SAMPLE NEWS AND PRODUCT RELEASES
2019 Golden Tee World Championship Crowns New Champion
Mark Stenmark of Houston Takes Back World Champ Title and $30,000
(June 23, 2019 – Las Vegas, NV) The 2019 Golden Tee World Championship, set on the massive Showroom stage at The Orleans Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, ended with high stakes competition and fascinating viewing that ended with a new World Champion.
Over $135,000 was awarded during the 3-day event to 74 of the world’s finest video golf players. When the smoke cleared, former 2017 champ and betting odds favorite Mark Stenmark of Houston TX drove through the ranks to regain his title.
Most of the contenders qualified for the Championship through online play events found on commercial Golden Tee machines in the Spring. Two additional spots were awarded during a special “Closest to the Pin” match on the first day of the event. Over 120 players competed in the fast-paced competition to secure the final two spots. In the end, long-time players Rick Copithorne of NV and Chris Mackenzie of IN came out on top, completing the field.
Day 2 of the event featured qualifying heats on each course to determine the head-to-head matches for Day 3. The players ranked 1-32 were placed in a double-elimination Champion bracket, while the bottom 32 were added to a single-elimination Silver bracket. Many of the early favorites found themselves facing some tough matches as they battled to stay in the competition. Between rounds, audience members were treated to some fun events and chances to win prizes on Golden Tee.
On Day 3 the competition was fierce, with huge scores and close calls deciding the winner and loser sides of the double-elimination bracket. Mark Stenmark lost his fourth match to relative newcomer Jared Decker of Dallas TX, playing amazing golf throughout the event. Stenmark then battled back in the loser’s bracket to reach the final match, meeting the undefeated Decker once again. Stenmark dropped an impressive -31 in the first match, making both contenders even with a loss each. In the final round, both competitors tied with -29 scores after 18 holes, triggering a sudden death round. After 14 intense holes of even play, Stenmark was able to eke out a 1 stroke lead to win the match and become the 2019 Golden Tee World Champion.
Stenmark walked away with a $30,000 check, while Decker won $15,000. Stenmark, already a playable golfer selection in Golden Tee, will get a facelift in the 2020 course update available this October.
The entire 3-day event was livestreamed through Golden Tee’s YouTube, Facebook Live and Twitch channels, and was watched live by thousands of viewers all weekend long. Recorded versions of the stream are still available on all channels.
In addition, the event will be produced into a half-hour broadcast on ESPN2 airing this August.
World Championship qualifiers, leaderboards and brackets can be found at the LIVEWIRE website and GT Caddy app, as well as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
END
Mark Stenmark of Houston Takes Back World Champ Title and $30,000
(June 23, 2019 – Las Vegas, NV) The 2019 Golden Tee World Championship, set on the massive Showroom stage at The Orleans Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, ended with high stakes competition and fascinating viewing that ended with a new World Champion.
Over $135,000 was awarded during the 3-day event to 74 of the world’s finest video golf players. When the smoke cleared, former 2017 champ and betting odds favorite Mark Stenmark of Houston TX drove through the ranks to regain his title.
Most of the contenders qualified for the Championship through online play events found on commercial Golden Tee machines in the Spring. Two additional spots were awarded during a special “Closest to the Pin” match on the first day of the event. Over 120 players competed in the fast-paced competition to secure the final two spots. In the end, long-time players Rick Copithorne of NV and Chris Mackenzie of IN came out on top, completing the field.
Day 2 of the event featured qualifying heats on each course to determine the head-to-head matches for Day 3. The players ranked 1-32 were placed in a double-elimination Champion bracket, while the bottom 32 were added to a single-elimination Silver bracket. Many of the early favorites found themselves facing some tough matches as they battled to stay in the competition. Between rounds, audience members were treated to some fun events and chances to win prizes on Golden Tee.
On Day 3 the competition was fierce, with huge scores and close calls deciding the winner and loser sides of the double-elimination bracket. Mark Stenmark lost his fourth match to relative newcomer Jared Decker of Dallas TX, playing amazing golf throughout the event. Stenmark then battled back in the loser’s bracket to reach the final match, meeting the undefeated Decker once again. Stenmark dropped an impressive -31 in the first match, making both contenders even with a loss each. In the final round, both competitors tied with -29 scores after 18 holes, triggering a sudden death round. After 14 intense holes of even play, Stenmark was able to eke out a 1 stroke lead to win the match and become the 2019 Golden Tee World Champion.
Stenmark walked away with a $30,000 check, while Decker won $15,000. Stenmark, already a playable golfer selection in Golden Tee, will get a facelift in the 2020 course update available this October.
The entire 3-day event was livestreamed through Golden Tee’s YouTube, Facebook Live and Twitch channels, and was watched live by thousands of viewers all weekend long. Recorded versions of the stream are still available on all channels.
In addition, the event will be produced into a half-hour broadcast on ESPN2 airing this August.
World Championship qualifiers, leaderboards and brackets can be found at the LIVEWIRE website and GT Caddy app, as well as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
END
Incredible Technologies Partners with John Daly
Legendary PGA Tour Golfer to Appear in Golden Tee 2019
(July 11, 2018 - Vernon Hills, IL) – Incredible Technologies (IT), makers of the ever-popular Golden Tee Golf video arcade game, has reached a multi-year agreement with professional PGA Tour golfer John Daly. Daly will first appear in Golden Tee 2019, Golden Tee’s 30th anniversary edition, due to release this October.
The two-time major winner, best known for his massive drives and charismatic and colorful attitude on and away from the course, will be featured in Real Time Rivals, an all-new game mode that will makes its debut in Golden Tee 2019.
Players can go head-to-head with Daly on a variety of courses to see how their game stacks up against the champ. Real Time Rivals adds a new competitive and entertaining dimension to game play, and is also a perfect training tool for learning new shots and improving your skill.
Daly’s avatar will also be available as a selectable character in the game, meaning players can play as or against Daly. In addition, a variety of colorful outfits will be released throughout the year.
“We are thrilled to have John as a part of Golden Tee”, said Don Pesceone, IT’s Vice President of Amusements. “His larger-than-life personality and hard-hitting lifestyle are a perfect match for our game, especially as we celebrate our 30th anniversary.”
“This game has been played in bars, restaurants and taverns for as long as I’ve been playing, which is a pretty remarkable feat,” Daly said. “I’m thrilled about the partnership, and ready to grip it and rip it in Golden Tee.”
Golden Tee Golf originally debuted in 1989 as a 3-course video arcade game. This October, Golden Tee 2019 will be the 30th Anniversary of Golden Tee, making it one of the most successful pay-to-play video games in history. More than 16,000 game units are expected to update in existing locations, with new locations added daily across North America.
More information on Golden Tee Golf, Real Time Rivals Featuring John Daly, and Golden Tee’s 30th Anniversary can be found at goldentee.com/2019
END
Legendary PGA Tour Golfer to Appear in Golden Tee 2019
(July 11, 2018 - Vernon Hills, IL) – Incredible Technologies (IT), makers of the ever-popular Golden Tee Golf video arcade game, has reached a multi-year agreement with professional PGA Tour golfer John Daly. Daly will first appear in Golden Tee 2019, Golden Tee’s 30th anniversary edition, due to release this October.
The two-time major winner, best known for his massive drives and charismatic and colorful attitude on and away from the course, will be featured in Real Time Rivals, an all-new game mode that will makes its debut in Golden Tee 2019.
Players can go head-to-head with Daly on a variety of courses to see how their game stacks up against the champ. Real Time Rivals adds a new competitive and entertaining dimension to game play, and is also a perfect training tool for learning new shots and improving your skill.
Daly’s avatar will also be available as a selectable character in the game, meaning players can play as or against Daly. In addition, a variety of colorful outfits will be released throughout the year.
“We are thrilled to have John as a part of Golden Tee”, said Don Pesceone, IT’s Vice President of Amusements. “His larger-than-life personality and hard-hitting lifestyle are a perfect match for our game, especially as we celebrate our 30th anniversary.”
“This game has been played in bars, restaurants and taverns for as long as I’ve been playing, which is a pretty remarkable feat,” Daly said. “I’m thrilled about the partnership, and ready to grip it and rip it in Golden Tee.”
Golden Tee Golf originally debuted in 1989 as a 3-course video arcade game. This October, Golden Tee 2019 will be the 30th Anniversary of Golden Tee, making it one of the most successful pay-to-play video games in history. More than 16,000 game units are expected to update in existing locations, with new locations added daily across North America.
More information on Golden Tee Golf, Real Time Rivals Featuring John Daly, and Golden Tee’s 30th Anniversary can be found at goldentee.com/2019
END
Golden Tee 2018 World Championship Betting Odds Are Live
Wagering Available at All Boyd Gaming Casinos
(June 1, 2018 - Vernon Hills, IL) – For the first time in history, the public has the ability to legally wager on their favorite bar game, Golden Tee Golf. On June 8 – 10, 64 of the best video golf players in the world will square off at the Golden Tee World Championship, held in The Orleans Showroom at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. And Boyd Gaming is offering wagering on the event.
Recently the Nevada Gaming Control Board granted approval for licensed Nevada sports books to offer wagers on the winner of the high profile World Championship event, and odds are currently being posted at all 11 Boyd Gaming Nevada properties.
Andy Haas of Ohio, known on Golden Tee leaderboards as “Ship-it”, opened as a slight 9/2 favorite to win the 2018 Golden Tee World Championship. Haas has won two World Championships already—in 2008 and 2016. Paul Luna of Missouri (5/1), Andy Fox of Minnesota (6/1) and Lance Harris of Arizona (6/1) opened as the next selections. Mark Stenmark, last year’s champion, was near the top of the field at 8/1.
Bets will be accepted until 11:30 AM on Saturday June 9. The competition begins at noon that day with a 5-course qualifier that seeds the brackets. Head to head bracket play begins at 11:00 AM on Sunday June 10, and a winner will be crowned around 6:30 PM.
The new champ walks away with $20,000 and Golden Tee immortality, while those who bet correctly can share in his success. The 3-day event is open to the public and will be streamed live on YouTube, Twitch and Facebook Live.
Golden Tee Golf has awarded more than $100 million in prize money through online skill-based contests and tournaments, and has pioneered the eSports genre.
Licensed books electing to offer these wagers must provide the Enforcement Division with notification of terms via email at [email protected]. More information on Golden Tee and the World Championship, including live championship leaderboards, can be found on www.goldentee.com.
END
Wagering Available at All Boyd Gaming Casinos
(June 1, 2018 - Vernon Hills, IL) – For the first time in history, the public has the ability to legally wager on their favorite bar game, Golden Tee Golf. On June 8 – 10, 64 of the best video golf players in the world will square off at the Golden Tee World Championship, held in The Orleans Showroom at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. And Boyd Gaming is offering wagering on the event.
Recently the Nevada Gaming Control Board granted approval for licensed Nevada sports books to offer wagers on the winner of the high profile World Championship event, and odds are currently being posted at all 11 Boyd Gaming Nevada properties.
Andy Haas of Ohio, known on Golden Tee leaderboards as “Ship-it”, opened as a slight 9/2 favorite to win the 2018 Golden Tee World Championship. Haas has won two World Championships already—in 2008 and 2016. Paul Luna of Missouri (5/1), Andy Fox of Minnesota (6/1) and Lance Harris of Arizona (6/1) opened as the next selections. Mark Stenmark, last year’s champion, was near the top of the field at 8/1.
Bets will be accepted until 11:30 AM on Saturday June 9. The competition begins at noon that day with a 5-course qualifier that seeds the brackets. Head to head bracket play begins at 11:00 AM on Sunday June 10, and a winner will be crowned around 6:30 PM.
The new champ walks away with $20,000 and Golden Tee immortality, while those who bet correctly can share in his success. The 3-day event is open to the public and will be streamed live on YouTube, Twitch and Facebook Live.
Golden Tee Golf has awarded more than $100 million in prize money through online skill-based contests and tournaments, and has pioneered the eSports genre.
Licensed books electing to offer these wagers must provide the Enforcement Division with notification of terms via email at [email protected]. More information on Golden Tee and the World Championship, including live championship leaderboards, can be found on www.goldentee.com.
END
Incredible Technologies and Boyd Gaming Announce Partnership in 2018 eSports Tournament
The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas to Host Golden Tee® World Championship
(January 23, 2018 – Vernon Hills, Ill.) – Incredible Technologies (IT) announced a partnership with Boyd Gaming to host the Golden Tee® 2018 World Championship June 8 – 10 at Boyd Gaming’s The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. A total of 64 players will compete on 16 Golden Tee machines on The Orleans Showroom stage for more than $100,000 in prizes, including a $20,000 top prize.
The high-stakes tournament brings together two powerhouses of gaming – Boyd Gaming, owner and operator of 24 casinos across the U.S., and Incredible Technologies, creator of both video slot machines and the world-renowned Golden Tee Golf game. Since its release in 1989, more than 100,000 Golden Tee games have been sold, making it the most successful pay-to-play amusement game in history.
In this time, Golden Tee has awarded more than $100 million in prize money in online skill-based contests and live events — positioning itself as one of the original eSports. In 2018, Golden Tee will celebrate its 30th anniversary, making it one of the longest running video game franchises.
The Golden Tee 2018 World Championship continues a longstanding tradition that began in 1997. Over 1 million players play Golden Tee annually, and tens of thousands of these avid video golfers hone their skills to compete for a qualifying spot at the Big Event. This year’s World championship, which promises to be the biggest and best ever, will be held in front of a live audience and also streamed online. Highly skilled players will compete in a variety of formats across three days to determine a new champion — with the final day set to produce intense, head-to-head competition. The new World Champ will not only win $20,000 in cash, but also become a playable character in an upcoming game update slated for release in October 2018.
“This event is a win for everyone involved, from Boyd Gaming to IT and our most talented Golden Tee players,” said Elaine Hodgson, President & CEO of IT. “While eSports is certainly a buzz word in business today, we’re extremely proud to have helped pioneer the concept since the late 90’s. To be able to showcase our eSports brand to crossover industries and audiences with renewed interest is energizing to both segments of our business – amusement and casino games.”
“Boyd Gaming is thrilled to host the Golden Tee World Championship, one of the eSports world’s most prestigious events,” said Matt Ryan, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Boyd Gaming. “The Golden Tee brand is a great fit for our customer base, and we look forward to working with IT to identify additional opportunities to leverage the Golden Tee brand across our properties.”
Qualifying for the championship begins on Feb. 1 on more than 15,000 online Golden Tee 2018 LIVE cabinets and runs through April 23. The final qualifier spot will be filled at The Orleans Hotel and Casino on June 8 in a special ‘Last Chance’ live tournament.
###
About Incredible Technologies:
Incredible Technologies is a Class-III gaming manufacturer focused on delivering compelling video slot content to the modern-day casino floor. The company headquarters are located in the Chicago suburb of Vernon Hills, Ill., with a remote office in Las Vegas, Nev. Incredible Technologies specializes in the design and development of digital entertainment products to game operators and players. Incredible Technologies is the largest manufacturer of coin-operated video games in the United States with its flagship product, Golden Tee® Golf, recognized as the most-successful pay-to-play video game in history.
Incredible Technologies is an associate member of the National Indian Gaming Association, American Gaming Association, Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers and is a certified Women's Business Enterprise.
About Boyd Gaming:
Headquartered in Las Vegas, Boyd Gaming Corporation is a leading diversified owner and operator of 24 gaming entertainment properties located in Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Additional news and information on Boyd Gaming can be found at www.boydgaming.com.
END
Incredible Technologies and Boyd Gaming Announce Partnership in 2018 eSports Tournament
The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas to Host Golden Tee® World Championship
(January 23, 2018 – Vernon Hills, Ill.) – Incredible Technologies (IT) announced a partnership with Boyd Gaming to host the Golden Tee® 2018 World Championship June 8 – 10 at Boyd Gaming’s The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. A total of 64 players will compete on 16 Golden Tee machines on The Orleans Showroom stage for more than $100,000 in prizes, including a $20,000 top prize.
The high-stakes tournament brings together two powerhouses of gaming – Boyd Gaming, owner and operator of 24 casinos across the U.S., and Incredible Technologies, creator of both video slot machines and the world-renowned Golden Tee Golf game. Since its release in 1989, more than 100,000 Golden Tee games have been sold, making it the most successful pay-to-play amusement game in history.
In this time, Golden Tee has awarded more than $100 million in prize money in online skill-based contests and live events — positioning itself as one of the original eSports. In 2018, Golden Tee will celebrate its 30th anniversary, making it one of the longest running video game franchises.
The Golden Tee 2018 World Championship continues a longstanding tradition that began in 1997. Over 1 million players play Golden Tee annually, and tens of thousands of these avid video golfers hone their skills to compete for a qualifying spot at the Big Event. This year’s World championship, which promises to be the biggest and best ever, will be held in front of a live audience and also streamed online. Highly skilled players will compete in a variety of formats across three days to determine a new champion — with the final day set to produce intense, head-to-head competition. The new World Champ will not only win $20,000 in cash, but also become a playable character in an upcoming game update slated for release in October 2018.
“This event is a win for everyone involved, from Boyd Gaming to IT and our most talented Golden Tee players,” said Elaine Hodgson, President & CEO of IT. “While eSports is certainly a buzz word in business today, we’re extremely proud to have helped pioneer the concept since the late 90’s. To be able to showcase our eSports brand to crossover industries and audiences with renewed interest is energizing to both segments of our business – amusement and casino games.”
“Boyd Gaming is thrilled to host the Golden Tee World Championship, one of the eSports world’s most prestigious events,” said Matt Ryan, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Boyd Gaming. “The Golden Tee brand is a great fit for our customer base, and we look forward to working with IT to identify additional opportunities to leverage the Golden Tee brand across our properties.”
Qualifying for the championship begins on Feb. 1 on more than 15,000 online Golden Tee 2018 LIVE cabinets and runs through April 23. The final qualifier spot will be filled at The Orleans Hotel and Casino on June 8 in a special ‘Last Chance’ live tournament.
###
About Incredible Technologies:
Incredible Technologies is a Class-III gaming manufacturer focused on delivering compelling video slot content to the modern-day casino floor. The company headquarters are located in the Chicago suburb of Vernon Hills, Ill., with a remote office in Las Vegas, Nev. Incredible Technologies specializes in the design and development of digital entertainment products to game operators and players. Incredible Technologies is the largest manufacturer of coin-operated video games in the United States with its flagship product, Golden Tee® Golf, recognized as the most-successful pay-to-play video game in history.
Incredible Technologies is an associate member of the National Indian Gaming Association, American Gaming Association, Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers and is a certified Women's Business Enterprise.
About Boyd Gaming:
Headquartered in Las Vegas, Boyd Gaming Corporation is a leading diversified owner and operator of 24 gaming entertainment properties located in Nevada, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. Additional news and information on Boyd Gaming can be found at www.boydgaming.com.
END
TIMING IS EVERYTHING
Golden Tee 2018 Introduces Time-Released Content
A SEASON OF CHANGE
Every year the month of October signals the end of summer and the return of another fall season, another school season, and for the last 10 years, another Golden Tee course update season. And once again this year is no exception. Incredible Technologies (IT), the manufacturer of the highly successful and longstanding video golf game, has once again released an exciting new course update to the Golden Tee LIVE platform, which will not only satisfy during the new season, but throughout the year as well.
Operators, locations and players across North America have come to count on the annual offering, which brings renewed interest and increased earnings to over 17,000 online cabinets. New 18-hole courses, new game formats and new player achievements have proven to attract both current and new players back into their favorite watering holes to try out and master the new challenges. This year’s offering promises all that and more, including additional content well after the initial release.
IMPROVEMENTS OVER TIME
Along with annual software updates, IT has continually improved the platform’s hardware over its 12 year lifespan. Originally introduced in 2005, the Nighthawk hardware platform was created to be flexible, allowing it to adapt to the demands of the current audience. IT has spent considerable resources to keep older versions of the Nighthawk hardware in operation, while at the same time pushing the current configurations to their limits. The latest Nighthawk hardware offers superb hi-def 1080p graphics and faster processing power, making for an unbeatable, cutting-edge presentation and game play experience. These running changes and improvements, while at the same time supporting older versions of hardware sets and offering an easy path for hardware upgrades, has helped to keep game cabinets on the streets while keeping up with the present-day game player’s expectations.
In addition, Golden Tee has embraced the country’s current mobile lifestyle with the GT Caddy app. The robust companion app to Golden Tee offers players the ability to check their stats and play history, customize their golfers and equipment, and set up personal contests with friends, without taking up valuable time while at the game. Players can spend hours choosing an outfit or select the perfect set of clubs, and then try out their creations when at playing at a game machine.
TIME FOR AN UPDATE
This year’s Golden Tee update is once again packed with the high-quality content that will captivate players as soon as it is installed. Five spectacular new 18-hole courses arrive, ranging from a homey neighborhood park district course to night golf at an exotic luxury resort in Dubai. A new ball spin type called “Release”, and a cleaner and more informative user interface help players analyze and dial in their best shots. New ball types and club sets are available for purchase, which along with movable tees give players more flexibility and accuracy on every course.
