Inside Asian Gaming

INSIDE ASIAN GAMING | April 2011 40 the competitive tournament feature built into a game called Jackpot Battle Royale. Available in six or 10-game configurations, it’s a networked concept that links proven Aruze titles around a “Battle Royal Award,” a mystery-activated bonus round that pits players against each other in a tension-filled race that unfolds in a stream of rich graphics and sounds, each player’s progress charted in the video top box for the other players, and passers-by, to see. The follow-up, Paradise Fishing, made a big splash at G2E. It’s packed with single- and competitive community bonus features built on six base games, the special hook, if you will, being Aruze’s innovative “Reel Feel” technology, which puts the action (literally) in players’ hands. Paradise Fishing’s three 60-inch high-definition overhead screens employ arresting visuals designed to transport players into a world under the sea. The thrills begin when one of five bonus games is triggered and players get the opportunity to go “fishing” for extra awards, taking their “Reel Feel Fishing Rod” into their hands to snag their prey. They feel the rod shake and actually feel the “bite” when they’ve landed a live one. The bigger the fish, the bigger the reward. Community gaming is “a huge focus for us,” says Vice President of Marketing Steve Walther. “Nowadays you have to have more than an RNG. Peoplewant entertainment value for their spend, an entertainment component to go with the gambling component. It’s a very strong segment, and will be a growing segment of the market.” Also new is Title Match, a multi-level penny progressive slated for its first installations this month. The progressive round is randomly triggered during base game play. That’s when the real action starts: Players take their places in the ring and land punches to receive points. They even choose what kinds of punches to throw. Each punch reveals a value or a “Belt” symbol, which pays an even higher value, leading to bigger awards. And all the while spectators are gathering to watch the fight on the top box, enriching the shared experience. ATRONIC: The Deal is On Atronic’s Deal Or No Deal “has evolved so much,” says Product Marketing Manager Mike Brennan, “the only thing that is the same as the original game is the name”— and now with Join ’n Play, the popular title is entering the burgeoning community space in a big way. Comedian Howie Mandel, who hosts “Deal Or No Deal” on U.S. television, is on board with a new merchandising package that features a five-screen “wall” of 54- Strong hook—Reel ‘em In!® Compete ToWin!™ Luring players—Paradise Fishing™ Always evolving—Deal or No Deal™ end, you might say. But it’s all good. “It’s opened a lot of communication,” says Frank Kennedy, vice president of slot operations at Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, Mich., which has been stocking community-style slot games since it opened in 2007. “People talk. People get into them by sitting around them and observing the community bonuses. People have become intrigued by what’s happening, the sense of competition. It’s all been a positive for us.” Aruze Gaming: Competitive fun Aruze Gaming staked its first claim to a piece of the community gaming floor with Community Gaming