Expansion of COVID-19 Countermeasure Functions and Web-Based Information Services

「Against this market backdrop, in the information systems business, we regard the recovery of pachinko hall operating performance to pre-COVID-19 levels as our highest priority. We will create an environment in which fans can play with peace of mind, promote the adoption of our hall computer systems to improve the operating performance of pachinko hall operators, and realize management support services based on floor operations run by small hall staffs and market analysis services intended to attract customers to pachinko halls.」

「Against this market backdrop, in the information systems business, we strengthened proposals for using the AI hall computer “X (Kai)” and promoted system upgrades replacing existing hall computers. For information display terminals for fans, we added a function that clearly communicates to players countdown data showing the time remaining until Yū Time is activated, and worked to expand sales. In the pachinko hall management support services business, a subscription-based business, we promoted the adoption of the market-area analysis service “Market-SIS,” which provides customer-attraction conditions in surrounding areas. We also released two new services: the cloud-based chain-store management system “ClarisLink” and the web-based admission lottery service “Smart Admission System,” which enables advance reservations for gaming machines, a first for the industry.」

「As measures against infectious diseases and to reduce staffing, the introduction of the POS system “One-Stop Self-Service Counter,” which enables one-stop processing from settling prepaid-card balances through prize exchange without the involvement of hall staff, also progressed steadily.」

「In the information systems business, we promoted adoption of “Ｍａｒｋｅｔ－ＳＩＳ,” a trade-area analysis service providing visitor-attraction conditions in surrounding areas, and conducted proposal activities for the “one-stop self-service counter,” which enables customers to complete the entire process from settling prepaid-card balances to exchanging prizes without assistance from hall staff, as measures against infectious diseases and labor-saving measures.」

「・Developed a “Self-Service Meal Break” function so users can take meal breaks easily without calling hall staff. ・Expanded data-display functions compatible with the diverse game mechanics and functions of Yū Time machines, enabling users to choose machines more easily. ・Improved facial-image recognition accuracy for masked users in response to mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic.」

「In addition to adding a new function to information terminals for fans that allows them to see at a glance the cleaning and disinfection status as part of infectious disease countermeasures at pachinko halls during the COVID-19 pandemic, we released new functions for the self-service counter POS system, which enables contactless service and reduced staffing and labor by allowing fans and hall staff to avoid direct contact. These functions contribute to improving convenience for fans. The business will continue working to strengthen infectious disease countermeasures at pachinko halls.」

「The Company held the industry’s first online event, “MIRAIGATE 2020 Web Exhibition & Seminar,” attracting more than twice as many pachinko hall operators as in a typical year. The seminars proposed improvements that could enhance performance, including optimal data displays for pachinko machines equipped with “Yutai Time” and measures to address COVID-19 that would provide reassurance to fans.」

「Against this market backdrop, in the information systems business, we added a new function to the information display terminal screens installed above pachinko and pachislot machines at pachinko halls, allowing users to see at a glance the cleaning and disinfection status of the machines, chairs and other equipment as part of the measures against COVID-19. The function was intended both to create an environment in which fans could play with peace of mind and to improve the efficiency of hall staff operations, and we promoted the replacement of existing systems with our system. In the gaming machine market, machines featuring new game mechanics, including “Yū Time,” were launched, and we added content that clearly explains those mechanics to players (fans). In addition, while business and promotional activities were restricted by requests to refrain from going out, we held 5 DK-SIS seminars online and provided companies operating pachinko halls with the latest information and advice on the efficient use of gaming machines.」