EAG 2024 Q&A

Electrocoin is anticipating an “air of optimism” at this year’s EAG 2024, and not just for the extensive range of new launches the company will showcase, such as DDRA20 Plus and the new Jaws pinball. Speaking to Coinslot, Sales & Marketing manager John A Stergides expressed his confidence for the year ahead, predicting the “upward positive buzz” already felt by many in the sector will continue to grow as the economic challenges of 2023 ease off.

Coinslot: This year’s is an important EAG with an enthusiastic air of expectation. What are you – and the industry in general – hoping to get from January’s show?

John A Stergides: We agree there is an enthusiastic air of optimism for the EAG 2024 show this year, and being a bit later in the month (and without tube strikes) will also help. We hope, like previous years, there will be a good attendance domestically and from abroad. We look forward to seeing everyone again as we display improvements to successful lines but also launch some new products for the season ahead.

We hope like most exhibitors, operators will be excited at the products on display as they plan for the coming season, but importantly that the upward positive buzz continues as the leisure industry grows.

Coinslot: Looking ahead to the three days, there will be a lot of emphasis on new launches at ExCeL. Can you give us an idea of what new innovations the visitors will be seeing on your stand next week?

John A Stergides: We will have a number of new launches but also existing successful lines on display. Firstly, we will have the latest Dance Dance Revolution from Konami – DDRA20 Plus. There is a very limited production, and it will have some exciting licences from Ariana Grande, David Guetta and more. Konami and DDR are synonymous for being the best dancing machines that last the test of time.

We’ll also be showing the latest Stern Pinball; Jaws. It’s a very exciting title based on the successful franchise and has eagerly been anticipated for some time. We will also show the latest development with Ace Gaming Cat C /B4 digital gaming, along with the Bar X Tablet system with the Roulette feature.

Finally, alongside a couple other surprises, there will be a new Bar X for the ticket redemption range.

Coinslot: We obviously expect to see your best sellers and the reliable favourites on display? What products were pulling up the trees during 2023 and how did they perform in venues last year?

John A Stergides: For 2023, Magic 7 Key and – in particular – Rocket Launch were very popular, and are still going strong as they missed a part of the season due to factory delays.

However, these are now going from strength to strength alongside other key products like the Skill Shooter, the Mr Do Air Balls and Space Rocks.

Also there was a growing popularity for pinballs in 2023, as operators look for something new to draw in new audiences and continue to provide that unique amusement experience only found at FEC, bowling venues etc.

Coinslot: Hopefully we’ve got a good run at trading this year, in terms of product and development, what’s your focus in the coming months?

John A Stergides: Reinforcing the current successful lines of product, but also promoting the new products that have tested well. We are constantly developing new products and ideas as we continue ‘Expanding the world of play.’

Coinslot: Finally, two quickies: what do you need from the government’s gambling review, or indeed from their general policies this year? And, on a scale of 1 to 5, rate your confidence in the market/economy for the year ahead and what shaped that score?

John A Stergides: Hopefully they push ahead; that will allow the industry to grow with new ideas. Although, if a new government is elected this could delay any long overdue changes, but hopefully any changes made will be to the benefit of the whole industry and not just a select area.

I would say 4-5, as in the previous years, we have had to contend with pandemics/closures, wars, energy price increases, higher interest rates, the cost of living crisis, so having managed to steer through those, hopefully in the year ahead they will reduce/be less impactful, and we can look positively to the coming season.

Coinslot – January 12th – January 18th 2024 – Issue 2871 – Page 50