“ICE can kickstart immediate opportunities”
(Exclusive interview).- Eduardo Aching, Vice President, International Gaming Operations at Konami Gaming, Inc., talked with Focus Gaming News after ICE London 2020.
As the biggest event of the gaming industry, ICE London always promises to deliver great results for the industry. The 2020 edition did not disappoint and became the largest to date.
Konami Gaming, Inc. was one of the highlights of the show, and Eduardo Aching, Vice President, International Gaming Operations, talked with Focus Gaming News about this year’s performance and about the near future.
At ICE 2020, Konami showcased a lineup of new cabinets and popular progressive series, what was the feedback from the public?
The all-new DIMENSION 49J video slot cabinet captured strong attention throughout the show. Its All Aboard launch series is based on proven math, and the total presentation demands attention. Several expressed interest in leading the introduction of All Aboard to players abroad.
There was also a great amount of excitement around KX 43 and Opus. Both award-winning machines feature a 4K display, USB charging port, dual cup holders, dual classic bash buttons, and a diverse library of proven games—everything from symbol-driven linked progressives to original jackpot bonuses.
What are some of the creative advancements across the 49J cabinet that people enjoyed at ICE 2020?
The DIMENSION 49J is equipped with a 49-inch 4K UHD screen, that includes a “J” curve for an improved player viewing. Additional player conveniences include a wireless smartphone charging pad, USB port, and built-in handbag hook. All Aboard is among the cabinet’s debut game series. It is a multi-level progressive with comprehensive multi-denom options, and was showcased at ICE with custom sign packaging and LED animated chairback displays.
ICE provides a great launchpad for new ideas, opportunities, partnership, and product.
Year after year Konami enjoys the benefits of a great performance at the biggest event of the gaming industry. What’s your balance of this year’s event? How do you think it will impact your operations in the short and long term?
Konami and its exclusive distributors look forward to meeting with casino professionals from around the world and sharing the latest developments during ICE London. It provides a great launchpad for new ideas, opportunities, partnership, and product. Oftentimes, ICE can kickstart immediate opportunities, as well as opportunities that carry into other milestone annual events like G2E Las Vegas.
KX 43 and Opus continue to gain global momentum, what is the next big step for these products in order to continue with their domination?
The next big step is our expanded game library. KX 43 and Opus have established momentum with several of the industry’s most high-performing games, including Treasure Ball, Dragon’s Law SeleXion, and the Ba Fang Jin Bao series. Now we are growing the volume of available games to include original linked progressive series, based on proven mechanics. For example, Diamond Trails is a new linked progressive that leverages Konami’s Stay & Spin feature to deliver an entirely unique bonus game, and Rising Koi features Strike Zone™ in a hopping fish feature that is sure to grab attention.
Konami plans to broaden its portfolio to further product categories and potential demographics.
What can we expect from Konami in 2020? Do you expect 2020 to be a year with multiple improvements for the industry?
Looking ahead through 2020, Konami plans to broaden its portfolio to further product categories and potential demographics. As improvement opportunities emerge, Konami’s business is structured to help navigate it in ways that benefit the long-term interests of our casino customers.