Players can not only perfect their golf game, but they can perfect their style as well. The new update offers dozens of new clothing items, including masks, accessories like glasses and earmuffs, and even full body suits. New crazy putters, selectable colors for clubs and flashy ball tracers and effects offer the ultimate in player customization.
For the casual player, smoother turning has been added to help with aiming, along with clothing achievements and incentives to create an account and move up to online play. A “Play Again” prompt has been added to all game formats to make it easier than ever to stay at the game for another round.
EXTENDED PLAY
But unlike past updates, this year’s offerings don’t stop here. IT plans to release a variety of features throughout the year in an effort to keep the game fresh and players engaged longer than ever. Two more 18-hole courses will be release in January and March, making for an unprecedented 7 new courses in 2018. Mystic Hills and Rattlesnake Ridge, two popular courses originally from the historic Golden Tee Fore! series, have been retooled and reimagined with new graphics to work with Golden Tee LIVE.
And there’s more. Along with time-released courses, a variety of other features will be released later in the year. In the spring, all new tee boxes will debut on the five 2018 courses. These new starting spots will give players a new look to every hole, and even change the par on some. Players will want to play all the courses again as new challenges arise and the playing field levels. In addition, Classic Course of the Week will join the prize play rotation in May, adding a new prize play option. And additional batches of clothing achievements will be released in February and June, so players continue to win items just for playing a game.
“Time-released content has been a long term goal for many years”, said Don Pesceone, Vice President of Amusements at Incredible Technologies. “The 2018 update delivers everything players and owners have come to expect right from the start. But we will also be introducing more courses and game-enhancing content nearly every month throughout 2018. We expect these rolling additions to keep players interested, excited and playing Golden Tee all year long. Future updates are already being planned to continue this strategy of year-round content well into the future.’
More details on Golden Tee 2018, including How to Play details and videos can be found on Golden Tee’s lively LIVEWIRE website at www.goldentee.com. Sales information is available from most amusement distributors, as well as IT’s Amusements website http://amusement.itsgames.com.
END
SIDEBAR 1:
GOLDEN TEE 2018 FEATURES
NEW COURSES
Five 18-Hole Courses
PLUS Two Reimagined Courses from GT Fore!
NEW GAME FEATURES
New “Release” Spin Type
New User Interface and Heads-Up Displays
Real-time Hole-By-Hole Leaderboards
Two New Club Sets
Two New Ball Types
Camera Lock
Smooth Turning in Casual Play
MORE CUSTOMIZATION
Over 60 Unique Clothing Items
New Accessories Line- glasses, mustaches and more
Full body suits
16 New Crazy Putters
Expanded Ball Effects
Custom club colors and patterns
Animated Golfer
MORE REVENUE
Play Again Feature in All Game Modes
Money Shot Price Bundle
Larger Invitational Contests
TIME RELEASED CONTENT
Two new courses
New Tee Positions
Expanded Daily Contest Options
Classic Course of the Week
Monday Mixups
Throwback Thursdays
Freaky Fridays
SIDEBAR 2:
THE 2018 COURSES
Calypso Key: At one of the southern most points of the Caribbean on the island of Barbados lies this lush 18-hole golf course. Soft white waves from crystal blue water roll onto gleaming white beaches that border the course, while volcanic rock, tropical greenery and immense palm trees line the fairways. What this land lacks in elevation is made up for in unusual tropical terrain. Prepare to be floored by its exotic beauty and bewildered by the challenge.
Rhineland: Situated in the Rhine River Valley among stone castles and mountain walls exists Rhineland, Golden Tee’s uniquely German course. The long, twisting Rhine River winds its way through nearly every hole, serving as a natural obstacle on this mountainous course. Prepare yourself for a long hike through dense forest as you chase your ball up down and around the magnificent mountain range.
Safari Dunes: Safari Dunes takes you on a wild adventure in southern Africa. Take a walk on the wild side through dangerously beautiful terrain, rich with dark sand, fescue and teeming ocean frontage. You’ll walk amongst elephants, hippos and other roaming beasts and as you try to tame your shots through this unique course.
Mayfield Golf Club: Throw the clubs in the trunk and head down to Mayfield Golf Club, an Iowa park district course that looks and feels like a course you’ve probably played on in your own neighborhood. Play golf the Golden Tee way through a lively suburb, where the ground is in need of repair and the local water towers and power lines hovering in the distance. Here, shirt and shoes are most certainly optional.
Royal Dubai: After nearly 30 years of daylight golf, Golden Tee heads to the United Arab Emirates for a taste of golf after midnight. With average temperatures exceeding 100 degrees during the day for much of the year, the only way to golf is at night, with soft ground illumination to light the way. The towering Dubai skyline serves as a spectacular backdrop as you navigate an extravagant mix of waterfalls, sand hazards and thick palm trees across the luxury resort course.
Mystic Hills/Rattlesnake Ridge: Two popular courses from the historic Golden Tee Fore! platform make a comeback in 2018. These fan favorites have been fully reimagined for Golden Tee LIVE, and will appeal to the nostalgia buff as well as new players seeking more fun and variety. Rattlesnake Ridge, a winding, rocky desert adventure, debuts in January. Mystic Hills, a lush peaceful turn through the Pennsylvania countryside, becomes available in March.
SIDEBAR 3:
TIME RELEASED CONTENT SCHEDULE
Sep 25 Updates Begin Shipping
Nov 1 2018 courses added to Money Shot and Daily Contest
New shot type, new balls, new clubs available
Dec 1 Rattlesnake Ridge debuts in Daily Contest
Jan 1 Rattlesnake Ridge added to all play modes
Feb 1 Throwback Thursdays begin
World Championship online qualifying begins
Feb 2 Mystic Hills debuts in Daily Contest
Feb 5 Second wave of clothing achievements released
Mar 1 Mystic Hills added to all play modes
Mar 5 Courses from previous years added to Daily Contest rotation
Apr 2 Alternate Tees released
May 1 Classic Course of the Week begins
Jun 1 Third wave of clothing achievements released
June World Championship live event in Las Vegas
###
Golden Tee 2018 Introduces Time-Released Content
A SEASON OF CHANGE
Every year the month of October signals the end of summer and the return of another fall season, another school season, and for the last 10 years, another Golden Tee course update season. And once again this year is no exception. Incredible Technologies (IT), the manufacturer of the highly successful and longstanding video golf game, has once again released an exciting new course update to the Golden Tee LIVE platform, which will not only satisfy during the new season, but throughout the year as well.
Operators, locations and players across North America have come to count on the annual offering, which brings renewed interest and increased earnings to over 17,000 online cabinets. New 18-hole courses, new game formats and new player achievements have proven to attract both current and new players back into their favorite watering holes to try out and master the new challenges. This year’s offering promises all that and more, including additional content well after the initial release.
IMPROVEMENTS OVER TIME
Along with annual software updates, IT has continually improved the platform’s hardware over its 12 year lifespan. Originally introduced in 2005, the Nighthawk hardware platform was created to be flexible, allowing it to adapt to the demands of the current audience. IT has spent considerable resources to keep older versions of the Nighthawk hardware in operation, while at the same time pushing the current configurations to their limits. The latest Nighthawk hardware offers superb hi-def 1080p graphics and faster processing power, making for an unbeatable, cutting-edge presentation and game play experience. These running changes and improvements, while at the same time supporting older versions of hardware sets and offering an easy path for hardware upgrades, has helped to keep game cabinets on the streets while keeping up with the present-day game player’s expectations.
In addition, Golden Tee has embraced the country’s current mobile lifestyle with the GT Caddy app. The robust companion app to Golden Tee offers players the ability to check their stats and play history, customize their golfers and equipment, and set up personal contests with friends, without taking up valuable time while at the game. Players can spend hours choosing an outfit or select the perfect set of clubs, and then try out their creations when at playing at a game machine.
TIME FOR AN UPDATE
This year’s Golden Tee update is once again packed with the high-quality content that will captivate players as soon as it is installed. Five spectacular new 18-hole courses arrive, ranging from a homey neighborhood park district course to night golf at an exotic luxury resort in Dubai. A new ball spin type called “Release”, and a cleaner and more informative user interface help players analyze and dial in their best shots. New ball types and club sets are available for purchase, which along with movable tees give players more flexibility and accuracy on every course.
Players can not only perfect their golf game, but they can perfect their style as well. The new update offers dozens of new clothing items, including masks, accessories like glasses and earmuffs, and even full body suits. New crazy putters, selectable colors for clubs and flashy ball tracers and effects offer the ultimate in player customization.
For the casual player, smoother turning has been added to help with aiming, along with clothing achievements and incentives to create an account and move up to online play. A “Play Again” prompt has been added to all game formats to make it easier than ever to stay at the game for another round.
EXTENDED PLAY
But unlike past updates, this year’s offerings don’t stop here. IT plans to release a variety of features throughout the year in an effort to keep the game fresh and players engaged longer than ever. Two more 18-hole courses will be release in January and March, making for an unprecedented 7 new courses in 2018. Mystic Hills and Rattlesnake Ridge, two popular courses originally from the historic Golden Tee Fore! series, have been retooled and reimagined with new graphics to work with Golden Tee LIVE.
And there’s more. Along with time-released courses, a variety of other features will be released later in the year. In the spring, all new tee boxes will debut on the five 2018 courses. These new starting spots will give players a new look to every hole, and even change the par on some. Players will want to play all the courses again as new challenges arise and the playing field levels. In addition, Classic Course of the Week will join the prize play rotation in May, adding a new prize play option. And additional batches of clothing achievements will be released in February and June, so players continue to win items just for playing a game.
“Time-released content has been a long term goal for many years”, said Don Pesceone, Vice President of Amusements at Incredible Technologies. “The 2018 update delivers everything players and owners have come to expect right from the start. But we will also be introducing more courses and game-enhancing content nearly every month throughout 2018. We expect these rolling additions to keep players interested, excited and playing Golden Tee all year long. Future updates are already being planned to continue this strategy of year-round content well into the future.’
More details on Golden Tee 2018, including How to Play details and videos can be found on Golden Tee’s lively LIVEWIRE website at www.goldentee.com. Sales information is available from most amusement distributors, as well as IT’s Amusements website http://amusement.itsgames.com.
END
SIDEBAR 1:
GOLDEN TEE 2018 FEATURES
NEW COURSES
Five 18-Hole Courses
PLUS Two Reimagined Courses from GT Fore!
NEW GAME FEATURES
New “Release” Spin Type
New User Interface and Heads-Up Displays
Real-time Hole-By-Hole Leaderboards
Two New Club Sets
Two New Ball Types
Camera Lock
Smooth Turning in Casual Play
MORE CUSTOMIZATION
Over 60 Unique Clothing Items
New Accessories Line- glasses, mustaches and more
Full body suits
16 New Crazy Putters
Expanded Ball Effects
Custom club colors and patterns
Animated Golfer
MORE REVENUE
Play Again Feature in All Game Modes
Money Shot Price Bundle
Larger Invitational Contests
TIME RELEASED CONTENT
Two new courses
New Tee Positions
Expanded Daily Contest Options
Classic Course of the Week
Monday Mixups
Throwback Thursdays
Freaky Fridays
SIDEBAR 2:
THE 2018 COURSES
Calypso Key: At one of the southern most points of the Caribbean on the island of Barbados lies this lush 18-hole golf course. Soft white waves from crystal blue water roll onto gleaming white beaches that border the course, while volcanic rock, tropical greenery and immense palm trees line the fairways. What this land lacks in elevation is made up for in unusual tropical terrain. Prepare to be floored by its exotic beauty and bewildered by the challenge.
Rhineland: Situated in the Rhine River Valley among stone castles and mountain walls exists Rhineland, Golden Tee’s uniquely German course. The long, twisting Rhine River winds its way through nearly every hole, serving as a natural obstacle on this mountainous course. Prepare yourself for a long hike through dense forest as you chase your ball up down and around the magnificent mountain range.
Safari Dunes: Safari Dunes takes you on a wild adventure in southern Africa. Take a walk on the wild side through dangerously beautiful terrain, rich with dark sand, fescue and teeming ocean frontage. You’ll walk amongst elephants, hippos and other roaming beasts and as you try to tame your shots through this unique course.
Mayfield Golf Club: Throw the clubs in the trunk and head down to Mayfield Golf Club, an Iowa park district course that looks and feels like a course you’ve probably played on in your own neighborhood. Play golf the Golden Tee way through a lively suburb, where the ground is in need of repair and the local water towers and power lines hovering in the distance. Here, shirt and shoes are most certainly optional.
Royal Dubai: After nearly 30 years of daylight golf, Golden Tee heads to the United Arab Emirates for a taste of golf after midnight. With average temperatures exceeding 100 degrees during the day for much of the year, the only way to golf is at night, with soft ground illumination to light the way. The towering Dubai skyline serves as a spectacular backdrop as you navigate an extravagant mix of waterfalls, sand hazards and thick palm trees across the luxury resort course.
Mystic Hills/Rattlesnake Ridge: Two popular courses from the historic Golden Tee Fore! platform make a comeback in 2018. These fan favorites have been fully reimagined for Golden Tee LIVE, and will appeal to the nostalgia buff as well as new players seeking more fun and variety. Rattlesnake Ridge, a winding, rocky desert adventure, debuts in January. Mystic Hills, a lush peaceful turn through the Pennsylvania countryside, becomes available in March.
SIDEBAR 3:
TIME RELEASED CONTENT SCHEDULE
Sep 25 Updates Begin Shipping
Nov 1 2018 courses added to Money Shot and Daily Contest
New shot type, new balls, new clubs available
Dec 1 Rattlesnake Ridge debuts in Daily Contest
Jan 1 Rattlesnake Ridge added to all play modes
Feb 1 Throwback Thursdays begin
World Championship online qualifying begins
Feb 2 Mystic Hills debuts in Daily Contest
Feb 5 Second wave of clothing achievements released
Mar 1 Mystic Hills added to all play modes
Mar 5 Courses from previous years added to Daily Contest rotation
Apr 2 Alternate Tees released
May 1 Classic Course of the Week begins
Jun 1 Third wave of clothing achievements released
June World Championship live event in Las Vegas
###
Incredible Technologies Presents Tickle Monsters
New Video Redemption Game Fills Every Room with Laughter
(February 26, 2015 – Vernon Hills, IL) Incredible Technologies, long known for innovative quality video games, is pleased to offer Tickle Monsters, a new and irresistible touch screen game for everyone who loves laughter! The new, charming and affordable video redemption game is available in a limited run and is perfect for every all-ages location.
Game play is simple: Players choose either Pinky or Fuutz, the cute and crazy monsters who just love to laugh, and then they get to tickling! Keep tickling the monster to fill the room with infectious laughter while winning tickets. The more the monster laughs, the more you can win!
The unique and intuitive “tickling” hand action adds a new dimension to touchscreen gameplay. More tickling is rewarded with hilarious reactions that lead to bigger rewards. And players who can keep the monster at maximum hysteria are rewarded with bonuses and extra time that could lead to the jackpot.
Game software includes a full suite of adjustable settings designed to suit any location. Settings for tickets awarded, jackpot amounts and hit frequencies can all be tweaked to achieve optimal performance. Easy to read audits screens are available, in addition to hard meters, for a complete picture on collections and income.
Tickle Monsters ships complete with a sturdy and bright 46” 10-point hi-def touchscreen in the durable IMPACT cabinet. An eye-catching topper integrates with video to create incredible curb appeal on the arcade floor, while keeping to a relatively small footprint. Players will find Tickle Monsters hard to resist!
Attendees at the Amusement Expo this March can see Tickle Monsters in action at the Incredible Technologies Booth 623. More information on Tickle Monsters and the entire IT videmption product line can be found at itsgames.com or call the IT Sales Line at 855-803-1621.
END
New Video Redemption Game Fills Every Room with Laughter
(February 26, 2015 – Vernon Hills, IL) Incredible Technologies, long known for innovative quality video games, is pleased to offer Tickle Monsters, a new and irresistible touch screen game for everyone who loves laughter! The new, charming and affordable video redemption game is available in a limited run and is perfect for every all-ages location.
Game play is simple: Players choose either Pinky or Fuutz, the cute and crazy monsters who just love to laugh, and then they get to tickling! Keep tickling the monster to fill the room with infectious laughter while winning tickets. The more the monster laughs, the more you can win!
The unique and intuitive “tickling” hand action adds a new dimension to touchscreen gameplay. More tickling is rewarded with hilarious reactions that lead to bigger rewards. And players who can keep the monster at maximum hysteria are rewarded with bonuses and extra time that could lead to the jackpot.
Game software includes a full suite of adjustable settings designed to suit any location. Settings for tickets awarded, jackpot amounts and hit frequencies can all be tweaked to achieve optimal performance. Easy to read audits screens are available, in addition to hard meters, for a complete picture on collections and income.
Tickle Monsters ships complete with a sturdy and bright 46” 10-point hi-def touchscreen in the durable IMPACT cabinet. An eye-catching topper integrates with video to create incredible curb appeal on the arcade floor, while keeping to a relatively small footprint. Players will find Tickle Monsters hard to resist!
Attendees at the Amusement Expo this March can see Tickle Monsters in action at the Incredible Technologies Booth 623. More information on Tickle Monsters and the entire IT videmption product line can be found at itsgames.com or call the IT Sales Line at 855-803-1621.
END
Golden Tee LIVE Awards Over $50 Million in Cash Prizes
More Than 85% of Prizes Used Toward More Game Play
(August 25, 2014 – Vernon Hills, IL) Incredible Technologies, the makers of the wildly popular Golden Tee LIVE video game, is pleased to announce a new milestone. As of this month, Prize Play on Golden Tee LIVE has surpassed the fifty million dollar mark in prizes awarded to players.
The Prize Play format pits 50 players from across the world in a skill contest on an 18-hole virtual golf course. Players pay an additional one dollar entry fee, to create the $50 prize pool. The top 20 scores are awarded the entire $50, in cash prizes ranging from $10 to $1. The remaining players are awarded virtual equipment they can use in future games.
The long lasting popularity of Golden Tee LIVE has resulted in over 1 million contests, with the entire $50 million in prize money automatically awarded to hundreds of thousands of players. As soon as the contest closes the prize money is added to the player’s online Player Account, which is accessible at the game. The next time the player checks in, he can use his winnings to pay for more games.
“Although players can always cash out their prize winnings, over $43 million of the $50 million in prizes were used to play more Golden Tee,” said Don Pesceone, head of the Amusements Division at Incredible Technologies. “When prize money is used to pay for games, the player is basically giving his winnings back to the machine owner. This is all found money and plus business that directly benefits operators.”
Golden Tee LIVE offers prize formats on both 18-hole courses and Closest to the Pin modes. The next game update, slated for release at the end of September, will introduce an all new Daily Contest mode, which gives players even more ways to win big cash prizes. “The unprecedented popularity of Prize Play and fast-paced Closest to the Pin contests will continue to engage players in the newest version of Golden Tee,” said Pesceone. “Adding a new, repeat-play Daily Contest prize format to the mix is sure to bring in more winners, more game play and more profits!”
For more information on Golden Tee LIVE 2015 and the entire LIVE product line, visit http://goldentee.com
END
More Than 85% of Prizes Used Toward More Game Play
(August 25, 2014 – Vernon Hills, IL) Incredible Technologies, the makers of the wildly popular Golden Tee LIVE video game, is pleased to announce a new milestone. As of this month, Prize Play on Golden Tee LIVE has surpassed the fifty million dollar mark in prizes awarded to players.
The Prize Play format pits 50 players from across the world in a skill contest on an 18-hole virtual golf course. Players pay an additional one dollar entry fee, to create the $50 prize pool. The top 20 scores are awarded the entire $50, in cash prizes ranging from $10 to $1. The remaining players are awarded virtual equipment they can use in future games.
The long lasting popularity of Golden Tee LIVE has resulted in over 1 million contests, with the entire $50 million in prize money automatically awarded to hundreds of thousands of players. As soon as the contest closes the prize money is added to the player’s online Player Account, which is accessible at the game. The next time the player checks in, he can use his winnings to pay for more games.
“Although players can always cash out their prize winnings, over $43 million of the $50 million in prizes were used to play more Golden Tee,” said Don Pesceone, head of the Amusements Division at Incredible Technologies. “When prize money is used to pay for games, the player is basically giving his winnings back to the machine owner. This is all found money and plus business that directly benefits operators.”
Golden Tee LIVE offers prize formats on both 18-hole courses and Closest to the Pin modes. The next game update, slated for release at the end of September, will introduce an all new Daily Contest mode, which gives players even more ways to win big cash prizes. “The unprecedented popularity of Prize Play and fast-paced Closest to the Pin contests will continue to engage players in the newest version of Golden Tee,” said Pesceone. “Adding a new, repeat-play Daily Contest prize format to the mix is sure to bring in more winners, more game play and more profits!”
