & Android-based payment systems are supported), and a touchscreen that replaces the old keypads.

Gameplay-wise, it looks similar to the Golden Tee you know and love, with these additions:

  • 3 official PGA TOUR courses plus over 80 Golden Tee courses from GT2021.
  • New game modes
  • Subscription service provides year-round content delivered via WIFI.

Per the FAQ on the page’s product description, this game will launch this spring only for commercial locations. In part that is done to help give locations a boost, since a home edition would harm already struggling venues. They do state that a Home Edition will be offered to those users eventually, but for now, you’ll only find this one in arcades/bars/out-of-home entertainment.

When we first heard about this, I could only guess that it would offer 4K support as the trailer for it was in 4K, but now it’s been confirmed. The cabinet above comes with a 55″ 4K monitor (instead of letting the operator pick something to fit their own budget – which often caused some wild varieties in GT setups), along with new PC hardware to drive it. They will not be offering conversion kits for Golden Tee 2021, as unfortunately some ops out there are a little bit lazy when it comes to such conversions (you know who you are 😛 ) and they want something unified and nice for the PGA license. This will also maintain the ITnet fees found with Golden Tee LIVE. This and GT2021 will share some game modes and tournaments, allowing players to continue to use their player profiles without starting over.

Here’s a new teaser for the game, (emphasized for those few whiners who don’t seem to grasp the concept of what a teaser is), followed by the press release posted online. Given that this is launching in the Spring, I’d guess that the quick glance of the gameplay is close to finished.

For the presser, which can also be found here, keep scrolling; I’m curious to know what any operators out there feel about this. GT has been around for a while, and I was hearing from more than one local op I know in recent times that the game just wasn’t a good earner anymore, even in a pre-pandemic bar environment. I imagine that this will give the series the proverbial kick-in-the-pants it needs since new courses and game modes only go so far in maintaining such interest over time.

* * *

Incredible Technologies is proud to announce a long-term licensing agreement with the PGA TOUR. The Golden Tee PGA TOUR Edition, an officially licensed golf simulation arcade game, is set to launch in the spring of 2021 to commercial locations across North America.

“We are thrilled to expand the Golden Tee universe and make the PGA TOUR an integral part of a game that millions have enjoyed across the past three decades,” Elaine Hodgson, President and CEO of Incredible Technologies said. “This alliance will offer exciting new ways to play along with innovative technology that will bring the game to new heights.”

Golden Tee is celebrating its 33rd year in 2021, having debuted in 1989. Since its inception, it has become a fixture in restaurants, bars and arcades across the world.

The Golden Tee PGA TOUR Edition will deliver the game in 4K graphics on a new, state-of-the-art cabinet. Included on the cabinet will be a refined control panel, touchscreen, Near-Field-Communication (NFC) device for contactless login and payments, LED lighting, cupholders and more.

“We have spent years researching and designing a cabinet for the needs of both today and tomorrow,” Golden Tee co-creator and Vice President of Engineering Larry Hodgson said. “As a leader in the arcade and amusement industry for many years, our goal has always been to enhance and improve the user experience and push.”

For the first time in the game’s history, players will have the ability to tee off on some of golf’s most celebrated courses. The Golden Tee PGA TOUR Edition will launch with three licensed PGA TOUR courses along with catalog of Golden Tee-original designs. Yearly updates that will provide more courses and features will also be available in the future.

Using real course topography data, Incredible Technologies has rebuilt all licensed PGA TOUR courses to ensure they are detailed representations of the designs in real life.

The Golden Tee PGA TOUR Edition will feature updated commentary from legendary broadcaster Jim Nantz, a partner of Incredible Technologies since 2005. He will be joined by professional golfer and announcer Peter Jacobsen, whose relationship with Golden Tee stretches back more than two decades.

“Golden Tee is a great addition to our PGA TOUR licensee family”, says Len Brown, Chief Legal Officer and EVP Licensing & Merchandising. “They have a broad reach and we look forward to seeing how our golf courses challenge their players.”

Along with an abundance of ways for players to compete on the new courses, the Golden Tee PGA TOUR Edition will introduce a refined presentation, new equipment, and the all-new Club Pass—a progression system that will award players virtual clothing and equipment as they play.

