How important is the children?s entertainment market for the industry today?
Children?s entertainment is extremely important for family attractions in today’s market. Industry research suggests the main target market for family attractions from 2018 to 2025 is children from the ages of 8 to 14 and their parents. Creating spaces that entertain and excite this demographic will ensure the market continues to grow strongly. However, each attraction must consider their primary audience as this can differ vastly across attractions; the offer they propose to market must match the needs and wants of their primary audience (I’ll expand on this below).
Should locations be prioritising?focus on youngsters?
Not necessarily?a location’s core target? is dependent on several factors. For example, the median age of visitors to family attractions differs vastly across different countries and continents. I think family attractions should prioritise creating an experience that appeals to families, not just children, with integrated food and beverage offerings alongside the latest interactive arcade games, VR & AR technologies and participatory play activities.
What products have you developed to cater specifically to that market? Why are they popular?
We have recently developed an?Interactive Ball Pool; this helps turn outdated ball pool spaces into highly engaging multi-sensory play environments. They are popular because they enable children to change lighting and effects through play; delivering a truly interactive experience. The Interactive Ball Pool can be fitted into any existing or new space. Elements of the product, such as the lighting effects, colour and audio effects can be tailored to create a unique installation for each venue.
We?re also the UK distributor for a range of interactive products. One of our most popular products is?multiBALL?which turns any smooth wall space into an interactive playground; it immediately becomes the centre of attention in any room and a real magnet for kids and adults.
What locations are those products ideal for?
These products are ideal for any family attraction looking to create a unique experience for families.
Regarding the future of children?s entertainment, how can the amusements industry compete with modern tech such as home consoles and smartphones/tablets?
I think the key is to create experiences that can?t be replicated at home via a handheld device. For example, multiBALL turns a whole wall space into a giant arcade game that allows entire families to be involved at once.
To find out more about InterGame magazine, visit their website?https://www.intergameonline.com/? and for an opportunity to see some of Fired Up Technologies’ interactive products in the flesh, sign up for the?Family Attraction Expo?taking place on 7th & 8th November 2019 at the NEC in Birmingham.