For more information on Golden Tee LIVE 2015 and the entire LIVE product line, visit http://goldentee.com
END
Golden Tee Golf Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Charity Virtual Golf Tournament to Raise over $100,000 for 'UnderDogs'
(April 10, 2014 – Vernon Hills IL) Golden Tee, the most successful coin-operated video game in history, celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2014. The full size video game is played in tens of thousands of bars and pubs around the world, and has a devoted and passionate player base. Every month, thousands of players spend millions of dollars competing against each other in Internet enabled tournaments, and some players are good enough to earn their living playing the game they love!
It's this love of the game that has fueled the Players Charity Championships. Since 2006, over $150,000 has been raised for charity, and to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Golden Tee, the Players Charity Championship IV will be held June 6-8, 2014 in Algonquin, IL. 128 players are expected to compete and raise over $100,000 to support three local nonprofit organizations.
Video Golfers for UnderDogs
The Golden Tee player community founded Video Golfers 4 Underdogs (VG4U), a recognized 501c3 non-profit organization, in 2004 as its charitable arm. Leading up to the tournament, players will create personal 'crowd-funding' web pages that friends, family, co-workers and others can visit to pledge donations. Jon Biedermann, Vice President of Video Golfers for UnderDogs, believes this event will be the most successful yet.
“We’ve learned a great deal from our past three charity events,” Biedermann said. “This year we plan to use that knowledge and experience in a variety of ways. We’ll have fundraising goals for each contestant, a silent auction, raffles, a ‘real golf’ tournament, and several other ways for members of the Golden Tee community to participate. Every tournament attendee feels passionately about this cause and the game.”
Benefiting Charities
The organizations that will benefit from the tournament are The Nikolas Ritschel Foundation of Rockford, Illinois; Salute, Inc. of Palatine, Illinois; and Starlight Children's Foundation of Chicago, Illinois. Kelli Ritschel-Boehle, Nikolas's mother and Executive Director of the foundation that bears his name, was very appreciative in her praise.
"One of Nik's last wishes was that we "take one step" to help young adolescent adults in their cancer journey. With the generosity and power of collaboration that Video Golfers for Underdogs has provided, our "one step" just became a giant step towards fulfilling our mission!"
The company behind Golden Tee, Incredible Technologies of Vernon Hills, Illinois, is assisting the players in helping make these events the most successful fundraising tournaments in the game’s long history.
“During the past 25 years hundreds of thousands of Golden Tee players have won over $55 million competing in our online tournaments,” remarked Elaine Hodgson, President of Incredible Technologies. “To see our players come together as part of the game's 25th anniversary celebration, and compete to raise money for such worthy organizations, is very gratifying. We knew our players had big hearts, but this is truly remarkable.”
Complementing the tournament action will be appearances by celebrities, a live and silent auction of one of kind Golden Tee and golf memorabilia, and a traditional real golf tournament.
Besides individual ‘crowd-funding’ player pledge pages, non-attendees will be able to make donations through Golden Tee’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.
An Official National Golden Tee Golf Tour Stop
Power Events Group, based in St. Louis, Missouri, runs the event as part of the National Golden Tee Golf Tour. Founded in 2009, hundreds of video golfers across the nation compete on tour, sharing in over $100,000 in prizes every year.
“We’re going to make sure that anyone who is a fan of Golden Tee will be able to participate and donate – even if they’re not playing in the tournament,” Biedermann said. “The event will be streamed live, and the professionals at Power Events Group make sure that the tournament runs without a hitch.”
For more information on the Golden Tee Players Charity Championship tournaments visit the official website at http://pcc2.donorpages.com/pcc4.
Players Charity Championship IV
June 6-8, 2014 Nero's Pizza & Pub
300 Eastgate Court, Algonquin, IL 60102
847-458-0282
About Video Golfers 4 Underdogs
Video Golfers 4 Underdogs, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, was founded in 2004 to support charitable causes in the U.S. and Canada. The organization raises funds by conducting Golden Tee Players Charity Championship tournaments and hosting other special events. These events have provided an avenue for Golden Tee players and fans throughout North America to give back to their communities. For more on VG4U and the Player’s Charity Championship IV, contact Jon Biedermann at [email protected] or visit the event website at http://pcc2.donorpages.com/pcc4.
About Incredible Technologies
Incredible Technologies is the largest manufacturer of pay-to-play video games in the United States. Their flagship product, Golden Tee Golf, is considered the most successful coin-operated video game in history with over $3 billion in earnings to small businesses.
Today, IT is diversifying into casino gaming, home entertainment products and mobile applications. Founded by Elaine Hodgson and Richard Ditton in 1985, Incredible Technologies is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Golden Tee in 2014. For more information visit the company's websites at www.goldentee.com and www.itsgames.com.
About Power Events Group
Power Events Group was founded in 2009 and created the National Golden Tee Golf Tour. Every year, hundreds of video golfers compete around the country for thousands of dollars in prize money and be named champion of Golden Tee Golf.
For more information on upcoming tour stops including the Player’s Charity Championship, visit the company's websites at www.peggtour.com
END
Charity Virtual Golf Tournament to Raise over $100,000 for 'UnderDogs'
(April 10, 2014 – Vernon Hills IL) Golden Tee, the most successful coin-operated video game in history, celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2014. The full size video game is played in tens of thousands of bars and pubs around the world, and has a devoted and passionate player base. Every month, thousands of players spend millions of dollars competing against each other in Internet enabled tournaments, and some players are good enough to earn their living playing the game they love!
It's this love of the game that has fueled the Players Charity Championships. Since 2006, over $150,000 has been raised for charity, and to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Golden Tee, the Players Charity Championship IV will be held June 6-8, 2014 in Algonquin, IL. 128 players are expected to compete and raise over $100,000 to support three local nonprofit organizations.
Video Golfers for UnderDogs
The Golden Tee player community founded Video Golfers 4 Underdogs (VG4U), a recognized 501c3 non-profit organization, in 2004 as its charitable arm. Leading up to the tournament, players will create personal 'crowd-funding' web pages that friends, family, co-workers and others can visit to pledge donations. Jon Biedermann, Vice President of Video Golfers for UnderDogs, believes this event will be the most successful yet.
“We’ve learned a great deal from our past three charity events,” Biedermann said. “This year we plan to use that knowledge and experience in a variety of ways. We’ll have fundraising goals for each contestant, a silent auction, raffles, a ‘real golf’ tournament, and several other ways for members of the Golden Tee community to participate. Every tournament attendee feels passionately about this cause and the game.”
Benefiting Charities
The organizations that will benefit from the tournament are The Nikolas Ritschel Foundation of Rockford, Illinois; Salute, Inc. of Palatine, Illinois; and Starlight Children's Foundation of Chicago, Illinois. Kelli Ritschel-Boehle, Nikolas's mother and Executive Director of the foundation that bears his name, was very appreciative in her praise.
"One of Nik's last wishes was that we "take one step" to help young adolescent adults in their cancer journey. With the generosity and power of collaboration that Video Golfers for Underdogs has provided, our "one step" just became a giant step towards fulfilling our mission!"
The company behind Golden Tee, Incredible Technologies of Vernon Hills, Illinois, is assisting the players in helping make these events the most successful fundraising tournaments in the game’s long history.
“During the past 25 years hundreds of thousands of Golden Tee players have won over $55 million competing in our online tournaments,” remarked Elaine Hodgson, President of Incredible Technologies. “To see our players come together as part of the game's 25th anniversary celebration, and compete to raise money for such worthy organizations, is very gratifying. We knew our players had big hearts, but this is truly remarkable.”
Complementing the tournament action will be appearances by celebrities, a live and silent auction of one of kind Golden Tee and golf memorabilia, and a traditional real golf tournament.
Besides individual ‘crowd-funding’ player pledge pages, non-attendees will be able to make donations through Golden Tee’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.
An Official National Golden Tee Golf Tour Stop
Power Events Group, based in St. Louis, Missouri, runs the event as part of the National Golden Tee Golf Tour. Founded in 2009, hundreds of video golfers across the nation compete on tour, sharing in over $100,000 in prizes every year.
“We’re going to make sure that anyone who is a fan of Golden Tee will be able to participate and donate – even if they’re not playing in the tournament,” Biedermann said. “The event will be streamed live, and the professionals at Power Events Group make sure that the tournament runs without a hitch.”
For more information on the Golden Tee Players Charity Championship tournaments visit the official website at http://pcc2.donorpages.com/pcc4.
Players Charity Championship IV
June 6-8, 2014 Nero's Pizza & Pub
300 Eastgate Court, Algonquin, IL 60102
847-458-0282
About Video Golfers 4 Underdogs
Video Golfers 4 Underdogs, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, was founded in 2004 to support charitable causes in the U.S. and Canada. The organization raises funds by conducting Golden Tee Players Charity Championship tournaments and hosting other special events. These events have provided an avenue for Golden Tee players and fans throughout North America to give back to their communities. For more on VG4U and the Player’s Charity Championship IV, contact Jon Biedermann at [email protected] or visit the event website at http://pcc2.donorpages.com/pcc4.
About Incredible Technologies
Incredible Technologies is the largest manufacturer of pay-to-play video games in the United States. Their flagship product, Golden Tee Golf, is considered the most successful coin-operated video game in history with over $3 billion in earnings to small businesses.
Today, IT is diversifying into casino gaming, home entertainment products and mobile applications. Founded by Elaine Hodgson and Richard Ditton in 1985, Incredible Technologies is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Golden Tee in 2014. For more information visit the company's websites at www.goldentee.com and www.itsgames.com.
About Power Events Group
Power Events Group was founded in 2009 and created the National Golden Tee Golf Tour. Every year, hundreds of video golfers compete around the country for thousands of dollars in prize money and be named champion of Golden Tee Golf.
For more information on upcoming tour stops including the Player’s Charity Championship, visit the company's websites at www.peggtour.com
END
PowerPutt LIVE 2013 Ships This March
New Courses and Features Encourage Long Term Play
(February 11, 2013 – Vernon Hills, IL) Incredible Technologies is pleased to announce that an all-new software update will be released for PowerPutt LIVE this coming March. In addition, PowerPutt LIVE 2013 Showpiece cabinets, full kits and conversion packages will be available from authorized amusement distributors across the country.
PowerPutt LIVE 2013 adds five all-new 18-hole courses, bringing the total number of selectable courses to an impressive eleven. These unique and challenging courses, like all of the new game features, have been designed with longevity, variety and replay value in mind.
“Every course has literally hundreds of tee and pin placements,” said Jim Zielinski, senior game designer at IT. “This unprecedented variety will give players something new and different every time they play, and keep these courses interesting and challenging for a very long time.”
Along with new courses, a wide variety of new online features have been added to PowerPutt LIVE 2013 that are designed to engage players of every skill level and give them a reason to play often. Now players can fully customize their on-screen golfer with hundreds of unique clothing items. New clothing items are awarded for various achievements, such as for every 5th game played and every 10th Birdie. In-game badges are awarded for accomplishing dozens of game milestones, and are displayed on screens that encourage players to collect them all. Daily Cash Prize Contests offer a new challenge each day, using special tournament-only tees and pins. Players are encouraged to enter often to improve their score, as only their best game counts towards the tournament leaderboard.
And that’s not all! PowerPutt LIVE 2013 also offers Poker Putt, a fun game option where virtual playing cards are awarded for various shots. This side game is just for fun, but adds a compelling dimension to multi-player rounds. PowerPutt LIVE 2013 also comes with an optional RawTalk audio setting designed for adult locations, where the game’s announcer Jack “Putter” Thompson tells it like it is with no expletives deleted.
“We truly believe in PowerPutt LIVE and continue to support it with high-quality, cost-effective content,” said Don Pesceone, VP of Sales at IT. “This game has the widest player appeal of any we have produced, and has proven to expand the player base in a location. Now is time to get behind this product and see the results firsthand.”
For more product information visit itsgames.com or contact your local amusement distributor. Be sure to visit the LIVEWIRE at Powerputtgolf.com to keep up with the latest news and events.
END
New Courses and Features Encourage Long Term Play
(February 11, 2013 – Vernon Hills, IL) Incredible Technologies is pleased to announce that an all-new software update will be released for PowerPutt LIVE this coming March. In addition, PowerPutt LIVE 2013 Showpiece cabinets, full kits and conversion packages will be available from authorized amusement distributors across the country.
PowerPutt LIVE 2013 adds five all-new 18-hole courses, bringing the total number of selectable courses to an impressive eleven. These unique and challenging courses, like all of the new game features, have been designed with longevity, variety and replay value in mind.
“Every course has literally hundreds of tee and pin placements,” said Jim Zielinski, senior game designer at IT. “This unprecedented variety will give players something new and different every time they play, and keep these courses interesting and challenging for a very long time.”
Along with new courses, a wide variety of new online features have been added to PowerPutt LIVE 2013 that are designed to engage players of every skill level and give them a reason to play often. Now players can fully customize their on-screen golfer with hundreds of unique clothing items. New clothing items are awarded for various achievements, such as for every 5th game played and every 10th Birdie. In-game badges are awarded for accomplishing dozens of game milestones, and are displayed on screens that encourage players to collect them all. Daily Cash Prize Contests offer a new challenge each day, using special tournament-only tees and pins. Players are encouraged to enter often to improve their score, as only their best game counts towards the tournament leaderboard.
And that’s not all! PowerPutt LIVE 2013 also offers Poker Putt, a fun game option where virtual playing cards are awarded for various shots. This side game is just for fun, but adds a compelling dimension to multi-player rounds. PowerPutt LIVE 2013 also comes with an optional RawTalk audio setting designed for adult locations, where the game’s announcer Jack “Putter” Thompson tells it like it is with no expletives deleted.
“We truly believe in PowerPutt LIVE and continue to support it with high-quality, cost-effective content,” said Don Pesceone, VP of Sales at IT. “This game has the widest player appeal of any we have produced, and has proven to expand the player base in a location. Now is time to get behind this product and see the results firsthand.”
For more product information visit itsgames.com or contact your local amusement distributor. Be sure to visit the LIVEWIRE at Powerputtgolf.com to keep up with the latest news and events.
END
It’s a Red Pin Revolution!
New Roll-N-Win Feature Coming to Silver Strike LIVE
(December 6, 2012 – Vernon Hills, IL) Get ready to Strike it Richer! Incredible Technologies is pleased to announce Roll-N-Win, an exciting new game feature coming to online Silver Strike LIVE machines this January. The automatic software patch will install Roll-N-Win on all registered Silver Strike LIVE games at no cost to the operator. The new feature will be instantly available wherever prize play and Roll-N-Win is allowed.
Roll-N-Win puts a new spin on the popular “Red Pin Bonus” event, currently used for bragging rights only. With Roll-N-Win, the action takes place on the final frame of the game, where players are rewarded with cash prizes for bowling strikes.
On the 10th frame of online (Stats or Prize) games, players are prompted to enter an additional entry fee to participate in Roll-N-Win. If the player bowls 2 strikes in a row they win a cash prize. If they bowl 3 strikes in a row an even bigger cash prize is awarded. Winnings are paid instantly to the winner’s Player Account, encouraging repeat play.
At launch, default pricing will be set to a 50 cent entry fee, with a $1 prize for two strikes and a $3 prize for three strikes. The feature will automatically default to “on” in most states, but operators can disable the feature from the game as well as from their ITNet Operator Services accounts if desired.
“Introducing a skill opportunity to win cash by simply bowling strikes will appeal to all types of players,” said Richard Ditton, Executive VP of Incredible Technologies. “Roll-N-Win will entice the massive casual player base to sample all of the online features Silver Strike LIVE has to offer, and convert them to devoted, long-term players.”
“We are committed to supporting the LIVE platform and protecting long-term operator investments”, said Elaine Hodgson, President and CEO of Incredible Technologies. “The development of this feature is free to all online games and hopefully has a positive impact on long-term earnings.”
Additional information on Silver Strike LIVE can be found on the LIVEWIRE at silverstrikebowling.com
END
New Roll-N-Win Feature Coming to Silver Strike LIVE
(December 6, 2012 – Vernon Hills, IL) Get ready to Strike it Richer! Incredible Technologies is pleased to announce Roll-N-Win, an exciting new game feature coming to online Silver Strike LIVE machines this January. The automatic software patch will install Roll-N-Win on all registered Silver Strike LIVE games at no cost to the operator. The new feature will be instantly available wherever prize play and Roll-N-Win is allowed.
Roll-N-Win puts a new spin on the popular “Red Pin Bonus” event, currently used for bragging rights only. With Roll-N-Win, the action takes place on the final frame of the game, where players are rewarded with cash prizes for bowling strikes.
On the 10th frame of online (Stats or Prize) games, players are prompted to enter an additional entry fee to participate in Roll-N-Win. If the player bowls 2 strikes in a row they win a cash prize. If they bowl 3 strikes in a row an even bigger cash prize is awarded. Winnings are paid instantly to the winner’s Player Account, encouraging repeat play.
At launch, default pricing will be set to a 50 cent entry fee, with a $1 prize for two strikes and a $3 prize for three strikes. The feature will automatically default to “on” in most states, but operators can disable the feature from the game as well as from their ITNet Operator Services accounts if desired.
“Introducing a skill opportunity to win cash by simply bowling strikes will appeal to all types of players,” said Richard Ditton, Executive VP of Incredible Technologies. “Roll-N-Win will entice the massive casual player base to sample all of the online features Silver Strike LIVE has to offer, and convert them to devoted, long-term players.”
“We are committed to supporting the LIVE platform and protecting long-term operator investments”, said Elaine Hodgson, President and CEO of Incredible Technologies. “The development of this feature is free to all online games and hopefully has a positive impact on long-term earnings.”
Additional information on Silver Strike LIVE can be found on the LIVEWIRE at silverstrikebowling.com
END
Golden Tee LIVE 2012 Sets Records
Players Flock to New Courses – Locations Urged to Update Quickly
(September 28, 2011 – Arlington Heights, IL) Golden Tee LIVE 2012 is spreading across the country faster than any previous version of the game. Locations are updating their old games at a record pace. During the first month it’s estimated that well over one million games will be played on the new 2012 courses.
“This is a testament to the power of Golden Tee,” said Incredible Technologies senior sales VP, Don Pesceone. “But more importantly, we want to alert those locations that haven’t updated yet to do so. Everyday that locations wait to update results in a loss of revenue.”
The buzz on Golden Tee LIVE 2012 has been unprecedented. USA Today ran a feature on the new game and there have been thousands of posts and tweets on Facebook and Twitter.
Golden Tee LIVE 2012 comes with 5 brand-new courses and a host of new features designed to attract new players while keeping die-hard fans enthralled for hours. All the popular features return too including YouTube Great Shots. YouTube Great Shots allows players to upload any super shot they hit to YouTube. To date over two million great shots have been uploaded to YouTube.
According to Pesceone, the company’s research shows that for every dollar that goes into a Golden Tee game, an additional $3.00 is spent on food and beverage.
“If your establishment doesn’t have 2012 – your players are going to your competitors. Call your amusement operator today and get your 2012 update installed now.”
To view a listing of all the updated locations and to view all the new 2012 features go to www.goldentee.com.
Locations that are not serviced by an amusement operator – and need more info on Golden Tee LIVE 2012 – should call the IT Info Line at 800.262.0323 x 106 today.
END
Players Flock to New Courses – Locations Urged to Update Quickly
(September 28, 2011 – Arlington Heights, IL) Golden Tee LIVE 2012 is spreading across the country faster than any previous version of the game. Locations are updating their old games at a record pace. During the first month it’s estimated that well over one million games will be played on the new 2012 courses.
“This is a testament to the power of Golden Tee,” said Incredible Technologies senior sales VP, Don Pesceone. “But more importantly, we want to alert those locations that haven’t updated yet to do so. Everyday that locations wait to update results in a loss of revenue.”
The buzz on Golden Tee LIVE 2012 has been unprecedented. USA Today ran a feature on the new game and there have been thousands of posts and tweets on Facebook and Twitter.
Golden Tee LIVE 2012 comes with 5 brand-new courses and a host of new features designed to attract new players while keeping die-hard fans enthralled for hours. All the popular features return too including YouTube Great Shots. YouTube Great Shots allows players to upload any super shot they hit to YouTube. To date over two million great shots have been uploaded to YouTube.
According to Pesceone, the company’s research shows that for every dollar that goes into a Golden Tee game, an additional $3.00 is spent on food and beverage.
“If your establishment doesn’t have 2012 – your players are going to your competitors. Call your amusement operator today and get your 2012 update installed now.”
To view a listing of all the updated locations and to view all the new 2012 features go to www.goldentee.com.
Locations that are not serviced by an amusement operator – and need more info on Golden Tee LIVE 2012 – should call the IT Info Line at 800.262.0323 x 106 today.