“We are just getting started,” Vice President of Amusements and Project Director Adam Kramer said. “While the combination of a new cabinet along with some of the most famous courses in all of golf will provide an incredible foundation, we have a long-term vision of growing the platform and our audience.”

For additional information or to preorder in Iowa, Nebraska, or Kansas City, talk to your rep at GAD. You can also visit GoldenTee.com or follow GT on most social media platforms @GoldenTee.

Showroom Model Close Out

Showroom Model Close Out 1536 2048 GAD Vending

GAD Vending Showroom Model Close Out is open to the public! But because of COVID, please call (402) 553-2812 to schedule an appointment.

The models shown in the photos are located in our 6161 Grover St location in Omaha, NE. Our Showrooms in Des Moines and Kansas City are also open to the public but we prefer appointments during COVID.

Call us to find out what is available. Curbside pick up is available.

Popular Arcade: VR King Kong of Skull Island

Popular Arcade: VR King Kong of Skull Island 1000 1363 GAD Vending

Raw Thrills takes the Virtual Reality experience to the next level with King Kong of Skull Island™ VR!

A truly cinematic VR adventure blockbuster that features:
-Fully automated VR operation.
-3 interactive action packed episodes which keep players coming back over and over again.
-Use your hands to naturally interact with King Kong’s world like never before!
-Ultimate VR graphics with 4K HP REVERB2 headsets, that include a 2 year warranty.
-Experience dazzling 3-D visual effects using dual HP supercomputers.

The Raw Thrills VR experience is unlike any other on the market with:
-AirRide(™) motion system that provides maximum excitement and proven reliability.
-AirForce(™) air jet system for intense speed and special effects.
-Stay safe with a protective face mask and wipe dispensers built into the cabinet.
-Instantly attract players with both 55″, and 43” LED HD Showcase Monitors!

The ultimate Virtual Reality action adventure is here now – King Kong of Skull Island™ VR!

GAD Vending is Raw Thrills authorized dealer in the Midwest. GAD Vending is a servicing dealer as well. GAD Vending has trained service personnel, a stocking dealership, and a complete parts department.

King Kong Virtual Reality is created for commercial game rooms. GAD Vending is open to the public and sells arcade games, Golden Tee and pinball to home users.

 

 

Review: Big Buck World

Review: Big Buck World 960 540 GAD Vending

Big Buck World Review! Check out what @cooltoy has to say about Big Buck World Arcade Game.

Greater America Distributing is a Betson Authorized Dealer for the Midwest. Big Buck World is available for commercial arcades and home use.

See Raw Thrills.

Golden Tee Coming of Age in 2021

Golden Tee Coming of Age in 2021 325 648 GAD Vending

Explore the history of Golden Tee Golf from the arcade JAMMA boards of 1989 all the way until brand-new state-of-the-art Golden Tee PGA TOUR Edition, coming Spring 2021!

Coming out of COVID is a good time to re-evaluate undercapitalized space

Coming out of COVID is a good time to re-evaluate undercapitalized space 606 788 GAD Vending

Creating Arcade Game Rooms and Vending Niches in Non-Traditional Locations

In general, people love arcade games and testing their skills with pinball, crane machines or driving games. And, they are looking for refreshments that are easy and convenient. So why not take the opportunity to let your customers have some fun? People are looking to come back to normal and find some fun. Utilize PPP money to add a revenue generating source (that doesn’t require lots of employee time). Think about non-traditional locations, adding game rooms to differentiate yourself, or add revenue sources.
Whether your business operates out of a small 500 square foot storefront or a large 10,000 square foot complex, you should always be striving to maximize your financial return from every inch of your property. After all, you pay rent, taxes, and utilities on the space, so it only makes sense to use it to drive additional income to catch up on COVID missed revenues.
Pre COVID, ski resorts such as Jay Peak, Burke Mountain, and Smugglers Notch in Vermont have been adding game rooms to their lodges to keep guests entertained while they’re taking a break from the slopes. Jay Peak took a step further by adding mini-bowling, a movie theater, and a second arcade room to give guests other options if they want to take a day off from skiing and snowboarding — or giving those who are spending a few days something to do in the evenings. Keeping their guest on property, spending money.
On the other side of the country in the Seattle area, Arena Sports, a chain of indoor soccer fields, decided to turn their sports arena into a full Family Entertainment Center. The facility includes over 80 arcade & redemption games, a ropes course, a climbing wall, laser tag, bowling, and virtual reality. This family-run business started with soccer and continues to build onto its success by offering an array of family fun activities appropriate for any age.
However, activity-based locations aren’t the only ones that are getting in on the game room trend. A high-end apartment building in San Diego, CA, has seen positive responses from tenants since adding in several arcade games, Highway 66 Mini Bowling, and an HD full swing golf. They are all set on free play for tenants to enjoy right on the premises to stay socially distanced by staying on property.
Another California hospitality spot, Rancho Mission Viejo, an active 23,000 acres housing development, already offered many amenities such as a swimming pool, firepit, bocce ball courts, and more. However, they wanted to add a convenience that would be a hit with residents while still generating revenue. Since adding a mix of the best games that would work for this robust community, the arcade became a big success with younger and older residents. The revenue that was generated from the arcade’s token sales more than paid for the community’s annual lease cost within the first seven months of having the game room open.

