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UK – Playnation top of the slots as families return to gaming in 2013

By - 20 December 2013

As 2013 draws to a close, the family entertainment sector celebrates a year of strong results. With £110m of 2 pence pieces pushed, 9.8m miles on racing simulators clocked up, 3.3m toys grabbed and 2.3mtickets redeemed this year on amusements across the country, traditional family entertainment shows no sign of fading.

The analysis, conducted by leading provider of family entertainment, Playnation, reveals that despite apparent competition from the thriving mobile gaming and app market, the family entertainment sector remains buoyant, promoting loyalty through the offering of established favourites.

Due to the tough economic climate, and supported by the long, hot summer, UK holiday parks and seaside destinations have experienced somewhat of a resurgence in 2013. Attractions such as amusement parks and bowling centres offering arcade games have seen increased footfall, where patrons have enjoyed an affordable form of leisure suitable for all the family.

Dual and multiplayer games such as pool and air hockey are as popular as ever, with 11.3 million and 6 million games played this year respectively, demonstrating the enduring appeal of real life amusements as an alternative to online gaming.

The mobile gaming industry has influenced the family entertainment sector however, as traditional favourites such as grabber machines can be seen stocked with toys centred on apps such as Angry Birds and Doodle Jump. The sector has become much more responsive to popular culture with other prizes including children’s film and pop band merchandise.

Of the 3.3m toys won in grabbers this year, the most coveted prizes were stuffed ‘Minions’ from the blockbuster film Despicable Me 2, with Peppa Pig and Monsters Inc. characters following closely behind.

Adam Hodges, CEO of Playnation, said: “Although the 2013 figures review was a fun way of looking at this year’s results, the numbers really are indicative of the successful year we’ve had. Traditional family entertainment centre games represent great value, great fun and are accessible to everyone. While mobile and console game play satisfies the individual’s needs, our gaming centres bring people together. It’s the true social gaming experience. Since becoming a standalone company earlier this year, we have directed closer attention to what families want from our products. We have had a fantastic year and will continue to innovate, introducing new twists on old classics to keep British gamers coming back for more.”

Playnation was formerly the amusement and leisure division of Inspired Gaming, but now operates as a singular business following a management buyout backed by private equity firm Palatine earlier this year.

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