Atronic introduces its Server Assisted Gaming solution

With the increasing development of downloadable technology emerging, SAG is fast becoming a reality. Although still in its infancy, it will allow operators the flexibility of being able to vary game content such as the configuration, paytable figures and denomination just to name a few.

Operators will also be able to change games to suit the current demographics on the floor at any time, create themed promotions, use it as a marketing tool for bonuses, or to eliminate redundant games and replace them immediately with the latest games on the market. All this will be tailored to the size and structure of the individual operation.

Atronic is looking to create a system that alleviates the resulting machine down-time in a communication breakdown between the server and the machine as can happen with current Server Based Gaming products. As such, the firm is working towards the goal of developing a fully integrable SAG solution that will not only provide for the easier management of the game machine but also increase the gaming experience for the player.

Atronic's Product Manager for Server Assisted Gaming Solutions, John Taylor says: “Atronic is committed to being in the first tier of game machine manufacturers to offer a server assisted gaming solution to the market. We see this as a long term investment for all concerned.”

SAG differs from the existing Server Based Gaming solution in that the server or group of servers assist in the management of the gaming machine. The gaming machine itself does not change from how we today view a Class III casino gaming machine. In this case if communication between the server and the machine is disrupted normal functionality of the game machine is not affected eliminating lost revenue from machine down-time.

Additionally Atronic's SAG solutions provide for the game determination to remain on the machine, keeping in line with certain jurisdictional regulations of some countries. A complete SAG solution will consist of both the gaming machine as well as the system components. The first of the Atronic SAG product line to be offered is Dynamic Floor Configuration - DFC, already showcased at G2E 2006 and at ICE 2007.

The Atronic SAG solutions are developed using the GSA standards and with the GSA interoperability certification the industry will be assured of a product that will function as a complete system regardless of products sourced from different manufacturers. This means that it will be possible for other game suppliers to integrate their content and hardware into the system so long as they use the same GSA protocol standards and pass the GSA interoperability tests.

John Taylor comments further "It is our belief that all successful solutions will be based on the GSA standards for communication between systems (s2s) and the game machine (g2s). The basic technology now coming into the gaming industry has been used by the computer industry for 20 years, therefore is nothing new and has been proven over time. We see the benefits of SAG solutions providing a more dynamic gaming floor that can be customised to player dynamics. Although there must be benefits to the operator, the player must also see some benefits as well in order to ensure player acceptance of the technology.”

Atronic's DFC solution will support Atronic core gaming content that is currently released worldwide. Other game machine manufacturers and system modules such as accounting systems, will be able to connect to the Atronic DFC via the SAS, G2S and S2S protocols.

“As the trend moves towards Server Assisted Gaming we are sure to see not only the current casino gaming industry content providers racing to lead the way but also new market entrants from other sectors. At Atronic we are committed to providing a fully functioning solution of benefit to operators and players." said John Taylor.