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G2E 2011
A new venue for the Global Gaming Expo – but for better or worse? Casino International’s Sharon Harris and Jon Bruford found out
Gaming executives might be forgiven for thinking, another year, another G2E, so it was a pleasant surprise for most to be greeted by a new venue, new layout and a resulting energized exhibition. The venue certainly had its flaws – as any exhibitor will tell you, feeling the floor bounce like a trampoline when an empty forklift goes by is disconcerting at best – but these were compensated by a layout improved by the shape of the room. No more long walks from one end of the venue to the other; rather than the rectangular shape we are accustomed to, the room was more square, making navigation far easier. Also, the ‘streets’ in the venue were clearly named and were very visible; and there were far more people on hand at information booths or with signs to help those with questions. Small points, but all contributing to a far more enjoyable experience for visitors and exhibitors.
Just like in Macau, JCM presented arguably the most interesting technology at the show. At G2E Asia in Macau this past summer, they exhibited a game-changing table-top/side note sorter that, we said at the time, would be indispensible for Macau casinos if they could get the size of it down. Well, the next step was on show in Vegas, and it’s well on the way. With the progress this project – known as Project 8 – is showing already, we wouldn’t be surprised to see it on live trials in 2012.
JCM came to the show celebrating its recent contract win with the Aqueduct racino, which should see up to 5,000 installations of the company’s bill validators. It’s been a driving force behind the company’s message at the show, ‘Ride with the winner’, pushing forward the racing theme and the company’s position in the industry.
This show marked the first time the company had exhibited the Nanoptix thermal printer, which fits neatly into their product suite. With JCM’s innovation and weight behind it, expect the Nanoptix market share to grow.
JCM has also been working with GPI on their table game solution for bill handling; combining expertise is the way forward for many companies, and with these minds converging on a problem, expect a brilliant answer.
The star of the stand for JCM though, was their mobile wallet technology. The concept is making the customer’s mobile phone a wallet; simple, but brilliant. M-commerce, as it’s sometimes referred to, is in use in many industries, but not gaming – yet. The player adds money to the phone using their bank card, for example; the phone connects using a wireless network (presumably 3G or secure WiFi would need to be part of a gaming floor for this to work flawlessly), adds funds to the player’s wallet. The player goes to a slot, uses a password on the phone, and moves the money on to the game to play. Then play as usual. After the game, the player’s wins or remaining cash, comes back to the phone. Quick, simple, and using an interface most people are familiar with now. This is a very exciting application of what is largely an existing technology, because in the context of a resort you can potentially have true player tracking resort-wide, and all from the player’s use of their own phone. Brilliant.
DigiDeal, still spreading their wings wide after stepping out on their own following their acquisition by IGT and subsequent rebirth, had a lot to shout about. On show was their own L2V (Live to Virtual) DTS (Digital Table System, a six-position table with the versatility to work in just about any jurisdiction. That flexibility is the key to understanding DigiDeal’s products – rather than shopping in the traditional way, you can almost go to them and say, “This is what our regulators allow us to work with, what do you have for us?” With the L2V e-table, operators can use traditional live or virtual cards. L2V can be configured for a variety of third-party, card scanning shoes or be quickly converted to all-virtual table play. It can be a single hosted table, auto hosted in connection with other tables, or in AFT jurisdictions, the L2V table can be switched to fully automated play.
There was a lot to see on the stand, including a roulette-style game where players bet on cards rather than a wheel RNG.
Racing Card Derby – a simple game which wowed us in Macau in 2010 – is the latest game content to be applied to DigiDeal’s X Table, and the company has also signed an agreement with Inspired to distribute the classy Sabre gaming terminal in parts of the US. All in all, exciting times for DigiDeal and their customers.
Atronic’s big news at G2E was finalizing the merger of Atronic and Spielo under one banner, Spielo International. This means some significant changes for the company, with Atronic and Spielo merging research and development, for example, and bringing together the two companies’ differing technologies to overall customer benefit. Atronic and Spielo – both owned by Lottomatica – had been operating as sister companies previously while working towards integration. G2E was the official ‘coming out’ of the combined businesses under the new identity of Spielo International. The well-known Atronic brand will be maintained as product brand in the company´s portfolio.
Under the Atronic brand, Spielo International has expanded the multi-game solution diversity with new colour-coded game suites – Amazing Amber, Pure Purple, Gambling Green, to complement the existing 10-game categories of Royal Red and Brilliant Blue. On the lovely Oxygen cabinet, diversity offers strong-performing multi-level progressive games; it’s one of the reasons the multi-game is enjoying renewed popularity worldwide.
