“2013 has been a very successful year”

How was this year for Konami in each of its markets? What difficulties did you encounter…what opportunities arose?
2013 has been a very successful year for Konami Gaming -  we released an expanded catalog of new products and technology enhancements. The feedback from our customers has been positive and we appreciate their continued support.
Konami always seeks to find opportunities presented by challenges in the market, such as the unfavorable importation laws in South America. We work closely with our customers and local distributors to build and strengthen our relationships and provide proven products and exceptional service needed to help our operators' business.

Of your core products, which was your most innovative?
Of our core products for 2013, we introduced SeleXion, Podium Goliath and Synkros system products, True Time Tournaments and Super Series.
SeleXion is a newly released multi-game which features a user-friendly dynamic button panel and a choice of up to ten of Konami’s top performing games on a single machine. The player now has the ability to switch between games instantaneously. SeleXion is multi-lingual, multi-denominational and is available on the Podium and Podium Slant cabinets.
The Podium Goliath, which is the larger version of our popular Podium cabinet, provides operators the flexibility to provide Konami’s high performance video game titles in an oversized cabinet that is sure to draw attention. Games like Passport to Riches: The Great Pyramid utilize both 32” monitors to create an immersive gaming experience.
Synkros, Konami’s gaming enterprise management system has been winning awards and generating interest based on its ability to deliver marketing and analytic horsepower on the most stable and reliable platform in the industry.
True Time Tournaments is a unique approach to system-delivered community gaming. Patrons can now play tournaments at their own convenience with a player-on-demand format or in a group-start format called SynkStart. Synkros also offers SuperSeries, a multi-level, multi-themed, floor wide bonusing tool. SuperSeries was designed to increase time-on-device, visitation rates, carded play rates and player card signups. 

What are the most important agreements you've closed?
We focus on building strong, long term relationships with all our customers and catering for their varied needs. We are focused on providing our customers with the products and services to help increase and expand their business.
Most recently, we were elated to announce our Synkros system installations at Downtown Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada and Dini’s Lucky Club Casino in Yerington, Nevada.

Which of your product or services categories has the greatest growth potential and why?
The gaming industry market is ever changing, so we are continually reviewing our products and services to ensure we are meeting the needs of each market. It is our focus to keep providing high performance, player proven products to our customers.

Beyond your particular company, how do you view the  gaming industry as a whole? What would you say have been its highs and lows?
Overall, the global gaming industry appears to be improving and there seems to be a genuine optimism across the global gaming sector. Casino operators in the markets that were affected by the economic downturn are becoming more confident and seeking out new products and services to offer their returning players.

What are your expectations for 2014? What are your next goals as a company?
Konami has very high expectations for 2014. With the recently launched series of new products such as SeleXion, Podium Goliath, Dragon’s Victory, and Synkros systems products, True Time Tournaments and Super Series, we are working hard to expand our presence and continue our growth in the global market. Konami will continue to create and develop innovative products and services that are Born From Fun and built to drive performance on the gaming floor.