Benefits 

What are the benefits of downloadable versus traditional single machine gaming?

“Traditional single machines are just that, single. Linking single machines is difficult due to the complexities of the protocols and difficulties of the connecting network.  Downloadable machines, based on server technology, are, by definition, linked. Linkages allow us to run many forms of game content: slots, poker, blackjack, roulette, bingo, keno all on the same terminals. Linkages also allow us to develop new forms of content: competitions, tournaments, and new forms of progressive and mystery jackpots. Down Loadable Server (DLS) simplifies and in some cases removes the requirement for floor technicians reducing the cost of operations.”

Will downloadable change games and the industry – what will be better and what problems will still arise?

 “DLS has very limited potential to change the industry. Essentially, all that is happening is that instead of physically altering or changing the game we are doing it automatically or remotely. It is still the same basic game.  SBG has the potential to alter the Industry substantially, akin to the way iTUNES has changed the delivery of music. The decrease in the cost of distribution in the music industry has resulted in a phenomenon called the ‘Long Tail’ whereby consumers seek and play music that is attuned to their specific preferences. SBG has the potential to create the Long Tail effect in gaming, fundamentally changing the way content is delivered and developed and the way that the operators pay for it. 
In particular this means that instead of the industry determining when a game is available to the player; it will be now the player’s choice because all the games of his or her preference are available at any gaming machine at any given moment. This way an operator can generate profit from games that have far surpassed already their peak times in a traditional EGM model where the games would have been taken off the floor already and unavailable to the player.”

Will there be difficulties passing games for certification in various jurisdictions due to the disembodied nature of games and machines in a downloadable system?

 “In a DLS environment the games can only be developed by the current game developers associated with a particular manufacturer. The route to regulatory approval will not change to the one we have today. In an SBG environment the games are ‘ported’ to the technology. This porting process encompasses sophisticated testing and quality certification. The game once ported will be presented to the regulators as part of the SBG suite.”

How will the move to downloadable content affect the traditional selling of games in the industry? Will we need exhibitions, for example, when products are virtual and can be downloaded direct to source?

 “The gaming industry is very dynamic and creative. In DLS, it’s basically ‘business as usual’ albeit with a system with more bells and whistles. In SBG, the basic technology is standardized for all content providers but good developers will turn that into a positive and will develop new and varied content. The need to show and exhibit this new content at exhibitions will be even greater than it is today. The launch of the X-BOX has not stopped content providers in that market from being competitive and innovative, neither has is decreased the number of people who attend exhibitions for new X-BOX games.”

How does downloadable/server-based gaming change the nature of importing and exporting machines, when countries have placed large import/export duties on transporting goods? Do you think that new tax models will be created for the downloadable market ?

 “Current tax laws are probably more than capable of dealing with either SBG or DLS technologies in the same way that it deals with on-line and software services today.”

Certain jurisdictions require that the game is played on the terminal, not remotely, and that any random number generator is individual to the terminal. How do you address this?

“Those regulations that limit the RNG to be enclosed in the gaming machine preclude SBG technology. The Regulators are very much aware of SBG technology and the advantages to having a central RNG and for the game logic to be played at the server level. They are very interested in this technology particularly given its potential for responsible gaming and protection of players.”

What differences will there be between content providers if all the terminals are the same within a location? How will games creators differentiate their games from the rest?

“SBG creates an open environment for content developers whereby they can port their games to the SBG using a tool kit either called a Software Development Kit (SDK) or Game Development Kit (GDK). These toolkits distance the content provider from having to understand the nuances of the gaming environment and allow content developers who are not bona-fide gaming specialists to develop content for deployment. This dramatically increases the number of content providers and their diversity as essentially the ‘cost of distribution’ is significantly reduced.

Traditional content providers (those employed by and linked to gaming machine manufactures) may find this environment daunting, whereas content providers who currently have by-passed gaming due to its specialist nature – might find it invigorating and challenging.

The operator, and ultimately the player, will benefit. Good content providers will differentiate themselves by quality and will have to communicate that to players via an implicit and explicit branding. Game quality and good branding will ensure the good content providers thrive.”