Mermaid’s Spell is a compelling rapid hit 8-level linked progressive multi-game that will mesmerize players. Featuring three distinct titles – Great Reef, Magic Lagoon, and Bay of Fortune – Mermaid’s Spell enables players to select “enchanted symbols” for re-spins and increased chances at the progressives. Five-of-a-kind line wins trigger the corresponding progressive. Players can choose their volatility by seeking their favorite progressive level.
Hot and Wild is what Spielo International describes as the industry’s first multi-level, multi-game, multi-hit progressive linked gaming concept, based on the successful Cash Fever progressive link.
Some of the company’s most exciting offerings are in the systems side of things, with myGuest and FloorMaster – both of which impressed Casino International at G2E Asia – greeted with enthusiasm by customers from the Americas.
myGuest is a new iPhone app used by slot attendants and marketing teams on the floor to identify loyalty club players and consult individual profiles. The application provides detailed information about the player’s gaming activities in real time, allowing staff to instantly make informed and personalized decisions, such as awarding the player with promotional credits on his or her slot machine, or ordering a complimentary drink.
FloorMaster is an advanced slot floor monitoring application for touch screens with a full-color interactive map of the slot floor. It’s intuitive to use and provides an instant snapshot of Key Performance Indicators such as popularity, profitability and floor efficiency for quick and effective decision making. FloorMaster is flexible and can be used on a tablet PC for full mobility.
“This year’s show was very successful for Abbiati Casino Equipment,” said CEO Giorgio Abbiati, “During the show, we announced the approval for our chips, plaques and jetons from the Nevada Gaming Board.”
Abbiati also presented its new plaques with high-security added value, including diamonds, gold, filigree, security UV and magnetic inks, in addition to or as an alternative to RFID.
The company exhibited its new Asian-style Baccarat table, a duplicate of the style recently delivered to Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. These tables were Abbiati’s first table order to a land-based casino in Singapore. This purchase was in addition to a previous order of tables supplied to the Cruises Casino in the Asia region.
The new tables were manufactured using a new tiger-eye composite material. Show attendees had the opportunity to see a large selection of the new composite materials in different colors and styles.
Abbiati also introduced a new line of burn-resistant gaming layouts with full photographic printing, a new line of poker chips and plaques-also with RFID-and the Modiano playing cards, which Abbiati distributes to the casino industry.
Abbiati was pleased with the number of visitors and information requests from North America, Central America and South America, along with its numerous European clients.
Aruze Gaming presented several new products at its booth. Amazon Fishing is a multi-player competitive fishing game that lets players choose their own bait and which fish to catch. Packed with individual and competitive bonus feature events, its Reel Feel Gaming Technology is integrated directly into the bonus features.
Aruze also displayed its Innovator with Radiant Reels series, the gaming industry’s largest five-reel stepper strips. Measuring 18.1” (460mm) across all reels, each strip measures 3.54” (90mm). The video-style reels fuse video and stepper, and are lit by 240 multi-colored LED lights and variable spin speeds. When the Radiant Reels stop, these lights illuminate the winning symbols.
For players intimidated by live craps, Aruze’s multiplayer G-STATION(TM) game Shoot to Win Craps machine uses the standard rules of live craps game. A comprehensive guide is built into the machine, which is ideal for beginners.It allows players to shoot the dice through an innovative Bash Button(TM) while betting, similar to a live table game.
Shoot to Win Craps is the first electro-mechanical craps game approved by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. It had partnered with New York-New York Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for a 30-day field trial. It can be configured for eight to 50 players.
The touch screen interface allows for a greater speed of play both for betting and shooting the dice. Shoot to Win Craps has a high-impact sign package, maximizing visibility throughout the casino. The overhead signage includes LCD screens, which prominently display game results.
Forget about pushing a button on a slot machine. Bally Technologies introduced its video player interface device, the Alpha Pro iDeck, a first for the gaming industry. Whenever new game content is installed, iDeck changes to match, eliminating the need to change a button deck. The full-color, multi-touch video display may be programmable in multiple configurations. Its durability prevents spills and leaks to damage the machine.
Two huge launch titles were on display, using the new landmark interactive sound casino chair. Players may sit back and be surrounded by great music and sounds from the games. Both games are built on Bally’s new Pro Series V22/32 cabinet combination.
