Konami Gaming, Inc., a global leader in casino gaming and systems, received an outstanding response from guests at the 2014 Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas for an array of new products coming to markets both domestic and abroad. In addition to new progressive games, numerous original math game themes, imaginative stepper cabinet breakthroughs, and all-new systems marketing and management tools, Konami received widespread enthusiasm for the unveiling of Neo Contra™ themed video slots—marking the first ever release of Konami Digital Entertainment video game Intellectual Property (IP) to the casino gaming industry.

“The release of Neo Contra is important because it sends a message to the industry that Konami is uniquely positioned to combine a library of popular video game brand IP with our dependable math models and reliable hardware to create yet another way to deliver more to the operator,” said Matt Reback, vice president, marketing at Konami. “Additionally, brands like Neo Contra provide one targeted way for operators to attract and entertain coveted Gen X and Millennial patrons, as well as core players who enjoy the action adventure genre.”

Rooted in a 42-year heritage of world-wide gaming hits spanning everything from Frogger® to Metal Gear Solid®, Konami is now bringing its iconic entertainment legacy to slot players with two premiere Neo Contra game themes on KP3®: Mighty Warrior™ and Supreme Samurai™. Each theme comes equipped with a 4-level standalone progressive, as well as proven Konami game mechanics such as Xtra Reward® and cascading reels to generate excitement with a broad range of slot players. Neo Contra is featured on a custom Podium® cabinet with exclusive machine features such as an expanded top box, eye-catching dual topper, and Konami’s  new 3D Sound System, which harnesses all the power and awe of 3D audio technology while eliminating the need for separate in-chair or rear-satellite surround sound speakers.

“As usual at the Konami Booth, I saw nothing but innovative, compelling, customer-centric content,” said Niaz Nejad, vice president of lottery and gaming services for the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC). “Before Konami entered the casino gaming side of the business, they had developed many successful arcade games. As such, they have really focused on listening to the customer and understanding how to create an entertaining gaming experience for them. Konami develops very unique and compelling game content that provides an added competitive advantage to us. Konami helps us maximize and optimize our revenues by bringing game content that attracts different demographics to help broaden our player base.”

“A lot of casino games are what we call ‘90-day wonders’ — performance shoots up out of the gate and comes right down, but what makes Konami unique for me and my company is that Konami has a real history of finding games that produce, and continue to produce,” said Jeffery Inman, corporate slot director at Laguna Development Corporation. “Players are really going to love these new games coming out of G2E because they maintain the Konami math that our customers love, but it’s presented in new and exciting ways. I believe that Konami has the most consistently performing, most desirable product offering in the industry today.”

Konami also unveiled an all-new stepper cabinet with increased processing power and visual design capacity called Advantage 5X™. Its debut release themes, Mighty Thunder™ and Jungle Coaster™, display vivid video elements in the upper screen and new lower touch screen, allowing for vertical graphic interaction from the top screen, down through the reels, and into the bottom touch screen. In addition, Konami brought a record number of new game themes to G2E for guests to try for the first time, and new standalone progressives including Hammer Festival™, Engine Ablaze™, Pick Strike Quad™, and Fiery Sunburst™.

As in years past, the Konami booth featured a comprehensive systems demonstration environment, with a wealth of new products and features available through its SYNKROS® casino management system. Guests were able to explore the benefits of recent release updates such as SYNKStart Tournaments™ and Slot Dispatch, and upcoming feature releases like SynKiosk™, further evidencing the company’s commitment to sustaining innovations in casino marketing and operations.