“Aristocrat will have more than 250 games on display at G2E”

What are your expectations for G2E 2011?
We will be showcasing  a very exciting, wide variety of new technologies and games. We are unveiling an incredible mix of technologies from across our entire spectrum that is unlike anything the company has shown before. Visitors to our booth will see new technologies in new games, new game categories, new Oasis 360 system modules, and network advances both in casino and online.

What will the company's participation consist of?
Aristocrat will have more than 250 games on display. We will also be showing a vast array of licensed games including Zorro: The Legend Returns and Zorro: The Mask & The Rose; Tarzan Lord of the Jungle, Tarzan the Adventures Return and a new Tarzan link; Mission: Impossible;  Jaws Bounty Hunter;  Superman and The Phantom.

Aristocrat’s VIRIDIAN Hybrid with Active Reel Technology is being unveiled with a stunning new line of games which have the potential to feature a 5-reel stepper base game, a full screen video and a 3-reel stepper bonus, all in the same game!  The magic is made possible with Aristocrat’s innovative LCD with shutters on the reel windows. Stormin’ Jackpots are games that contain bonus features and can be configured as either non-progressive or as a standalone progressive. Players are challenged to collect Storm symbols for progressive or credit awards.

We will also be unveiling Cash Express Gold Class. Based on the wildly popular original Cash Express, Cash Express Gold Glass features new Gold Class and multiplier wheel features, high frequency base games, bonus and jackpot features and a five-level progressive.

New systems offerings include three new modules in our Oasis 360 portfolio: nCompass, a single-solution content delivery technology; nRich, a completely new type of bonusing solution; and nVision, the industry’s most advanced business intelligence solution.

Last, in our Alive network, we will debut our G2S-based downloadable floor management solution, along with an incredible game library consisting of many of our top performing games, as well as our unique internet gaming offering, which enables U.S. operators to get a head start by establishing an online, free-play casino that links to their physical casino and generates player loyalty across both mediums.

Do you believe that the change of date and venue will be beneficial?
I think the entire industry believes the earlier date will help sales in the fourth quarter, and the venue is exciting. We complement the AGA and their G2E staff for helping everyone be very aware of the new date and location.

How did you see the global gaming industry during this year?
Conditions remain challenging for our customers and, of course, that has an impact on us as a key supplier. The biggest issue this year for all suppliers was the very low number of new casinos opening up.  The replacement cycle is roughly in line with that of last year.  Despite these tough conditions we have continued to invest in both our game and system product development.  We recently launched our new purpose statement which, I think, sums up very nicely what we are focused on doing across our company: “We create the world’s greatest gaming experience every day.”

What has been the performance of the company's target markets?
The continuing difficult conditions in North America have presented some challenges, naturally; however, we were pleased with our performance globally in spite of the challenges. We are particularly pleased with our strong business and game performance in the Australian and Asian markets. 

How does is affected the gaming industry by the economic crisis that are experiencing the U.S. and Europe?
We looked at this period as an opportunity, to refocus our efforts internally in Design & Development and develop truly innovative technologies that put us ahead of the competition. We are quickly getting ourselves into a position where we will be able to fully capitalize on the future opportunities which will come our way when economic and general market conditions improve.

What are the perspectives for 2012?
We are very optimistic about 2012. We certainly have the product line that will position us for success, and we are seeing customers returning to key markets, like Las Vegas, for example, where visitation numbers continue to climb. There is also a much bigger pipeline of new casinos and expansions planned for 2012 – in fact the number of new casinos is likely to be at least three times the number in 2011 with exciting developments in Ohio, Kansas, Maryland and Illinois.