Inside Asian Gaming

inside asian gaming September 2015 66 Tech Talk corruption crackdown to its weakening economy, it seems likely that the rapidly evolving tastes and increasing sophistication of China’s middle class could also be reducing demand for gaming in Macau. The appropriate response among EGM manufacturers is to create products that are more entertaining, and that’s the mandate of SEGA SAMMY CREATION, which showcased the latest iteration of its eye-catching video baccarat game at the recent Global Gaming Expo Asia. The slick new cabinet has a luxe gold finish and houses the flawless graphics and intuitive gameplay you’d expect froma company with SEGA SAMMY CREATION’s pedigree. Players can choose from up to five tables, with each table featuring its own personality-rich animated female dealer. The pièce de résistance, however, is an exciting progressive side bet which adds an all-new dimension to the game, with the potential to entice even the most die-hard live-table player to give the fully electronic version a go. The baccarat side bet is central to the company’s game development philosophy, as espoused by its president, Hisao Oguchi: “Game rules should be simple. In the simplicity of the games there should be a dream of winning big and also fun and The pièce de résistance is an exciting progressive side bet which adds an all-new dimension to the game, with the potential to entice even the most die-hard live-table player to give the fully electronic version a go. excitement in the anticipation of the outcomes.” On Sic Bo Bonus Jackpot, installed on the floor at The Venetian Macao, the dream of winning big is fueled by the four-level Cai Shen Progressive Jackpot, which all players are eligible to win without any side bet necessary. The crowd-pulling elements come in the form of dice floating on a cushion of air, along with massive signage and results displays. SEGA SAMMY CREATION was established in 2013 by parent company SEGA SAMMY HOLDINGS with a remit to produce revolutionary electronic gaming machines. Leading the charge is Mr Oguchi, a legendary video and arcade game developer at SEGA, who, after that company was acquired by Japan’s largest pachinko manufacturer, Sammy Corporation, went on to serve as the chief creative officer of the new entity. At Mr Oguchi’s disposal are many of the talented game developers he worked with at SEGA, who were instructed to throw out established game concepts and come up with entirely new ones. The company recognizes it will take time to gain acceptance for its unconventional products, but it’s determined to stay the course, confident the market’s evolution will vindicate its vision. Sic Bo Bonus Jackpot features dice floating on a cushion of air.