Here are some tidbits from our Konami meeting at G2E
- There is more focus on video products by having a 3 reel product and a new Dynamic 5 reel product transferred to KP3 platform for all video slots
- Dynamic 5, a duel-reel steeper that is not transmissive, has a skill stop on bonus and will be a participation product in 2Q12
- The new slant top machines have a nice backlog
- Fortune Chaser - Progressive product to be released in 1H12'. Fixed fee per day of $50-60. Konami doesn't want the game to compete on the WAP side. Also, the game may drive their participation base.
- Lot-A-Bucks, a 3D software-based game, has a skilled-based button on side. Konami is learning how to use 3D in collaboration with their Playstation division. Lot-A-Bucks will be available on a limited basis as a direct sale product.
- Aside from Fortune Chaser, base games are all for sale unless they are linked to a progressive
- 5 reel market is somewhat falling off. 3 reel market is approaching a replacement cycle so they are enhancing their 5 reel with lights, music, and sound.
- Konami will have games that if you bet more, the payout increases.
- Their iView versions go on all devices when you get a Konami system. Senia, Grand Falls, Ohara property, Evil Mountain, and Echo Entertainment in Australia are all new systems projects.
- 75% of their offering is sales based. The balance is participation.
- Through June, Konami has 15.2% of the market. This quarter is very strong for them. Most of the video products have already met their plan of YoY growth. They also have a nice backlog.
- Konami ran a volume-based discount promotion from last week of August through last Friday
- "Trade, no trade" is a program that pays people to take things off the market. They sometimes don't want the box back.
- Lots of industry folks felt like WMS was too aggressive. Konami and most other suppliers will not raise prices this year. It is not the time to anger your patrons.
