Episode Details

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On this week's show we revisit the Annual Predictions episode while BW is away in Bled, Slovenia racing at World Masters regatta. 

On this re-run, we grade last year’s location-based entertainment predictions with brutal honesty, then map the signals that matter for operators across competitive socializing, arcades, VR, and IP-driven experiences. We close by laying out a practical 2026 playbook and a new round of predictions you can hold us to. 

• IAAPA FEC Summit details and why it matters for FEC operators 
• A clear framework for high, medium, and low predictions 
• Japan amusement expansion in the US through cranes, gashapon, and acquisitions 
• Competitive socializing venues overtaking traditional multi-attraction FEC new builds 
• Dave and Buster’s brand strategy miss and the reality check on social bays 
• VR supplier consolidation versus ongoing mini golf oversaturation 
• Openings trend toward phygital signage, drop-in mission rooms, and hybrid mixes 
• Round One component utilization and why positioning beats copy-paste rollouts 
• XR fitness inside gyms plus the operational reality of cleaning headsets 
• Closings and restructurings including Sixes and Dreamscape pivots 
• Arcade industry 2025 releases, trade show momentum, and uneven operator performance 
• Four 2026 growth levers: basics, efficiency, grassroots, value-first 
• 2026 predictions on transmedia, pickleball, Merlin, IP venues, and laser tag evolution

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