Gaming Standards Association's New Game-to-System (G2S) Protocol Development Milestones

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gaming Standards Association announced today that progress on its new Game-to-System (G2S) protocol has been efficient and steady, and that its Merger Workgroup, a sub-group of GSA's G2S Committee (formerly known as the BOB Committee), has reached consensus on three substantial development points. Reaching consensus is critical, because it has created the platform on which G2S will be based. In the coming months, the G2S Committee will review the workgroup's efforts, enhancing them and working toward approval of the new G2S standard.

Jim Morrow, VP of Advanced Development, Bally Gaming and Systems , who serves on the workgroup, said, "While we are not yet finished, we have reached consensus on three major issues that distinguish G2S over BOB and SuperSAS(TM)."

The merger workgroup consists of three types of experts: GSA members with expertise in the BOB protocol, IGT specialists in SuperSAS(TM) and game and system developers who have worked on implementing one or both protocols.

With the first point of consensus, the group has defined a composite meter model that embraces a "flat" methodology combined with a "hierarchical" method enhancing extensibility. "Flat" means that a host can readily get to any meter needed, and the hierarchical addition allows a great deal of forward-flexibility without modification of existing hosts.

Second, where BOB was "state-based" technology, G2S encompasses state-information and adds SuperSAS(TM) event-based technology. The addition of the event-based technology allows the user (host) to ask for a customizable sub-set of relevant data in compact, rapidly communicated form.

Third, and new to G2S, is an element that existed neither in BOB nor in SuperSAS(TM); the inclusion of a Slot Machine Interface Board (SMIB), in the G2S architecture. G2S recognizes that there is value in a separate player tracking component; therefore, G2S makes an allowance for retaining a separate SMIB in a slot machine and will include messaging to support such.

Representatives from GSA will attend this month's ICE tradeshow in London, where they will be available to discuss G2S in greater detail. GSA will be in stand #3026.

Morrow said, "We have not crossed the T's or dotted the I's, but it is hugely important that we have reached consensus on these issues. A great deal of work remains. We thank all our participating member companies for their efforts so far and encourage all GSA members to participate."

The workgroup now plans to focus on the details. After a complete rewrite of various sections of the protocol and their accompanying schemas, as well as the proposed extensions to GSA's protocols, it will allow the group to move into the production phase.

About the Gaming Standards Association (GSA): The Gaming Standards Association (GSA) is an international trade association representing gaming manufacturers, suppliers, operators and regulators. We facilitate the identification, definition, development, promotion, and implementation of open standards to enable innovation, education, and communication for the benefit of the entire industry. Since its incorporation on May 6, 1998, GSA has members representing a wide cross section of the global gaming industry. Platinum members include Aristocrat Technologies Inc.; Atronic Americas LLC; Bally Gaming and Systems (AGI); E-Genting Holdings Sdn Bhd; FutureLogic, Inc; Harrah's Entertainment (HET); International Game Technology (IGT); Konami Gaming Inc.; Mars Electronics International; Multimedia Games, Inc. (MGAM); Progressive Gaming International Corporation (PGIC); Rocket Gaming Systems; Seminole Tribe of Florida; and WMS Gaming Inc. (WMS). Other members include: 3M Touch Systems (MMM); AGMMA -- Australasian Gaming Machine Manufacturers Association; Alliance Gaming Services; American Gaming Systems; Aruze Gaming America, Inc.; Atronic Systems; Belatra Co., Ltd.; BMM North America; Cadillac Jack; CashCode Company Inc.; Casino Technology; Dakota Nation Gaming Enterprise; Detroit Entertainment, LLC; Euro Games Technology; Flint & K, Inc.; Foxwoods Resort Casino; Friedberg & Associates; GameLogic, Inc.; Gamey Industries; Gaming Consultants International; Gaming Laboratories International, Inc; Giesecke & Devrient; GGS-US LTD; Global Payment Technologies Inc. (GPTX); GTECH Corporation (GTK); Himecs Co, Ltd.; Holland Casino; Hotel Technology Next Generation; Hyatt Gaming Services, LLC; Integrity Gaming, Inc.; Intralot S.A. (INLr.AT); JCM American Corporation; Kare Technology; Money Controls; Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL); Nick Farley & Associates; NRT Technology Corporation; Octavian International, Ltd.; Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation; Penn National Gaming, Inc.; Quest Entertainment, Inc: Radical Blue Gaming, Inc.; Renaissance Casino Solutions, Inc.; Revive Partners, LLC; R. Franco USA; Sankyo Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd.; Scientific Games (SGMS); Shuffle Master, Inc.(SHFL); Summit Amusement & Distributing, Ltd.; Transact Technologies (TACT); Unidesa Gaming & Systems; UNLV International Gaming Institute; Video Gaming Technologies, Inc; and Viejas Casino. For more information, visit http://www.gamingstandards.com/.