Mike Starzynski emphasizes a “hyperlocal” approach to understanding what casinos and their players want from slot machines.
That includes analyzing the customers that frequent a casino, and developing new games quickly.
“Whether they’re low-income players or high-end players, we understand the culture behind [why] these people are playing,” said Starzynski, the CEO of Bluberi, a “small and agile” Quebec-based manufacturer that provides Class II, Class III and TLS (Tribal Lottery System in Washington State) games. Bluberi began 25 years ago and now has customers in North America, South America and the Caribbean, with plans to enter the California market this year.
The company is spotlighting its new Novus series of cabinets and games at the Global Gaming Expo, but Starzynski said Bluberi’s approach is important.
“We configure our games around their ecosystems,” he said. That includes analyzing the customers a casino serves and the ability to provide specialized games quickly. He said the company has developed some game prototypes in six months.
For example, some Bluberi customers are located near air bases. “We have military-themed games that we can shape to their environment. They’re much happier to play a game like that than some adventure game.”
The company’s Novus Series cabinet line supports six display modules for maximum operator flexibility.
Bluberi’s lineup of 16 new game titles includes the new Class III games Frogged Up, Emperor Mystery, Wild Wishes and Déng Lóng. Other games include those with Wild West themes, military themes and patriotic red-white-and-blue symbolism.
“There isn’t anything as good as a good game,” Starzynski said. “We’re building immersive games, games that make you feel that you’re on the verge. The sound amplifies and the lights change to signify ‘you’re almost there!’” The games use multiple screens to have a cascading effect.
The games can be grouped together in a “b.Pod” configuration of four or more cabinets featuring a 55-inch HD monitor that displays prize announcements.
“Players want to play privately at first, but they’re happy to announce wins to their friends,” Starzynski said. “They’ll take photographs and share them.”
Another player-friendly feature is a dual USB charging port for mobile devices, which reduces the chances of players leaving because their phone batteries are on their last legs.
One base cabinet can hold any of six games. All screens are 4D ready, and the LED bezels going up the sides of the machine are programmable.
Bluberi is working on a patriotic theme to be rolled out next year. “Our expectation is that most people will not take it out because of the patriotic aspect. We’re not the run-of-the-mill. We’re dynamic. These games were developed from the ground up, from scratch.”
Bluberi’s games and cabinets are at Booth 3450 on the G2E Show Floor.
