Innovation represents the lifeblood of Novomatic

What do you think of the ICE show itself? Did it reflect the events and experiences of the industry last year?
The organisation of ICE, together with all of the visitors that attended (and remember that ICE set a new record attendance this year) deserves the congratulations and thanks of all the exhibitors. With the difficulties of an industrial action taking place on London’s Underground network for two of the three show days it was feared that attendance would be badly affected but, in fact, there was only minimal disruption. Even though there were major transport difficulties ICE carries enough importance, as the largest gaming show on earth, for visitors to make the often difficult trip out to London’s Docklands.
Taking that theme, I think it highlights the fact that the gaming industry has survived the ‘worst of times’ and while we may not, as yet, be back in the ‘best of times’, there is a welcome mood of optimism throughout the industry … and that has to be a good thing.

How did ICE visitors respond to the technologies and innovations you exhibited and what topics did you have the chance to discuss with the operators visiting your stand?
The visitor responses that Novomatic received during ICE were absolutely excellent. As the largest exhibitor at ICE Novomatic is always expected to bring something new; fresh innovations that provide a positive stimulus to the market, and it was clear that, once again, we succeeded in doing just that.
Among the highlights that quickly became significant ‘talking points’ at ICE were innovations such as Novomatic Remote Play.Already seen at last year’s G2E show in Las Vegas and also at the recent inaugural Macao Gaming Show, Novomatic’s modern WLAN casino gaming solution Novomatic Remote Play was demonstrated live during ICE; now with a whole range of new product features.

 This secure portable tablet PC gaming solution provides new possibilities for casino operators to offer their guests comfort, service and mobility. Via the casino’s securely configured tablets guests can play their favourite Novomatic Novo Line machines and games everywhere within the casino’s WLAN reach while they move around freely. The latest product development now provides guests with a thrilling range of new product features (such as the ability to play slots and electronic live games via the tablet PC as well as two slot machines simultaneously) that make Novomatic Remote Play the ultimate comprehensive casino gaming and service solution. Visitors at ICE soon came to see that the newly enhanced version of Novomatic Remote Play represented new possibilities for comfort and convenience on their gaming floors and beyond.

 Also brand new at ICE was the Novomatic Biometric Systems product. Pushing the boundaries of gaming technology is part of the DNA of the Novomatic Group and the ICE show saw the public debut of this long running development project. Biometrics are the ultimate tool to progress the unique identification of an individual and Novomatic has developed, in-house, Novomatic Biometric Systems (NBS) to facilitate a modern approach to contemporary demands in and beyond the gaming industry. At ICE, the NBS presentation consisted of a modified fingerprint scanner, a local server and, in order to link multiple sites, a central server. Significantly, all existing Novomatic products are already ‘NBS ready’, meaning that they can be easilyand quickly upgraded and networked. NBS is a new and advanced tool in Novomatic’s commitment to Responsible Gaming, giving enhanced guest registration and access control. What was science fiction just a few years ago was seen as ‘science now’ during ICE.

 Headlining the new product releases at ICE was the Novostar V.I.P. The latest evolution of the world-beating Novostar slant top cabinet has now been designed into the V.I.P. configuration to bring the biggest slot gaming attraction onto gaming floors. Retaining the unique ‘flip screen’ feature of the original Novostar, this V.I.P. cabinet is further upgraded by a giant 46” upper screen positioned at the perfect ergonomic distance for supreme game play. The featured Crown V.I.P. chair with its integrated sound system completes the thrilling gaming experience of this unique cabinet innovation. Without doubt, the Novostar V.I.P. is ready to take on the mantle of its predecessor and become a global ‘must have’ addition to any gaming operation.

Already familiar on gaming floors, the evolution of the original, and hugely successful, Pinball Roulette was presented at ICE with the launch of Panther Roulette and Panther Roulette II. The Panther Roulette now comes with an Autostart button on the right hand side of the hand rest for increased player comfort. The Panther Roulette II additionally features a second 32” full HD screen in a vertical position on top of the machine with Flip Screen functionality. Both versions are available with a comprehensive multi-game offering of 23 HD video slot games.

Novomatic set a new record this year with the release of more than 50 new game titles: the largest number ever for a Novomatic presentation at a major gaming show.

What were the main concerns of operators visiting your booth?
While it is certainly true that we heard far more positives than negatives from the visiting operators the two recurring factors that we heard during our discussions were economic pressures and regulatory changes or uncertainties.

What kind of innovations should we expect in the coming year from your core business?
Innovation represents the lifeblood of Novomatic. Our commitment to ongoing research and development is huge and our talented team is always seeking out new solutions that will be to the benefit of the worldwide gaming industry. Having just released such a raft of new products and innovations at ICE it would be premature to speculate on future new things. Let’s just say that, as at ICE, we know that our customers look to Novomatic for the products and services that will help optimise their efficiency and their productivity. We know that, and we strive to ensure that we do not disappoint!

What are the main challenges of the worldwide market for AGI?
As has been the case for the past few years, economic pressures and regulatory changes or uncertainties present the greatest ongoing challenges. It is clear that the global financial climate has begun to ease, if only slightly. Novomatic, from the onset of the financial crisis in 2008, has followed a path of cautious and carefully controlled investment and growth. The benefits of that direction have been reflected in our Group’s success to date. As financial conditions continue to slowly improve we are now in position to continue to build for the future.

In terms of regulatory matters Novomatic understands very clearly that what is needed is stability. As a valuable part of the wider entertainment industry, gaming must be a strong social partner and thus have the ability to create wealth and employment in its international markets. That can only be done against a background of clear and fair regulation.

Novomatic has, as a fundamental of its business, a position of duality, as both a leading operator and a manufacturer and we are committed to continuing to grow and develop all of our business areas, operating only in strictly regulated markets and in accordance with the respective compliance requirements.

https://www.yogonet.com/international/node/235913