END
ENNEW PRODUCTS DESCRIPTIONS 2005
Silent Partner EX
The name that pioneered route management software 20 years ago has once again revolutionized the way today’s operators do business. Silent Partner has undergone the most extensive refinement in its long, auspicious history. EX integrates the program’s familiar route management capabilities with a new user interface tailored to the expectations of modern amusement operators. Now they can customize modules to fit the specific need of their route using simple shortcuts and a colorful interface. Silent Partner EX has brought route management software to the quality level expected in the global marketplace, incorporating all of today’s modern software capabilities. For more information about Silent Partner EX contact the product’s sales hotline at 847-870-7027 x 194
Silver Strike Bowling en Español
Incredible Technologies’ ten-pin sensation is ready for America’s fastest growing demographic! Silver Strike Bowling en Español takes the video bowler’s unprecedented game play into a fun and exciting Latino interface! All in-game audio and graphics have been completely redone in Spanish and Latino facial characteristics have been added to the game’s characters. SSB’s simple and entertaining format is a surefire hit for any Spanish speaking location. Silver Strike has been sweeping the nation since its release in August of 2004 and now everyone can join in on the complete entertainment experience. Testing is currently in progress for SSB en Español and dedicated cabinets are expected to be available this fall.
Golden Tee Fore! Complete
In 2000, Golden Tee Fore! revolutionized the on-premise entertainment industry with its outstanding game play and 3-D graphics. Five years later, Incredible Technologies is offering one last update for operators to finalize their investments that have been paid back time-and-time-again. Golden Tee Fore! Complete unlocks all 29 courses throughout the history of Golden Tee Fore! updates. Complete is the perfect solution for resale into the home market or product placement in operators’ most casual game play locations. Complete is not part of the International Tournament System, though it does allow players the ability to continue tracking their Golden Tee Fore! league statistics. Golden Tee Fore! Complete can be ordered now as a low-cost software update for existing Golden Tee Fore! cabinets by calling the IT sales hotline at 847-870-7027 x106.
END
Corporate Profile - 1999
INCREDIBLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
1600 Hicks Road
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
(847) 870-7027 (847) 870-0120 Fax
Incredible Technologies, Inc. (IT), located in the Chicago suburb of Rolling Meadows, Illinois, was founded in July of 1985. IT specializes in the design and development of entertainment hardware and software for coin-operated, consumer and cartridge-based systems. The company employs over 60 designers, programmers, artists, animators, sound engineers, service technicians and production personnel. A substantial portion of the company’s focus over the past 10 years has been designing and developing hardware and software for the entertainment industry. IT is the second largest US designer and manufacturer of coin-operated video games, with annual gross sales reaching well over $25 million. Loyalty, versatility and hard work are a hallmark of IT employees. IT is first and foremost a high technology development company. The company’s current strategy is to diversify into the entertainment arena with the development of low-cost, high performance computer hardware and software that offers innovative technology and exceptional return on investment.
COMPANY HISTORY
Incredible Technologies began in 1985 by Richard Ditton and Elaine Hodgson, both experienced designers and programmers within the video game industry. Early projects found the company developing the operating system and programming of Data East’s first pinball games, and a number of consumer games on the Apple II, Commodore 64 and Commodore Amiga for various publishers.
Within six months, the company had doubled in size, and IT’s design and development skills were in continual demand. The next few years found IT designers diversifying into numerous areas, including hardware and software for the original networked BattleTech system, highly acclaimed Amiga games for CinemaWare, more programming for Data East’s pinball line, and operating systems and animating graphics for Brunswick’s BowlerVision locations.
In 1988, IT developed and manufactured an inexpensive hardware platform and unique game play for IT’s first coin-op game, Capcom Bowling. Due to the timeless game play and exceptional return on investment, the now-classic bowling video was a huge success, and sold consistently for over three years.
With the success of Capcom Bowling, Incredible Technologies expanded its internal coin-op development, adopting the brand name Strata for these internally-generated products. The focus of most these games continued to aim towards street locations, such as bars, taverns and restaurants, including the original Golden Tee Golf, Strata Bowling, HotShots Tennis, Arlington Horse Racing, and Rim Rockin’ Basketball. Other Strata games aimed for the arcade market, such as Time Killers, BloodStorm and NFL Hard Yardage. Incredible Technologies has produced and manufactured over 25 coin-op games in the last 12 years. Eventually the Strata label was dropped and new games like Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee Golf and World Class Bowling appear under the Incredible Technologies name.
Currently Incredible Technologies projects include the exceptionally popular Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee Golf. This game title has tremendous mass appeal, and over 30,000 coin-op units have been sold so far. A home computer version was released in 1998, with more consumer platforms to follow. In keeping with the tradition of strong and innovative support to street locations and the vending industry, IT developed and perfected the International Tournament System. This revolutionary system connects video games and other coin-op devices to regular phone lines, where tournament statistics, audits, player data and other information is transferred between the games and IT. This connectivity into thousands of locations across the country offers a plethora of exciting opportunities for future projects.
MARKETING STRATEGY
Incredible Technologies is committed to creating a variety of quality coin-op products for street locations that offer a high return on investment at reasonable prices. IT has already made breakthrough advances in the production and acceptance of quality skill-based games aimed at a wide player base, system and game upgrades, online communications, and national tournaments. IT plans to target the many other diverse areas for potential development that the street market has to offer, including various coin-operated devices and operator assistance programs. Popular game titles will be further marketed to enhance the already strong recognition found through street locations. Home computer and game console versions, hand-held toys, tournament prizes and other merchandise will be pursued and supported.
CORPORATE OFFICERS
Elaine A. Hodgson, President & CEO, is a co-founder of IT and has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since IT’s inception in 1985. Ms. Hodgson draws upon years of experience in entertainment and business product development. She oversees strategic planning and marketing of IT services along with client interfacing. A graduate of Purdue University with a degree in biochemistry, Ms. Hodgson began her technical career as an industrial chemist at the Kennedy Space Center. Under her direction, IT has grown from a $150,000 start-up to a $25+ million Inc. 500 company.
Richard A. Ditton, Executive Vice President, draws upon an extensive technical development background and many years of business experience to lead internal project teams and vendor relationships. He has been the key developer of hardware and software tools, including a proprietary operating system used in a wide range of products. Richard has designed and programmed a number of successful coin-op and consumer games, including Capcom Bowling. Recently, Richard was the initial designer of the ITS, the first commercially successful online tournament system. Richard has recently been appointed to the American Amusement Machines Association board of directors. Mr. Ditton earned a B.S. in mathematics and a M.S. in computer science from Purdue University. Early in his career he worked for IBM as a designer of launch software for the Space Shuttle.
Michael J. Hanson, Vice President and General Counsel joined IT in 1987 as a software programmer, and was appointed Vice President General Counsel in 1989. Mr. Hanson is a gifted software engineer and currently oversees the International Tournament System. Before this he was the project director for development of both hardware and software for BattleTech, the first commercial application of virtual reality. As a licensed attorney, Mr. Hanson negotiates and writes the company’s contracts, guards the company’s intellectual properties, and sells the company’s consulting services. Mr. Hanson earned a B.A. from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and a J.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana.
Lawrence Hodgson, Vice President of Product Development, joined IT in 1987 and was appointed Vice President of Product Development in 1996. Prior to joining IT Mr. Hodgson had formed his own company that designed unique game software for use on the Commodore 64. Mr. Hodgson’s strong interest in computer-based entertainment led to his pioneering real-time, modem-based games prior to joining IT. His primary responsibility at IT is to oversee the teams that design and develop original IT games and simulation products. He has been the key designer, programmer, and director of development for several IT-produced sports games, including Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee 3D Golf, and is responsible for much of the software implementing 3-D simulations. He studied computer science and psychology at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, Ill.
Scott Morrison, Vice President of Marketing, joined IT in 1987 as artist and game designer. Before this time, Mr. Morrison had been in the video game industry since 1981 as artist and designer on numerous coin-op games. Currently Mr. Morrison coordinates all marketing efforts for the IT, including the International Tournament System, arcade games and other IT projects. Due to his art and design background, Mr. Morrison continues to contribute to the design and development of many of the products created at IT. Mr. Morrison earned a B.F.A. degree in graphic design from the University of Illinois at Urbana.
Steven Jaskowiak, Vice President of Engineering, joined IT in 1987 as a hardware engineer. Currently he leads the engineering, prototyping and development of new products and directs IT's technical support group. Mr. Jaskowiak’s background prior to joining IT includes the development of automotive test equipment and mobile cellular radios. Mr. Jaskowiak has directed the hardware development of three generations of IT’s custom graphics chips as well as the entire family of IT’s computer boards. He earned a B.S. in electrical engineering and an M.S.E.E. from the University of Illinois at Urbana.
CURRENT PROJECTS
Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee Golf
Peter Jacobsen's Golden Tee Golf, an original coin-op video golf game by Incredible Technologies, has become an industry phenomenon. Thousands of games are in locations of all kinds across the country, with thrilled operators reporting consistent earnings of up to $900 per week. The game has helped to revitalize the street location market, and has introduced new players into the industry.
Golden Tee Golf has enjoyed long-lasting success due to the easy-to-understand trackball control, the clever and challenging courses, and the three-dimensional look. One to four players can select from three beautifully designed 18-hole courses. The 3D environment of the courses allow for virtually unlimited ball placement. Multiple tee and pin placements also offer variety and challenge on each hole. Reverse angle and on-the-green camera views and instant replays all add to the fun and excitement. Yearly course updates have been widely accepted by owners of the more than 45,000 Golden Tee Golf games in operation today, and more updates, features and challenges will be offered each year.
World Class Bowling
World Class Bowling, which has enjoyed steady sales and excellent earnings for over two years. The clever and fun 3D coin-operated video game is proving to be another long-running steady earner, developed by the same designers of the classic Capcom Bowling and Strata Bowling games.
World Class Bowling has the easy game play and great bowling feel that players of all ages enjoy. Adults appreciate the simple yet challenging skill play and responsive feel of the controls, as well as the ability to play the game with one hand, which often becomes an important element in street locations. Even young people are captivated by the realistic sounds, mesmerizing pin action and clever and rewarding exciter graphics.
International Tournament System
Another revolutionary project from Incredible Technologies that has captured the attention of the entire coin-op industry is the International Tournament System (ITS). Special dedicated versions of Golden Tee Golf and World Class Bowling games connect up to regular telephone lines, where tournament information is transferred from IT to each game. Incredible Technologies runs and administers monthly tournaments on the more than 3500 Golf and Bowling games already in the field. IT has awarded well over $3,000,000 in cash prizes to thousands of players across the country. Tournament rules and procedures have been carefully created to make operator and location involvement easy and understandable. The tournament games have generated a wide base of avid and loyal players, and introduced new players to an expanded coin-op customer base. Income of these tournament games has been consistently outstanding, and the amount of attention brought by the high profile machines has sparked regular game sales and earnings as well.
The International Tournament System has seen wide acceptance in England. Monthly tournaments are run on hundreds of games, and have generated phenomenal income and player interest. IT continues to increase the power and features of this revolutionary system, and plans to introduce and expand remote tournament play and system communications on a variety of products and countries.
Virtual Pool
Virtual Pool is a beautiful 3D version of pool on a brand new hardware platform. This new game is played with a trackball and offers beautiful 3D graphics, seamless gameplay and exacting ball physics that are sure to please the novice and hardcore pool player alike. The game offers up to four players their choice of straight pool, 9 ball and 8-ball, on a variety of tables in unique and appealing environments. Like Golf, gameplay is easy to learn but a challenge to master. Players can set up their shots with exceptional precision, and even add english and masse to the cue ball.
Other street-compatible games are under development at IT, with an eye toward tournament capability. Additionally, other coin-op manufacturers have expressed interest in the tournament system and are working with IT officials to find appropriate games that fit the tournament format.
Consumer Products
IT is publishing consumer platforms of their popular coin-op titles. Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee Golf is being developed for home PCs, with enhanced graphics and unique and innovative features. An amazingly simple and engaging trackball interface, labeled TrakSwing, allows players to experience the same immersive game play as its coin-op counterpart. A variety of entertaining and informative camera views follow the flight of the ball in real time. Multi-player games are provided through an extensive Internet matchmaking service. New technology offers players the ability to talk and listen to players on other computers in real time. Completed player games, called Shadow Games, can be saved and shared with other players, offering a new method of competition and practice. IT plans to support this PC product with regular course updates, and special events via the Internet.
World Class Bowling is also being reprogrammed for home PCs, and will offer enhanced resolution and exciting game play. A hand-held electronic version of Golden Tee Golf is also under development.
PRODUCT LIST
Incredible Technologies’ home, cartridge-based and coin-operated games are well respected within the industry and have brought financial success both to IT and the Operators who have purchased them Gameplay of the highest caliber, enticing graphics, memorable sounds and superb return on investment are all hallmarks of IT products.
Coin-operated Video Games:
IT staff originated and developed the game concepts and programmed gameplay, sound effects and music for all the following video games.
Peter Jacobsen's Golden Tee '99 (Incredible Technologies, Inc.)
Virtual Pool (Incredible Technologies, Inc.)
Peter Jacobsen's Golden Tee '98 (Incredible Technologies, Inc.)
World Class Bowling Flash Tournament Edition (Incredible Technologies, Inc.)
ShuffleShot (Incredible Technologies, Inc.)
Peter Jacobsen's Golden Tee '97 (Incredible Technologies, Inc.)
World Class Bowling (Incredible Technologies, Inc.)
Peter Jacobsen's Golden Tee 3D Golf (Incredible Technologies, Inc.)
Street Fighter - "The Movie" (Capcom)
BloodStorm (Strata)
Driver’s Edge (Strata)
Hard Yardage (Strata)
Time Killers (Strata)
Neck 'n' Neck (Bundra Games)
Ninja Clowns (Strata)
Rim Rockin' Basketball (Strata)
Arlington Horse Racing (Strata)
Dyno Bop (Grand Products)
Peggle (Strata)
Slick Shot (Grand Products)
Golden Tee Golf II (Strata)
Hot Shots Tennis (Strata)
Strata Bowling (Strata)
Golden Tee Golf I (Strata)
Capcom Bowling (Strata)
Consumer Games:
Peter Jacobsen's Golden Tee Golf (Interplay) for PC
Time Killers (THQ) for Sega Genesis
American Gladiators (GameTek) for Nintendo
Battle Royale (NEC) for TurboGrafx-16
Duck Tales, "The Quest for Gold" (Disney Studios) MS DOS, C64, Amiga
Harley Davidson, The Road to Sturgis (Mindscape) MS DOS
Grave Yardage (Mediagenic) MS DOS/C64
Snow Strike (Epyx) MS DOS/C64
The Three Stooges (Cinemaware) Amiga/C64
Pinball Games:
IT created a proprietary operating system and programmed the gameplay, light shows, sound effects and music for the following Data East pinball games.
Phantom of the Opera (Data East)
Monday Night Football (Data East)
Time Machine (Data East)
Playboy 35th Anniversary (Data East)
Torpedo Alley (Data East)
Laser War (Data East)
Commercial Projects
Incredible Technologies' engineering capabilities encompass the ability to design, specify, create, test, and manufacture microprocessor-based systems and other types of electronics, as well as provide a broad range of engineering consulting and design services for clients.
BattleTech virtual reality system (ESP, Inc.)
IT designed, developed and implemented the hardware, software, graphics, and sounds (including a proprietary sound board) for this multi-player, networked virtual reality system. An exciting new concept in entertainment, BattleTech players sit in linked yet separate high tech vehicle simulators outfitted with video displays, an array of alphanumeric readouts and controls, and multiple speakers for surrounding sound effects.
Jeep Simulator (Chrysler, Inc.)
IT produced the computer hardware, software programming, graphics and sounds for a system of Jeep simulators for display and use at trade shows across the United States. Participants sit in freestanding simulator units that feature Jeep steering wheels and dashboard controls. They "drive" on an off-road terrain viewed on a color monitor. The simulator was a mainstay of Chrysler's auto show displays from 1990.
Infrared "Laser Gun" for Wonder Wars robotic amusement system in Japan (Wonder Wars)
IT engineers created a system of wireless, intelligent, two-way communications linked via infrared light. The system is used in a 64-gun entertainment facility and enables robotic players to track and shoot at human players and vice versa. The guns can be used for distances up to 50 feet. When players place their guns in a special rack, the computerized rack system extracts data on each player's hits and misses and total shots, and a score for each player is printed out.
SpellTutor hand-held educational device (WorldBook, Inc.)
IT designed the hardware and software and coordinated the manufacturing of this hand-held electronic device designed to help children learn to spell. SpellTutor contains an 8,000-word memory based on the New Iowa Spelling Scale (1989) published by the University of Iowa along with several word games aimed at making the process of learning to spell an enjoyable one. Fifty thousand units have been produced by IT.
Video System Boards
IT has developed and manufactured a number of coin-operated video games and infrared dedicated games operated by controller boards designed by IT staff. Special features include custom-designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), and digital signal processing (DSP) technology.
Brunswick BowlerVision/Brunswick FrameWorx (Brunswick)
IT engineered the software and designed the graphics for this networked bowling system that enables players to have pins set up in any desired configuration and to track ball speed. IT developed a ROM-based graphics library, terminal emulation system and four original games. IT continues to enjoy a beneficial relationship with Brunswick, generating state-of-the-art graphics and animations for their automated scoring systems.
Point of Sale/Point of Purchase Devices
IT built the internal electronics for an award-winning Super Nintendo Game System display kiosk used in retail locations.
IT engineered a menu-driven, low-cost, battery-powered, LCD-display, interactive POP device to help consumers and contractors shop for and select USG ceiling tile by style, size, quantity, and pricing.
IT has provided POS/POP engineering and consulting to Fortune 500 companies.
Licensed Products
Developing products based on licenses and well-known product identities presents special challenges. Developers must be able to meet the expectations of sponsors while maintaining the integrity of the finished products.
Peter Jacobsen's Golden Tee 3D Golf (Peter Jacobsen Productions for IT)
The best coin-op golf game ever gained the favor and expertise of pro golfer Peter Jacobsen, and enjoys high earnings and dedicated fans across the country.
Street Fighter the Movie (Capcom Entertainment)
Internal designers filmed and digitized actors from the major motion picture Street Fighter, including Jean-Claude Van Dam and Kylie Manogue, to create a well planned, immersive two-player fighting game for Capcom Japan.
NFL Hard Yardage (NFL Properties & NFL Films for Strata)
A four-player coin-operated video game that featured all of the teams and characteristics of the 1994 NFL season. Teams were displayed with home and away uniforms, as well as individual jersey numbers that corresponded to real players. Exciting film footage from the NFL was incorporated into the game package to add realism and excitement to the fast-paced game.
Jeep Off-Road Challenge (Chrysler, Inc.)
A life-size, Jeep driving simulator was continually featured at auto shows across the United States from 1990 to 1993. IT developed the computer hardware and software, along with the graphics used in the simulated off-road view screens, and the realistic sound effects generated through the system's audio speakers.
Duck Tales: The Quest for Gold (Disney, Inc.)
IT was responsible for the computer art and animation of this educational home computer adventure game for children based on several of Disney's famous duck characters.
The Three Stooges C/64 and Amiga versions (Cinemaware, Inc.)
This amusing, animated, problem-solving home computer game deftly uses digitally sampled voices of the main characters and earned IT the "Best Music and Sound Effects" award from the Software Publishers Association.
Capcom/Coors Bowling (Coors Beer)
This exciting coin-operated video bowling game created by it spawned a host of imitations. Coors' identity is reinforced through use of colorful exciters, humorous animated character cameos that punctuate each player's good and not-so-good rolls both visually and through attention-getting sound effects. IT's work on this game was awarded the "kit of the year" status by the Amusement Machine Operators Association (AMOA).
Monday Night Football (ABC Monday Night Football for Data East)
IT digitally sampled and programmed the voices of ABC's own announcers Dan Dierdorf and Frank Gifford to add real-life drama and excitement to this fast-paced pinball game.
Arlington Horse Racing (Arlington International Racecourse for Strata)
The voice of Arlington's own announcer, Phil Georgeff, is just one of the many elements that make this video horse racing game of skill stand out from the competition. To ensure the game's realism and overall appeal to horse racing fans, IT coordinated development efforts with Arlington's own technical marketing staff .
Playboy 35th Anniversary (Playboy, Inc. for Data East)
Hugh Hefner's own voice is featured in this pinball game, which was the center of attention at the West Coast Playboy Mansion during Playboy's 35th anniversary proceedings.