Michael Jackson King of Pop highlights many of the legendary singer’s greatest hits, including Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough, Billie Jean, Beat It and Smooth Criminal. The game also features numerous iconic accessories used during Jackson’s career, including his signature white gloves, fedora, dance loafers and sunglasses.
Nostalgia for the 1950s and the popular 1978 movie was the foundation for Grease, the game that reunites the characters from Rydell High. The artwork reflects Olivia Newton-John, John Travolta and the entire gang. Grease also uses Bally’s new iDeck touch screen technology for its Dance-Off Free Games feature.
In the four-game or six-game configuration of machines, each end may be fitted with the front and back ends of a 1950s car. It is one of Bally Technologies’ first games on the Cash Connection wide-screen progressive link.
Both Total Blast and Fish’n for Loot use the new U-Shoot virtual-shooting gallery bonus that uses the iDeck technology. Total Blast targets mostly male players as a high-tech reincarnation of the popular arcade game Space Invaders, where players shot up to the space ships. In Fish’n for Loot, they do the same, but touch the iDeck to create bubbles that target swimming fish on the main game screens.
Betty Boop, another beloved Hollywood character was spotlighted in Betty Boop’s Fortune Teller game. Using the iDeck panel, players place their hands on the device as their palms are read to receive credit and multiplier awards. The U-Choose technology allows players to select their preferred bonuses.
Gasser Chair has launched two new products, the patent-pending Halo Base and the Prelude Slim-Line Stool. Using a stamped steel base encased in a special coating, the Halo Base improves functionality to the popular disc base design already in use. Its unique design and powder coating process eases movement of a gaming stool on carpeted flooring. The Halo Base’s curved edge prevents the chair from tipping over while moving.
The Prelude Slim-Line Stool, priced less than traditional gaming stools, blends classic design with modern performance. It offers a sleeker, more compact, low profile edge that works in smaller venues with space constraints. Comfort is guaranteed, thanks to the flex-back technology, powder coat finish, protective edging, extended footrests and ergonomically-molded back and seat cushions.
Gasser also displayed its concept dual settee chair, which is currently being tested. The chair seats two in the same unit and moves simultaneously. Each seat cushion rotates sideways for easier ingress and egress. It also features a drink console between the two seats.
President Mark Gasser was cautiously optimistic about the new G2E venue and its appeal. He said, “Show organizers had an opportunity to reconfigure the layout. The slots manufacturers compromised by moving to the rear and the smaller companies agreed to lower signage that would not block the manufacturers’ booths. The level of activity on the floor is up this year.”
KING Cabinet Solutions (KCS) focuses on OEM/ODM business with cabinet design and obtaining integration business from its customers. This year, KCS had a strategic software partner to maximize better service and total solutions for Class II and III level gaming companies. The company displayed a total solutions slot cabinet that combined both hardware and software.
The product line-up featured the brand Universa three distinct cabinet design models, including the chrome plated and powder coated versions. One model included a player tracker system, bill accepter and 7-inch LCD display for advertising. Each slot cabinet featured 22-inch 16:9 dual LCD screens. Customers may customize the game software and key components.
KCS received positive feedback and inquiries from casino operators and gaming distributors, especially in North and South America, its largest gaming market. KCS seeks a quality software partner or customer with software so they can distribute its own gaming platform.
For the first time, KCS showed its promotion video and received favorable response. KCS also prepared the introduction video DVDs for potential customers.
Everyone at Konami Gaming approved of the show changes. According to Vice President/Chief Compliance Officer Thomas Jingoli, “The Sands Expo Center was a great choice. It makes for a smooth move-in. Also, the logistics were favorable because it was easy for our staff to stay here at the Venetian. The location is conducive to interaction on many levels, and we can entertain customers on the Strip.”
The company exhibited several products, including the Konami Casino Management System (KCMS), which integrates software modules within the same platform. KCMS easily manages slots, table games, target marketing, bonusing, patron tracking, analysis and TITO needs. It offers real-time player bonuses and interaction, using an Oracle database.
KCMS takes full advantage of TCP/IP’s networking capabilities, and transactions are “event-driven” to provide instant information about the gaming floor. It not only tracks multi-game, multi-denominational play, but also tracks players in the casino.
It uses generic components with the floor network from remote locations and can introduce upgrades within two to four hours. Supporting multiple languages, KCMS may be formatted to provide translation service for employees.
