First revelations of a major development in the video amusement scene that will see the implementation of an independent tournament network to offer a brand new revenue stream to the changing cashbox of amusement operators. The need for an independent Amusement Tournament System (ATS) has been seen in the confusion and complication that exists with a multitude of ‘manufacturer only' systems that offer different levels of support. A concern for many operators is that confidential information on machine utilisation (and indirectly site operation) is being accumulated. News that some manufacturers are turning to direct sales and even operation of their tournament enabled machines adding to this concern. The ATS has been developed by amusement professionals to address the needs of the operators, with no hidden agenda to take control. The system is totally configurable so that an operator can bite as much as they are prepared to chew in experiencing the considerable revenue generation, that a tournament enabled amusement machine (and facility) have to offer – multiple machines all through a single service.
‘Tournament Upgrade'
With a open infrastructure, with total transparency to the operator and the manufacturers that support the ATS, this system will mark a new direction in tournament prize based video amusement gaming that could see any style of game that incorporates a high-score being configured to support connectivity and ATS adoption. Plans are being discussed that already distributed machines following a simple upgrade could be enabled to support prize tournament capability offering a brand new avenue for operators, distributors and manufacturers.
‘Independent Tournament'
For the video amusement manufacturing sector the ability to compete with the complexity and expense of other systems has proven restrictive. With the launch of an independent infrastructure which has been developed to offer the best possible support and operational characteristics has found an immense support from developers of the latest amusement titles. When launched later this year the ATS will be announcing partnerships with an impressive list of 3rd- Party Manufacturers.
‘Operator Friendly'
For the first time this independent infrastructure will be configurable for the operator to allow this deployment of tournament enabled hardware in their site to grow with their audiences' interest. The technology has been built by a respected cabinet and games manufacturer who has built a package that can start as an individual enabled system run by the operator, and then expand into a full tournament package including separate terminals for registration and utilizes the online prize payout feature.
‘Dedicated Prize Payout'
The promise of simplistic prize payout for this network tournament infrastructure has proven an important issue in recent weeks concerning manufacturer run services. The ATS is the first online based prize tournament system that will deploy payment through a number of respected online payment services. The simplicity of creating a players account, and then managing the accrued prize payments will mark out the independent ATS with players and the repeat attendance for operators.
‘Deployment into the Market'
The official announcement of the ATS and its first adopters is hoped to be made before the end of September, with examples of the system working on display at the amusement industries showcase event AMOA '05 in Las Vegas.
SOURCE: KWP Limited Press Release.
