G2E – Where Pop Culture and Gambling Collide

By Admin | November 14, 2014 0 Comments

The Global Gaming Expo – better known as G2E – held its 14^th annual edition of the trade show and conference in Las Vegas this past September and October, bringing together fans, celebrities and industry leaders in gaming, entertainment, hospitality, food and beverage.

 

The show floor at the Sands Expo and Convention Center featured over 480 exhibitors from 32 countries in more than 294,000-square-feet of exhibit space—nearly 3 percent larger than last year’s show and the largest show floor since 2008. G2E 2014 was double the size of the inaugural event in 2001.

 

Along with an opportunity for gaming professionals to meet and mingle with industry leaders, the big news was the continuation of entertainment-themed slot machines.

 

Among the brand new machines that were on display before being placed in gaming venues…

 

            

“The Ellen DeGeneres Show”

Slot manufacturer IGT actually worked hand-in-hand with the writers and producers of the popular talk show to create a game that incorporates some of Ellen’s most popular segments. IGT revealed the Ellen DeGeneres Show Video Slots with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by IGT CEO Patti Hart, a special video message from Ms. DeGeneres and a performance by Strip headliners Jabbawockeez.

 

 

“Mad Men”

“Mad Men” creator Matthew Weiner came to G2E to share his insight on branding and to play the WMS slot machine based off of his award-winning television series.

 

 

“Sons of Anarchy”

The motorcycle gang makes its debut in casinos thanks to Aristocrat Technologies – which developed a new cluster technology for jackpots that could shape the way people play slots in the future.

 

 

“Big Bang Theory”

Sheldon and the gang will be larger than life on the casino floor in a new game that co-premiered with the “Behemoth” – an 84-inch portrait monitor that’s the largest cabinet ever designed in the casino industry.

 

 

“Friends”

On the 20th anniversary of the iconic sitcom’s debut, Bally Technologies brought Joey, Chandler, Monica, Rachel, Phoebe and Ross to the gaming world with an interactive slot machine that includes clips from the show. The Central Perk couch also made an appearance at G2E.

 

 

Britney Spears

Britney did it again. Players are immersed in a towering curved screen that plays her favorite hits and most popular music videos.

 

 

“Ted”

The slot machine captures Seth McFarlane’s raunchy blockbuster movie with characteristic bite and dark humor.

 

 

 

Yes, the cult classic phenomenon officially makes its debut in casinos with a game developed by Konami Gaming.

 

 

“Austin Powers”

The groovy swinging international man of mystery will be introduced to casino floors in a new pinball style gaming machine.

 

 

“Duck Dynasty”

The sole reality TV show to be featured in a new game at G2E showcases the gritty duck hunters from Louisiana.

 

Photo: Bally Technologies

 

“Wonder Woman”

The iconic star of the hit 1970s series, Lynda Carter, introduced two brand-new Bally Technologies slot machines: Wonder Woman Wild and Wonder Woman Gold at G2E.

 

G2E also featured conversations with industry leaders such as Sheldon Adelson (Sands Corporation), Thomas Graf (Novomatic AG), Patti Hart (IGT), Jim Murren (MGM Resorts International), Jamie Odell (Aristocrat Leisure) and Steve Wynn. The G2E 2014 education program featured 175 speakers sharing their expert knowledge during 68 seminars.

 

“We’re thrilled to bring together an impressive group of industry leaders who have helped to lead the growth of our industry into the economic engine it is today,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the American Gaming Association.

 

Topics discussed included skill-based gaming trends, consumer behavior, capturing the millennial customer, big data and cyber security.

 

This year, in partnership with the Nevada Hotel and Lodging Association, G2E introduced its inaugural Hotel Conference which covered the latest trends in revenue management and technology while spotlighting non-gaming amenities, products and services.

 

F&B at G2E showcased food, beverage and services to help executives enhance their menus and create the ultimate dining experience for venues that offer gaming. Over 15 suppliers and distributors offered samples in the Fine Wines & Cocktails Ultra Lounge which was sponsored by Southern Wine & Spirits of America. The Sysco Pavilion and Beverage Showcase featured more than 60 distributors of the hottest new trends and products.

 

The Entertainment Arena at G2E highlighted the importance of entertainment as a critical and growing non-gaming amenity within the industry. It also included manufacturers of the latest in professional audio and lighting, staging and projection/video products as well as entertainment agents, promoters, independent producers, production companies, touring artists and attractions. Abbamania, Night Fever and The Bombshells Burlesque were among the entertainers seen on stage and walking the floor.

 

Organized by the American Gaming Association and Reed Exhibitions, G2E debuted in 2001 as the first gaming trade show and conference designed “by the industry, for the industry.”

 

By Debbie Hall

Debbie Hall has lived in Las Vegas for more than 35 years and is an expert on food, the arts, shopping, attractions and entertainment in Southern Nevada. She writes for Las Vegas Woman, Sunseeker, Veterans Reporters News and provides digital content for Informer Media Group, CBS Las Vegas and the Examiner.

Twitter: @DangerousDeb

Facebook: DangerousDebbie

Email: cmediacom@gmail.com