The Dynamic 5 offers video and reel interaction by overlaying the reels. There are more opportunities for wins and bonuses with some player control.
The Fortune Chaser 8-level linked progressive game’s use of Bose speakers means exceptional sound. One or two games may be played simultaneously; the reels may spin separately or concurrently. The screen is a focal point to attract both players and customers walking nearby.
New to the U.S. market is the Podium slant cabinet, which runs on a KP3 platform for a unique 3D experience. The slim cabinet has a 15-inch depth and 22-inch dual screen LCDs. It features unique lighting and an ergonomic button panel.
Novomatic focused on three industry buzz phrases on their stand – Community Gaming, Server-Based Gaming, and Tournaments. All of those were on the stand alongside their standalone Coolfire II multigame mixes on the Super V+ Gaminator and the Novostar slant-top cabinet.
Novomatic’s Max Lindenberg told CI: “We’ve brought our new Bank Blaster community gaming system with use, where up to five players can team up to crack the safe and win the community jackpot together, depending on their betting pattern within the round.”
The server-based gaming solution starts with the company’s electronic table games, where an operator can interconnect an unlimited number of different types of games, and unlimited terminals – even combining electronic table games with offering slots on the same cabinet.
Max added: “We also have our games download system, called NovoLine GDS, which we can also offer to customers as a standalone version, so they can buy the machines now, operate them individually, then interconnect them at a later date if they choose to, to enjoy a server-based gaming solution with downloadable games.
“Our brand new Reel Tournament allows operators to select different games for ‘roulette’ rounds, or a single event without qualifying rounds… with the push of a button the operator can change an unlimited number of machines to the system to tournament mode. It generates real excitement on the gaming floor.”
Fundamentally, customers know what they will get from Novomatic, and that’s not suggesting for one second that they are predictable – customer can expect excellence, and genuinely nothing less.
GLI is a company that has been making great strides in keeping costs down for customers seeking regulatory approval worldwide, or simply in a single new jurisdiction. They truly are a customer-focussed company, and it shows in their attitude and application of technology to bring their global customers savings, and value. New on the table for GLI is GLI Mobile, currently in Apple’s App Store. The secure back end of the GLI Access web site, for regulators operators and suppliers, is a place where they can obtain approval letters, key information, and compliance notification for their jurisdiction. You need a username and password to access this via the mobile application, but it makes it a mobile benefit for their customers, so they can take the lab out onto the floor with them. Right now it’s for iPad and iPhone, but Android and Blackberry versions are coming soon.
Cammegh are enjoying new penetration into the Nevada market, in the shape of a deal to supply roulette wheels into The Venetian, alongside Billboard displays. It’s a great contract to land, a truly excellent advert for their roulette products. This success came after Cammegh obtained their manufacturer’s and distributor’s licence for the state of Nevada. They’ve also received orders from MGM and can no doubt expect to find a few more casinos knocking on their doors in coming months.
Andrew Cammegh said of the success: “I think it adds even greater credibility to our offering, and it instills even greater confidence in our customers.”
That’s not all though – Andrew added: “People have been very interested in the side bets we have been developing, so the next step will be to get them approved in Nevada. That’s been very encouraging indeed, as has the feedback on our Aurora wheel that randomly changes colour.”
The Aurora has been Cammegh’s fastest-selling new product so far launched by Cammegh, and it got a lot of attention on the stand, which is a testament to its effectiveness as an eyecatching device. It uses the Powerplay random generator feature inside the wheel and generates a new colour, with mystery prize features and a complementary display. Also on the stand were the stalwart wheels, the Mercury 360, Slingshot 2, and the very striking 32” Billboard screen.
Andrew was effusive in his praise for the change of venue, too, concluding: “We were delighted with the venue. It’s much improved. The layout is more equitable for everybody; you’re invited to walk in any direction when you walk in so there’s a more even spread of footfall. It’s also very convenient if you’re staying at the Venetian.”
As part of the globally active Gauselmann Group, Merkur Gaming brings their brand experience to international markets. Merkur employs approximately 6,000 and generated € 1.5 billion in 2010.
Merkur is the largest German street operator, selling and renting more than 60,000 machines worldwide per year. Prior to 2006, machines were legally restricted to a maximum four-year lifespan, resulting in regular equipment replacement. Throughout Europe, Merkur operates 400 street locations, with a total of 16,000 machines across several European countries. Each location averages between 20-50 machines.
