The winners have been announced for the 17th Annual Global Gaming Business (GGB) Gaming & Technology Awards, with Konami Gaming, Inc.’s skill-based music game, Beat Square, winning the Gold Medal for Best Slot Product. Recognized as the casino gaming industry’s best innovation, Beat Square was chosen among a record number of nominations this year at the awards considered to be the “Best of the Best.”

Konami utilized their expertise in video game entertainment as well as consumer arcade gaming to create the unique Beat Square game where gamers are challenged to compete, play and demonstrate their prowess in a game that requires rhythmic coordination across a touchpad that is lighted with 16 square buttons. The game offers two modes; during tournament mode, players compete simultaneously and during single player mode earn cash. Players are met with different defined skill levels and a variety of new and recognizable melodies in either mode.

Once a player has selected a song and the game begins, various squares light up in rhythmic patterns. The player earns higher points and credit awards the more in tempo they tap the illuminated square buttons. Player’s progress and upcoming motions to the tune are indicated by tall overhead LCD displays. The machines are also capable of a live video feed of player’s hands as they work Beat Square’s dashboard in real time.

In a statement in a company press release, senior director, marketing & product management, Steve Walther, said: “Beat Square offers a totally unique type of engagement unlike anything else available in the market and is designed to drive untapped audiences. Konami is committed to supporting the industry with innovative productions that provide new entertainment options to reach expanding demographics, so this recognition reinforces our key efforts. Beat Square is not only the industry’s first rhythmic dexterity skill-based experience, it is also the first skill-based game with built-in, comprehensive tournament functionality—allowing operators to launch synchronized competitions across eight machines with live scorekeeping, multi-player teams, and selectable song sets.”

“As the industry explores new creative forms of gaming entertainment, Konami’s Beat Square is leaping ahead with bold, high-energy play experiences that socially-minded gamers can enjoy while showcasing their skills and competing with friends for cash prizes,” said Walther. “We’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone accomplishment and will continue innovating through fun and exciting game technology.”