"In 2020, Konami is focused on a depth of quality content and cabinets"

In an exclusive interview with Yogonet, Eduardo Aching, Vice President of International Gaming Operations, delved into Konami’s large product portfolio, which attendees to this year’s edition of ICE London will be available to experience first hand at stand # S7-110, on February 4-6.

Among the key highlights of ICE 2020 are Konami’s newest specialty cabinets: KX 43 and Concerto Opus.

"Both machines feature a 4K Ultra High-definition (UHD) 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," Aching said. "KX 43 has a 43-inch, edge-lit portrait screen, and standard base width, while Konami’s Opus machine features a 65-inch display, and has been called the next evolution of our Podium Goliath cabinet, which saw strong popularity as the right size of an oversized cabinet when it was released internationally around 2014." 

The Vice President also spoke about Ba Fang Jin Bao, which is among the linked progressive series premiering on KX 43 and Opus. "It showcases proven mechanics from Konami’s popular Cai Li Si Ji titles like Wealth of Dynasty, and delivers it in a single screen format with even more player bet options," Aching explained. "Available Ba Fang Jin Bao base games, including Abundant Fortune and Fortune Totems, feature a progressive chance anytime a gold ingot symbol lands on the reels."

Chili Chili Fire Boosted Wins & Wilds is another integrated jackpot series available on these cabinets. "This game invites fans of Chili Chili Fire to experience the popular Fade Away Feature with an all-new jackpot chance: when players bet up the button panel, they activate an array of boosted potential wins and wilds in each spin. By betting in this “boosted” range, all wins are multiplied by 2x, 4x, or 6x," he said. "In addition, all neighboring wild symbols become stacked wilds or stacked wild jackpot symbols. When any stacked jackpot symbol appears entirely at the end of a spin, the corresponding jackpot is instantly awarded, with an exciting fiesta-themed celebration."

One of the highest performing core video slots available now on the market, Konami’s Treasure Ball linked progressive is also available for KX 43 and Opus. "Inspired by classic toy capsule machines, Treasure Ball can be recognized by its large globe of round mystery prize balls, which players can redeem and reveal during the bonus," Aching said. "In addition, Treasure Ball can combine with most any KP3+ base game, including Lion Carnival, Chili Chili Fire, Sparkling Roses, and our popular multi-game SeleXion."

Finally, SeleXion is also combining with Konami’s popular Dragon’s Law series for an entirely new Dragon’s Law SeleXion pack on KX 43 and Opus. "Dragon’s Law SeleXion showcases a pair of progressive jackpot games, each led by the long-tailed dragon first shown on Konami’s Podium cabinet. In Dragon’s Law Boosted, players can enjoy the familiar 5-reel game or select the “BOOSTED” button to double the lines with double the reel frame. In addition to the random wild feature that players enjoy, Dragon’s Law Boosted has a random progressive jackpot chance, including a $5,000+ Maxi," Aching explained. "The SeleXion companion title to Dragon’s Law Boosted is Dragon’s Law Rapid Fever, which includes the popular Dragon’s Law mystery wild feature combined with a Strike Zone mechanic, from games like Star Watch Fire and Celestial Moon Riches."

The Vice President of International Gaming Operations also spoke about the upcoming trends in the global gaming industry this year. He believes that in Europe, there is currently an increased interest in specialty and premium slots compared to previous years, but core slots remain the greatest share of the slot floor. He also explained that at every level, creativity, configurability, and mathematics are of top importance.

"Players want games that are uniquely memorable and engaging; operators want the ability to configure languages, bet levels, denominations, currencies, and multi-game packages to suit their audience; and the ultimate longevity of any title is highly dependent on the math behind it," Aching explained.

Finally, the executive unveiled the companies goals for 2020. "Our international customers will have new access to Konami premium slots and specialty slots, as well as core slot options as Konami continues to support Concerto upright, Slant, Crescent, and Stack," he said. "We are focused on a depth of quality content and cabinets, which empower both operators and players with greater entertainment possibilities."