At the G2E Global Gaming Expo earlier this month, poker machine developers gathered to show off their latest innovations. While they displayed a wide range of new software, backend systems, cabinets and games, one major trend emerged. Themed pokies continue to dominate the land-based gaming machine market.
The Las Vegas Review took note of this trend, as most of the gaming world’s biggest developers showed off movie and TV-themed games at the event. One of the biggest debut’s was Aristocrat’s Sons of Anarchy poker machine. The game is based on the popular television drama, and it is expected to feature a similar format to Aristocrat’s Walking Dead pokie.
Since Walking Dead’s debut was a huge success, the new Sons of Anarchy pokie will likely see a similar response. Aristocrat also showcased games based on the movie Ted and the television show The Big Bang Theory. However, the company did not have much to display, as the games are still in development.
“Aristocrat had the best overall show in terms of innovation and sex appeal with another round of high-profile premium leased games and several unique hardware designs,” says Todd Eilers of Eilers Research. Another big launch was International Game Technology’s series based on Ellen Degeneres.
The poker machine manufacturer set up a dance floor at the expo to attract attention to the new and exciting The Ellen Show pokie games. IGT expects this game to appeal to a new demographic, as the majority of Ellen fans are middle-aged women. More exciting pop culture brands will also be making their debut in the gambling market.
The Jetsons, Austin Powers, Mad Men, Friends and Gremlins will also be made into poker machines in the coming year.
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