As we leave behind a year marked by the return to in-person industry events, the rise of online gaming and the rebound in land-based casinos, gaming companies begin preparing their strategies to face 2023, a new term expected to draw more challenges and opportunities. Among them is Konami Gaming, set to kickstart the new year by exhibiting at ICE London, taking place at ExCeL London on February 7-9.
Eduardo Aching, Vice President of International Gaming Operations at Konami Gaming, held an exclusive interview with Yogonet on what to expect from the company this new year. Moreover, the executive discussed the return of industry events, and what Konami has in store for ICE, where it will showcase an expanded lineup of DIMENSION cabinets.
What are the main objectives to be achieved in 2023 for the company?
In 2023, Konami is focused on continuous delivery, installation, and expansion of top proven games to casino customers. The entertainment we offer is attractive, creative, unique, and competitive in the marketplace.
From a technology point of view, Konami has one of the most advanced hardware solutions available in our brand-new DIMENSION series of products, as well as the industry’s best-in-class casino management system, SYNKROS.
As business continues to ramp-up, we’re finding creative solutions to help customers benefit from the latest proven games and machines.
What do you see as the challenges facing the gaming sector in 2023?
Globally, there are a lot of economic concerns, as well as political uncertainty. As a gaming company headquartered in Las Vegas, it becomes a greater challenge to serve markets abroad as the U.S. dollar continues to be too strong compared to prior years.
Inflation and fear of recession are also factors that we are hearing more frequently in the new year. In several countries, we’re challenged by the satiability of some new governments, new importation restrictions, and higher taxes—all of which impact our business.
And the fear of an extended war in Ukraine will also be a challenge. Everyone is following that very close, because in the end it impacts all of us, whether directly or indirectly.
Konami's booth at last year's G2E in Las Vegas
Do you have any launches or partnerships planned for the coming months?
Konami has a good mix of original content launching now on the latest DIMENSION slot machines. We expect to see more placement for portrait screen slot games with the arrival of new linked series like Lucky Envelope, Ocean Spin, Jackpot Orbs, and Money Trails.
We also have a wide mix of fresh games for the stacked screen DIMENSION 27 including Panda Power, Mystical Pearl, and Ru Yi Wheel, in addition to recognizable classics like Mystical Temple and SeleXion multi-game, with the latest platform.
Last week you announced that you will be exhibiting your expanded series of cabinets at ICE London 2023. What more can you say about your participation in industry events?
We’re looking forward to seeing our customers at more events this year, including ICE London, South American Gaming Suppliers Expo (SAGSE) Latam, Peru Gaming Show (PGS), and the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Las Vegas.
The depth, diversity and creativity of Konami’s developments at this year’s ICE London event is a reflection of our commitment to serving our customers, their players and the future of the industry. From the award-winning success of the DIMENSION cabinet line to the time-tested SYNKROS management technology, Konami is offering many robust options in support of operators in all global markets.
