"SAGSE will see Konami's first release for Latin American markets Snow Stars: White Winter"

What expectations do you have about SAGSE?
Each year at SAGSE, we like to take the opportunity to personally thank our customers for their trust and support in Konami and its distributors, and allow them to share their experiences with us—what’s working and what they hope to see in the future. Customers are definitely experiencing some level of uncertainty with the recent mergers and acquisitions in our space, and in that regard, they feel assured that Konami is firmly established to provide leading solutions to meet their long-term needs. So this month at SAGSE we’ll be reaffirming those existing customer collaborations we enjoy, and also seeking out new opportunities we maybe haven’t yet explored.

What innovations will Konami exhibit? What are its main benefits/ features?
Konami is slated to bring a variety of promising innovations for international release to this year’s SAGSE in Buenos Aires. The majority of the products we bring to international markets are designed for local casinos, which are at the core of Latin American gaming. Konami games have proven staying power for engaging high-frequency gaming consumers, so operators in Latin America are seeing how Konami builds games that keep people coming back, for months and months down the road. I believe our extra-large Podium Goliath cabinet,which is slated for an upcoming international debut—will make a big impression. With fantastic sound, 360-degree attract lighting, and huge a 32” dual high-definition LCD display, Goliath is compatible with any of Konami’s KP3 game themes on the market. This year it will be showcasing the popular 5-reel video slot Solstice Celebration, paired with an all-new 2-level standalone progressive for Goliath called Gigantic Wheel of Winning.

Guests to the Konami booth will also see a number of up-and-coming international game titles that are perfect for the SeleXion multi-game cabinet, including Inari Riches, Exotic Princess, King of the World, More Gold More Silver and Lotus Land. Any single SeleXion cabinet can hold as many as 8 different games, which operators are able to select according to their needs and preferences. I should also mention that several of the new games we’ll be featuring are fully compliant with new technical regulations in Chile. Our game library and product portfolio have the necessary variety to empower casinos to select games according to their specific business needs. As each casino has its own strategy, it is important that all our business partners work closely throughout to see and achieve the best results possible.

Are you unveiling in Buenos Aires any new concepts?
We have two very important game releases that will make their international launch at SAGSE. On Konami’s tall-top Podium Monument cabinet, we’ll showcasing our first release for Latin American markets: 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. So it really leverages the cabinet’s extra-tall 32” screen and creates a unique experience that’s engaging in its very nature.

Another eye-catching highlight for international markets at SASGE 2014 will be 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.

How is the firm positioned in the Argentine market?
Despite various shifts in market climates—as witnessed with Argentina’s restrictions on importations—Konami supports the Latin American gaming community no matter whatever challenges arise. Argentina was certainly a key market for us, and unfortunately due to the economic difficulties that the country is going through, and the restrictions on importations, their business volume has decreased as many have seen. But in the midst of market challenges, we’ll continue to honor our established relationships and seek out emerging opportunities. In a matter of time, regional indicators will improve, and in the interim, Konami and its distributors are focused on delivering immediate solutions for operators across Latin America.