Konami Corp’s gaming and systems division reported revenue of approximately JPY12.80 billion (US$113.1 million) for the six months ended September 30, up 1.2 percent in comparison with the same period in the previous year. Profit for the segment rose by 28.4 percent year-on-year to JPY1.59 billion, the Japanese conglomerate said in a press release on Wednesday.
“The gaming market is continuing to see growth with the worldwide development and opening of new casino facilities and integrated resorts which include casinos,” said Konami. “Furthermore, measures to revitalise the industry were implemented mainly targeting young people, including the introduction of slot machines designed to reflect players’ skill levels,” it added.
In the gaming segment, Konami operates outside Japan via Konami Australia Pty Ltd and U.S.-based Konami Gaming Inc.
The Japanese conglomerate said that during its fiscal first half it expanded the number of installations of its Concerto video slot product line in the North America, Asia and Oceania markets, including its curved-screen cabinet Concerto Crescent and the single tall screen cabinet Concerto Stack.
Konami said additionally that it continued to promote into the market its horserace betting station with a model track, dubbed Fortune Cup, which leverages the firm’s “expertise and technology accumulated through Konami group’s amusement machines”.
The firm added: “We continue to make efforts to enhance our sales focusing on the Concerto series, a key product in our video slot machine series, as well as to enhance product range, including introduction of the latest cabinet, Concerto Opus, which features a large, 65-inch display, and a new upright cabinet, KX 43.”
Besides casino slot gaming, the Japanese conglomerate is also involved in the Japan-focused pachinko game segment, digital entertainment – including video games and mobile games – and sports.
Group wide, Konami reported revenue of approximately JPY122.17 billion for the six months to September 30, up 5.9 percent from the prior-year period. Profit for the period was flat year-on-year at JPY17.20 billion, according to Wednesday’s release.
An interim dividend of JPY60.5 per share was also declared on Wednesday by the Japanese conglomerate. It included a grant of JPY25.0 per share, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the firm’s foundation. Payment is expected to happen around November 20, said the firm.
