Euroslot SBG Feature

How long have you been involved with server-based gaming?

Gamestec have been involved in Server Based Gaming for nearly 10 years following the introduction of its Gamesnet SWP terminal. In June 2008, Gamestec’s SBG estate grew significantly following the acquisition Inspired Gaming Group’s pub division.  Part of that acquisition provided Gamestec with the exclusive license to utilise the Sever Based Gaming (SGB) platform in the pub retail sector.

How many machines do you have linked up?

Gamestec currently have over 5,000 SWP terminals connected and this number is growing continuously.

Where do you source your games from?

SWP and video Category C games are sourced both from within group, by Bell-Fruit Games, which is a sister company of Gamestec and part of the Danoptra Limited, and also from third party Developers such as Games Media, Men In Back, Alternative Universe and Revolution.

Gamestec operates a policy of sourcing only the best of breed products and games for its customers, which it does by scouring the market and reviewing all available games. Only through rigorous performance testing do we then select the best and most appropriate games for our players.

How many games are SWP and how many other types of games?

We currently have around 80 SWP games and 6 on Video Category C games on the platform. We have game developers actively working on game content continuously and test around twenty games at any one time. This means we have a constant stream of games which, subject to performance can end up being rolled out to the full estate.

How often is content downloaded on average?

We download new content to the full estate on average every 6 – 8 weeks. We have over 200 test sites which we continuously download new content to. We then choose the games we download to the full estate based on the popularity and performance of the games on test.

How has server-based gaming changed your business model?

Currently SBG is the only proven, large scale network which provides a number of key benefits:

• Large file format content downloads- it provides us with the ability to download content faster to the estate, meaning we can provide customers with a continuous stream of the latest games. This provides players with an exciting and current portfolio of games, keeping them engaged and playing longer, increasing the Cash In Box takings and dwell time for the retailer.
• Real time event monitoring – it provides us with the ability to collect intelligence on game performance. For example, which games players respond to more favourably to, or whether popular games follow wider trends e.g. when pub poker nights increase in popularity do poker based games follow suit? This enables us to respond quicker to player preferences and tailor our portfolio of games accordingly. Additionally, it enables us to monitor use of machines and through doing this promote basic standards in machine management, such as ensuring that the machine is switched on at the right times and is in full working order with no faults.
• Remote fix capability – It provides us with the ability to remotely fix faults which improves machine up time – the time the machine is in optimum working order and available for play.

What are the main challenges in making sever-based gaming work at its best?

The main challenge we face is ensuring that we source, select and download the right game content for each site and player. Ultimately we aim to provide players with games that keep them engaged and entertained for longer, to maximise the income for our customers.

How successful have you been at attracting new players through server-based gaming?

New players have increased significantly following the introduction of games like Crystal Maze. This game was developed by Cool Games, who have a proven track record of developing content that is compelling to players and that consistently performs well.

Branded games such as Deal or No Deal and games which are based on current trends, such as Texas Hold ‘Em poker, have also proved popular with both new and existing players.

We regularly run tournaments, using league structures, which allow players from all over the UK to compete for prizes worth up to £500. This has raised the stakes and attracted new players.

Where would you like to take the concept in the future?

Gamestec are working toward expanding the range of products and content that will become available through SBG.

In terms of game content, the platform provides us with the capability to introduce exciting and different ways for end users to play. Once concept we are looking to utilise is ‘peer to peer’ tournaments. These would be real time tournaments, played between players who could be in different sites, competing against each other at the same time.

In terms of products, we are currently introducing a new digital advertising solution that has been specifically developed for the pub sector.

How do you think your approach differs to others in the market?

Our approach is different because we believe the key to success is providing customers with a compelling proposition that caters for a diverse range of needs.

We embrace SBG because of the benefits it provides today and the opportunities for the future but we are uniquely placed in that we have an extensive portfolio of both digital and analogue products which provide customers with the opportunity to have a combination of both technologies, if they wish. Networked through our remote data capture product, MIDAS, both analogue and digital products can be sited in the same location and will benefit from data analysis allowing us and customers to monitor and manage performance and income on a daily basis.

Working together with our customers we can compile a gaming and entertainment proposition that is truly tailored to their brands.

What is your latest product?

As well as the new game content that is regularly downloaded, Gamestec are testing a new SWP. Kudos from Bell Fruit Games is the latest cabinet to be added to the range and initial test figures are already indicating strong performances.

Supplementary information on Gamestec’s portfolio of products

Gamestec Leisure Limited has a significant portfolio of digital products:

• SWP – Gamesnet & ItBox terminals feature the best games available including stand out games from Bell-Fruit Games, Gamestec sister company and Games Media. Additional SWP cabinets will soon be added to the range such as Kudos from Bell-Fruit. Others are currently undergoing testing.

• Digital Music – Sound Leisure ‘Milestones in Music’ and ‘One Stop products’ have the capability to deliver digital music updates over ADSL. A percentage of our Top of the Pops estate, from Sound Leisure has been connected via 3G as part of an ongoing trial. Based on initial results, our intention will be to rollout connectivity amongst the remaining estate.

• Digital Gaming – Gamestec has a range of existing Cat C gaming terminals (The Player and Eclipse) which have an extensive portfolio of content, which has been provided from Bell Fruit Group, Games Media, Blueprint Entertainment, Maxx Gaming & Cool Games.