Make the Most of Your Space

One of the best ways of accomplishing this is by adding a game room or vending break area into a previously unused or underutilized area of your building. That never-used conference room or disorganized storage space could potentially be providing your business with an additional source of income. Add a crane game to an entryway. This is particularly true if your business sees a lot of foot traffic, or you often have customers waiting in a reception area for significant periods of time.
When a customer spots a pinball machine or racing game in the next room, they are instinctively drawn to go check it out. This initial curiosity can often lead to 30 minutes or more of pure, unadulterated enjoyment on the part of your customer – and some extra money in your bank account for you and your business.
With all of the different types and styles of games available, you may be able to add games that work well with your location. Extreme Powersports in Columbus, GA, is an authorized motorsports dealer that had two Super Bikes 3 added to their showroom for when families come to see the different motorcycles and other motorsports, keeping the kids occupied and entertained. They also included a Prize Cube claw machine customized with the Extreme Powersports logo and filled with t-shirts and small motorbikes for the kids – keeping with the company’s theme.

Fun For All Ages

Unlike many other sources of additional income that your company can utilize, game rooms are fun and loved by customers all over. While customers might get annoyed if they see you charging for parking or up-selling products to make some extra cash, they will often be excited and happy to see you installing a new game room for them to enjoy – making the few extra bucks they would have to pay worth it for the additional experiences. Put simply, adding a game room to your property is truly a win-win situation.
Though creating an additional income stream is likely to be the primary benefit you receive from installing a game room, it is worth pointing out that it can have other positive effects on your business. In particular, a game room can help to drive customers into your store where they may end up spending money on your core group of products or services.

Add Convenience for Everyone

Adding vending machines can create self service for customers while they wait, keep employees satisfied with quick snacks and add revenue to pay off floor space.
Incorporating ATM’s in unusually areas like a showroom, apartment complex or restaurant can add significant revenue. The model to pay off an ATM is about foot traffic. Every transaction adds up – and helps your customers with a convenience of getting cash as they need.

Increase Time on Site

If you operate a restaurant or bar that has a game room, customers are likely to come to your establishment to “just to play some pinball for a while” or “to shoot a few hoops on the basketball game with some friends.” Before long, however, they will have worked up an appetite and will decide to grab a few more things before they leave. Had you not had the game room on-site, you would have lost out on both the gaming income as well as the food and beverage income.
Outer Orbit, based in San Francisco, brings food and fun together offering spirits and Hawaiian-inspired dishes & desserts along with nine Pinball machines available for guests to enjoy a longer and exciting stay after they’ve finished a meal or are enjoying a few cocktails. To draw a bigger crowd to their establishment, Outer Orbit also hosts Pinball tournaments (read GAD article on how to run a tournament) – each with a different theme, teaches Pinball basics classes, and generously allows a ‘Free Play Wednesday’ every Wednesday to bring in more foot traffic and gain more regulars.

Valentine’s Day: Whole Lotta Love

Valentine’s Day: Whole Lotta Love 600 608 GAD Vending

What to get the gamer in your life for Valentine’s Day? Pick them up a game at GAD!

With warehouses in Omaha, Kansas City and Des Moines – we got the Midwest covered. And, yes, we sell to home game rooms users. And, yes, this is the right gift for yourself.

Not sure what is the best option? Take a look at these, call us for suggestions, and arrange curbside pick-up.

