machines on the same bank, so games have been designed with this in mind. Te DIMENSION 27 also features progressives, but they are simple and less elaborate than the DIMENSION 49 and DIMENSION 49J.
Tis goes back to the different segments we are trying to reach on the casino floor. Typically, our customers will likely install one bank of DIMENSION 27, and one or two banks of DIMENSION 49 and DIMENSION 49J.
Where have the DIMENSION cabinets been installed thus far?
More have been installed in the US than Europe and Latin America where they have just started being shipped. Shortly before and after ICE London casinos across France including the Barriere, Tranchant, and other major groups will be installing DIMENSION cabinets.
In the Netherlands, Holland Casino is launching the new DIMENSION machines, as well as a variety of operators in Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Finland, and Germany. Many of the operators that visited our stand at G2E Vegas in October saw the benefits of the DIMENSION and proceeded to make orders.
Many operators were unable to attend the exhibition in the US and will have an opportunity to do so in London - I'm confident they'll be impressed by the whole package on display.
“Shortly before and after ICE London casinos across
France including the Barriere, Tranchant, and other major groups will be installing DIMENSION cabinets. In the
Netherlands, Holland Casino is launching the new DIMENSION machines, as well as a variety of operators in Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Finland, and Germany.”
What balance does Konami strive for with the games mix that's made available on each piece of new hardware?
Te games are designed for the cabinets. For instance, a game on DIMENSION 49 has a specific set of features whereas one for the DIMENSION 49J offers different bets and mathematical models. Te DIMENSION 27 is more bread and butter - simple games, yet exciting, with strong math that engages players.
When it comes to game types, do Konami cabinets lend themselves better to certain genres?
Not necessarily certain genres, but we have two prominent 'symbols' at Konami - the panda and dragon - that have been at the forefront of our brand for 15 years. Players are likely not to know the brand of a machine just through ergonomics, but what they often do is identify a Konami cabinet from China Shores or Dragon’s Law.
Despite there being several panda and dragon themed games in the market, players know that the Konami panda and dragon are the best. Te features, animations and colours are recognisable, meaning that regular players can select a Konami machine from a line-up.
Lucky Envelope is Konami's latest showpiece slot. What are your expectations for the title?
Hopefully, Lucky Envelope will be a great success and the red envelope will, in time, become another symbol players can identify Konami with. Chinese symbols tend to be appealing for players across the globe.
Crucial to everything we do at Konami is the mathematical models. Tat's what brings players a positive experience, whether they are winning or losing.
At the end of the day, the aim is for Konami players to feel the money being spent is worth their time spent at the machine.
Lucky Envelope features two available base games: Jade Wealth and Plum Riches. Why create two base games?
Graphically, they are very similar. Te main difference is the mathematical models. Having two titles helps us appeal to a broader group of players. If you only have one base game, you limit yourself to a certain demographic.
Jade Wealth and Plum Riches aren't P110 WIRE / PULSE / INSIGHT / REPORTS
too different from one another but having both options attract a broader group of players to enjoy the game.
How do you look to strike the balance between servicing established content mechanics whilst also introducing new gameplay experiences?
When we launch new products, we are confident most will be popular with players as we know what they're looking for. Regardless, our R&D teams continue to work on new developments that are different and unique.
We cannot stay on the same mathematical model or keep repeating China Shores-type games. Our R&D teams significantly invest in creating concepts for a mixture of new products. Some use well-proven mathematical models we know players like, and others are out of the box.
Sometimes these new concepts are a hit straight out of the gate, other times they miss. But we always look to bring new products and features to the market.
How would you assess the success of Konami’s igaming operations?
A few years ago, we were the new kids on the igaming block. During the pandemic online gaming boomed and we didn’t have sufficient resources in place to meet the demand for online games.
We aren’t as established in the igaming sector as others. As such, we are expanding and heavily reinvesting into our igaming division. In the coming months we are expanding with customers in Europe and Latin America and will focus on the US and Canadian markets as the year progresses.
We have the know-how of slot machines but playing on a mobile phone is a totally different experience. Tere is a lot of work that needs to be done to redesign and adapt games for this format. It is complex - and certainly not straightforward.
Te main difference is that online players are one click away from choosing to shop or browse social media. In a land-based casino, players are 100 per cent present. Tey are there to gamble and desire human interaction.
Te internet world is more of a solo experience. Tere are pros and cons to this, and we need to strike this balance better for igaming.
We aren’t as established in the igaming sector as
others. As such, we are expanding and heavily reinvesting into our igaming division. In the
coming months we are expanding with customers in Europe and Latin America and will focus on the US and Canadian markets as the year progresses. We have the know-how of slot machines but playing on a mobile phone is a totally different experience.”
Furthermore, the competition is fiercer in this sector.
However, our mathematical models give us an advantage because we know they are successful across brick and mortar and online. Presenting our games on a tiny screen is where things get complicated and improvements can be made.
A lot of our long-standing partners and customers have online operations, so we expect our online offering to significantly grow in the next couple of years.
Finally, what does a successful 2023 look like for Konami across its business divisions?
In 2022 we sustained our momentum in the US and Canada while in Europe and Latin America it took a little longer to return to pre-pandemic levels due to stricter restrictions - but it's coming back. We received positive feedback during G2E Vegas last year and look forward to returning to ICE London after a three-year hiatus.
It's going to be exciting to see customers again who will have plenty of new products to experience. Overall, we're very optimistic for 2023. After ICE, we will be attending local shows in Peru and Argentina before returning to Las Vegas in October. We look forward to seeing new and existing customers on the show floor.
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