In some embodiments, a method includes detecting, by the first emotive lighting controller, the wagering game event for which to present the coordinated media show. The method can include executing, by the first emotive lighting controller, an instruction script identifying a first group of media effects for the coordinated media show, and in response to executing the instruction script, causing presentation of the first group of media effects by at least one media device connected, via a network, to the first emotive lighting controller. The method can include detecting a synchronization trigger associated with the coordinated media show, and in response to the synchronization trigger, transmitting a synchronization marker to at least a second emotive lighting controller in the network, wherein the synchronization marker causes the second emotive lighting controller to transition to a second group of media effects for the coordinated media show.