Inside Asian Gaming

IAG MAY 2023年5月 亞博匯 30 footprint can enable up to 18% more machines to be positioned on gaming floors, satisfying player demand and better utilizing limited floorspace. “We continue our investment in hardware and software development to resolve different challenges for our business partners across Asia.” Nevertheless, there are some themes and trends in today’s hyper-competitive slots market that inevitably ring true when it comes to Asia – none more so than the ever-increasing predominance of links. According to Cheers, IGT has substantially increased its research and development investment year-on-year in this category. “To move the needle in the Asian gaming market you need a quality link and a good family of games under that link,” he explains. “You can’t just start with two games and hope that works. You need fast follow games for any new link title to help drive the link family brand and provide different player experiences under the same link.” “Links are still definitely the most popular game category,” agrees Light & Wonder’s Senior Director Product Management for ANZ and APAC, Ben Attwood, although he notes a recent market shift away from the so- called mega-jackpots that were once common on Asia’s floors. “During that COVID period, jackpot liability was a concern when venues were partially open or reopening, and having those big mega jackpots on the floor was worrying. There was definitely a reduction of those mega jackpots.” While Attwood expects those mega-jackpots to return as gaming revenues rebound – particularly in the Philippines which traditionally has the largest jackpots in Asia – he observes a distinct preference from players Asia-wide away from the larger Grand Jackpot and towards the second-tier Major Jackpot. COVER STORY