“We offer a total portfolio to our global customers. Merkur creates the ultimate entertainment experience with online VLTs, new technology and our own sports betting company,” says Rolf Falke, spokesman of the executive management.
Currently, South America is an important market for Merkur. Spanish-speaking operators approached Merkur about developing a game specifically for their players. In response, Merkur introduced its new Cantinflas slot machine at G2E. The game uses the famous Mexican comedian and actor as its central theme.
The first generation Cantinflas games are traditional-type slot machines. Within a year, Merkur plans to debut six themed games. The second phase will launch a multi-game program, and the final phase will feature an Ultimate Cantinflas World Jackpot machine.
The new KeyWatcher Touch unit updates the basic key monitoring system by utilizing a common database for all KeyWatcher systems within one site. One key may be removed or returned to any other unit within a building and will be tracked accurately by allowing a longer ID up to six digits, plus a four-digit pin number..
Each 96-slot unit has separate blocks holding 16 keys. It logs all activity and eases removal and return by lighting the key space. Information is displayed in a bright 7-inch full-color touch screen. Each site may have up to 10,000 users that can handle up to 14,400 keys. The software also creates easy-to-read reports and programs for users.
FutureLogic was celebrating at G2E, and with good cause, after the announcement of a live installation in Nevada. John Edmunds explains: “The big thing for us at this show is that we have just launched PromoNet into Nevada. We’re live at our first Nevada casino, the South Point, which is fantastic for us. Going through the hurdles of approval from GLI, and the Nevada Gaming Control Board, it’s not a small feat. So now we’re live in a venue, we have somewhere our Las Vegas customers can go and see PromoNet in action, so it’s not just a booth demonstration. Now we have that approval from GLI Nevada, we’re able to start rolling out product to markets around the world. We’re working on a number of sites to get them live so we have a case study running in each key market in the world.”
The company is also recruiting as this heralds the light at the end of the tunnel after years of research and development; it must be immensely satisfying for FutureLogic to reach this point, having worked so hard to promote essentially an idea over recent years. It’s a superb suite of products they offer, but for Casino International PromoNet is the most exciting from an operational standpoint. 2012 is going to be a year of rapid growth for FutureLogic.
Gary Platt Manufacturing introduced its landmark interactive sound casino chair at the show, which is currently being used by IGT, Bally, Aristocrat and Spielo. The company developed a unique style for each of the four slot manufacturers.
President Bob Yabroff says, “It has been a truly cooperative effort between the manufacturers and us to design and produce these interactive sound chairs. We have reached a new level with the electronics within the chairs.”
Gary Platt also has supplied 98 percent of all slot manufacturers with seats for their participation games. Business has gone well this year, and Yabroff expects a 10-15 percent expansion in sales. The company has installed seating at Treasure Island, its first major Las Vegas Strip property. Yabroff claims Gary Platt has received many requests for seating directly from the major casino operators as they move into next year.
Yabroff praised the show, saying, “I’m usually conservative in my assessments, but this was the best G2E for us…we hit a home run.”
This past August, Quixant opened its Las Vegas Quixant USA Inc office. Known for its quality computing platforms designed specifically for slot machines, the new location should provide greater local support. Amit Sharma was appointed Vice President of Sales for Quixant USA.
Quixant showcased its wide range of gaming boards, which included the QXi-200, the first “all-in-one” gaming controller to utilize AMD’s new Fusion technology. The QXi-200 features AMD Embedded G-Series “Fusion” APUs, either 1.65 GHz dual-core or 1.5 GHz single-core. The AMD Radeon HD 6320 graphics engine on the APU features support for the latest DirectX® 11, OpenGL 4.1 and OpenCL 1.1 standards, putting it two generations ahead of competitors’ solutions. In addition to excellent graphics performance, the QXi-200 consumes less power, is more reliable and costs less than other products.
Also exhibited was the QX-106, an all-in-one “JAMMA” PC that was originally developed for the Italian market. The QXi-106 utilizes AMD M690E chipset and high performance AMD Sempron 64-bit CPU. It is available in either 1.6GHz dual core or 1.5GHz single core. Because the QXi-106 operates from JAMMA 5V power, there is no need for a dedicated ATX PSU.
The emphasis for EGT was on the new jackpot system, Cat 4 Cash, a multi-level progressive jackpot system with four levels of jackpot. The system features six games on each cabinet, so it’s a multi-game function giving players great choice as well as good, strong-performing games.
