While it still releases new entries in its Pro Evolution Soccer series on an annual basis, Konami otherwise has shown little interest in creating traditional video games. Instead of creating new entries in its beloved franchises, it has leveraged its IP to expand its reach in the gambling market, with the much-lamented Metal Gear Solid Pachinko machine being one of the most infamous examples. Now, just in time for Halloween, Konami has pulled the curtain back on its next gambling project - a Silent Hill-themed slot machine.
Konami will be showcasing its Silent Hill slot machine at Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas from October 15 to October 17. The Silent Hill slot machine is called Silent Hill Escape, and it boasts a 49-inch "J" curve display in 4K Ultra HD, according to a report by Yahoo Finance. Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Konami Gaming, Inc., Tom Jingoli, had this to say about the Silent Hill slot machine:
"Konami's aim is empowering operators with exceptional entertainment to reach and engage today's players and beyond. We are actively leveraging a combination of top technology, talent, design, and development to deliver a host of new products at this year's event, through the immediate years to come."
Like with the poorly-received Metal Gear Solid Pachinko machine, it's likely that fans will not be happy about the Silent Hill slot machine. After all, Konami has outright ignored the Silent Hill series in recent years, having failed to release a new entry since 2012's Silent Hill: Downpour. Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima attempted to revive the franchise with the ambitious Silent Hills, but Konami infamously canceled the project and sent Kojima packing.
While some may be scratching their heads as to why Konami has almost abandoned traditional video games entirely, it makes sense from a business standpoint. Konami has made a lot of money with its gambling machines, and it stands to appeal to an even larger crowd by pairing its machines with its well-known IP like Metal Gear Solid and Silent Hill.
Konami renewed the Silent Hill trademark earlier this year, which gave some fans hope that a new game may be in the development. While it's possible that a new Silent Hill is indeed in the works, Konami needs the trademark for things like this slot machine, so fans shouldn't get their hopes up.
Source: Yahoo Finance