7. January 2009
“Positivity” and “Progress” are Astra’s watchwords for IGE 2009
Astra Games – Part of the Novomatic Group of Companies – are set to reveal a product range that is steeped in invention and creative thought at IGE 2009. With a presence previously unmatched in Astra’s considerable ATEI history, stands 4120 & 4220 will be the platform for a collection of games, cabinets and concepts that will cement Astra’s position as pioneers at the forefront of international gaming.
“There is a clear forward momentum with Astra and its products at this moment in time, generated by the diligent work of the design team throughout 2008,” enthused Astra Managing Director Zane Mersich. “Through the combined focus of the entire company, these efforts will be crystallised on Astra’s newly designed stands at IGE 2009, stands that I’m confident will be one of the spectacles of the show and reveal the depth and variety of product Astra has for each key market.”
Preview 2009 raised the curtain on Astra’s contemporary take on the game of Bingo, “Microbingo” and “Arcadebingo”. The multiplayer product has been refined and enhanced in the period leading up to IGE and will take pride of place on Astra’s main stand, both games presented in both the upright and sit down versions. Enforcing Astra’s commitment to the key sectors of the UK market, the UK Category C offering will feature a stunning multiplayer with undeniable female appeal; an updated version of Astra’s Hot Slots Gambler; and a number of reel based single player machines.
Category B3 will also be represented by a host of exciting new product, again in the form of multi game compendium Slotto Gambler, whose performance and popularity continues to grow. In addition to Slotto Gambler, a revised version of Gamble King – first shown at Preview 2009 – will incorporate a revolutionary new feature that will add spice to the entire Astra UK range.
Alan Rogers, Director of Sales at Astra, emphasised Astra’s dedication to B3:
“Astra consider Category B3 a key market sector, and, following the considerable success Astra achieved with B3 product in the past, the commitment to this sector remains critical to Astra’s success. We are the market leader and we intend to stay in that position by fuelling success for our partners through the creation of entertaining games that delight our players.”
Astra has devoted half of stand 4120 to five key markets – Czech Republic, Holland, Italy, Spain and Belgium - comprising a formidable export sector. Advancements in technology, cabinet design and above all else game design, have created a range of games brimming with ideas and concepts, an indication of Astra’s investment in development.
The Czech Republic features Hi Energy; Holland introduces Fruits on Fire and Sinderella Double Action; Belgium presents Games Palace, Once Upon a Time and Multi Game Action Pack; Spain and Italy combines innovative video product with a number of reel based concepts. International Sales and Development Executive Phil Burke is enthusiastic about the show:
“To present such a wide and varied product range, with each market having bespoke games designed specifically for each individual sector, is indicative of the focus and importance Astra place in the international market. I’m looking forward to meeting with our many customers and discussing the undoubted opportunities such a compelling range will create.”
Adjacent to the Astra stand is Novo Casino UK, presenting the latest Category B1, B3 and C games from Novomatic’s impressive stable. Magic Games II, the everlasting Adult Gaming Centre multi game compendium, will be shown in a new guise and will feature a host of new games. Category B3 multi game compendium Magic Lotto also incorporates new games that have enhanced the game play and created a new gaming experience for the player. Alan Rogers said:
“The longevity of Magic Games and Magic Lotto is incredibly impressive and proves the inherent quality and timelessness of the games. This will be enhanced even further in 2009, a must visit for every gaming floor operator in the UK.”
Unbeatable new games and a world renowned cabinet is the formula for Novomatic’s UK B1 product range in 2008, combining the visually splendid aesthetics of the Super V+ Gaminator cabinet with a host of new Coolfire II games. Also in attendance is Novomatic’s mystery win Flexi Link system, a glorious 42 inch plasma screen presentation that will create a focal centre piece on any casino floor. Sales Executive Richard Barr is enthusiastic about new product:
“The introduction of Coolfire II in 2008 gave the UK market the first taste of the next generation of games from Novomatic. The games proved to be a hands down success, with superior graphics, multiple win line options and the head turning presentation combining to make this product range unparalleled in the UK market. With a host of new games and multi game packs for 2009, I expect the Super V+ Gaminator to go from strength to strength.“
NRGS, Novomatic’s remote game server system, will take a considerable presence on stand 4220, as will Sports Betting Terminal Bet Pod, showcasing the cross company development processes within the Novomatic Group and the variety and scope of Astra’s product offering.
Astra’s stand position in 2009 is central to the main floor at IGE. A new stand design reflects the forward-looking approach now synonymous with Astra, blending a very open and welcoming stand with high-end styling; a spectacle that is sure to be the focal point of the exhibition hall and a key location for visitors.
“The stand at IGE reflects the international presence Astra now enjoys, and indicates how, with the help of our parent company Novomatic, we have made major advancements in every area of our business. Astra’s partners have also been in close collaboration on what we believe are some of the most exciting developments to date, meaning a hotly anticipated beginning to 2009.”
Astra looks forward to giving a warm welcome to everyone on stand 4120 and 4220 at IGE 2009
