IGT’s Chris Satchell named among “25 People to Watch for 2011”

“I am honored to be named among such a distinguished group of gaming professionals,” said Chris Satchell. “I believe that 2011 will be an exciting year packed with innovations and products that will reach out to new player demographics. I am also extremely proud to lead such a creative and dedicated team. Together we will make these innovations possible.”

As the ninth installation of “25 People to Watch,” this year’s honorees include individuals who will “make a difference in the gaming industry” and who are the industry’s “best and the brightest,” according to Global Gaming Business.

Joining IGT in June 2009, Satchell brought with him an extensive background in innovation, technology platform development and video games. Prior to joining IGT, he was chief technology officer for the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft, responsible for technical strategy and execution across the video gaming business, including Xbox, Games for Windows, Xbox LIVE and Microsoft Game Studios, as well as future platform incubations.

Satchell noted in the Global Gaming Business article a similarity between gaming and the video game industry—in the evolution of both improving content and providing players with an entertaining experience that now includes skill-based elements on the casino floor. In 2011, Satchell hopes to use his extensive background to continue to drive innovation at IGT and take gaming to new heights.

In July 2010, IGT announced that Satchell’s responsibilities expanded to include the leadership of Research and Development for the company. As chief technology officer and executive vice president of Research and Development, Satchell helps lead the company’s efforts in continuing to develop groundbreaking and innovative products for the gaming industry.