PLAYMIND is a prominent developer and creator of entertainment attractions, focusing on video games, immersive digital experiences, and more. Its primary offering is the PLAYBOX, an interactive ball-toss attraction designed for family entertainment centres, theme parks, and amusement venues.
This multiplayer arcade platform allows visitors of all ages to engage in over 15 unique games, promoting both cooperative and competitive play for up to eight participants. The goal for players is to score points by throwing soft balls at moving targets displayed on a large LED screen.
The PLAYBOX made its debut at IAAPA Expo 2019 but has since undergone significant improvements to enhance its appeal. It will be reintroduced at IAAPA Expo 2023, featuring a range of enhancements. In addition to the PLAYBOX, PLAYMIND has unveiled the PLAYBOX Mini, a two-player version, and their latest game, Dino Rampage.
Salim Sabbagha, VP of sales and business development, speaks to blooloop ahead of the trade show. He reveals more about the improvements to the PLAYBOX. He also talks about the benefits of the platform, for both guests and operators.
The idea behind PLAYMIND
Sabbagha introduces PLAYMIND, portraying it as a dynamic company with a history of over two decades. The company’s origins can be traced back to custom projects, marketing initiatives, and event management. PLAYMIND’s evolution has led it into the realm of location-based entertainment, with a focus on collaborating with family entertainment centres and arcade venues.
He explains this transformation, stating:
“Our journey began with events and the creation of specific products and attractions tailored for these occasions. However, as we witnessed the favourable reception of these attractions, which we used for product promotion and activation – captivating audiences with engaging content – our CEO saw an opportunity to refine these products, streamline their designs, and bring them to the broader market.”
This initial spark of inspiration ultimately culminated in PLAYMIND’s flagship offering, the PLAYBOX.
The PLAYBOX
PLAYBOX made its debut at IAAPA Expo 2019 in Orlando, one of the last industry events before the widespread impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this challenging timing, the company seized the opportunity to enhance the PLAYBOX. Sabbagha says:
“PLAYBOX has achieved significant success since then. We have a presence in major entertainment brands and venues across the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.”
This cutting-edge attraction invites visitors to engage in an interactive ball-tossing experience, challenging them to score high by targeting moving objects on a large screen. Available games cater to diverse audiences, appealing to both younger players and those seeking to test their precision, speed, and strategy against friends and family.
The wide selection of games, including popular titles like Zombies!, Winter Mayhem, Slapshot Shootout, Disco Flamingo, and Neon Voyage, encourages repeat visits, boosting operator revenue.
PLAYBOX offers an active, shared experience through ball tossing rather than solitary activities like pressing buttons or wielding virtual guns. This creates a valuable shared experience amidst the trend of isolating VR games.
A flexible approach
Sabbagha highlights PLAYMIND’s unique approach:
“We’ve transformed our product into a versatile platform. When an operator installs a PLAYBOX in an entertainment or arcade centre, they have the freedom to select the content. They can opt for one, two, or six games.”
To further streamline this, PLAYMIND has introduced the PLAYBOX Online Platform (POP), a cloud-based system granting operators full control. This empowers them to optimise the platform’s performance and profitability, tailoring the experience to different occasions.
For example, operators can select games like the scarier zombie version for Halloween, or the kid-friendly option for daytime play. Operators can also set redemption payouts, pricing per round, view statistics, request service, and purchase new games upon release, all through the POP. Even the structure of the PLAYBOX can be skinned with different graphics.
Sabbagha emphasises that this exceptional flexibility sets PLAYMIND and its PLAYBOX apart from other arcade offerings.
Repeat play & high ROI
The PLAYBOX offers versatility with multiple configurations suitable for various locations. Sabbagha underscores its benefits for operators. This includes its user-friendliness as a turnkey solution and its capability to serve as a standout attraction alongside smaller games.
Furthermore, the PLAYBOX is redemption-capable, adding an extra layer of appeal. Sabbagha explains that this feature aligns with operators’ revenue goals in the arcade and FEC industry, focusing on revenue per square foot. The PLAYBOX empowers operators to boost earnings with diverse games and redemption options, all while supporting various card readers and coin-operated mechanisms.
Keeping up with the trends with PLAYBOX
In a dynamic location-based entertainment market with increasing competition, PLAYMIND remains attuned to trends and client needs. Its responsive approach focuses on both innovation and revenue generation. The PLAYBOX, in most locations where it is installed, consistently excels in revenue performance, satisfying customers.
Over the past three years, PLAYMIND has proactively addressed customer feedback. It initially designed a six-player PLAYBOX but adjusted to a four-player version due to market feedback. Recognising the need for smaller configurations, it is introducing the two-player PLAYBOX Mini at IAAPA Expo 2023.
The all-new redesigned PLAYBOX
The redesigned PLAYBOX features a new marquee with lit graphics, vibrantly printed wrapping and dynamic LED lights for enhanced gaming experiences. It is more space-efficient, occupying 15% less area than the original model, and boasts a lighter structure for easy mobility using a forklift or hand lift. Installation is straightforward for operators.
Key system enhancements include a new ball-retainer system that safeguards against ball use when a game is inactive, increased ball durability, a plexiglass screen protecting the LED display, and improved interactive system accuracy.
The PLAYBOX Mini
The compact PLAYBOX Mini offers a space-saving solution for smaller locations and budget-conscious operators. It comes in two designs: Premium and Carnival, with exceptional gameplay optimized for limited spaces, addressing the challenge of space constraints, particularly in the European market.
At IAAPA Expo, visitors can experience the PLAYBOX Mini. They can also explore the new game, Dino Rampage, exclusively available on the PLAYBOX. Dino Rampage features vivid visuals and action-packed gameplay, where players battle waves of enemy dinosaurs, testing their precision and reflexes as they protect themselves against a rampaging T-rex. The same game will also be available on the PLAYBOX four-player, which has been newly redesigned for a refreshed experience.
Meet the PLAYMIND team at IAAPA Expo 2023 from 14 – 17 November, at booth #429, inside the Orange County Convention Center
