Inside Asian Gaming

March 2011 | INSIDE ASIAN GAMING 27 Winner: Aristocrat – FA FA FA FA FA FA, an Asian-themed Hyperlink, launched into the region’s markets on Aristocrat’s Viridian cabinet in the autumn of 2008. Available games include three of Aristocrat’s strongest standalone performers in Asian markets—50 Dragons, 5 Dragons and Choy Sun Doa. Honourable Mention: IGT – Classic Great Escapes Best Slot Innovation Winner: Aruze – Paradise Fishing Slots with fish and fishing themes have proved very popular in Asia with at least four major manufacturers releasing titles in the region. The fishing reel built in to each unit of Paradise Fishing definitely makes the product stand out in the market. The Reel Feel™ Gaming Technology gives players the sensation that the fish on the screen has actually taken the bait and is wriggling to escape. That in turn gives players a sense of control and skill with the game, as did the ‘bash’ button on one of last year’s award winners—Aruze’s Lucky Sic Bo. Honourable Mention: WMS – Time Machine Sensory Immersion Best Multi-Terminal Product Multi-terminals—a product category that used to generatemuch of its Asian sales growth in smaller casinos in secondary markets such as Indochina—have now become a sales success in primary markets such as Macau and Singapore. There are probably several reasons for that. One is the government cap on live table growth in Macau. This has led Supplier Awards products to internationally recognised compliance testing in order to expand their market appeal. As one of this year’s judges put it: “Major international manufacturers such as Aristocrat, IGT, and Novomatic continue to lead the way in supplying the best performing games. However, there are Asian manufacturers such as Jumbo [Taiwan] Aspect [Macau] and Hydako [South Korea] that are starting to develop their own niche.” Best Standalone Slot Winner: Aristocrat – 50 Dragons Aristocrat’s 50 Dragons first burst onto the casino scene in 2008, and has consistently proved to be a winner with players and operators, especially in Asia. It has even surpassed the big hit 5 Dragons, launched in 2004. Honourable Mention: IGT – Treasures of Troy Best Progressive Slot Nominees: Manufacturer Title Aristocrat 5 Dragons Aristocrat 50 Dragons Aruze Memories of Love IGT Treasures of Troy WMS Goldfish 2 Nominees: Manufacturer Title Aruze G-DELUXE series Aruze Paradise Fishing Bally Cash Spin Hydako 3D Video Slot WMS Time Machine Sensory Immersion Nominees: Manufacturer Title Aristocrat 5 Dragons Aristocrat FA FA FA Bally Blazing 7s Hot Shot IGT Classic Great Escapes WMS Jackpot Party Progressive 50 Dragons Paradise Fishing FA FA FA Treasures of Troy Time Machine