Awards and Honors
1998
END
INCREDIBLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
1600 Hicks Road
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
(847) 870-7027 (847) 870-0120 Fax
Incredible Technologies, Inc. (IT), located in the Chicago suburb of Rolling Meadows, Illinois, was founded in July of 1985. IT specializes in the design and development of entertainment hardware and software for coin-operated, consumer and cartridge-based systems. The company employs over 60 designers, programmers, artists, animators, sound engineers, service technicians and production personnel. A substantial portion of the company’s focus over the past 10 years has been designing and developing hardware and software for the entertainment industry. IT is the second largest US designer and manufacturer of coin-operated video games, with annual gross sales reaching well over $25 million. Loyalty, versatility and hard work are a hallmark of IT employees. IT is first and foremost a high technology development company. The company’s current strategy is to diversify into the entertainment arena with the development of low-cost, high performance computer hardware and software that offers innovative technology and exceptional return on investment.
COMPANY HISTORY
Incredible Technologies began in 1985 by Richard Ditton and Elaine Hodgson, both experienced designers and programmers within the video game industry. Early projects found the company developing the operating system and programming of Data East’s first pinball games, and a number of consumer games on the Apple II, Commodore 64 and Commodore Amiga for various publishers.
Within six months, the company had doubled in size, and IT’s design and development skills were in continual demand. The next few years found IT designers diversifying into numerous areas, including hardware and software for the original networked BattleTech system, highly acclaimed Amiga games for CinemaWare, more programming for Data East’s pinball line, and operating systems and animating graphics for Brunswick’s BowlerVision locations.
In 1988, IT developed and manufactured an inexpensive hardware platform and unique game play for IT’s first coin-op game, Capcom Bowling. Due to the timeless game play and exceptional return on investment, the now-classic bowling video was a huge success, and sold consistently for over three years.
With the success of Capcom Bowling, Incredible Technologies expanded its internal coin-op development, adopting the brand name Strata for these internally-generated products. The focus of most these games continued to aim towards street locations, such as bars, taverns and restaurants, including the original Golden Tee Golf, Strata Bowling, HotShots Tennis, Arlington Horse Racing, and Rim Rockin’ Basketball. Other Strata games aimed for the arcade market, such as Time Killers, BloodStorm and NFL Hard Yardage. Incredible Technologies has produced and manufactured over 25 coin-op games in the last 12 years. Eventually the Strata label was dropped and new games like Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee Golf and World Class Bowling appear under the Incredible Technologies name.
Currently Incredible Technologies projects include the exceptionally popular Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee Golf. This game title has tremendous mass appeal, and over 30,000 coin-op units have been sold so far. A home computer version was released in 1998, with more consumer platforms to follow. In keeping with the tradition of strong and innovative support to street locations and the vending industry, IT developed and perfected the International Tournament System. This revolutionary system connects video games and other coin-op devices to regular phone lines, where tournament statistics, audits, player data and other information is transferred between the games and IT. This connectivity into thousands of locations across the country offers a plethora of exciting opportunities for future projects.
MARKETING STRATEGY
Incredible Technologies is committed to creating a variety of quality coin-op products for street locations that offer a high return on investment at reasonable prices. IT has already made breakthrough advances in the production and acceptance of quality skill-based games aimed at a wide player base, system and game upgrades, online communications, and national tournaments. IT plans to target the many other diverse areas for potential development that the street market has to offer, including various coin-operated devices and operator assistance programs. Popular game titles will be further marketed to enhance the already strong recognition found through street locations. Home computer and game console versions, hand-held toys, tournament prizes and other merchandise will be pursued and supported.
CORPORATE OFFICERS
Elaine A. Hodgson, President & CEO, is a co-founder of IT and has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since IT’s inception in 1985. Ms. Hodgson draws upon years of experience in entertainment and business product development. She oversees strategic planning and marketing of IT services along with client interfacing. A graduate of Purdue University with a degree in biochemistry, Ms. Hodgson began her technical career as an industrial chemist at the Kennedy Space Center. Under her direction, IT has grown from a $150,000 start-up to a $25+ million Inc. 500 company.
Richard A. Ditton, Executive Vice President, draws upon an extensive technical development background and many years of business experience to lead internal project teams and vendor relationships. He has been the key developer of hardware and software tools, including a proprietary operating system used in a wide range of products. Richard has designed and programmed a number of successful coin-op and consumer games, including Capcom Bowling. Recently, Richard was the initial designer of the ITS, the first commercially successful online tournament system. Richard has recently been appointed to the American Amusement Machines Association board of directors. Mr. Ditton earned a B.S. in mathematics and a M.S. in computer science from Purdue University. Early in his career he worked for IBM as a designer of launch software for the Space Shuttle.
Michael J. Hanson, Vice President and General Counsel joined IT in 1987 as a software programmer, and was appointed Vice President General Counsel in 1989. Mr. Hanson is a gifted software engineer and currently oversees the International Tournament System. Before this he was the project director for development of both hardware and software for BattleTech, the first commercial application of virtual reality. As a licensed attorney, Mr. Hanson negotiates and writes the company’s contracts, guards the company’s intellectual properties, and sells the company’s consulting services. Mr. Hanson earned a B.A. from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and a J.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana.
Lawrence Hodgson, Vice President of Product Development, joined IT in 1987 and was appointed Vice President of Product Development in 1996. Prior to joining IT Mr. Hodgson had formed his own company that designed unique game software for use on the Commodore 64. Mr. Hodgson’s strong interest in computer-based entertainment led to his pioneering real-time, modem-based games prior to joining IT. His primary responsibility at IT is to oversee the teams that design and develop original IT games and simulation products. He has been the key designer, programmer, and director of development for several IT-produced sports games, including Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee 3D Golf, and is responsible for much of the software implementing 3-D simulations. He studied computer science and psychology at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, Ill.
Scott Morrison, Vice President of Marketing, joined IT in 1987 as artist and game designer. Before this time, Mr. Morrison had been in the video game industry since 1981 as artist and designer on numerous coin-op games. Currently Mr. Morrison coordinates all marketing efforts for the IT, including the International Tournament System, arcade games and other IT projects. Due to his art and design background, Mr. Morrison continues to contribute to the design and development of many of the products created at IT. Mr. Morrison earned a B.F.A. degree in graphic design from the University of Illinois at Urbana.
Steven Jaskowiak, Vice President of Engineering, joined IT in 1987 as a hardware engineer. Currently he leads the engineering, prototyping and development of new products and directs IT's technical support group. Mr. Jaskowiak’s background prior to joining IT includes the development of automotive test equipment and mobile cellular radios. Mr. Jaskowiak has directed the hardware development of three generations of IT’s custom graphics chips as well as the entire family of IT’s computer boards. He earned a B.S. in electrical engineering and an M.S.E.E. from the University of Illinois at Urbana.
CURRENT PROJECTS
Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee Golf
Peter Jacobsen's Golden Tee Golf, an original coin-op video golf game by Incredible Technologies, has become an industry phenomenon. Thousands of games are in locations of all kinds across the country, with thrilled operators reporting consistent earnings of up to $900 per week. The game has helped to revitalize the street location market, and has introduced new players into the industry.
Golden Tee Golf has enjoyed long-lasting success due to the easy-to-understand trackball control, the clever and challenging courses, and the three-dimensional look. One to four players can select from three beautifully designed 18-hole courses. The 3D environment of the courses allow for virtually unlimited ball placement. Multiple tee and pin placements also offer variety and challenge on each hole. Reverse angle and on-the-green camera views and instant replays all add to the fun and excitement. Yearly course updates have been widely accepted by owners of the more than 45,000 Golden Tee Golf games in operation today, and more updates, features and challenges will be offered each year.
World Class Bowling
World Class Bowling, which has enjoyed steady sales and excellent earnings for over two years. The clever and fun 3D coin-operated video game is proving to be another long-running steady earner, developed by the same designers of the classic Capcom Bowling and Strata Bowling games.
World Class Bowling has the easy game play and great bowling feel that players of all ages enjoy. Adults appreciate the simple yet challenging skill play and responsive feel of the controls, as well as the ability to play the game with one hand, which often becomes an important element in street locations. Even young people are captivated by the realistic sounds, mesmerizing pin action and clever and rewarding exciter graphics.
International Tournament System
Another revolutionary project from Incredible Technologies that has captured the attention of the entire coin-op industry is the International Tournament System (ITS). Special dedicated versions of Golden Tee Golf and World Class Bowling games connect up to regular telephone lines, where tournament information is transferred from IT to each game. Incredible Technologies runs and administers monthly tournaments on the more than 3500 Golf and Bowling games already in the field. IT has awarded well over $3,000,000 in cash prizes to thousands of players across the country. Tournament rules and procedures have been carefully created to make operator and location involvement easy and understandable. The tournament games have generated a wide base of avid and loyal players, and introduced new players to an expanded coin-op customer base. Income of these tournament games has been consistently outstanding, and the amount of attention brought by the high profile machines has sparked regular game sales and earnings as well.
The International Tournament System has seen wide acceptance in England. Monthly tournaments are run on hundreds of games, and have generated phenomenal income and player interest. IT continues to increase the power and features of this revolutionary system, and plans to introduce and expand remote tournament play and system communications on a variety of products and countries.
Virtual Pool
Virtual Pool is a beautiful 3D version of pool on a brand new hardware platform. This new game is played with a trackball and offers beautiful 3D graphics, seamless gameplay and exacting ball physics that are sure to please the novice and hardcore pool player alike. The game offers up to four players their choice of straight pool, 9 ball and 8-ball, on a variety of tables in unique and appealing environments. Like Golf, gameplay is easy to learn but a challenge to master. Players can set up their shots with exceptional precision, and even add english and masse to the cue ball.
Other street-compatible games are under development at IT, with an eye toward tournament capability. Additionally, other coin-op manufacturers have expressed interest in the tournament system and are working with IT officials to find appropriate games that fit the tournament format.
Consumer Products
IT is publishing consumer platforms of their popular coin-op titles. Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee Golf is being developed for home PCs, with enhanced graphics and unique and innovative features. An amazingly simple and engaging trackball interface, labeled TrakSwing, allows players to experience the same immersive game play as its coin-op counterpart. A variety of entertaining and informative camera views follow the flight of the ball in real time. Multi-player games are provided through an extensive Internet matchmaking service. New technology offers players the ability to talk and listen to players on other computers in real time. Completed player games, called Shadow Games, can be saved and shared with other players, offering a new method of competition and practice. IT plans to support this PC product with regular course updates, and special events via the Internet.
World Class Bowling is also being reprogrammed for home PCs, and will offer enhanced resolution and exciting game play. A hand-held electronic version of Golden Tee Golf is also under development.
PRODUCT LIST
Incredible Technologies’ home, cartridge-based and coin-operated games are well respected within the industry and have brought financial success both to IT and the Operators who have purchased them Gameplay of the highest caliber, enticing graphics, memorable sounds and superb return on investment are all hallmarks of IT products.
Coin-operated Video Games:
IT staff originated and developed the game concepts and programmed gameplay, sound effects and music for all the following video games.
Peter Jacobsen's Golden Tee '99 (Incredible Technologies, Inc.)
Virtual Pool (Incredible Technologies, Inc.)
Peter Jacobsen's Golden Tee '98 (Incredible Technologies, Inc.)
World Class Bowling Flash Tournament Edition (Incredible Technologies, Inc.)
ShuffleShot (Incredible Technologies, Inc.)
Peter Jacobsen's Golden Tee '97 (Incredible Technologies, Inc.)
World Class Bowling (Incredible Technologies, Inc.)
Peter Jacobsen's Golden Tee 3D Golf (Incredible Technologies, Inc.)
Street Fighter - "The Movie" (Capcom)
BloodStorm (Strata)
Driver’s Edge (Strata)
Hard Yardage (Strata)
Time Killers (Strata)
Neck 'n' Neck (Bundra Games)
Ninja Clowns (Strata)
Rim Rockin' Basketball (Strata)
Arlington Horse Racing (Strata)
Dyno Bop (Grand Products)
Peggle (Strata)
Slick Shot (Grand Products)
Golden Tee Golf II (Strata)
Hot Shots Tennis (Strata)
Strata Bowling (Strata)
Golden Tee Golf I (Strata)
Capcom Bowling (Strata)
Consumer Games:
Peter Jacobsen's Golden Tee Golf (Interplay) for PC
Time Killers (THQ) for Sega Genesis
American Gladiators (GameTek) for Nintendo
Battle Royale (NEC) for TurboGrafx-16
Duck Tales, "The Quest for Gold" (Disney Studios) MS DOS, C64, Amiga
Harley Davidson, The Road to Sturgis (Mindscape) MS DOS
Grave Yardage (Mediagenic) MS DOS/C64
Snow Strike (Epyx) MS DOS/C64
The Three Stooges (Cinemaware) Amiga/C64
Pinball Games:
IT created a proprietary operating system and programmed the gameplay, light shows, sound effects and music for the following Data East pinball games.
Phantom of the Opera (Data East)
Monday Night Football (Data East)
Time Machine (Data East)
Playboy 35th Anniversary (Data East)
Torpedo Alley (Data East)
Laser War (Data East)
Commercial Projects
Incredible Technologies' engineering capabilities encompass the ability to design, specify, create, test, and manufacture microprocessor-based systems and other types of electronics, as well as provide a broad range of engineering consulting and design services for clients.
BattleTech virtual reality system (ESP, Inc.)
IT designed, developed and implemented the hardware, software, graphics, and sounds (including a proprietary sound board) for this multi-player, networked virtual reality system. An exciting new concept in entertainment, BattleTech players sit in linked yet separate high tech vehicle simulators outfitted with video displays, an array of alphanumeric readouts and controls, and multiple speakers for surrounding sound effects.
Jeep Simulator (Chrysler, Inc.)
IT produced the computer hardware, software programming, graphics and sounds for a system of Jeep simulators for display and use at trade shows across the United States. Participants sit in freestanding simulator units that feature Jeep steering wheels and dashboard controls. They "drive" on an off-road terrain viewed on a color monitor. The simulator was a mainstay of Chrysler's auto show displays from 1990.
Infrared "Laser Gun" for Wonder Wars robotic amusement system in Japan (Wonder Wars)
IT engineers created a system of wireless, intelligent, two-way communications linked via infrared light. The system is used in a 64-gun entertainment facility and enables robotic players to track and shoot at human players and vice versa. The guns can be used for distances up to 50 feet. When players place their guns in a special rack, the computerized rack system extracts data on each player's hits and misses and total shots, and a score for each player is printed out.
SpellTutor hand-held educational device (WorldBook, Inc.)
IT designed the hardware and software and coordinated the manufacturing of this hand-held electronic device designed to help children learn to spell. SpellTutor contains an 8,000-word memory based on the New Iowa Spelling Scale (1989) published by the University of Iowa along with several word games aimed at making the process of learning to spell an enjoyable one. Fifty thousand units have been produced by IT.
Video System Boards
IT has developed and manufactured a number of coin-operated video games and infrared dedicated games operated by controller boards designed by IT staff. Special features include custom-designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), and digital signal processing (DSP) technology.
Brunswick BowlerVision/Brunswick FrameWorx (Brunswick)
IT engineered the software and designed the graphics for this networked bowling system that enables players to have pins set up in any desired configuration and to track ball speed. IT developed a ROM-based graphics library, terminal emulation system and four original games. IT continues to enjoy a beneficial relationship with Brunswick, generating state-of-the-art graphics and animations for their automated scoring systems.
Point of Sale/Point of Purchase Devices
IT built the internal electronics for an award-winning Super Nintendo Game System display kiosk used in retail locations.
IT engineered a menu-driven, low-cost, battery-powered, LCD-display, interactive POP device to help consumers and contractors shop for and select USG ceiling tile by style, size, quantity, and pricing.
IT has provided POS/POP engineering and consulting to Fortune 500 companies.
Licensed Products
Developing products based on licenses and well-known product identities presents special challenges. Developers must be able to meet the expectations of sponsors while maintaining the integrity of the finished products.
Peter Jacobsen's Golden Tee 3D Golf (Peter Jacobsen Productions for IT)
The best coin-op golf game ever gained the favor and expertise of pro golfer Peter Jacobsen, and enjoys high earnings and dedicated fans across the country.
Street Fighter the Movie (Capcom Entertainment)
Internal designers filmed and digitized actors from the major motion picture Street Fighter, including Jean-Claude Van Dam and Kylie Manogue, to create a well planned, immersive two-player fighting game for Capcom Japan.
NFL Hard Yardage (NFL Properties & NFL Films for Strata)
A four-player coin-operated video game that featured all of the teams and characteristics of the 1994 NFL season. Teams were displayed with home and away uniforms, as well as individual jersey numbers that corresponded to real players. Exciting film footage from the NFL was incorporated into the game package to add realism and excitement to the fast-paced game.
Jeep Off-Road Challenge (Chrysler, Inc.)
A life-size, Jeep driving simulator was continually featured at auto shows across the United States from 1990 to 1993. IT developed the computer hardware and software, along with the graphics used in the simulated off-road view screens, and the realistic sound effects generated through the system's audio speakers.
Duck Tales: The Quest for Gold (Disney, Inc.)
IT was responsible for the computer art and animation of this educational home computer adventure game for children based on several of Disney's famous duck characters.
The Three Stooges C/64 and Amiga versions (Cinemaware, Inc.)
This amusing, animated, problem-solving home computer game deftly uses digitally sampled voices of the main characters and earned IT the "Best Music and Sound Effects" award from the Software Publishers Association.
Capcom/Coors Bowling (Coors Beer)
This exciting coin-operated video bowling game created by it spawned a host of imitations. Coors' identity is reinforced through use of colorful exciters, humorous animated character cameos that punctuate each player's good and not-so-good rolls both visually and through attention-getting sound effects. IT's work on this game was awarded the "kit of the year" status by the Amusement Machine Operators Association (AMOA).
Monday Night Football (ABC Monday Night Football for Data East)
IT digitally sampled and programmed the voices of ABC's own announcers Dan Dierdorf and Frank Gifford to add real-life drama and excitement to this fast-paced pinball game.
Arlington Horse Racing (Arlington International Racecourse for Strata)
The voice of Arlington's own announcer, Phil Georgeff, is just one of the many elements that make this video horse racing game of skill stand out from the competition. To ensure the game's realism and overall appeal to horse racing fans, IT coordinated development efforts with Arlington's own technical marketing staff .
Playboy 35th Anniversary (Playboy, Inc. for Data East)
Hugh Hefner's own voice is featured in this pinball game, which was the center of attention at the West Coast Playboy Mansion during Playboy's 35th anniversary proceedings.
Awards and Honors
1998
- AMOA: Most Played Video Game -Golden Tee '98
- AMOA: Most Played Conversion Kit - Golden Tee '98
- AAMA: Gold Achievement Award - Golden Tee 3D Golf Dedicated
- AAMA: Gold Achievement Award - Golden Tee 3D Golf Kit
- AAMA: Gold Achievement Award - Golden Tee 3D Golf Updates
- Computer Gaming World: CGW Star and Choice Awards - Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee Golf for PC
- AAMA: Gold Achievement Award - Golden Tee 3D Golf Dedicated
- AAMA: Platinum Achievement Award - Golden Tee 3D Golf Kit
- AMOA: Most Played Conversion Kit - Golden Tee '97
- PlayMeter Magazine Operator's Choice Award: Best Video Game Kit - Golden Tee '97
- Rolling Meadows Chamber of Commerce: Small Business of the Year - Incredible Technologies, Inc.
- AAMA: Manufacturer of the Year - Incredible Technologies, Inc.
- AAMA: Platinum Achievement Award - Golden Tee 3D Golf
- AAMA: Gold Achievement Award - Time Killers
- Inc. Magazine/Ernst & Young: Entrepreneur of the Year Award Finalist - Elaine Hodgson, Incredible Technologies
- Illinois Department of Commerce & Community Affairs: Illinois Top 25 Women Exporters - Elaine Hodgson, Incredible Technologies
- Inc. Magazine/Ernst & Young: Entrepreneur of the Year Award Finalist - Elaine Hodgson, Incredible Technologies, Inc.
- AMOA: Most Played Conversion Kit - Capcom Bowling
- Arlington Heights Frontier Days Festival: Silver Award - Incredible Technologies, Inc.
- Inc. Magazine: Inc. 500 America’s 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies - Incredible Technologies, Inc. Ranked #64
- Inc. Magazine/Ernst & Young: Entrepreneur of the Year Award Finalist - Elaine Hodgson, Incredible Technologies, Inc.
- Peat Marwick: Illinois High Tech Entrepreneur Award Finalist - Elaine Hodgson, Incredible Technologies, Inc.
- Arlington Heights Frontier Days Festival: Silver Award - Incredible Technologies, Inc.
- Peat Marwick: Illinois High Tech Entrepreneur Award Finalist - Elaine Hodgson, Incredible Technologies, Inc.
- Computer Entertainer: Sports Program of the Year - Grave Yardage (for PC, published by Activision)
- Software Publishers Association: Best Sound Award - Three Stooges (for Amiga, published by CinemaWare)
END
Incredible Technologies, Inc. is Ready for the Next Millennium!
