"Konami is stable and dependable, and I believe that’s what customers really value"

How did ICE 2015 go for Konami?
ICE is definitely among the top annual events in the business and we’re proud to attend. It provides a great opportunity for us to meet with our customers, personally thank them for their partnership, and allow them to explore the high caliber of international products they can expect over the next 12 months. This year we’re focused on demonstrating how operators can get more from their floors by using Konami products because they are developed with the casino patron and operator in mind. We hear time and again about how reliably our products perform, so we continue to introduce a broad range of gaming products built with the proven math and attention to detail that have earned our reputation as the most reliable company in the industry. Konami and its local distributors are fueling a wealth of international games and technology releases, many of which were displayed at ICE. Customers continue to see a strong growth and diversity across our game library to support fresh content for our popular SeleXion multi-gamecabinet, classic Podium and more. We also received strong enthusiasm for the ICE debut of our Rapid Revolver premium game release and tall-top Podium Monument cabinet, in addition to our extra-large Podium Goliath.

Among the products you showcased, which garnered the most attention?
Our SeleXion multi-game was at the top of the list this year as well as the new variety of themes available for operators to custom-configure each multi-game machine to their needs. All of our SeleXion machines at ICE displayed unique game packages for Spain, Sweden, the Netherlands and other specific jurisdictions. Each included a mix of new multi-language and multi-currency titles -such as Inari Riches, Exotic Princess, More Gold More Silver and Spellbound Princess - with a versatility and variety to attract diverse audiences. Konami also introduced its tall-topPodium Monument cabinet to visitors at ICE for the first time, with the machine’s international debut title Snow Stars: White Winter. ICE attendees really enjoyed the ski jump-themed progressive bonus feature and how it leverages the cabinet’s tall top box display. Rapid Revolver also made its ICE debut to the delight of customers, with two international release themes: Rising Dragon and Northern Treasure. This game is unique as it fusing together two distinct gaming concepts through traditional video reels on the lower screen and spinning mechanical reels up top. Lastly, our extra-large Goliath was a big hit at ICE and you will definitely see more of those cabinets appearing at European casinos in the next few weeks and months.

This year, one of the major talking points at the show was the merger of some of your competitors. What is the impact at Konami?
I cannot speak for what our competition will do, but from my standpoint, I would say that Konami is now uniquely positioned in the marketplace. Since the beginning our focus has been organic growth, led by the same management team that’s been with Konami for more than 14 years. When you combine that advantage with our distinct technological edge in the industry, there’s huge potential. We’ll remain focused on delivering the utmost quality products and services time and time again. Konami is stable and dependable, and I believe that’s what customers really value, especially during times like these.

What are your plans for 2015?
We’re thrilled to be able to partner with a fantastic diversity of gaming jurisdictions across the globe, and Europe plays a very important role in our global gaming presence. Over the course of the coming year, we will continue investing in the necessary R&D resources to deliver products which are designed to perform internationally. Konami and its exclusive distributors are always seeking new opportunities to help advance the interest of gaming and provide customers with the products they need in order to achieve their strategic market objectives, and our European customers have seen this first-hand. For example, our SeleXion multi-game was created as a result of listening to European operators, and the machine continues to gain outstanding traction internationally. We at Konami along with our outstanding distributors expect to remain diligent in our shared core values: fulfilling customer commitments and delivering the highest in product quality and innovation.

Online gaming continues to have a lot of visibility at ICE. How important is this segment for Konami?
Konami is in the business of designing, manufacturing and distributing industry-leading casino games like China Shores, Dragon’s Law and Solstice Celebration and our extensive library of games can be found in casinos around the world. We are seeing different regulated markets, manufacturers, and operators adopt a variety of approaches in an attempt to realize the potential offered by expanding distribution of gaming products into new, online channels. We are currently in the process of evaluating this potential through limited distribution of some of our titles.