G2E Asia opened on Wednesday at the Venetian in Macau, with exhibitors optimistic that Macau's recent resurgence is set to continue.
Asia as a whole remains a buoyant market as new casinos open throughout the continent and manufacturers are keen to develop their presence there over the coming years. Such is the potential of the local gaming market that games are being developed to include Asian themes, languages and currencies.
“Macau is as equally strong as any other market in the world,” said Aruze Gaming’s Steve Walther. “We really believe that if you are strong here, you can be strong anywhere.”
Albert Radman of Slovenian manufacturer Alfastreet acknowledged that there is some way to go before electronic multiplayers are as popular in Macau as elsewhere, but noted that Asia is a key market for his company.
“We’re really doing well in Asia and selling many machines throughout Singapore, Laos and Cambodia, for example,” he said. “Asia is Alfastreet’s number one market in terms of revenue and the number of machines we sell.”
The show is also an opportunity for local manufacturers to showcase their products alongside those of larger, international companies. Visitors from across the continent attend the event, ensuring that it has a truly international feel.
Jerry Liu of cabinet manufacturer HYT explained that it is important that his company chooses to exhibit at G2E. “It’s helpful for us and necessary to exhibit our products here,” he said. “It is a major international show and we meet with customers from all over the world.”
A full report from G2E Asia will appear in the July issue of InterGaming.
