“Our first goal is to ensure that Millennial and Gen X gamers know that our VGMs will be available at casinos”

GameCo's VGM will be the world's first introduction to skill-based video game gambling in casino properties. How do these machines work? What feedback do you expect to receive?

GameCo's video game gambling machines (VGM) are a plug-and-play replacement for old fashioned slot machines and function in much the same way, but are designed to attract a new audience of Millennial and Gen X gamers. Each VGM looks like a mix between an arcade cabinet and a slot machine utilizing our custom game controller, features a bill validator and ticket printer, and function on existing SAS and casino reporting protocols.

Players walk up and fund the machine with cash or a TITO ticket. There’s a short introduction to the game in which the player is able to quickly customize their character. Then the player is into the gameplay, which generally lasts 30-90 seconds per game. Players win based on their skill and ability to achieve the highest possible score in each game session.

In terms of feedback, we hope to receive positive feedback on the overall gameplay and experience, to generate significant press and awareness for our game and casino partners, and to collect feedback to continue to improve our games.

One of the main goals of this launch is to attract a new audience of Gen X and Millennial gamers. What is your strategy to achieve this?

Our primary strategy is to collaborate with our casino partners to make the casino a primary destination for Millennial and Gen X gamers, many of whom are already at the casino in nightclubs, restaurants, and bars but are not attracted to old fashioned slot machines. In collaborating with casinos, our first goal is to ensure that Millennial and Gen X gamers know that our VGMs will be available at casinos and to quickly explain how the game experience is different from old fashioned slots and other traditional casino games. This will entail considerable marketing and advertising both locally and regionally.

Additionally, GameCo brings together experts from the video game and live event industries and we will be working with our casino partners to leverage our relationships with game publishers, esports leagues, and major brands to produce events and activations that will attract this important demographic to the casino. This will take the form of live events such as esports tournaments, cosplay contests, meet and greets with influencer and pro gamers, and many other experiences geared towards the gamer community.

“

“

We’re currently working with partners and regulators in multiple jurisdictions to plan our rollout of products into 2017 and beyond

”

The firm partnered with SuzoHapp to develop the controller for the VGMs and now the it's in the final stage of selecting a partner for its initial launch in New Jersey. What are you looking for in your next partner?

SuzoHapp is an outstanding partner and the best possible collaborator for developing our custom controller. We’re excited to make our game controller available to the entire industry to help support other manufacturers in their efforts to bring skill-games to casinos worldwide. In launching our games in New Jersey this year, we’re seeking a partner with the same commitment to skill-games and video game gambling as GameCo.

It’s essential that our launch partner is able to support the marketing and awareness necessary to ensure that Millennial and Gen X gamers are informed about this innovative product at their locations. We will be supporting our casino partner with considerable resources, efforts, and partnerships from GameCo and our collaborators in esports, video games, and consumer brands. Launching a revolutionary new product such as GameCo’s VGM requires a level of commitment and innovation that we plan to find with our launch partner.

What will be your main focus over the next few months? Do you plan to expand these machines to other states or markets?

GameCo absolutely plans to expand sales and distribution nationwide and worldwide. We’re currently working with partners and regulators in multiple jurisdictions to plan our rollout of products into 2017 and beyond. Our expectation is to deliver our products quickly to new markets that are embracing the future of skill-based gaming and with a focus on attracting the next generation of gamers to casinos.

GameCo will be expanding our portfolio of games to include everything from first-person action, to sports and racing games, and platforms, puzzle, and casual games too. We’re focused on making products for all gamers and to make casinos the primary destination for Millennial and Gen X gamers.