G2E has seen many changes over the past decade-plus, but there’s one rock-steady constant: IGT will bring a bunch of new games. This year the gaming giant didn’t disappoint, with almost 400 games and systems on exhibit. Don’t worry, we won’t be analyzing each of them here.
IGT’s Senior Director Product Market Management , Michael Brennan put the spotlight on two machines that represent the breadth of IGT’s slot portfolio on display.
The company’s glasses-free 3D slots have proven popular (there are seven separate titles available), so it’s natural to take it to the next level or, in this, case, dimension, with SPHINX 4D™, which resides in the brand new CrystalCurve TRUE 4D cabinet. The added dimension isn’t one only of sight or sound, but of motion. Players can use air haptic technology and gesture technology to manipulate on-screen objects.
For example, during a bonus round that lets the player pick one of three orbs, the player uses his hands to move a flame that illuminates the range of bonus, then holds the flame to ignite the orb and reveal the bonus. It does, indeed, add another dimension to slot play, making the bonus round a deeper experience than touching the screen.
”When we launched TRUE 3D, we observed players wanting to interact with objects, so it was a natural next step to provide them that unique experience,” Brennan says.
IGT brought several soon-to-come additions to its core lineup, including a new Elephant King game, which includes a Prize Disk feature. This game adds a wrinkle to usual slot action: a series of credit prizes moves from right to left across the top of the five reels. Winnable in the first, third, and fifth positions, they are, according to Brennan, designed to keep players spinning the reels in anticipation of a big jackpot moving into position. He also points out the game’s layered audio as another winning feature.
The new Elephant King should be on floors by next summer, with SPHINX 4D a bit further out. These two games encapsulate IGT’s approach to broadening its product line; both are extensions of established titles with new features that, it is hoped, will engage today’s customer.
Both also highlight a trend in evidence throughout the expo floor, from virtual reality games (get into a glass cube, put on goggles, headphones, hand controllers, and blast away while your friends bet on your performance) to “traditional” video slots and even stepper games: more immersion. This is a way to engage players in an era dominated by distractions and short attention spans. Drawing players into the slot machine (and keeping them there) was the name of the game at G2E 2016.
With the immersion trend only growing, don’t be surprised if IGT adds a 5D game next year.
