Evolution not revolution on display at G2E: Union Gaming
Trade show Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2014 kicks off today in Las Vegas. Consultancy Union Gaming Research LLC is not expecting gaming suppliers to unveil “any groundbreaking developments” at the exhibition, “but more so improvements to existing technologies”.
G2E is one of the largest annual trade events for the international gaming industry. It includes both a conference and a trade show.
The 2014 edition takes place until October 2 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center. It is co-organised by the American Gaming Association and Reed Exhibitions.
“From a stock perspective, there is not much to glean from G2E this year,” Union Gaming analyst Robert Shore wrote in a event preview note issued on Monday.
Mr Shore added: “Market share concerns remain on the back burner as industry giants undergo consolidation/integration. We will be monitoring, however, whether deal-related disruption is having an impact on new game development.”
Mr Shore pointed out that the macro outlook for slot machines in the U.S. “has been and will continue to be challenging”. That is because of weak demand, with few new property or market openings, and lack of “must-have gaming equipment product right now that most operators feel they need to purchase.”
One potential up-and-coming segment that Union Gaming will be paying special attention to during G2E is skill-based games.
“We remain interested in the direction(s) that gaming suppliers are taking in skill-based gaming and even online/social gaming as operators and manufacturers alike continually seek to reach the evolving customer base,” Mr Shore said.
E-tables also continue to be generally well received by the market, he added. “E-tables seem to be attracting interest and adding incremental customers rather than detracting from traditional slot or table players.”
Mr Shore however warned trade visitors to G2E to take the new products on display with a pitch of salt.
He explained: “It takes some time in the field to accurately gauge demand as slot players generally don’t ask for specific new brands. Amidst the sensory-overloading bells, visuals and whistles of the G2E exhibition floor, operators agree that there is no way to know what will work on the casino floor, and what will not.”
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