In Touch With the Trends - Interview with Eurocoin's Steve Smith

Steve Smith, European Sales Director, has been with Eurocoin since 1991, bringing extensive expertise in the gaming industry and overseeing the technical development of the company's displays. We caught up with him to find out more about the future of touchscreen technology. 

Q: How has the popularity of touchscreen monitors changed in the gaming sector over the past five years?

A: Touchscreen monitors have seen a significant rise in popularity in the gaming sector over the past five years. The adoption of larger screens has become more prevalent, with sizes extending up to 49 inches. These larger touchscreen monitors are being integrated more frequently, enhancing the gaming experience.

Q: What are the latest technological advancements in touchscreen monitor technology for gaming?

A: Recent advancements in touchscreen monitor technology for gaming include the development of curved screens and large format displays. While five years ago, the standard sizes were 21.5 inches and 23.8 inches, today, the norm has shifted to 27 inches and 32 inches. These advancements provide a more immersive and visually appealing experience for gamers.

Q: How easily can touchscreen monitors be integrated with existing gaming systems and software?

A: Integrating touchscreen monitors with existing gaming systems and software has become very straightforward. With the introduction of Projected Capacitive Touch (PCT) technology, there is no longer a need for additional drivers to be installed. This plug-and-play capability simplifies the integration process significantly.

Q: To what extent can touchscreen monitors be customized to fit specific gaming applications or branding requirements?

A: Touchscreen monitors offer extensive customization options to fit specific gaming applications and branding requirements. Customizations can include integrating cameras for age verification, adding company logos, designing round or curved edges, and choosing between open frame or fully encased designs with LED attract modes. This flexibility allows for a highly tailored gaming setup.

Q: What are the common issues related to the maintenance of touchscreen monitors in gaming environments, and how can operators overcome them?

A: Maintenance issues for touchscreen monitors in gaming environments are minimal. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth is typically sufficient to keep the screens in good condition. This ease of maintenance ensures that operators can keep the monitors functioning smoothly with minimal effort.

Q: What future trends are anticipated for touchscreen monitors in the gaming sector over the next five years?

A: Future trends in the gaming sector for touchscreen monitors are leaning towards larger screen sizes, whether curved or flat. Bigger screens are becoming more desirable, and the inclusion of LED lighting to attract players when games are not in use is becoming more common. These trends suggest a move towards more visually striking and engaging displays.

Q: How might emerging technologies like AR and VR influence the development of touchscreen monitors for gaming?

A: Emerging technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are poised to significantly influence the development of touchscreen monitors for gaming. These technologies offer new dimensions of interactivity and immersion that can enhance gaming experiences in unprecedented ways.

For example, enhanced interactivity might see Touchscreen monitors equipped with AR capabilities, allowing digital elements to overlay the physical gaming environment. This can create a more interactive and engaging experience, as players can manipulate both virtual and physical objects seamlessly.

Although VR traditionally involves headsets, integrating VR elements into touchscreen monitors can provide a mixed-reality experience. This could involve touch-sensitive controls within a VR interface, offering a more tactile and intuitive interaction for gamers.

To support the visual demands of AR and VR, touchscreen monitors will likely continue to evolve towards higher resolutions (such as 8K) and faster refresh rates. This ensures smooth, lifelike visuals that are critical for immersive gaming experiences. Enhanced touch sensitivity will be crucial for precise control and interaction within AR and VR environments. This can lead to more accurate and responsive gameplay, which is vital for competitive gaming.

The development of curved and flexible touchscreen monitors can provide a more enveloping field of view, enhancing the sense of immersion in AR and VR games. These innovative form factors can adapt to various gaming setups and preferences. In addition, transparent touchscreen monitors could allow gamers to see both the virtual world and their physical surroundings simultaneously. This can be particularly beneficial for AR applications, blending digital content with the real world – however it could create issues on the gaming floor environment providing interesting challenges with player interaction.

There are of course always potential challenges with incorporating these technologies into the gaming environment which will need to be considered such as cost of implementation and the rigorous licensing conditions demanded by regulators. Ensuring that touchscreen monitors can handle the demanding requirements of AR and VR without significantly increasing costs will be a key consideration. Balancing performance with affordability will be crucial for widespread adoption.

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1 August 2024

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