Hey guys,
My questions are a bit different to the ones so far.
I was wondering what the general consensus is among casino operators regarding social media. Do many plan to make it a cornerstone of their strategy? Would they agree that Mobile and Social tech go hand in hand?
My 2nd question is - would whomever you speak to agree that innovation is largely dead in our industry? Why do we not see new types of slots or casino games, instead of effectively just new skins and payout mechanics?
Best I can come up with whilst on the road!
See you soon everyone
Here's my take on your questions.
With regards to social media, I think most operators will see it as simply another acquisition tool, I do believe that the winners will start incorporating social media facets into their current products and use the data gained to make more focused and value added direct marketing to their players. Mobile will obviously keep growing but it will be some time before it overtakes the standard PC/Mac browser based market. That said, they can both co-exist, and are in fact doing so quite nicely now.
As for industry innovation. There is a lot of innovation in slots if you know what to look for, but like any established product there are finite limits to what you can do with them before they become something else entirely.
To illustrate this concept, take the example of automobiles, they have from some perspectives not changed significantly since the Model-T that Ford made famous, 4 wheels, brakes, steering, lights, seats, doors, cab, etc. Could you add 2 more wheels, wings, and a helicopter rotor and still call it a car? I think you would have a hard time arguing that there have not been significant innovations in autos since their inception, though most have been "under the hood" so to speak.
Slots have existed since the late 1800's, computers and advanced graphics have given us the tools to create truly innovative slots that have features that far exceed those initially envisioned when the humble first slot machines were built. Innovation in slots happens chiefly in feature sets, animations, and with the math. Sure there are some companies that just churn out simple slots and masses of skins, but most of the real games makers put a huge amount of time into developing fun, feature rich, but simple slots that players enjoy. Its more of an innovation by subtle elegance than a straight up redefinition of what a slot is.
Got back from ICE last night, I like the new venue, even though its a bit isolated.
Regards,
-Gooney
Or, at least some of it, if it's too dirty, you know
