NEWS
If you’re the creator of the world’s top virtual bowling game and you wanted to make it even more authentic and fun, how would you go about it?
You might start by leveraging all your industry’s latest technologies, many of which you pioneered. Then, you’d reach out to your real-world counterpart—the innovator leading the charge on real-world, cutting-edge bowling equipment—in order to get their spin.
That’s why, when reinventing Silver Strike Bowling: League Night, Incredible Technologies turned to Storm Products, Inc., the leader in high-performance, scientifically designed bowling balls.
Known for its relentless commitment to innovation, Storm enjoys a huge, passionate global following, which includes many PBA and PWBA champions. Storm equipment is in demand in more than 70 countries—including the U.S., where bowling remains the #1 participation sport.
When IT and Storm came together, a new creative partnership was born. Their collaboration adds a bold new dimension to an enduring arcade favorite, while further blurring the line between virtual bowling and the real deal.
“We thought we had a pretty good handle on bowling,” admits Adam Kramer, President of IT’s Amusement Division. “After all, before Incredible Technologies developed Golden Tee, we were committed to making great bowling games. Then Storm showed us just how much we still had to learn.”
Ball rotation. Ball cores. Surface friction. All the immutable laws of science that drive how a ball spins or hooks. And how factors like speed, force and angle determine how the pins fall.
Storm visited the IT headquarters to see the game, and a partnership was immediately formed. From how the ball moves to the various ball types that pro and causal bowlers prefer to play, the developers at Incredible Technologies quickly earned a Masters in bowling physics.
“At Storm, we’ve always believed that bowling is both art and science,” said Gary Hulsenberg, Vice President of Marketing, Storm Products Inc. “When Incredible Technologies invited us to collaborate, we saw an opportunity to bring the true physics of our equipment, including core dynamics, coverstock technology, and real-world ball motion, into a virtual environment. The result is something special. League Night doesn’t just look like bowling, it feels like bowling. And that’s what excites us most.”
As a result of their collaboration, League Night offers players a choice of the four established spin types (Minimum, Medium and Maximum Hook, plus the Spare Ball or straight shot) and four straight-from-the-alley throwing styles: righty, lefty, 2-handed and Granny Style.
With Storm’s help, IT also adjusted the pace of League Night to match the timing of actual play. Bowling balls travel faster, more akin to real life. As a result, there is more pin action and a greater sense of realism. Still, Incredible Technologies kept the core ingredients of its iconic bowling mechanics in play.
“We know longtime fans of our game have an expectation of what Silver Strike should look and feel like,” Kramer adds. “While we worked to add elements of realism, League Night has kept the core functionality of the franchise intact.”
Speaking of bowling balls, you’ll find Storm equipment represented in League Night, too.
While IT immediately seized on the idea of leveraging real physics in the game, they were initially split about incorporating real equipment into what’s largely a fantasy setting.
However, Storm’s bowling balls captivated IT’s design team, because—besides looking slick and stylish—they represent true engineering innovation.
Thus, League Night features virtual versions of more than 30 of Storm’s most-popular ball designs, including the best-selling Storm, Roto Grip and 900 Global brands.
And because Silver Strike players love personalizing the look of their virtual bowlers, the game offers more than 30 authentic Storm clothing items, plus customizable name badges based on its designs.
“We know that many Silver Strike players are also diehard bowlers,” says Kramer. “We think they’re going to especially love this part of the game.” And that’s just for the initial product launch. IT is committed to adding a steady stream of new content and surprises into the game—and Storm will be part of the ongoing fun. For now, Silver Strike Bowling: League Night is set to launch in early April. IT is accepting pre-orders now. For more information, visit amusement.itsgames.com/ssb or catch a preview here.
