Inside Asian Gaming

IAG JAPAN APR 2021 62 to the player favorite Hold & Spin feature and was launched with a new Picture Pays mechanic. Players can choose their lucky Chinese Zodiac in the Lucky Fortune feature, collect the Zodiac pictures to award the credit prizes and jackpot, while adjacent credit prizes combine to bigger symbols for bigger prizes. It was exciting to see this product launch during Chinese New Year and was a great opportunity for operators to promote, “Sending Away the Year of the Rat and Welcoming the Year of the Ox.” BB: In your ongoing dialogue with operators across the region, has there been any obvious shift on what they are looking for from you based on the different operating conditions most are currently experiencing? LR: There has been a variety of responses from operators, with some not prepared to do anything, effectively putting their investment in new games and hardware on hold until GGR is stronger. Some customers continue to be aggressive and demand new content, so our focus is on supporting each customer and helping them navigate this environment together. BB: Following on from that previous question, has there been any material shift in game mix, installation or layout requirements on gaming floors? LR: Again, it’s quite different depending on each market. Some markets have been vocal on the need to innovate and present new core standalone content, while others want the latest greatest link progressive theme with appropriate jackpot settings. In relation to layouts, we are seeing some operators across FEATURES