Overview

International Game Technology (IGT), the world’s largest casino gaming machine manufacturer, began its partnership with PureDepth^® in 2006. IGT was looking for a product that would deliver a new and exciting visual experience that players would love and competitors would be unable to duplicate.

PureDepth^® introduced IGT to its patented Multi-Layer Display™ (MLD^®) technology, which gives players and casino managers more customizable and visually-stunning gaming options than ever before.

Today, IGT uses commercial MLD^® technology in nearly 70 REELdepth™ gaming machines, including many of its top-performing titles, in over 500 properties worldwide. PureDepth^® has helped IGT make its gaming products more fun and interactive, increase consumer enjoyment, earn more money from its machines, and solidify its position as a leader in the gaming industry.

REELdepth machines were named 2009 Lottery Product of the Year by the Public Gaming Research Institute and were named to Casino Journal’s list of the Top 20 Most Innovative Gaming Technology Products for 2008. IGT continues develop new gaming machines using MLD^® technology.

The Challenge

While slot machines have remained very profitable over the years, advances in slot machine technologies have been few and far between. Until recently, if a casino wanted to update or alter a game – say, by changing betting limits, or by changing fruit symbols to cars to tie in with a local NASCAR race – employees would be required to manually close out meters, replace pay table glass, switch game software, convert reel strips, button panels and inserts, and even physically remove the machines themselves.

IGT was searching for a way to give consumers and casino managers more control over the gaming experience. Thanks to PureDepth^®’s MLD^® technology, IGT’s machines now offer:

• The ability to digitally mimic the conventional mechanical-wheel slot machines beloved by many slot players. This is a significant achievement, as mechanical machines are not allowed in many U.S. locations
• The flexibility to easily switch configurations from slots to non-traditional slot games like video poker
• The ability to allow players to select and play various games on a single machine
• Server-based control of machines, allowing casinos to remotely change wagers, games or game content
• The presentation of depth-fused content with near-3D video images without special glasses or viewer discomfort

Partnership History

Initially, IGT commissioned PureDepth^® to supply 22-inch prototypes for testing viewer comfort, optical performance and visual impact. Following further testing, a technology licensing agreement was signed in September 2006, giving IGT an exclusive license in the market for five years.

After a hugely successful field trial of 25 units in casinos over the course of three months, IGT and PureDepth^® jointly designed a 20.1-inch MLD^® product that was first displayed at the Global Gaming Exposition (G2E) in Las Vegas in November 2007. With PureDepth^® as the exclusive provider of the interstitial component used in IGT’s MLD^® machines, mass production commenced in June 2008 with the official launch of its REELdepth line of slot machines.

MLD^® has become such a critical component of IGT’s strategy and success that a ten-year extension of exclusivity with PureDepth^® was negotiated in September 2008.

Today, IGT offers more than 70 REELdepth video slots using MLD^® technology. The games are available in over 500 properties worldwide (the largest number being in North America), where they have increased average playing time per customer, boosted profitability and won several industry awards.

Future Collaboration

And, more games are in the works. PureDepth^® has recently provided IGT with content development training, which the company believes will further enhance IGT’s product offerings and allow for more efficient MLD^® content development. IGT continues to commit research and development resources to MLD^® products.