The launch of what can become a royal dynasty in the kingdom of slot machines has given IGT’s core video sensation, King Khufu, a legion of loyal followers on slot floors nationwide according to Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, LLC rankings.
King Khufu, housed on the pristine RISE32 triple-monitor cabinet, debuted at the top of the charts among new core video in the April report, performing 3-times zone average. The early returns give Domenico Pastia, IGT SVP Head of Global Commercial Gaming for Class III, plenty of reasons to celebrate.
“This is an important game for us for multiple reasons,” Pastia said. “The consistent performance that this game is exhibiting as number one in the new core reflects our progress in a category we are really focusing on and where we want to grow. King Khufu is one of the major catalysts.”
With King Khufu sitting atop the Eilers performance charts at Number 1 and its partner theme, King Khufu Dawn, coming in at Number 2, the games deliver high-energy adventure with neon Egyptian graphics, an animated Pharaoh topper, Wild Expand feature, and Bonus Wheel.
King Khufu and King Khufu Dawn are partner titles that share the same DNA but are not identical. The games are a natural motivation for players to discover both of them. They are linked and share the jackpot; however, each game has its own graphics and own map profile.
“The quality of our games is important in IGT’s transformation journey of being able to deliver the best possible content and services to our customers,” Pastia continued. “We want to become their preferred partner. We need to deliver. This game is currently the best new core video game in the market. It sets the tone on where we want to go.”
It is the first game produced by IGT’s Las Vegas-based Viva Studio under the direction of accomplished industry veterans Jamie Knight and John Kearns, who masterfully incorporated IGT’s focus on best-in-class content and the strength of the RISE hardware family pipeline.
“King Khufu follows in the footsteps of Stinkin’ Rich Stink Link which also is on the RISE32 core cabinet,” Pastia noted. “We are expecting a pipeline of new titles Viva Studio. This is just the beginning.
“This multi-screen product is unique in the North American market. It incorporates innovative design features from a hardware standpoint, particularly the third screen as a component of game play which is something we are premiering with the RISE32.
King Khufu’s futuristic Egyptian theme features bold, glowing aesthetics and a booming techno soundtrack that gives players what they want: A dynamic and immersive experience which creates a high energy center of attention on the floor.
King Khufu leverages familiar, high-performing mechanics instantly recognizable by players yet at the same time introduces a rich and immersive experience that feels entirely new.
Unique to King Khufu is the Lock and Re-Spin Bonus, featuring instant action and visible pot growth. It is triggered by mystery events, glowing coins, and catalyst combinations which enable players to watch across three distinct pots.
“The Lock and Re-Spin Bonus has features that are first to market,” Pastia related. “With this product, it is worth noticing the quality of the animation, sound, and the engagement in general between the game and the player in a very special way. The use of persistence in the frame and movement is something that has never been done before and is resonating with players.
“There are many components within the game dynamic that makes King Khufu so special. The game is deep, polished, extremely clean. The presentation, the sound, and graphics, are well done. The use of the third screen is something players want to discover and experience, contributing immensely to the depth of the game.”
The innovative qualities of King Khufu bring excitement to the casino floor, including giving control of the Free Games Bonus directly to the players, who choose their path by selecting a specific animal and their preferred number of free games. This interactive volatility selection lets players leverage their own strategy,
“Given the success of King Khufu, we are extending the reach and penetration of the game,” Pastia said. “The response from our sales team and customer base has been excellent. We have a dedicated initiative for this product because it is deserving to have the opportunity to shine on every gaming floor.”
IGT is committed to riding this initial wave of success with Viva Studios together with the company’s vast global studio network as it continues its transformation journey.
“The studio is already brainstorming on the potential evolution of the King Khufu brand,” Pastia revealed. “The structure and strength the games possess gives us the confidence that we will strive to have even better product moving forward.”