After their “incredible” success in the 90’s, Incredible Technologies, Inc. is charging boldly into the new century with all new products and an exciting new philosophy for the coin-op industry. Today’s coin-op products must not only deliver an outstanding and engaging social experience, but also offer that extra magical element that ties the player to the product and makes them come back for more. IT believes that the means to this goal, and the future of coin-op, resides in the simple connection to a regular phone line. All new products from IT contain a modem and phone cables for easy connection in nearly any location. This connectivity is destined to become an essential part of the entertainment value of the product, not just an enhancement. Even beyond the already successful skill-based tournaments, players will be drawn to the personalized nature of the exciting new range of online features that will be offered. The simple act of connecting to a phone line is also designed to make the job of the operator easier and more profitable. The products will enjoy longer revenue, while service calls and collections become more efficient due to the variety of data available through connectivity. Incredible Technologies is committed to getting the message out to the coin-op industry that online connectivity is the way of the future, and that the future is here at Incredible Technologies, Inc.
Incredible Technologies began in 1985 in a basement office by Elaine Hodgson and Richard Ditton, with a handful of dedicated employees and the lofty ambition to make their mark on the coin-op industry. With such successes as the early Data East Pinball games, Capcom Bowling and Golden Tee Golf, IT was able to make their dream a reality. Now, 15 years later, Elaine, Richard and the core group of employees are still together, along with more than 65 talented employees in a large facility in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.
The hallmark product for IT has of course been the remarkable Golden Tee Golf video game, which has been highly ranked in industry polls and has won numerous industry awards for the last five years. The magic behind Golden Tee is hard to define, but few can dispute that it has captured the hearts and minds of legions of game players and industry members across the country. IT has had its best successes throughout the years by concentrating on games for street locations, including Capcom Bowling, Hot Shots Tennis and Rim Rockin’ Basketball. Golden Tee Golf offers a play venue that is structured for the adult player, and promotes friendly competition within the location. Players compete on the Golf game, not against it, which encourages repeat play and advances their skill. The more skilled the player gets, the more he is drawn in to the depth and intricacies of the game, which in turn generates more play. Additionally, play has been kept high for 5 years now due to the ability to update the game with new golf courses. These yearly updates have become a new industry standard, and have offered operators renewed revenue strength at reasonable prices.
The inherent skill factor and popularity of Golden Tee allowed Incredible Technologies to expand into the much desired online tournament arena. Incredible Technologies followed discussions in the industry about the desire for tournament systems and realized that they were focusing on operations and collections, rather than games. IT realized that without a good game there is no need for a tournament. Also, most operators were looking for a solution to bring in more revenue but keep the work and overhead to a minimum. With these things in mind, IT created the International Tournament System (ITS).
The ITS began in November 1996, with 20 special tournament versions of Golden Tee Golf games operating in Illinois. The automated tournament system and tournament rules were tested and refined for 6 months before a new online version of Golden Tee Golf was available for sale. Running and administering a remote tournament system has been a true challenge for IT, as the company has had to adapt to the new roles of systems management and administration, as well as product development and manufacture. Keeping the system easy to operate and understand for operators, distributors and players has been the philosophy from the start. IT’s belief is: “We do the work, so you don’t have to”.
This “Keep It Simple” philosophy has certainly worked for the growth and integrity of the ITS. Currently over 5500 ITS tournament Golf games have been sold, with more than 5000 signed up and active. Over 835 different operators have tournament games and active accounts with the ITS. New games and new operators are added to the tournament system nearly every day.
Tournament games are currently being operated and played in 44 states, as well as over 1000 game units in England. The ITS has awarded over $6 million dollars in cash prizes to thousands and thousands of players across the country.
Many, many tournament games enjoy exceptional weekly earnings, especially when a tournament is in progress. In fact, some tournament Golf games have grossed a staggering $100,000 plus in the last 2 years alone! Many locations now have two or even three Golden Tee games, to keep up with player demand. These games enjoy continuous play, often with tee times required. Some locations can have up to 600 tournament plays in a month’s time, which average to more than $900 a week. Most of the time these exceptional locations are run by an operator with vision and an understanding of the power of communication. These operators actively promote the tournament and the golf game in their locations, by adding local advertising or special promotions. This extra effort nearly always pays off at the cash box.
IT plans to continue ITS tournaments on the current Golden Tee platform through 2000, as well as beginning tournament play on the all new Golden Tee Fore! game. Throughout the next year, IT will offer a variety of tournament events and formats on both of these platforms, including monthly 9-hole tournaments, with a few special all-par-3 and all-par-5 tournaments thrown in. Relationships are being developed now with corporate sponsors that will allow special events and prizes to tournament players, as well as create a potential new source of income to operators. Additionally, the ITS will expand this year into Canada and other countries, and IT hopes to run at least one truly international tournament between the US and England. And of course, the online Qualifier tournament will take place in January 2000, with the live Finals held at the spring ASI show in March.
IT is taking the phenomenal success of Golden Tee Golf to the next level for the millenium. The all new Golden Tee Fore! game was previewed at the AMOA last September, with very positive industry response. IT has created an all new 3D hardware system that allows virtually all of the features that players have been craving. Brand new courses now display beautiful rolling hills and valleys, with more contours and textures than ever before. Accelerated graphics capabilities enable new features like fog and rain, as well as course fly-throughs and dynamic camera views. All of these awesome features not only enhance the look of the game, but they add a new and realistic dynamic to the already deep game play.
Additional features of Golden Tee Fore! include a myriad of course objects, many of which animate and react when hit by the ball, many more poses of professional golfer Peter Jacobsen, and lively and informative commentary by professional sportscasters. All of these elements add to the fun and enjoyment of the Golden Tee experience. IT has taken care to preserve the intuitive game feel that players know and love. The play mechanics will remain intuitive and familiar to the thousands of Golden Tee fanatics, and the new features and game elements will immerse players even more deeply into the game.
Another breakthrough feature of the new hardware platform is the addition of a hard drive. The hard drive now allows a vast amount of storage space, which Golden Tee Fore! plans to take full advantage. The game, available as a kit as well as dedicated and showcase formats, will ship with a total of 5 different courses, 3 of which are 18-holes and the other 2 are 9-holes. Leaderboards, trophy screens and statistics for these 5 courses will be continually updated and displayed. A huge amount of player data can be stored and analyzed, offering details on individual players and encouraging repeat play. In fact, entire 18-hole games can be captured and stored for future use by other players. These previously played “shadow games” give players the ability to play against others even when alone, which helps improve game play and enhances the single player experience.
Adding new methods of generating revenue was one of the main goals when designing the features of Golden Tee Fore! Players can now pay a bit extra to purchase a Mulligan if they made a bad shot. Players can compete against the previously played “shadow games” for a few coins more. Perhaps the most comprehensive area where new revenue shines is a game selection called League play. League play offers a variety of special features that encourages long term and repeat play. Once a League player enters his name and ID number, a huge variety of personal golfing statistics are recorded, calculated and displayed. Every time the player selects League Play on that machine, the game will recognize him and continue to keep his personal lifetime statistics. Additionally, League play will award “points” for player accomplishments. Everything from a long drive to a hole-in-one will award league points to the player. The more he plays, the more points he will receive. These point values will be ranked and displayed as leaderboards on Golden Tee Fore! games around the country, giving dedicated players national bragging rights. Eventually, these points may become a part of a national promotion in conjunction with corporate sponsors
In addition to the huge hard drive, every Golden Tee Fore! game comes equipped with a modem and can be connected to a regular existing telephone line. By connecting to the phone line, the game becomes instantly connected to Incredible Technologies’ innovative ITNet connectivity system. Now, every game can take full advantage of the power of online connectivity. Even if a location is not interested in skill-based tournament play, the new features offered by connecting to the ITNet are virtually guaranteed to add a huge benefit to the entertainment value of the product.
The ITNet collects a myriad of data from products in the field through a local call on a normal phone line. This data is then processed and formatted for both the players as well as the operator. League play and shadow games are no longer bound to only one machine, but can be accessed and viewed from anywhere. A player’s lifetime statistics follow the player to any game he plays on.
The ITNet system will not only benefit players and locations, but operators as well. By collecting player and machine data from games in the field, the phone line becomes a valuable tool for operators to revolutionize their operations and save them time and money. With the release of Golden Tee Fore!, Incredible Technologies will offer to operators an extensive Operator Services system through the Internet. An operator can now access his IT equipment from any computer at his home or office.
The special, secure web site is accessed by personal passwords, with security and privacy a top priority. Once connected, operators can navigate through their IT equipment by individual location or individual game. Easy-to-read reports help track game and location earnings, and monitor bookkeeping, audits and diagnostics on all new IT products. Games with mechanical problems or other service requirements will be flagged for immediate attention. The operator can use the collected data and handy reports to help determine the nature of the service required before a technician is sent to the location.
Not only can an operator view collected data, but he can make adjustments to his games as well. The Operator Services web site will allow access to the adjustables available on each product. Commands can be sent from the operator’s home or office that can adjust settings like volume, difficulty, and coinage to any game for any length of time. This ability to make remote adjustments also applies to in-house or operator-administered tournaments as well. An operator can select any or all of his games and connect them together for an in-house tournament. The operator determines the course, number of holes, tournament time frames, number of prize winners, and other important parameters right on the web site. An onscreen message can be sent to the participating games that will advertise the event, rules and prizes. ITNet will than automatically activate these games and create and display leaderboards for each game.
The benefits to the ITNet Operator Services system are enormous. Checking on locations before a visit will save unnecessary collection and service calls, which will save the operator time and money. If a service call is required, knowing the nature of the problem before the visit will guarantee that the needed tools or components are there the first time. Remote access to the game earnings will help to track accurate earnings records and keep theft to a minimum.
Another new and exciting product that will make extensive use of the ITNet Operator Services is Incredible Technologies’ new Advantage digital jukebox. Incredible Technologies’ successful history of online communications and street-oriented products create a perfect solution to many of the problems inherent in the operation of conventional jukeboxes. The Advantage digital jukebox contains virtually all solid-state components, with almost no mechanical parts. There is no complex CD changer mechanism, and no CDs to buy, ever. All music selections are stored on a large hard drive, and selected through an attractive and user-friendly touch-screen interface. More than 3000 song selections can be stored at one time, and since there are no CDs, every song can be a high quality selection, tailored to the location. The music selections are accessed instantly, leading to more play and increased coin drop.
The Advantage jukebox comes equipped with a modem, and like Golden Tee Fore!, is plugged into an existing regular phone line. At off-hours, the jukebox automatically calls a local number and sends its data to the ITNet system. The ITNet analyzes the data and determines the required music licensing fees for each song. With the Advantage jukebox, the operator only pays licensing charges for the songs that were actually played. Monthly statements will be sent to the operator, detailing play history and appropriate charges.
Taking advantage of the online connectivity, other important data relating to the machine will be sent to the ITNet during the short local call. This data can be accessed and viewed by the operator through the ITNet Operator Services secure web site. From here, operators can view their play lists and determine what songs are popular and what songs are not. Automatic bookkeeping reports allow operators to log in remotely or on-site and track the popularity and income of each song. In this way, operators may keep the hit songs that make the most money and find substitutes for less lucrative titles. Play list changes and updates can be made from a voluminous database of tens of thousands of songs found on the ITNet server. With the Advantage jukebox, an operator can customize each play list on a song-by-song basis to appeal to specific locations and their unique demographics. As phone line and modem band width speeds increase, the Advantage digital jukebox will easily download music via phone line, DSL or satellite technology.
Incredible Technologies is also excited about the advertising and promotional possibilities that the digital jukebox can offer. In conjunction with major record labels, new bands or hot songs can be targeted to specific locations or activated on every jukebox in the country. Patrons can access liner notes, bios or concert dates of the artist being played, or even buy the CD or join the fan club. Reduced rates or operator rebates may accompany special promotions, offering a new revenue stream.
The Advantage digital jukebox will be offered through coin-op distribution as a sleek modern wall-unit design. The system comes complete with a powerful 600 watt peak amplifier, and the ability to connect to existing sound systems or speakers for cutting edge flexibility and performance. A remote control comes standard, as does the modem and telephone cables required for connection to an existing phone line.
Other exciting projects are in the works at Incredible Technologies, all with the goal to capitalize on the awesome power of connectivity. One such project is a stand-alone Data-Collection System that can be easily installed into any coin-operated piece of equipment. The system consists of a small Data Collector unit that connects to any of the mechanical switches in the coin-op product, such as a coin mech, bill acceptor, hard meter or joystick. Another connection can be made to the unit’s power supply, if there is one. The Data Collector records any activity on the mechanical switches it is connected to, and at regular intervals transmits the data through wireless transmission to a Data Controller. The Data Controller contains a hard drive and phone connection, and may reside in a Golden Tee Fore! game or Advantage jukebox. The Data Controller stores and sends all of the collected data to the ITNet, where it is formatted and made available to operators over the Internet. The operator can now monitor his equipment’s activity from his home or office, allowing for more accurate collections, easier troubleshooting and fewer service calls. Even products that are not powered, like pool tables, can be connected and monitored over the Internet.
Incredible Technologies’ commitment to the coin-op industry as a whole and to street operators in particular is a number one priority. Golden Tee Golf and World Class Bowling, two of the most successful street-oriented games this decade, have allowed strong relationships to form between IT and coin-op distribution. Concurrently, the ITS tournament system has brought the operator and their needs closer to the manufacturer like never before. The IT staff listens to its customers and constantly strives to accommodate requests and changes for the better of the industry. The newest generation of products from Incredible Technologies, and the power of online connectivity through the ITNet system, will launch the coin-op street market into a healthy and lucrative market for years to come.
END
After their “incredible” success in the 90’s, Incredible Technologies, Inc. is charging boldly into the new century with all new products and an exciting new philosophy for the coin-op industry. Today’s coin-op products must not only deliver an outstanding and engaging social experience, but also offer that extra magical element that ties the player to the product and makes them come back for more. IT believes that the means to this goal, and the future of coin-op, resides in the simple connection to a regular phone line. All new products from IT contain a modem and phone cables for easy connection in nearly any location. This connectivity is destined to become an essential part of the entertainment value of the product, not just an enhancement. Even beyond the already successful skill-based tournaments, players will be drawn to the personalized nature of the exciting new range of online features that will be offered. The simple act of connecting to a phone line is also designed to make the job of the operator easier and more profitable. The products will enjoy longer revenue, while service calls and collections become more efficient due to the variety of data available through connectivity. Incredible Technologies is committed to getting the message out to the coin-op industry that online connectivity is the way of the future, and that the future is here at Incredible Technologies, Inc.
Incredible Technologies began in 1985 in a basement office by Elaine Hodgson and Richard Ditton, with a handful of dedicated employees and the lofty ambition to make their mark on the coin-op industry. With such successes as the early Data East Pinball games, Capcom Bowling and Golden Tee Golf, IT was able to make their dream a reality. Now, 15 years later, Elaine, Richard and the core group of employees are still together, along with more than 65 talented employees in a large facility in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.
The hallmark product for IT has of course been the remarkable Golden Tee Golf video game, which has been highly ranked in industry polls and has won numerous industry awards for the last five years. The magic behind Golden Tee is hard to define, but few can dispute that it has captured the hearts and minds of legions of game players and industry members across the country. IT has had its best successes throughout the years by concentrating on games for street locations, including Capcom Bowling, Hot Shots Tennis and Rim Rockin’ Basketball. Golden Tee Golf offers a play venue that is structured for the adult player, and promotes friendly competition within the location. Players compete on the Golf game, not against it, which encourages repeat play and advances their skill. The more skilled the player gets, the more he is drawn in to the depth and intricacies of the game, which in turn generates more play. Additionally, play has been kept high for 5 years now due to the ability to update the game with new golf courses. These yearly updates have become a new industry standard, and have offered operators renewed revenue strength at reasonable prices.
The inherent skill factor and popularity of Golden Tee allowed Incredible Technologies to expand into the much desired online tournament arena. Incredible Technologies followed discussions in the industry about the desire for tournament systems and realized that they were focusing on operations and collections, rather than games. IT realized that without a good game there is no need for a tournament. Also, most operators were looking for a solution to bring in more revenue but keep the work and overhead to a minimum. With these things in mind, IT created the International Tournament System (ITS).
The ITS began in November 1996, with 20 special tournament versions of Golden Tee Golf games operating in Illinois. The automated tournament system and tournament rules were tested and refined for 6 months before a new online version of Golden Tee Golf was available for sale. Running and administering a remote tournament system has been a true challenge for IT, as the company has had to adapt to the new roles of systems management and administration, as well as product development and manufacture. Keeping the system easy to operate and understand for operators, distributors and players has been the philosophy from the start. IT’s belief is: “We do the work, so you don’t have to”.
This “Keep It Simple” philosophy has certainly worked for the growth and integrity of the ITS. Currently over 5500 ITS tournament Golf games have been sold, with more than 5000 signed up and active. Over 835 different operators have tournament games and active accounts with the ITS. New games and new operators are added to the tournament system nearly every day.
Tournament games are currently being operated and played in 44 states, as well as over 1000 game units in England. The ITS has awarded over $6 million dollars in cash prizes to thousands and thousands of players across the country.
Many, many tournament games enjoy exceptional weekly earnings, especially when a tournament is in progress. In fact, some tournament Golf games have grossed a staggering $100,000 plus in the last 2 years alone! Many locations now have two or even three Golden Tee games, to keep up with player demand. These games enjoy continuous play, often with tee times required. Some locations can have up to 600 tournament plays in a month’s time, which average to more than $900 a week. Most of the time these exceptional locations are run by an operator with vision and an understanding of the power of communication. These operators actively promote the tournament and the golf game in their locations, by adding local advertising or special promotions. This extra effort nearly always pays off at the cash box.
IT plans to continue ITS tournaments on the current Golden Tee platform through 2000, as well as beginning tournament play on the all new Golden Tee Fore! game. Throughout the next year, IT will offer a variety of tournament events and formats on both of these platforms, including monthly 9-hole tournaments, with a few special all-par-3 and all-par-5 tournaments thrown in. Relationships are being developed now with corporate sponsors that will allow special events and prizes to tournament players, as well as create a potential new source of income to operators. Additionally, the ITS will expand this year into Canada and other countries, and IT hopes to run at least one truly international tournament between the US and England. And of course, the online Qualifier tournament will take place in January 2000, with the live Finals held at the spring ASI show in March.
IT is taking the phenomenal success of Golden Tee Golf to the next level for the millenium. The all new Golden Tee Fore! game was previewed at the AMOA last September, with very positive industry response. IT has created an all new 3D hardware system that allows virtually all of the features that players have been craving. Brand new courses now display beautiful rolling hills and valleys, with more contours and textures than ever before. Accelerated graphics capabilities enable new features like fog and rain, as well as course fly-throughs and dynamic camera views. All of these awesome features not only enhance the look of the game, but they add a new and realistic dynamic to the already deep game play.
Additional features of Golden Tee Fore! include a myriad of course objects, many of which animate and react when hit by the ball, many more poses of professional golfer Peter Jacobsen, and lively and informative commentary by professional sportscasters. All of these elements add to the fun and enjoyment of the Golden Tee experience. IT has taken care to preserve the intuitive game feel that players know and love. The play mechanics will remain intuitive and familiar to the thousands of Golden Tee fanatics, and the new features and game elements will immerse players even more deeply into the game.
Another breakthrough feature of the new hardware platform is the addition of a hard drive. The hard drive now allows a vast amount of storage space, which Golden Tee Fore! plans to take full advantage. The game, available as a kit as well as dedicated and showcase formats, will ship with a total of 5 different courses, 3 of which are 18-holes and the other 2 are 9-holes. Leaderboards, trophy screens and statistics for these 5 courses will be continually updated and displayed. A huge amount of player data can be stored and analyzed, offering details on individual players and encouraging repeat play. In fact, entire 18-hole games can be captured and stored for future use by other players. These previously played “shadow games” give players the ability to play against others even when alone, which helps improve game play and enhances the single player experience.
Adding new methods of generating revenue was one of the main goals when designing the features of Golden Tee Fore! Players can now pay a bit extra to purchase a Mulligan if they made a bad shot. Players can compete against the previously played “shadow games” for a few coins more. Perhaps the most comprehensive area where new revenue shines is a game selection called League play. League play offers a variety of special features that encourages long term and repeat play. Once a League player enters his name and ID number, a huge variety of personal golfing statistics are recorded, calculated and displayed. Every time the player selects League Play on that machine, the game will recognize him and continue to keep his personal lifetime statistics. Additionally, League play will award “points” for player accomplishments. Everything from a long drive to a hole-in-one will award league points to the player. The more he plays, the more points he will receive. These point values will be ranked and displayed as leaderboards on Golden Tee Fore! games around the country, giving dedicated players national bragging rights. Eventually, these points may become a part of a national promotion in conjunction with corporate sponsors
In addition to the huge hard drive, every Golden Tee Fore! game comes equipped with a modem and can be connected to a regular existing telephone line. By connecting to the phone line, the game becomes instantly connected to Incredible Technologies’ innovative ITNet connectivity system. Now, every game can take full advantage of the power of online connectivity. Even if a location is not interested in skill-based tournament play, the new features offered by connecting to the ITNet are virtually guaranteed to add a huge benefit to the entertainment value of the product.
