“At G2E 2014, Konami brought a broad variety of promising new games for international release”

What novelties did Konami present at recent G2E?
At G2E 2014 this year, Konami brought a broad variety of promising new games for international release. On our tall-top Podium Monument cabinet, we showcased Snow Stars: White Winter. This game is a 5-reel video slot with a 2-level standalone progressive bonus feature that allows players to select one of three skiers representing more free games, more wilds, or more multipliers, who then race off and launch off a gigantic ski jump to land on a corresponding award amount. It displays wonderfully and leverages the cabinet’s extra-tall 32” screen to create a unique experience that’s engaging in its very nature.

Another eye-catching highlight for international markets at this year’s G2E was Rapid Revolver: Northern Treasure. In lieu of the upper LCD screen, Konami’s Rapid Revolver product takes a unique spin on classic mechanical reels by mounting six stacked and vertically-mounted drums on its oversized top box, surrounded by synchronized high-impact sound and lighting. Northern Treasure is an arctic wildlife-themed 5-reel video base game that interacts with eye-catching real-world mechanics on the top box for thrilling effect.

Guests to the Konami booth also saw a number of up-and-coming international game titles perfect for our SeleXion multigame cabinet, including Kunoichi’s Fortune, Lady Butterfly, Riches with Daikoku, Olympus Fortune and Dragon’s Law. Any single SeleXion cabinet can hold as many as 10 different games, which operators are able to select according to their needs and preferences. In addition, Konami also attracted large attention at the show for its new DUNGEONS & DRAGONS and Neo Contra themed video slots, both of which help to empower the industry in attracting new audiences and younger demographics through popular, exciting game content.

What feedback did you receive from visitors and what are your views on the latest G2E edition?
Each year, G2E is our opportunity to meet with customers from across the world, and provide a glimpse at some of the latest products that they can expect today, tomorrow and beyond. This year in particular, the Konami booth evidenced how our customers get more from their floor through Konami products because they are created with the casino patron and operator in mind. The feedback we received from guests was how reliably our games perform, which they saw reinforced through the upcoming releases displayed. We unveiled a broad range of products built with proven math and attention to detail. These subtleties standout to gaming operators and professionals and they saw the difference in what Konami has to offer.

What are the main markets for the company?
Internationally, we’ve seen excellent results in Latin American and European markets this year, especially with our SeleXion multi-game, which is delivering outstanding performance results for major customers in several countries. It’s yet another example of how Konami is constantly producing high-performance products for improved operations across the board. Also, we remain committed to supporting our existing install base with an ever-expanding library of top stand-alone games, including Lotus Land, Love Stacks, Riches with Daikoku and Lady Butterfly, which were all displayed for upcoming international release at this year’s show. Looking toward 2015, we’re anticipating expansion of our presence in Asia and continuing momentum in Caribbean, Latin American, and European markets.

What are your business strategies for 2015?
Konami is always working to supply its customers with an expanding array of reliable new games and technology. It’s one of our major strengths as an organization, and we will continue investing the necessary resources to support it throughout the coming year. In fact, over the course of 2014, we invested even further R&D resources to help ensure that we can deliver products which are designed to perform in various international markets. Another good example is our recent investment in the building expansion project at our Las Vegas headquarters, so we can hire more people to support our success and keep bringing quality high-performance products to all markets.

Also, Konami will continue to connect its customers internationally with excellent sales support and fast service through our local distributor partnerships, to reach customers no matter where they are based. It’s yet another way they know their investment in Konami products is backed by the highest quality and long-term sustainability.

In the coming months you can expect Konami to continue broadening its international portfolio while remaining true to proven game mechanics that have made our products hugely popular for players across the globe. We’re not going to wander away from those components that people love and enjoy about our games, but we nonetheless seek to deliver and explore new innovations to attract and retain new audiences.