TG&H: Heading into 2025, what is the primary “ask” by operators?
Stephanie: The top focus for operators is high-performing game content. This focus is shared by developers as well. Today’s slot floor is a highly competitive product environment. Everyone is looking closely at internal and external property data to maximize every opportunity with the highest performing slot series available.
Dan: IT is going into the show with a proven product lineup and asking for our fair share of the slot floor. With ongoing industry consolidation, the need for supplier diversity has never been higher – we offer a unique perspective with an eye towards clever innovations that make our industry better.
TG&H: With advances in technology, what can you offer today (or soon) to operators that you were not able before?
Stephanie: Konami has shifted its development approach — giving casinos more options to maximize game performance. Many games include a mix of denomination and progressive reset options. Plus, many of our highest performing games are available on any DIMENSION machine, so operators can bring great content to whatever hardware form factor needed.
Dan: This year we’re introducing our Supersync Progressive, which allows operators to link jackpots on up to 100 IT games across different theme families and bets. Additionally, we will showcase our Class 2 electronic table game – still the only in the industry with a mechanical wheel and ball.
TG&H: Has the environment changed with Tribal casinos in regards to participation, leasing and owning?
Stephanie: The proportion of investment in premium leased product has increased, compared to for-sale. A lot of that growth is due to the popularity, performance, and demand surrounding today’s premium leased slots, with is translating directly to product investment.
Dan: Participation/lease remains a powerful tool for tribes and manufacturers to partner together. More and more, the rigidity of these deals have become more flexible to help suit the varying needs of each tribe.
TG&H: How do you support casinos through marketing in launching new titles?
Stephanie: Konami’s big game debuts this year have included Unwooly Riches and Charms Full Link. Our team worked closely with casinos on launch support for these series. We have provided player promotional items, marketing tool kits, event support, and more. It’s in all our shared interest that new games are successful.
Dan: We have always focused on treating our core content as if it were premium. We offer marketing support for our all of our brands for operators to use in house branding and socials. Additionally, we’ve often partnered to create bespoke video content for particular casino partners.