Also of note was the P-Series Video Slots, boasting effective 3D animation and very high quality graphics alongside can’t-miss sound. That said, the existing cabinet lines of Vega and Vega+ cabinets still have plenty to offer, so EGT is giving customers even more choice now. Speaking of choice, the company’s Vega-R8 roulette with seven Vega-PS multiplayer terminals makes for an attractive 15-seat roulette solution.
“EGT is definitely moving in the right direction,” commented Daniel van Marrising, Director Sales & Marketing, EGT. “My feedback from G2E is certainly positive, especially on the new products, the Cat4Cash Multi Level Progressive Jackpot System and the P-Series Video Slots. We give a solid but classy impression that expresses confidence to our clients and visitors who were even more interested now that they already know our brand and products. We, from EGT, are planning growth on a world wide scale, launching new products on existing and new markets and further improvement of our brand recognition.”
Calling their touch product the premier in the industry, 3M Touch Systems offers complete iDeck touch display technology for both the gaming and hospitality industries. Director of Marketing Tim Holt said that manufactures are beginning to upgrade their games. The iDeck’s smooth effort has a scaling effect for ease of movement.
Holt says that they are meeting the demands of the marketplace. He said, “Customers, especially the younger generation of players, expect this new technology.
The new iDeck technology is replacing the traditional button panel on the machine. Holt claims that Bally Technology is the best application of usage in the marketplace. It includes 10 Touch Points with palm rejection on a 16.4” extreme-wide-diagonal display, and may be the next generation of bar game technology.
Interblock presented nine different gaming machines at the exhibition, displaying the innovation and exquisite design we have come to expect from this innovative company. Joc Pececnik, Chairman at Elektroncek Group of Companies, commented about the show: “The most prestigious clients from Las Vegas are enthusiastic about the technology and the appearance of our products installed in their venues, in particular they are satisfied with their financial achievements in the past few months.
“Practically every casino immediately wants to have our latest gaming machines, which distinguish from competitors by unique design and simple user interface. After the exhibition our company will do the analysis, but after the first estimates, our production capacities are full up to the end of 2012.” That’s an exceptionally confident statement, and a testament to the company’s ideas and execution of those ideas over recent years.
VP of Sales at Interblock USA, Tom O’Brien, added: “G2E 2011 exceeded everyone’s expectations. What a fantastic turn out for attendance as well as the Interblock booth. Once again we were busy all three days. Customers seemed very excited about our new offerings and job was well done by the whole team.”
GPI is presenting a much more confident face to customers of late, presenting real solutions to day-to-day problems and making RFID far more attractive to operators with their broad vision and creativity. GPI’s Kirsten Clark explained their focus at G2E to Casino International: “What’s really exciting here for us is integrated RFID solutions. For many years, the primary focus of RFID has been casino security; casinos have used it in their chips to identify counterfeiting, some for inventory control. Something we have focused on for the last year is driving additional value for our customers, so if a casino decides to invest in RFID it’s not just as a security device, it’s using the technology in different ways to improve floor performance. For example, our Chip Inventory System has the ability to track chips throughout the casino, and integrate with the casino management system to provide instantaneous amounts of what’s in the float, vault, cage – but can also track floor levels, trends, automated fills and credits – its ability to automate manual processes really can increase gameplay. It’s about helping streamline those processes.”
It’s not all about RFID though – the company has returned to its roots to really affect change with casino currency and take it further than ever before in terms of branding. Kirsten added: “We’ve been putting some emphasis on customized chip designs, and we’re working with operators to create specific chip moulds unique to them that incorporate their brand and have a lot more intricate components. They’re harder to counterfeit and it allows a casino to really integrate branding into their chips. We’re taking currency to a very different level.”
Aristocrat showed up with an impressive 258 games on their stand, featuring a spread of Class III gaming products, with multi-site and wide area progressive, linked, community and standalone categories all featuring a host of new creative ideas adding more interactivity and immersive gaming experiences.
Licensed and proprietary themes were expanded across the range whilst Aristocrat unveiled its new VIRIDIAN Hybrid concept with a modern twist that harnesses the full flexibility of video graphics. A 5-reel stepper base game is complemented by full-screen video graphics and a 3-reel stepper bonus, courtesy of Active Reel Technology reel blocking.
“G2E heralds the beginning of a new season,” explained William Wilsnagh, Managing Director – Europe & Africa. “Customers from across the globe come here and share their views on games they would like to see in their venues. The insight we have gained from them will help guide our forward planning.”
He added: “Wi