Stern’s Led Zeppelin Pinball Game

Led Zeppelin PinballNeed we say more? This game is the newest offering from Stern Pinball. And already has won CES Awards, critic acclaim and a named a GAD classic out of the box.

The Led Zeppelin game comes in three play versions, which is common for Stern pinball releases. Pro model, which is the most basic option, is usually found in public areas like bars, bowling alleys and game rooms. The other two models are Premium and Limited Edition. These models offer added features that give the play immersive experiences. For a full comparison and stock availability, our GAD reps are happy to help.

Of course, the biggest highlight with the Led Zeppelin pinball table is the fact that the band agreed to license their IP at all. Led Zeppelin likes to keep their song catalog to themselves. But Stern’s goal of recreating a Led Zeppelin concert experience was too special to pass up. This table is complete with lights, music and even concert footage. Everything a Led Zeppelin fan could want in a pinball game.

 

While we could Ramble On about the innovative ruleset in the game, the Song Remains the Same for Stern’s manufacturing capabilities and attention to detail and quality in hand assembling all of Stern’s pinball machines, included in this first look video of Led Zeppelin LE’s on the line!

G3 Fire Digital Darts Game

If that special someone is missing their Darts League with COVID, why not get them a G3 Fire Internet Connectivity game for home?

The G3 is great fun to play darts at home with the family. Lots of interactive play time. And, connect to the internet to join you remote family and friends for a rousing game of darts.

  • Large 24″ monitor
  • Enhanced player camera
  • Glowing Cabinet
  • Automatic target flip rotate between 15″ dart head and a 13″ dart head

Once you are connected to the world of G3 Fire, you can practice, play a game, join a remote league or compete worldwide – all from the comfort and safety of home.

Golden Tee 2021

The Golden Tee Golfer in life missing their tee time? But Golden Tee for home is just as much fun!

Join the Golden Tee leagues. Keep track of your scores across your home machine and your favorite restaurant game. Play with the family and close friends. Play over the internet with your foursome.

Golden Tee is a proven fun, competitive game that people just can’t get enough of. And, this is the game that keeps on changing. As new courses, equipment and competitions are revealed – all the updates are available to your game console.

Start 2021 with a Golden Tee game.

Classic-Cade Game Table

How about just getting your first arcade game – and getting all the classic games in one?

Over 60 amazing classic games like Pac Man, Ms. Pac Man, Frogger, Asteroids, Mario Bros., Space Invaders, Donkey Kong, Centipede, Galaga, Pong and so many more!

Play as one player. Play with multi players. Create tournaments, high score and so much more!

Classic-Cade is in stock in our Omaha, Des Moines and Kansas City offices. We have both the cocktail game table and upright versions available for curbside pick-up.

Stern Pinball Stranger Things

GAD Vending sells Stern Netflix TV show Stranger Things PinballWhat is better for your honey than Stranger Things? We meant the pinball game.

The Stranger Things Pinball game takes you into the Upside Down for an immersive experience that extends the love of the hit TV show.

Experience the terrifying forces in Hawkins, Indiana that turn this small town “upside down” with supernatural elements, strange sightings, and government secrets. Stranger Things pinball machines will immerse players in a search to unravel the extraordinary mysteries and secret government experiments taking place at the Hawkins National Laboratory. The gameplay focuses on unlocking the hidden meanings of supernatural events occurring in and around the town, including the appearance of a girl known as “Eleven” with telekinetic abilities. The ball is wild as Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Will, Joyce, and Police Chief Jim Hopper help Eleven close the dimensional gate.

Stranger Things is one of the most successful shows of all time, connecting with people around the world and across generations. This game features action, mystery, suspense, and humor; Stranger Things is a perfect fit for pinball,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc.

The Premium and Limited Edition models feature a first ever video projector that displays images and animations directly on the playfield, creating dramatic interactions with gameplay action. The center of the playfield features a unique ramp that doubles as a screen and leads the player into a direct battle with the Demogorgon. These models also feature a new Eleven themed “telekinetic” magnetic ball lock.

The Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition models all feature distinct hand-drawn art in addition to the custom sculpted, interactive Demogorgon bash toy, guarded by drop targets and a rotating ramp. All models include two hideout ball scoops, a Demodog spinner, three custom ramps, and game rules that will transport players into the Upside Down.