The ITNet collects a myriad of data from products in the field through a local call on a normal phone line. This data is then processed and formatted for both the players as well as the operator. League play and shadow games are no longer bound to only one machine, but can be accessed and viewed from anywhere. A player’s lifetime statistics follow the player to any game he plays on.
The ITNet system will not only benefit players and locations, but operators as well. By collecting player and machine data from games in the field, the phone line becomes a valuable tool for operators to revolutionize their operations and save them time and money. With the release of Golden Tee Fore!, Incredible Technologies will offer to operators an extensive Operator Services system through the Internet. An operator can now access his IT equipment from any computer at his home or office.
The special, secure web site is accessed by personal passwords, with security and privacy a top priority. Once connected, operators can navigate through their IT equipment by individual location or individual game. Easy-to-read reports help track game and location earnings, and monitor bookkeeping, audits and diagnostics on all new IT products. Games with mechanical problems or other service requirements will be flagged for immediate attention. The operator can use the collected data and handy reports to help determine the nature of the service required before a technician is sent to the location.
Not only can an operator view collected data, but he can make adjustments to his games as well. The Operator Services web site will allow access to the adjustables available on each product. Commands can be sent from the operator’s home or office that can adjust settings like volume, difficulty, and coinage to any game for any length of time. This ability to make remote adjustments also applies to in-house or operator-administered tournaments as well. An operator can select any or all of his games and connect them together for an in-house tournament. The operator determines the course, number of holes, tournament time frames, number of prize winners, and other important parameters right on the web site. An onscreen message can be sent to the participating games that will advertise the event, rules and prizes. ITNet will than automatically activate these games and create and display leaderboards for each game.
The benefits to the ITNet Operator Services system are enormous. Checking on locations before a visit will save unnecessary collection and service calls, which will save the operator time and money. If a service call is required, knowing the nature of the problem before the visit will guarantee that the needed tools or components are there the first time. Remote access to the game earnings will help to track accurate earnings records and keep theft to a minimum.
Another new and exciting product that will make extensive use of the ITNet Operator Services is Incredible Technologies’ new Advantage digital jukebox. Incredible Technologies’ successful history of online communications and street-oriented products create a perfect solution to many of the problems inherent in the operation of conventional jukeboxes. The Advantage digital jukebox contains virtually all solid-state components, with almost no mechanical parts. There is no complex CD changer mechanism, and no CDs to buy, ever. All music selections are stored on a large hard drive, and selected through an attractive and user-friendly touch-screen interface. More than 3000 song selections can be stored at one time, and since there are no CDs, every song can be a high quality selection, tailored to the location. The music selections are accessed instantly, leading to more play and increased coin drop.
The Advantage jukebox comes equipped with a modem, and like Golden Tee Fore!, is plugged into an existing regular phone line. At off-hours, the jukebox automatically calls a local number and sends its data to the ITNet system. The ITNet analyzes the data and determines the required music licensing fees for each song. With the Advantage jukebox, the operator only pays licensing charges for the songs that were actually played. Monthly statements will be sent to the operator, detailing play history and appropriate charges.
Taking advantage of the online connectivity, other important data relating to the machine will be sent to the ITNet during the short local call. This data can be accessed and viewed by the operator through the ITNet Operator Services secure web site. From here, operators can view their play lists and determine what songs are popular and what songs are not. Automatic bookkeeping reports allow operators to log in remotely or on-site and track the popularity and income of each song. In this way, operators may keep the hit songs that make the most money and find substitutes for less lucrative titles. Play list changes and updates can be made from a voluminous database of tens of thousands of songs found on the ITNet server. With the Advantage jukebox, an operator can customize each play list on a song-by-song basis to appeal to specific locations and their unique demographics. As phone line and modem band width speeds increase, the Advantage digital jukebox will easily download music via phone line, DSL or satellite technology.
Incredible Technologies is also excited about the advertising and promotional possibilities that the digital jukebox can offer. In conjunction with major record labels, new bands or hot songs can be targeted to specific locations or activated on every jukebox in the country. Patrons can access liner notes, bios or concert dates of the artist being played, or even buy the CD or join the fan club. Reduced rates or operator rebates may accompany special promotions, offering a new revenue stream.
The Advantage digital jukebox will be offered through coin-op distribution as a sleek modern wall-unit design. The system comes complete with a powerful 600 watt peak amplifier, and the ability to connect to existing sound systems or speakers for cutting edge flexibility and performance. A remote control comes standard, as does the modem and telephone cables required for connection to an existing phone line.
Other exciting projects are in the works at Incredible Technologies, all with the goal to capitalize on the awesome power of connectivity. One such project is a stand-alone Data-Collection System that can be easily installed into any coin-operated piece of equipment. The system consists of a small Data Collector unit that connects to any of the mechanical switches in the coin-op product, such as a coin mech, bill acceptor, hard meter or joystick. Another connection can be made to the unit’s power supply, if there is one. The Data Collector records any activity on the mechanical switches it is connected to, and at regular intervals transmits the data through wireless transmission to a Data Controller. The Data Controller contains a hard drive and phone connection, and may reside in a Golden Tee Fore! game or Advantage jukebox. The Data Controller stores and sends all of the collected data to the ITNet, where it is formatted and made available to operators over the Internet. The operator can now monitor his equipment’s activity from his home or office, allowing for more accurate collections, easier troubleshooting and fewer service calls. Even products that are not powered, like pool tables, can be connected and monitored over the Internet.
Incredible Technologies’ commitment to the coin-op industry as a whole and to street operators in particular is a number one priority. Golden Tee Golf and World Class Bowling, two of the most successful street-oriented games this decade, have allowed strong relationships to form between IT and coin-op distribution. Concurrently, the ITS tournament system has brought the operator and their needs closer to the manufacturer like never before. The IT staff listens to its customers and constantly strives to accommodate requests and changes for the better of the industry. The newest generation of products from Incredible Technologies, and the power of online connectivity through the ITNet system, will launch the coin-op street market into a healthy and lucrative market for years to come.
END
The International Tournament System by Incredible Technologies, Inc.
The International Tournament System, or ITS, introduced by Incredible Technologies in June of 1996, is perhaps one of the greatest success stories the coin-op industry has seen for some time. The ITS allows specially designed tournament games, connected to a regular telephone line, to participate in remotely managed tournaments each month. Procedures for distributors, operators and players have been kept simple and easy, with almost all of the daily administration handled by the ITS.
Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee 3D Golf, an already strong video kit gaining popularity in street locations around the country, was re-engineered in November of 1995 to become the first video game on the ITS system. The ITS version was field tested and adjusted for six months in the Chicago area, from November 1995 to June 1996. During these successful field tests, many of the tournament procedures and rules were hammered out, including entry fees, operator sign-ups, collection procedures and winner claims.
Incredible Technologies is committed to keeping the interest and excitement on the ITS tournament games as high as possible. More than 2,000 ITS games participate in monthly national tournaments, with over $90,000.00 in cash and prizes awarded each month. The International Tournament System has already awarded over $1,000,000.00 in cash and prizes to thousands of tournament winners across the country. Special events, such as the annual Live National Playoffs in Las Vegas, hole-in-one contests and other special tournaments and surprises throughout the year, continue to capture the enthusiastic golf playing audience.
Operators and Location Owners across the country have expressed their delight with the easy-to-run system, and are pleased with the long-term income potential that these games display. Players across the nation have become Golden Tee “pros”, spending an incredible amount of time and money perfecting their skills and improving their scores. The competition for the top national spot is fierce, but even new players can win cash and prizes on a local or regional level, as well as special events prizes such as T-shirts and hats.
Incredible Technologies continues to work hard on the unique tournament system, with expansion and efficiency as their main objectives. Additional games are expected to join Golden Tee Golf and World Class Bowling on the ITS in the near future, and other game manufacturers have shown interest in joining the system. Interest in European markets is progressing swiftly as well. Test tournaments on Golden Tee Golf in England are proving to be highly successful, and operators and distributors are excited by the exceptional results. A full roll-out is expected in England by January of 1998, with the potential a thousand or more ITS units on-line in England by the end of next year.
Another revolutionary aspect of the International Tournament System is the capability to download and display specially created messages and graphics on a daily basis, to any or all on-line machines. This is a perfect opportunity for sponsors and advertisers to reach adult customers in a unique and novel method. All of the tournament machines are placed in adult-oriented locations, such as bars, taverns, sports centers and bowling alleys. Players are of legal drinking age, with the average age around 35 years old.
Each of the 2000-plus tournament machines have a two-line LED display sign atop the cabinet. These LED signs are used by the ITS to announce tournament information to players and customers. These scrolling text messages are updated frequently when the game machine calls in to the ITS. Messages can be customized on an individual basis, allowing for different messages on different machines.
Additionally, full-screen sponsor-oriented graphics can appear on the video screen, both during the attract sequence when no one is playing, and at certain points during tournament play. For example, at the end of nine holes, a full screen image can appear, advertising a product, service or announcement. Certain screens can also be formatted to look as if they were “brought to you by” a particular sponsor. The sponsor’s logo and display text, and even simple animation sequences can be customized and downloaded into various spots in the game on an individual basis.
The ITS is interested in expanding this unique advertising feature in two ways: Tournament Sponsorships and Corporate Advertising. Tournament Sponsorships consist of advertisers supplying cash and merchandise prizes for regularly scheduled ITS tournaments. Advertising and corporate promotion will take place on the active tournament games throughout the monthly tournament cycle. Corporate Advertising consists of a company or product advertised on a number of targeted active tournament games for a specific length of time, for a pre-determined fee. Advertising takes place on the scrolling LED signs and the video screen. The full screen advertisement can be displayed in 6 different areas throughout the game.
Incredible Technologies wishes to use a portion of the fees collected from this unique advertising structure to generate a new and ongoing revenue stream for tournament operators. Vending operators are extremely concerned with return on their investment. With a new revenue stream created for them that allows them to make money above and beyond what is collected in the cash box, the ITS tournament machines become more lucrative than ever. By making the operator money, IT hopes to sell more ITS units, which in turn gives the sponsors and advertisers more viewing exposure.
This unique advertising opportunity is a sure winner for all parties involved. Players benefit from high profile corporate involvement, more competition, and bigger and better prizes. Operators benefit from collecting money for simply operating an ITS machine. Distributors benefit by selling dedicated equipment more easily than ever before. Sponsors and advertisers benefit by directly reaching their target audiences in a unique, novel and unobtrusive manner. The International Tournament System is here to stay, and growing each day. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity.
END
The International Tournament System, or ITS, introduced by Incredible Technologies in June of 1996, is perhaps one of the greatest success stories the coin-op industry has seen for some time. The ITS allows specially designed tournament games, connected to a regular telephone line, to participate in remotely managed tournaments each month. Procedures for distributors, operators and players have been kept simple and easy, with almost all of the daily administration handled by the ITS.
Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee 3D Golf, an already strong video kit gaining popularity in street locations around the country, was re-engineered in November of 1995 to become the first video game on the ITS system. The ITS version was field tested and adjusted for six months in the Chicago area, from November 1995 to June 1996. During these successful field tests, many of the tournament procedures and rules were hammered out, including entry fees, operator sign-ups, collection procedures and winner claims.
Incredible Technologies is committed to keeping the interest and excitement on the ITS tournament games as high as possible. More than 2,000 ITS games participate in monthly national tournaments, with over $90,000.00 in cash and prizes awarded each month. The International Tournament System has already awarded over $1,000,000.00 in cash and prizes to thousands of tournament winners across the country. Special events, such as the annual Live National Playoffs in Las Vegas, hole-in-one contests and other special tournaments and surprises throughout the year, continue to capture the enthusiastic golf playing audience.
Operators and Location Owners across the country have expressed their delight with the easy-to-run system, and are pleased with the long-term income potential that these games display. Players across the nation have become Golden Tee “pros”, spending an incredible amount of time and money perfecting their skills and improving their scores. The competition for the top national spot is fierce, but even new players can win cash and prizes on a local or regional level, as well as special events prizes such as T-shirts and hats.
Incredible Technologies continues to work hard on the unique tournament system, with expansion and efficiency as their main objectives. Additional games are expected to join Golden Tee Golf and World Class Bowling on the ITS in the near future, and other game manufacturers have shown interest in joining the system. Interest in European markets is progressing swiftly as well. Test tournaments on Golden Tee Golf in England are proving to be highly successful, and operators and distributors are excited by the exceptional results. A full roll-out is expected in England by January of 1998, with the potential a thousand or more ITS units on-line in England by the end of next year.
Another revolutionary aspect of the International Tournament System is the capability to download and display specially created messages and graphics on a daily basis, to any or all on-line machines. This is a perfect opportunity for sponsors and advertisers to reach adult customers in a unique and novel method. All of the tournament machines are placed in adult-oriented locations, such as bars, taverns, sports centers and bowling alleys. Players are of legal drinking age, with the average age around 35 years old.
Each of the 2000-plus tournament machines have a two-line LED display sign atop the cabinet. These LED signs are used by the ITS to announce tournament information to players and customers. These scrolling text messages are updated frequently when the game machine calls in to the ITS. Messages can be customized on an individual basis, allowing for different messages on different machines.
Additionally, full-screen sponsor-oriented graphics can appear on the video screen, both during the attract sequence when no one is playing, and at certain points during tournament play. For example, at the end of nine holes, a full screen image can appear, advertising a product, service or announcement. Certain screens can also be formatted to look as if they were “brought to you by” a particular sponsor. The sponsor’s logo and display text, and even simple animation sequences can be customized and downloaded into various spots in the game on an individual basis.
The ITS is interested in expanding this unique advertising feature in two ways: Tournament Sponsorships and Corporate Advertising. Tournament Sponsorships consist of advertisers supplying cash and merchandise prizes for regularly scheduled ITS tournaments. Advertising and corporate promotion will take place on the active tournament games throughout the monthly tournament cycle. Corporate Advertising consists of a company or product advertised on a number of targeted active tournament games for a specific length of time, for a pre-determined fee. Advertising takes place on the scrolling LED signs and the video screen. The full screen advertisement can be displayed in 6 different areas throughout the game.
Incredible Technologies wishes to use a portion of the fees collected from this unique advertising structure to generate a new and ongoing revenue stream for tournament operators. Vending operators are extremely concerned with return on their investment. With a new revenue stream created for them that allows them to make money above and beyond what is collected in the cash box, the ITS tournament machines become more lucrative than ever. By making the operator money, IT hopes to sell more ITS units, which in turn gives the sponsors and advertisers more viewing exposure.
This unique advertising opportunity is a sure winner for all parties involved. Players benefit from high profile corporate involvement, more competition, and bigger and better prizes. Operators benefit from collecting money for simply operating an ITS machine. Distributors benefit by selling dedicated equipment more easily than ever before. Sponsors and advertisers benefit by directly reaching their target audiences in a unique, novel and unobtrusive manner. The International Tournament System is here to stay, and growing each day. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity.
END
Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee 3D Golf Comes to Your PC
Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee 3D Golf, the most-played video kit of 1997, by AAMA’s Manufacturer of the Year Incredible Technologies, Inc. is coming soon to your PC! Golden Tee Golf for the PC, based on the award winning coin-op video game
Incredible Technologies, Inc. is currently the second largest designer and manufacturer of coin-operated video games in the US. One of IT’s first successful games was the original Golden Tee Golf, which debuted in 1986. The unique golf video game became a staple in bars, taverns and other street locations, and has enjoyed long-lasting success. Many of the original Golden Tee games, and the sequel Golden Tee II, are still in operation today. Much of Golden Tee’s long lasting success is due to the easy-to-understand control, the clever and challenging courses, and the three-dimensional nature of the play field.
In 1995, Incredible Technologies approached Peter Jacobsen, a leading contender on the PGA Tour, to assist in the development and refinement of a third version of Golden Tee Golf. Peter’s easy going, personable manner and fiercely competitive nature added a perfect blend to the creation of the ultimate Golf video game. “I wanted to capture the essence of Golf,” said Jacobsen. “The ups, the downs, the thrill of competition, the beauty of the game. I think the players will agree that we have a real winner.” Working with a golfer of Peter’s caliber was an enlightening experience to the game designers at IT. With his professional input, the Incredible Technologies design team was able to incorporate all of the little details of golf that other games miss. Players pick up on and connect with all of the nuances that give Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee Golf its rich, deep play.
Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee 3D Golf was introduced to the coin-operated market in 1995, and the clever and fun video golf game has been gaining popularity and recognition ever since. Popular in arcades, sports bars, nightclubs, taverns, bowling centers and golf courses, the game has been called “one of the best street pieces to hit the coin-op world in a long, long time.” Players of all ages and social strata have found a common element in Golden Tee Golf: It’s fun to play, easy to learn, and challenging to master. Coin earnings and player interest in Golden Tee 3D Golf and Golden Tee ’97 remain strong after 2 years in locations, with both versions ranking in the top 5 most played game polls by industry publications RePlay and PlayMeter.
One of the best features of Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee Golf is the trackball control. The realistic feel of the trackball and its relationship to the action on the screen gives players the true sensation of golf. Rather than confusing meters and timing devices that offer little feedback, players use a backward and forward hand motion that controls the flight and trajectory of their shots. Incredible Technologies has perfectly translated this unique control for the home PC. With the innovative TrakSwing™ Technology, the PC’s mouse gives the player the ability to make highly accurate skill shots with intuitive ease.
The TrakSwing concept is simple: The player moves the mouse back to take his back swing, and forward for his forward swing. The direction and speed of the back and forward swings determine the distance and direction that the golf ball travels. Players now have complete control over hooks, drives and fades. With TrakSwing, chip shots, punch shots and even back spin shots are possible to perform and master.
A special TrakSwing mouse pad is included with every game to help players learn the finer points of making the perfect shot. Quick directions and diagrams show the correct mouse position and direction for a variety of shots. Players learn these skills quickly because the motion is natural and intuitive. Experimentation and finesse will soon allow the player to improve his skill and make fantastic and accurate golf shots.
Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee Golf games have become a true social event for thousands of players across the country. Many avid fans play Golden Tee Golf every day at their local sports bar or tavern. Some even go so far as to call ahead and reserve tee-times for a foursome! Additionally, tournaments and leagues of all formats and sizes are forming across the country, with thousands of players competing for cash and prizes.
This unprecedented player interaction and friendly competition has been incorporated into the home version of the game. With fully integrated Internet support, players can join up to three other players and compete on the same course together. Chat rooms, message areas, high score postings and even tournaments will be accessed and featured on a special web site exclusive for Golden Tee Golf home players. Additionally, players can connect directly to each other via modem and compete against each other.
To enhance the social capabilities even further, Incredible Technologies introduces IChat. This new and exclusive technology gives a whole new meaning to the words “Chat Room”. Players on different PCs can now talk and listen to other players in real time while playing Golden Tee Golf. The small microphone mounts to the PC’s monitor for hands free talk. Now playing against a friend who is miles away is almost the same as being in the sports bar together! In addition to player’s speech, Golden Tee Golf includes a wide range of sounds and speech dramatically enhance the total golf experience. Sounds ranging from natural ambiance to the roar of a cheering crowd add to the tension and excitement for the player. A hushed announcer calls the action and offers the player a true competitive experience.
Even with the exceptional feel and interaction of Golden Tee Golf, the designers at Incredible Technologies were not content to simply release a direct translation to the PC. All new art of PGA contender Peter Jacobsen has been digitally captured and seamlessly integrated into the game. Peter also offers players a full compliment of helpful hints and tips for improving play.
All of the graphics in the game have been redesigned and beautifully enhanced to take full advantage of the processing power of the PC platform. The high resolution 16-bit graphics can be displayed up to a resolution of 1024 x 796. Special effects have been added to the 3 18-hole courses, including fog, water reflections, multi-layered shadows, and more. Special reverse-angle and ball’s-eye camera views add to the excitement during the game.
The realistic ball action and exacting collision detection allow the player to make thrilling skill shots through and around a variety of obstacles. A huge variety of hidden images are interspersed throughout the three beautifully landscaped courses, giving players a challenge of finding something new while they play. Various tee and pin placements, changing wind speeds and slopes of the greens, and various difficulty settings give the players infinite variety during play.
Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee Golf will be available for retail release in February 1998.
Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee Golf Coin-Op game:
Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee Golf PC game:
GOLDEN TEE GOLF
SIMPLY FUN
Proven Game Play
Easy To Begin, Fun To Play, and Challenging to Master
Stroke Play or Skins Play
Interactive On-Screen Help
Plays Just Like the Arcade Version
SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL
Three Spectacular 18-Hole Courses!
