Timezone 40th Birthday

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Timezone is about fun, family and making memories. And this year, we’re celebrating an important part of our own story… It’s been 40 years since the very first Timezone opened its doors in Murray Street, Perth, in 1978 – and we think it’s time to party!

The journey started with 21 pinball machines and a dream, when Malcolm Steinberg, visionary founder and non-executive director of the Leisure Allied Industries (LAI) group (which includes Timezone and Helix Leisure), started relooking the way arcade games were presented and the audiences they appealed to.

They were developing modern family restaurants such as McDonalds and Pizza Hut, and I said ‘Well, why can't games become a family destination?’ That’s what started me experimenting in the early ’70s,” says Steinberg.

The rapid development of in-home interactive entertainment technology and platforms in the 1980s proved to be just the impetus for growth Timezone needed. The company’s vision allowed it to react swiftly by expanding from Australia into untapped Asian markets, starting with Singapore in 1993. This move heralded a time of unprecedented success and growth.

Timezone’s focus has always been on providing the best out-of-home entertainment experiences for its customers, which means paying close attention to customer needs and remaining at the cutting edge of entertainment development. We care about fun – and that’s why we’ve remained one of the most beloved, relevant games arcades in the world.

Today, Timezone adds joy to people’s days in more than 220 stores in seven countries, including Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, New Zealand and the Philippines. The Australian market is set to grow rapidly, with the company’s recent acquisition of the Ardent Leisure group’s bowling and entertainment centres adding 50 new locations to the business.

People are looking for entertainment experiences, particularly interactive experiences, outside the home,” says Steinberg. “We’re living in an era where most people place more value on personal experiences than they do on material goods. I think it’s part of our DNA to want to meet in a public forum for social interaction. Timezone is ideal for this type of interaction.”

I’m more confident about the future now than I’ve ever been because I think Timezone has many opportunities,” says Steinberg. “We have strong plans to continue to grow the business internationally. It’s a pretty exciting time right now.”

Timezone will be thanking its loyal customers with a series of 40 birthday events, experiences and competitions. So, keep an eye on your nearest Timezone, bring the family and keep the joy alive!

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