Having recently joined Aristocrat Gaming’s Macau-based team as Manager Product Planning and Strategy, Ashley Fong offers some insight into which products are making waves on Asia-Pacific’s gaming floors right now.
IAG: First of all Ashley, you only recently joined Aristocrat. How have you found the move so far?
Ashley Fong: I joined at the most exciting time, as Gross Gaming Revenue is back to normal in some regions and we have just launched the most anticipated game in Asia – Dragon Link – at our Manila showcase in July. Happily, I also just managed to get out of Macau for a 6-week trip before their most recent lockdowns.
IAG: What attracted you to the company?
AF: Initially, the company attracted me with our strong product footprint across Asia and well-resourced team. But now that I’ve been here for a few months, I also like that there is a strong focus on people with a structured program for my development. Additionally, we have product portfolio width and depth in links, such as Tian Ci Jin Lu and Dragon Link, along with a healthy number of standalone games.
IAG: Can you tell us a bit about your role?
AF: My role is primarily working with our sales team and customers, partnering with our customers to successfully launch and introduce new products in the region. My goal is to learn from our partners to ensure their requirements are echoed back into the company for future game development. In turn, I provide our customers’ feedback to my sales and marketing counterparts to ensure that we launch each product to meet their needs via training, game settings and positioning. We are aiming to be our customers’ partner of choice across every country in Asia and I’m focused on ensuring that we meet that goal.
IAG: What has Asia got to look forward to from Aristocrat in the coming months?
AF: Dragon Link is our most highly anticipated game, given its history of success in other markets such as the US and Australia. Our goal is for our customers in the region to experience the same success. Choy’s Kingdom is another key product which we have high expectations for, as it takes Hold N’ Spin to the next level. There are more products coming through that we can discuss in the coming months!
IAG: What products are currently being received well across the region?
AF: We are seeing good success with 5 Dragons Pearl and Hit It Hot. We just launched Tian Ci Jin Lu in the Philippines, and early indications are that players are really enjoying the gameplay in that.
IAG: Are there any product releases coming up that you feel particularly good about?
AF: I’m excited for Tian Ci Jin Lu to go live soon across Philippines and Singapore, as it gives players a great Hold N’ Spin experience. Plus, in Singapore, I’m looking forward to giving players the excitement of both 5 Dragons Pearl and Foo Festival – I think they’ll enjoy its game features.
