“Konami's Beat Square Tournament was one the biggest attractions of G2E 2017”

How was G2E 2017 for Konami Gaming?

We are very excited about the momentum coming out of this year’s G2E show and the feedback we received from customers. Konami’s Concerto Collection has seen record expansion, and through G2E 2017 we were able to build upon that even further with an array of original new game releases and creative entertainment options for players to enjoy. We always appreciate the show as an opportunity to hear from customers get a deeper insight into the needs of their business.

What was the reaction to Konami’s Beat Square Tournament?

For years, Konami has become known for games and technology of the highest long-term quality. Recently this has expanded to exciting new areas of creativity, including skill-based games and fascinating community multi-station releases. So in addition to showing an incredible depth of core video slot games to thousands of guests throughout the show, there were crowds of people around Konami’s Beat Square Tournament area. People from across the globe competed for high scores and took part in the tournament by tapping lighted square buttons to the beat of the music. It was one of the biggest attractions of G2E 2017.

How competitive has Konami been in the US over the last year?

Konami’s Concerto Collection and the KP3+ library continue to show outstanding performance across the U.S. Original titles including Chili Chili Fire, Dragon’s Law Twin Fever, Sparkling Roses, and Great Moai have been among the top releases, to name a few. Last April Konami’s 43-inch single screen cabinets Concerto Stack and Crescent arrived to market, achieving strong performance with debut titles and, as demonstrated as at G2E, there are many more to come.

How would you describe the current state of the LatAm casino industry?

In the past few years the gaming industry in Latin America has grown significantly. Players in these regions are engaging on social media with the latest game launches, and in order to keep up with player requests, LatAm casinos are delivering many of the newest products you see in casino worldwide. Several operators have achieved such an advanced sophistication in their business that I would say they are on the leading edge of the industry.

What are your goals for 2018?

One of the most important international releases right now and going into next year is the expansion of Concerto SeleXion multi-game to single screen Concerto Crescent and Concerto Stack.

Konami now has a full Concerto SeleXion lineup spanning 4 different cabinets: upright, Slant, Crescent, and Stack. This is excellent news for international markets especially, where multi-game product is essential to maximizing floor space and value. Looking ahead to the coming year, I believe this expanded Concerto SeleXion lineup will be of top demand internationally for our customers.

What’s next on the Konami agenda?

Next month we are looking forward to SAGSE Buenos Aires, where Konami will present more than 100 different game titles. We believe it will be a very memorable event and plan to see many key customers from around the region.