The Limited Edition model is limited to 500 units globally.  The LE model includes additional unique features such as an exclusive mirrored backglass, exclusive custom themed cabinet artwork, a custom autographed bottom arch, exclusive custom art blades, anti-reflection pinball glass, a shaker motor, and a sequentially numbered plaque.

What is this going to cost me?

New pinball and arcade games vary in price greatly. The manufacturer of our new games set the “Manufacturer Suggested Retail (MSRP)” that we are required to stay within by contract.

Price also can include – shipping, delivery, and sales tax. Before you buy, our sales team is always happy to quote a price on any of our pinball games – (402) 553-2812.

Call us. We are happy to provide you with options within your budget. Our range of arcade games and pinball machines give you lots of options. Plus we have new in the box and the occasional used (certified by our service team for playability) game available for curbside pick-up at one of our Midwest offices. 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… Where do I put a new Pinball Machine?

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… Where do I put a new Pinball Machine? 663 727 GAD Vending

Sometimes it is hard to reimagine your space. Living in your home you get used to rooms that are underutilized or a space that just stacks with junk.

Here are a few ideas of where to put a pinball game, Golden Tee, Classic Arcade games….

  1. Basement Has so many places that can be quardent off for gaming. Take your darkest corner, clean it out, add a pinball machine. What a difference!
  2. Garage The garage can be turned into a game room with ease. Add a few games, old signs, a classic muscle car and you are in for fun.
  3. Stairwell See the photos for how easily an awkward corner can be changed into a game area.
  4. Extra bedroom Why not? Add a pinball machine to utilize this space.
  5. Home Office What a better break from your desk?

See photos for inspiration!

Happy Holidays! Fill Your Stocking with Pinball and Arcade Games

Happy Holidays! Fill Your Stocking with Pinball and Arcade Games 1042 1042 GAD Vending

GAD Stocks Pinball and Games!

Home game rooms are all the rage with COVID. And, the most demanded holiday gift looks to be pinball in the stocking.

Don’t wait. Availability will be limited on many titles.

Warehouses for pick-up are located in Omaha; Kansas City; and Des Moines.

COVID has changed the Pinball industry

COVID has changed the Pinball industry 2083 2083 GAD Vending

GAD adapts and expands across the Midwest

(Omaha, NE  November 17, 2020) With the continuing isolation and work from home imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic more and more people are repurposing space into home game rooms and arcades. This has caused a shortage of arcade games across the country. Greater America Distributing (GAD) is uniquely positioned to answer the demand.

Mike Dobel and Larry Bailey, owners of Greater America Distributing (GAD), are expanding personnel to meet the new demands.  With a number of recent retirements, Andy Dobel is welcomed as a new partner.  Armed with an outside perspective, Andy sees expanding opportunities in the markets they serve as the pandemic continues to heavily impact people’s lives, especially in the sales and service of arcade and pinball games for the home.

After a 16-year career in the railroad industry, Andy brings a new outlook to the distributor side of vending and games.  “Our role in our customer’s success has never been more important.  We strive to ensure we provide all the resources and expertise necessary to keep our line of products performing their best,” says Andy Dobel.  A strong background in logistics and customer service gives the younger Dobel a uniquely positioned skill set to slide into his new role quickly.

Homebound families are constantly looking for a fun break. This includes quick competition between people either in the same household or anywhere in the world.  “One of my goals is to provide unique remote gameplay to engage everyone in the family,” says Mike Dobel. “Many of our games come configured to connect via the internet to allow remote head-to-head or team competitions. With competition play in mind, we stock games for all ages.”

With the increase in demand, the industry is experiencing a strain on supply. “Thanks to our long standing relationship with the pinball manufacturers we are able to keep a large number of game titles in stock in the face of increased demand,” according to Bailey.  “GAD is also able to outfit any home with a complete game room from online darts and Golden Tee to pinball and even the nostalgic Multicade consoles featuring Pacman, Galaga, Space Invaders and dozens more.”

With offices and warehouses in Omaha, Des Moines and Kansas City, GAD is able to stock new and used equipment and parts. Our sales and service departments are working at full staff to keep our essential commercial operating at peak efficiencies while taking on the new residential demands. Curbside pickup is available for all our equipment and parts.