Press release: 1993-08-16: Sega USA partners with Circus Circus to launch the first VirtuaLand at Luxor Las Vegas

This is an unaltered copy of a press release, for use as a primary source on Sega Retro. Please do not edit the contents below. Language: English Original source: https://www.bloomberg.com/press-releases/1993-08-16/sega-usa-partners-with-circus-circus-to-launch-the

Business/Entertainment/Travel Editors

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sega USA, a leader in three-dimensional interactive arcade entertainment, will open its first VirtuaLand, a high-tech entertainment center in the soon-to-be-opened Luxor Las Vegas, as part of a three-level strategic business partnership with Circus Circus Inc. Sega VirtuaLand will be a featured venue at the new Luxor, a 30-story, bronze, pyramid-shaped hotel/casino housing the world's largest atrium, 100,000 square feet of casino, a full-size replica of King Tut's tomb, and many other spectacular attractions.

"Sega VirtuaLand is just the beginning of what we see as a new form of family enjoyment -- the merging of destination resorts with interactive, technology-driven entertainment centers," said Tom Petit, president of Sega USA. "Our strategic business partnership with Circus Circus, a leader in the destination resort industry, demonstrates how Sega USA commercial products, with the latest in virtual reality and three-dimensional polygon technology, bring added value to entertainment locations." Sega VirtuaLand will be a 20,000-square foot, state-of-the-art, high-tech venue headlining Sega's most advanced commercial products.

The centerpiece will be the AS1, an eight-person interactive "Motion Theater" simulator. Hosting riders through the AS1 adventure is Michael Jackson, king of pop and Sega fan. Sega also will be showcasing an exciting new powerhouse product -- Virtua Formula. This 14-by-50 foot interactive racing game incorporates the latest in 3D polygon graphic technology and uses combination of big screen, live monitors and individual motion-based race cars to pit eight racers against each other in a competition to capture the checkered flag. For awesome 360 degree maneuvering, the R360 is a super-real dog fight simulator with a gyro-moving spherical cockpit system. In addition, many other well-known Sega simulator games will be available for players to enjoy at Sega VirtuaLand.

"Sega USA's joint venture agreement with Luxor is a solid partnership that enhances Luxor's positioning as the source of cutting-edge, high-tech entertainment. We're delighted that Luxor will serve as the launching pad for Sega to debut the VirtuaLand arcade," said Bill Paulos, senior vice president of Circus Circus Entertainment Inc. and general manager of Luxor Las Vegas. The three-level partnership also includes Sega developing and managing a new canyon arcade within the adventuredome at Grand Slam Canyon behind Circus Circus. In addition, Sega is taking over the management of Circus Circus' Midway entertainment center, updating and renovating this venue with Sega's three-dimensional interactive commercial products.

Circus Circus Enterprises Inc. currently operates seven Nevada properties in Las Vegas, Reno and Laughlin. Grand Slam Canyon, a roller-coaster theme park/adventuredome at Circus Circus-Las Vegas, will open August 23, and Luxor Las Vegas, the company's eighth property, is slated to open on Oct. 15, 1993. The company's marketing policies emphasize an exceptional price-to-entertainment value for its customers, exemplified by liberal paybacks on slot machines, courteous service and moderately priced rooms and food. Sega USA, a leader in three-dimensional interactive arcade entertainment, is a wholly owned subsidiary of $3.5 billion Sega Enterprises Ltd., Japan. Sega is a worldwide leader in arcade and home video entertainment systems.