Konami Launches Nevada’s First Primary Skill-based Game to Market
Konami Gaming, Inc. announced the world premiere of its Frogger: Get Hoppin’ skill-based casino game inside MGM Grand’s LEVEL UP entertainment lounge in Las Vegas. Konami is the first manufacturer authorized for field trials under the Nevada Gaming Control Board’s New Innovation Beta (NIB) program, and the first to introduce skill-based gaming as the primary game play to the Nevada market for players to enjoy. The game’s world premiere was marked by a competition on February 18 and 19 in which participants played to earn high scores and become the world’s first Frogger: Get Hoppin’™ champion. Over the two days, hundreds of competitors arrived to the event to navigate Frogger® through the road and river crossing course toward increasing scores and potential cash prizes.
“Considering Konami’s extensive heritage in consumer arcade and video game entertainment, we’re excited to bring that creativity and technology to the gaming industry in new ways and help pioneer the development of next generation gaming product,” said Tom Jingoli, executive vice president & chief commercial officer at Konami Gaming, Inc. “Thanks to the Nevada Gaming Control Board and the New Innovation Beta program, unique developments like Frogger: Get Hoppin’ can gather and react to early feedback—strengthening success for consumers, operators, and developers alike.”
Frogger: Get Hoppin’ is Konami’s first skill-based game development to arrive to casinos, and was among several next generation gaming concepts presented by the company last fall during the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Las Vegas. For a $2 entry wager, the game gives players the chance to win random cash awards and earn true skill-based cash awards. Top scores are recorded on daily and all time Hall of Fame leaderboard displays.
“We’re very pleased with the response we’ve seen to Frogger: Get Hoppin’. Throughout the trial and competition event an entire spectrum of player types have tried the game, but by far the largest audiences represented were those not traditionally engaged in gaming activities at the casino,” said Jingoli. “As this emerging sector continues to expand, players can look forward to connecting with new forms of gaming entertainment that reinforce their interests and social preferences.”
For more information about Konami Gaming, Inc., please visit www.konamigaming.com
About Konami Gaming, Inc.
Konami Gaming, Inc. is a Las Vegas-based subsidiary of KONAMI HOLDINGS CORPORATION (TSE: 9766). The company is a leading designer and manufacturer of slot machines and casino management systems for the global gaming market. For more information about Konami Gaming, Inc. or the SYNKROS gaming enterprise management system, please visit www.konamigaming.com.
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About LEVEL UP
Changing the way Las Vegas views lounge entertainment, LEVEL UP presents a new era in interactive, skill-based fun. Located inside MGM Grand between Hakkasan Nightclub and the MGM Grand Race and Sports Book, the tech savvy, adult playground features pay-to-play offerings in a social atmosphere, designed not only to attract the next generation of players, but existing players seeking innovation. The exciting new ‘place to play’ concept offers an extensive selection of traditional activities all while putting an inventive twist on the latest in peer-to-peer experiences. In addition to the next level entertainment, the 12,000-square-foot venue features the “Live Lucky Bar” offering a variety of craft beers and specialty cocktails, a live DJ, and endless entertainment across the multiple screens on display. For more information please visit leveluplv.com. Guests can also find LEVEL UP on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Guests must be 21 years or older.
About MGM Grand
MGM Grand Hotel & Casino is “The Entertainment Authority,” creating the ultimate Las Vegas experience. A variety of accommodations serve every need while guests discover signature dining by celebrity chefs including Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak, Michael Mina’s PUB 1842, Wolfgang Puck’s Bar & Grill, Michelin three star restaurant Joël Robuchon and Morimoto Las Vegas. In addition to a pampering spa and salon and an elaborate 380,000-square-foot conference center, the resort offers a wide-range of world-class entertainment at the Grand Garden Arena; the epic KÀ by Cirque du Soleil; world-famous dance crew Jabbawockeez; master illusionist David Copperfield; Topgolf Las Vegas; Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club; and Hakkasan Las Vegas. MGM Grand is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information and reservations, visit mgmgrand.com, call toll free at (877) 880-0880 or find us on Facebook and Twitter or follow our blog.