The German gaming machine industry can achieve a “fair chance for the future” despite facing mounting political pressure, it has been claimed.
Ahead of the IMA show in Düsseldorf next month, Berlin-based AWP manufacturer Bally Wulff has suggested that there could be a positive outcome to negotiations between the industry and Germany’s Länder, or states.
The authorities are seeking to curb the expansion of the country’s arcades by amending regulations to prevent the grouping of multiple licences that has seen the emergence of large arcades housing hundreds of machines, while also imposing other conditions relating to machines themselves.
This has raised concern among operators and manufacturers and is sure to be a topic of conversation at the show.
"We are certain, however, that, both by legal and mostly by political means, we will be able to secure a fair chance for the future," said Bally Wulff head of marketing Francesco Vescio (pictured). "Certification is exactly the approach to re-establish confidence in political circles. Although we may have grown attached to them, we must leave our well-trodden paths. The task is to take active part in shaping the future and to present concepts that can serve as a basis for discussions. With the participation of our industry, scientific/preventive and political circles, we want to promote a games arcade of the future offering comprehensive player protection and [that] is economically viable."
The company expects IMA to provide generally positive signals and a sense of optimism.
"We will make a decisive contribution with our products,” he continued. “Therefore, we are looking forward to Düsseldorf, a large number of trade visitors and many interesting talks to present our novelties as well as the perspectives our leisure products offer.”
IMA is taking place on January 14-17.
The January issue of InterGame will include an in-depth report on the market in Germany.
