GameCo Inc., the company behind the Video Game Gambling Machine (VGM™), has announced that it has entered into a license agreement with BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc..
This will see the companies work together to develop a skill-based gambling video game based on the fighting game ‘SOULCALIBUR™ II’. Complex Magazine ranked it as one of the best fighting games of all time, and this is the third edition following the initial release back in 1995.
The GameCo SOULCALIBUR™ skill-based video game gambling machine is expected to debut in casinos in late 2017.
The game will be short and sharp and take approximately 45 to 60 seconds to play, the aim is to retain the feel of the classic version of the game but adapt it to the extent that it’s easy enough for casual gamers to pick up and play.
Blaine Graboyes, Co-Founder and CEO of GameCo commented: “We’re excited to collaborate with BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. to bring this highly regarded classic fighting video game for the GameCo VGM experience.
“We are focused on developing entirely new gaming entertainment experiences that enable casino operators to evolve their gaming floor with products that engage current players and simultaneously attract new players. Our VGMs combine the engagement of playing video games with the excitement of gambling to develop new immersive offerings that help casinos generate critical incremental revenue.”
Yoshiyasu Horiuchi, Executive Officer, AM Business Unit, of BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc noted: “SOULCALIBUR™ is a fan-favorite among video game enthusiasts, and we’re excited to bring the franchise to casino floors, where we can present the brand in a completely new environment with GameCo’s revolutionary VGMs.”
Throughout 2017, GameCo plans to release a further 10 new VGM titles, including games under license from other major game developers and entertainment IP companies.
Its VGMs went live on casino floors in Atlantic City in 2016 and since then, the company has moved into its second gaming jurisdiction in the U.S. at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut. The company is also actively pursuing opportunities across the world in various regions including Europe, South America, and Asia.
Esports Insider says: Having tried one of the VGMs ourselves we’re big believers in the GameCo VGM’s potential to bring some much needed excitement to casino floors. This deal with BANDAI is evidence of the company’s ambition and potential. We’ll be hearing a lot more from GameCo as 2017 rumbles on.