Play on Lush Mountain, Ocean or Desert Terrain
Gorgeous Haze and Fog Effects
Realistic Reflections and Animation
Lightning Fast Screen Redraws
Hundreds of Special Course Objects
High Resolution 16-Bit Graphics Up To 1024 x 796
SIMPLY INTUITIVE
Exclusive TrakSwing Technology!
No Meters or Timers
Plays and Feels Like Real Golf
Control Hooks, Drives, Slices and More
Instructional Mouse Pad Included!
Virtually No Setup or Installation Time Required
SIMPLY INTERACTIVE
Free Internet Play!
On-Line Match Making Services
Join and Chat With Other Players
Supports IChat Real Time Chat Software
Web Site Links Offer Tips and Techniques
Record and View Player Scores from Around the World!
Modem-To-Modem Real-Time Competition!
Periodic Course Update Packs!
SIMPLY PETER
Dynamic Personality of Peter Jacobsen!
Thousands of Digitized Video Images Lets You Control Peter Himself
Peter Offers Pro Tips On-Line
Hilarious Animating Reactions
SIMPLY THE BEST
Peter Jacobsen Agrees:
“We have simply created the best Golf game ever!”
The Players Agree:
“I tell you, I just can’t wait to play this game every day after work. The more I play, the better I get!” -- John, Toledo Ohio
“This Golf game is so great! Me and a bunch of other guys play it every single night.” --James, Champaign, IL
Locations Agree:
This Golden Tee Golf game is the best game we have ever had, and I mean Ever!” --Richard, Club DJ, Taylorville, Utah
“I open at 6 am and close at 4am, and there’s always someone constantly playing. The players love it!” --Robert, Sunset Lounge, Louisville, KY
“I’ve been in business for 36 years and the Peter Jacobsen’s Golf game has been the hottest thing since Pac Man!” --Rusty, Billy Frogg’s, Omaha, NE
“We do a phenomenal business on the golf game. We even get players calling in to reserve tee times so they wont have to wait in line!” --James, The Little Tavern, LaPorte, IN
NUMBER ONE!
Incredible Technologies, Inc.
AAMA Manufacturer of the Year 1996
NUMBER ONE!
Ranked in the Top 5 for Best Dedicated Video Game by RePlay Magazine
March 1997 - October 1997
NUMBER ONE!
AAMA Platinum Sales Award Winner
ASI, March 1997
NUMBER ONE!
Voted Most Played Video Conversion Kit AMOA, October 1997
NUMBER ONE!
Ranked in the Top 5 for Best Video Game Software by PlayMeter Magazine
April 1997 - October 1997
NUMBER ONE!
Ranked Best Live Tournament Game
By Players Across the Country 1996-97
END
Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee 3D Golf, the most-played video kit of 1997, by AAMA’s Manufacturer of the Year Incredible Technologies, Inc. is coming soon to your PC! Golden Tee Golf for the PC, based on the award winning coin-op video game
Incredible Technologies, Inc. is currently the second largest designer and manufacturer of coin-operated video games in the US. One of IT’s first successful games was the original Golden Tee Golf, which debuted in 1986. The unique golf video game became a staple in bars, taverns and other street locations, and has enjoyed long-lasting success. Many of the original Golden Tee games, and the sequel Golden Tee II, are still in operation today. Much of Golden Tee’s long lasting success is due to the easy-to-understand control, the clever and challenging courses, and the three-dimensional nature of the play field.
In 1995, Incredible Technologies approached Peter Jacobsen, a leading contender on the PGA Tour, to assist in the development and refinement of a third version of Golden Tee Golf. Peter’s easy going, personable manner and fiercely competitive nature added a perfect blend to the creation of the ultimate Golf video game. “I wanted to capture the essence of Golf,” said Jacobsen. “The ups, the downs, the thrill of competition, the beauty of the game. I think the players will agree that we have a real winner.” Working with a golfer of Peter’s caliber was an enlightening experience to the game designers at IT. With his professional input, the Incredible Technologies design team was able to incorporate all of the little details of golf that other games miss. Players pick up on and connect with all of the nuances that give Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee Golf its rich, deep play.
Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee 3D Golf was introduced to the coin-operated market in 1995, and the clever and fun video golf game has been gaining popularity and recognition ever since. Popular in arcades, sports bars, nightclubs, taverns, bowling centers and golf courses, the game has been called “one of the best street pieces to hit the coin-op world in a long, long time.” Players of all ages and social strata have found a common element in Golden Tee Golf: It’s fun to play, easy to learn, and challenging to master. Coin earnings and player interest in Golden Tee 3D Golf and Golden Tee ’97 remain strong after 2 years in locations, with both versions ranking in the top 5 most played game polls by industry publications RePlay and PlayMeter.
One of the best features of Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee Golf is the trackball control. The realistic feel of the trackball and its relationship to the action on the screen gives players the true sensation of golf. Rather than confusing meters and timing devices that offer little feedback, players use a backward and forward hand motion that controls the flight and trajectory of their shots. Incredible Technologies has perfectly translated this unique control for the home PC. With the innovative TrakSwing™ Technology, the PC’s mouse gives the player the ability to make highly accurate skill shots with intuitive ease.
The TrakSwing concept is simple: The player moves the mouse back to take his back swing, and forward for his forward swing. The direction and speed of the back and forward swings determine the distance and direction that the golf ball travels. Players now have complete control over hooks, drives and fades. With TrakSwing, chip shots, punch shots and even back spin shots are possible to perform and master.
A special TrakSwing mouse pad is included with every game to help players learn the finer points of making the perfect shot. Quick directions and diagrams show the correct mouse position and direction for a variety of shots. Players learn these skills quickly because the motion is natural and intuitive. Experimentation and finesse will soon allow the player to improve his skill and make fantastic and accurate golf shots.
Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee Golf games have become a true social event for thousands of players across the country. Many avid fans play Golden Tee Golf every day at their local sports bar or tavern. Some even go so far as to call ahead and reserve tee-times for a foursome! Additionally, tournaments and leagues of all formats and sizes are forming across the country, with thousands of players competing for cash and prizes.
This unprecedented player interaction and friendly competition has been incorporated into the home version of the game. With fully integrated Internet support, players can join up to three other players and compete on the same course together. Chat rooms, message areas, high score postings and even tournaments will be accessed and featured on a special web site exclusive for Golden Tee Golf home players. Additionally, players can connect directly to each other via modem and compete against each other.
To enhance the social capabilities even further, Incredible Technologies introduces IChat. This new and exclusive technology gives a whole new meaning to the words “Chat Room”. Players on different PCs can now talk and listen to other players in real time while playing Golden Tee Golf. The small microphone mounts to the PC’s monitor for hands free talk. Now playing against a friend who is miles away is almost the same as being in the sports bar together! In addition to player’s speech, Golden Tee Golf includes a wide range of sounds and speech dramatically enhance the total golf experience. Sounds ranging from natural ambiance to the roar of a cheering crowd add to the tension and excitement for the player. A hushed announcer calls the action and offers the player a true competitive experience.
Even with the exceptional feel and interaction of Golden Tee Golf, the designers at Incredible Technologies were not content to simply release a direct translation to the PC. All new art of PGA contender Peter Jacobsen has been digitally captured and seamlessly integrated into the game. Peter also offers players a full compliment of helpful hints and tips for improving play.
All of the graphics in the game have been redesigned and beautifully enhanced to take full advantage of the processing power of the PC platform. The high resolution 16-bit graphics can be displayed up to a resolution of 1024 x 796. Special effects have been added to the 3 18-hole courses, including fog, water reflections, multi-layered shadows, and more. Special reverse-angle and ball’s-eye camera views add to the excitement during the game.
The realistic ball action and exacting collision detection allow the player to make thrilling skill shots through and around a variety of obstacles. A huge variety of hidden images are interspersed throughout the three beautifully landscaped courses, giving players a challenge of finding something new while they play. Various tee and pin placements, changing wind speeds and slopes of the greens, and various difficulty settings give the players infinite variety during play.
Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee Golf will be available for retail release in February 1998.
Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee Golf Coin-Op game:
- Over 25,000 coin-operated units in 50 states and Canada.
- Strong coin-op sales for two years and gaining in popularity each day.
- Enthusiastic and devoted player following of all ages and social strata.
- Fun to play, easy to learn, challenging to master.
Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee Golf PC game:
- 3 highly detailed, beautifully landscaped 18-hole courses.
- Courses created to offer variety and challenges to players.
- New courses can be generated and updated at a later date.
- Club select, wind speed, top-down map and hole information are all on-screen yet unobtrusive to the player.
- Innovative TrakSwing ™ Technology uses the mouse to give players total control over hooks, drives and slices.
- Realistic and understandable controls combine back swing with forward swing to capture the true feel of golf.
- Natural background sounds, hushed announcer and crowd cheers add to the tension and excitement.
- Unique IChat™ Technology lets players talk to each other in real time while playing on separate PCs.
- Stroke and Skins play adds variety, strategy and challenge for one to four players.
- Leaderboards after each hole enhance the competitive nature of golf.
- Statistics and course records are stored and displayed on special screens.
- Link through modem to play a friend on another machine.
- Tournaments and special events over the Internet are planned for the future.
GOLDEN TEE GOLF
SIMPLY FUN
Proven Game Play
Easy To Begin, Fun To Play, and Challenging to Master
Stroke Play or Skins Play
Interactive On-Screen Help
Plays Just Like the Arcade Version
SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL
Three Spectacular 18-Hole Courses!
Play on Lush Mountain, Ocean or Desert Terrain
Gorgeous Haze and Fog Effects
Realistic Reflections and Animation
Lightning Fast Screen Redraws
Hundreds of Special Course Objects
High Resolution 16-Bit Graphics Up To 1024 x 796
SIMPLY INTUITIVE
Exclusive TrakSwing Technology!
No Meters or Timers
Plays and Feels Like Real Golf
Control Hooks, Drives, Slices and More
Instructional Mouse Pad Included!
Virtually No Setup or Installation Time Required
SIMPLY INTERACTIVE
Free Internet Play!
On-Line Match Making Services
Join and Chat With Other Players
Supports IChat Real Time Chat Software
Web Site Links Offer Tips and Techniques
Record and View Player Scores from Around the World!
Modem-To-Modem Real-Time Competition!
Periodic Course Update Packs!
SIMPLY PETER
Dynamic Personality of Peter Jacobsen!
Thousands of Digitized Video Images Lets You Control Peter Himself
Peter Offers Pro Tips On-Line
Hilarious Animating Reactions
SIMPLY THE BEST
Peter Jacobsen Agrees:
“We have simply created the best Golf game ever!”
The Players Agree:
“I tell you, I just can’t wait to play this game every day after work. The more I play, the better I get!” -- John, Toledo Ohio
“This Golf game is so great! Me and a bunch of other guys play it every single night.” --James, Champaign, IL
Locations Agree:
This Golden Tee Golf game is the best game we have ever had, and I mean Ever!” --Richard, Club DJ, Taylorville, Utah
“I open at 6 am and close at 4am, and there’s always someone constantly playing. The players love it!” --Robert, Sunset Lounge, Louisville, KY
“I’ve been in business for 36 years and the Peter Jacobsen’s Golf game has been the hottest thing since Pac Man!” --Rusty, Billy Frogg’s, Omaha, NE
“We do a phenomenal business on the golf game. We even get players calling in to reserve tee times so they wont have to wait in line!” --James, The Little Tavern, LaPorte, IN
NUMBER ONE!
Incredible Technologies, Inc.
AAMA Manufacturer of the Year 1996
NUMBER ONE!
Ranked in the Top 5 for Best Dedicated Video Game by RePlay Magazine
March 1997 - October 1997
NUMBER ONE!
AAMA Platinum Sales Award Winner
ASI, March 1997
NUMBER ONE!
Voted Most Played Video Conversion Kit AMOA, October 1997
NUMBER ONE!
Ranked in the Top 5 for Best Video Game Software by PlayMeter Magazine
April 1997 - October 1997
NUMBER ONE!
Ranked Best Live Tournament Game
By Players Across the Country 1996-97
END
International Tournament System Recaps Phenomenal Year
The International Tournament System, or ITS, introduced by Incredible Technologies in June of 1996, is perhaps one of the greatest success stories the coin-op industry has seen for some time. The ITS allows specially designed tournament games, connected to a regular telephone line, to participate in remotely managed tournaments each month. Procedures for distributors, operators and players have been kept simple and easy, with almost all of the daily administration handled by the ITS.
Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee 3D Golf, an already strong video kit gaining popularity in street locations around the country, was re-engineered in November of 1995 to become the first video game on the ITS system. The ITS version was field tested and adjusted for six months in the Chicago area, from November 1995 to June 1996. During these successful field tests, many of the tournament procedures and rules were hammered out, including entry fees, operator sign-ups, collection procedures and winner claims.
The first National tournament, called the Uncle Sam Slam, began on June 21 of 1996. The first 150 production units of the dedicated ITS games participated in the 17 day tournament, which ended on July 7th. Over $15,000 was awarded to 20 national winners and more than 150 winners across about six states.
The final tournament of 1996, the Seasons Greens, began on December 13 and ran until December 29. With over 950 games on-line in more than 45 states, 990 winners were awarded cash prizes totaling more than $64,700. Also, a hole-in-one contest ran for four days during the tournament, with more than 60 hole-in-one winners receiving special Golden Tee 3D Golf T-shirts.
The following is a breakdown of each of the seven national tournaments run during 1996.
Tournament Dates # On-Line Winners Total Prizes
Uncle Sam Slam June 21 - July 7 150 170 $15,000
Summer Sizzler July 19 - Aug. 4 250 270 $18,300
Back-To-School Bash Aug. 16 to Sep. 2 360 380 $34,300
Tree-Time Classic Sep. 13 - Sep. 29 500 520 $37,500
Pumpkin Smash Oct. 18 to Nov. 3 650 690 $39,500
Birdie Shoot Nov. 15 to Dec. 1 825 865 $58,800
Seasons Greens Dec. 13-Dec. 29 950 990 $64,800
In only six months, and on only one game, the ITS has awarded more than $250,000 to almost 4000 players across the United States. Tournament plays have remained strong and consistent throughout the year, and technical problems have been kept to a minimum. Operators and Location Owners across the country have expressed their delight with the easy-to-run system, and are pleased with the long-term income potential that these games are displaying. Players across the nation have become Golden Tee “pros”, spending an incredible amount of time and money perfecting their skills and improving their scores. The competition for the top national spot is fierce, but even new players can win cash prizes on a local level, as well as special events prizes like T-shirts.
Over 1350 dedicated ITS units have been sold through distribution in 1996, with even more anticipated for 1997. Monthly tournaments on ITS versions of Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee 3D Golf will continue, with more games and bigger prizes. New twists on tournament play are planned for the coming year. Sponsors and advertising are being lined up, and these will generate extra income for players and operators alike. More tournament compatible games, such as World Class Bowling, will make their national debut on the ITS system in early 1997, with more on the way.
Another very special event is the ITS Golden Tee 3D Golf Live Championship Playoff, which is to be held on March 15 at the ASI trade show in Las Vegas. The excitement kicks off with the January 1997 ITS Golf tournament. This national remote tournament, dubbed the Qualifier I, will allow all players to compete and win, regardless of their eligibility status. Winners of previous ITS tournaments usually have to wait for 90 days to win again, but this rule has been waived for this tournament only, which should attract the best Golden Tee Golf players from across the country. The Qualifier I tournament will have 40 national prize winners and a local winner at every location. Prizes for the top twelve national winners consists of an invitation to compete LIVE this March 15 at the ASI in Las Vegas, for cash prizes totaling over $30,000. Round trip airfare and 2 nights stay in Las Vegas are included. The first place prize winner will receive a whopping $10,000, with second through twelfth place prizes range from $5000 to $1000.
The ITS has generated its share of interesting anecdotes. Below are just a few of these intriguing success stories.
For sales information on any of the current IT products, call your local distributor or Bulldog Amusements at (206) 869-6400 or fax (206) 869-6401. For more general information on Incredible Technologies or the ITS tournament system, visit the IT web site at www.itsgames.com or call Incredible Technologies at (847) 870-7027 or
fax (847) 870-0120.
# # #
The International Tournament System, or ITS, introduced by Incredible Technologies in June of 1996, is perhaps one of the greatest success stories the coin-op industry has seen for some time. The ITS allows specially designed tournament games, connected to a regular telephone line, to participate in remotely managed tournaments each month. Procedures for distributors, operators and players have been kept simple and easy, with almost all of the daily administration handled by the ITS.
Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee 3D Golf, an already strong video kit gaining popularity in street locations around the country, was re-engineered in November of 1995 to become the first video game on the ITS system. The ITS version was field tested and adjusted for six months in the Chicago area, from November 1995 to June 1996. During these successful field tests, many of the tournament procedures and rules were hammered out, including entry fees, operator sign-ups, collection procedures and winner claims.
The first National tournament, called the Uncle Sam Slam, began on June 21 of 1996. The first 150 production units of the dedicated ITS games participated in the 17 day tournament, which ended on July 7th. Over $15,000 was awarded to 20 national winners and more than 150 winners across about six states.
The final tournament of 1996, the Seasons Greens, began on December 13 and ran until December 29. With over 950 games on-line in more than 45 states, 990 winners were awarded cash prizes totaling more than $64,700. Also, a hole-in-one contest ran for four days during the tournament, with more than 60 hole-in-one winners receiving special Golden Tee 3D Golf T-shirts.
The following is a breakdown of each of the seven national tournaments run during 1996.
Tournament Dates # On-Line Winners Total Prizes
Uncle Sam Slam June 21 - July 7 150 170 $15,000
Summer Sizzler July 19 - Aug. 4 250 270 $18,300
Back-To-School Bash Aug. 16 to Sep. 2 360 380 $34,300
Tree-Time Classic Sep. 13 - Sep. 29 500 520 $37,500
Pumpkin Smash Oct. 18 to Nov. 3 650 690 $39,500
Birdie Shoot Nov. 15 to Dec. 1 825 865 $58,800
Seasons Greens Dec. 13-Dec. 29 950 990 $64,800
In only six months, and on only one game, the ITS has awarded more than $250,000 to almost 4000 players across the United States. Tournament plays have remained strong and consistent throughout the year, and technical problems have been kept to a minimum. Operators and Location Owners across the country have expressed their delight with the easy-to-run system, and are pleased with the long-term income potential that these games are displaying. Players across the nation have become Golden Tee “pros”, spending an incredible amount of time and money perfecting their skills and improving their scores. The competition for the top national spot is fierce, but even new players can win cash prizes on a local level, as well as special events prizes like T-shirts.
Over 1350 dedicated ITS units have been sold through distribution in 1996, with even more anticipated for 1997. Monthly tournaments on ITS versions of Peter Jacobsen’s Golden Tee 3D Golf will continue, with more games and bigger prizes. New twists on tournament play are planned for the coming year. Sponsors and advertising are being lined up, and these will generate extra income for players and operators alike. More tournament compatible games, such as World Class Bowling, will make their national debut on the ITS system in early 1997, with more on the way.
Another very special event is the ITS Golden Tee 3D Golf Live Championship Playoff, which is to be held on March 15 at the ASI trade show in Las Vegas. The excitement kicks off with the January 1997 ITS Golf tournament. This national remote tournament, dubbed the Qualifier I, will allow all players to compete and win, regardless of their eligibility status. Winners of previous ITS tournaments usually have to wait for 90 days to win again, but this rule has been waived for this tournament only, which should attract the best Golden Tee Golf players from across the country. The Qualifier I tournament will have 40 national prize winners and a local winner at every location. Prizes for the top twelve national winners consists of an invitation to compete LIVE this March 15 at the ASI in Las Vegas, for cash prizes totaling over $30,000. Round trip airfare and 2 nights stay in Las Vegas are included. The first place prize winner will receive a whopping $10,000, with second through twelfth place prizes range from $5000 to $1000.
The ITS has generated its share of interesting anecdotes. Below are just a few of these intriguing success stories.
- Some machines have enjoyed more than 500 tournament plays in a 17-day period.
- A well respected independent consultant firm specializing in matters of amusement regulatory issues, determined that Golden Tee 3D Golf is a game of skill, and should have no problem in states such as California.
- With the help of Lieberman Distributors, the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office declared the ITS Golden Tee Golf game legal to operate.
- Many operators who vowed never to carry video again are now full-time supporters of the ITS.
- One avid winner is so confident in the success of the ITS system, he helped his son start a coin-op route that includes ITS games.
- One large operator is now operating over 100 ITS games, and says he needs more. “I truly believe that the ITS is the way of the future for street locations,” he said.
- The national tournaments have sparked interest in league and tournament play on the local level, and many quick-thinking operators have begun to run smaller contests on their Golden Tee kit games.
For sales information on any of the current IT products, call your local distributor or Bulldog Amusements at (206) 869-6400 or fax (206) 869-6401. For more general information on Incredible Technologies or the ITS tournament system, visit the IT web site at www.itsgames.com or call Incredible Technologies at (847) 870-7027 or
fax (847) 870-0120.
# # #