Ha, Star Ocean
[Update: Square Enix has issued a coy statement saying it will not deploy pachislot machines, but some signs point to the fact that Lord of Vermillionis still going to get them anyway.]
These days Japanese publishers are looking for ways to diversify, whether it’s in the mobile or gambling arena. Following in the footsteps of Konami and several other companies, Square Enix is reportedly going to join in on the pachislot business. According to a leaflet that has been spotted in Japan, the Star Oceanseries and Lord of Vermilionare going to be the first machines.
Having been to Japan last year for TGS and actually played these things, I find the culture fascinating. I read some literature on these establishments before going, spoke to some locals about parlors, and continued to read about them after I left. Whatever your stance is on gambling and pachinko/slots in general, it isn’t going away anytime soon.
Square Enix [Hachima via Siliconera]