Interviews
Evoplay Entertainment: “ICE is one of the year’s hottest fixtures – you’d be hard-pressed to find another event with so many operators and suppliers under one roof!”
We caught up with some of our favourite Eastern European suppliers to get the low down on what they’ll be bringing to the show this year.
Next up is Ivan Kravchuk, CEO of Evoplay Entertainment
Another year, another ICE! What’s Evoplay Entertainment excited about this year?
ICE is one of the year’s hottest fixtures – you’d be hard-pressed to find another event with so many operators and suppliers under one roof. No doubt, this year as ever will prove to be crammed with fantastic business opportunities, highlight announcements, a million new trends, and of course my personal favourite … the latest tech!
Anything in particular we can look forward to at the Evoplay Entertainment stand?
Our founding goal has been to revolutionise gaming development with some of the best tech innovation that’s out there, and when it comes to our stand, I can promise you this year will be no different.
We’ll be kicking off with our 2020 portfolio, which has some fantastically engaging games that I’m excited to be showcasing. However, our main fixture that will grab the limelight will no doubt be Dungeon: Immortal Evil. As the industry’s first RPG (think first-person adventure) slot, we’ve had to start from scratch when it comes to building it from the ground up. Everything from design to the game’s mechanics – it has literally been a labour of love for our stellar development team, and I’m absolutely blown away with the result.
We’ve designed this game to give our operators a serious leading edge when it comes to capturing the attention of the millennial generation. The latest generation of customer is looking content not only for them – but also action-packed gaming that can be shared across their online communities; from streaming on Twitch to sharing on TikTok. Smartphones lie at the core of this gaming community ecosystem, and the next 10 years are going to be all about mobile-adaptive content.
We’re seeing an ever-growing list of CEE companies getting in on the action at ICE – what’s your take?
I’m not exaggerating when I say that CEE is now moving as fast as Silicon Valley. From Estonia to Ukraine, the region is crammed with fast-growing start-ups, groundbreaking new tech – and of course, some truly bright minds. The level of technical education at the majority of CEE universities is outstanding, and our talent pool is arguably one of the world’s best. We’re proud to be part of such an exciting, fast growing region.
And for the show – any predictions for hottest topics?
When it comes to slots, I expect it to be all about merging the lines between gaming and entertainment. In such a competitive market, it’s imperative to capture the user’s attention as quickly as possible. We can see the same outside of our industry with the current showdown between Netflix and HBO as they battle it out to offer the best content; and the same will no doubt happen in our industry. The US slots market, which is in many ways still untapped, is also going to be hot this year – and I’m very much looking forward to talking to our partners about their business roadmaps and vision for the market.
Any advice for first-timers?
Everyone will tell you about the importance of networking – but I think ICE offers far more than this. The speaking tracks are always fantastically educational, and I’d advise first-timers to look at taking advantage of the wealth of information on offer; especially when it comes to exploring trends outside of your gaming vertical.
With 10 sectors available I would advise my industry friends to think outside the box and learn something new and evaluate how it can benefit from your product or solution. Knowledge after all, is power!
Interviews
Peter & Sons- Maths and Mechanics
Behind every stellar online slot is an equally stellar maths model. These are becoming more experimental as the industry flirts with an increasing array of innovative new mechanics. We spoke to Pablo Martinez, Math/Design Lead and Founder at maverick game studio Peter & Sons to find out more.
Do you have to be a maths genius to build a slot machine?
Nah, you don’t need to be a maths genius. It’s more about having the right mix of skills and loving what you do. You need to play a lot of games, see what’s working out there, and understand what makes them fun. Knowing maths helps, sure, but it’s more about creating something players want to keep coming back to.
Peter & Sons is known for making games that dare to be different, visually and thematically. Is the underlying math equally experimental?
Definitely! We love pushing boundaries, both in how our games look and how they play. Sure, it’s a bit of a gamble to have a bunch of games with unique mechanics, but we’re all about trying new things. Games like Peter Hunter and our upcoming Muddy Waters are great examples — they bring fresh gameplay and new experiences to the table. Each year, we try to put out at least one or two experimental titles, keeping things interesting while mixing them with more familiar styles.
Do you come up with the maths model first and then build the game around that? Take us through the process of building the game from start to finish.
We usually start with an idea for the mechanics first. We make a quick prototype to see if the concept can work with the maths. Then we bring in the art team to brainstorm themes that will fit well. Once we have a basic prototype, we go through a bunch of tweaks and changes until the art, mechanics, and maths all feel right together. It’s a back-and-forth process where we’re constantly finetuning everything to get the best balance.
Why do you think a mechanic like Megaways was so successful?
Megaways took off because it’s a fun, exciting mechanic that gave players something fresh, but smart brand marketing really helped it catch on.
Is there pressure as a slots developer to come up with the ‘next’ Megaways?
Not really. Coming up with new mechanics is always fun, but it’s not the only way to make a hit. Plenty of top games are just clever twists on classic mechanics. It’s more about creating a great experience that keeps players coming back, whether it’s something brand new or just a fresh spin on something more familiar.
Which slots are more popular, high or low volatility, and why do you think that is?
It depends on the market, but in some unregulated markets — and especially with some operators — high-volatility slots are really popular. A big reason for this is streamers. High-volatility games make for exciting content, so they get a lot of attention and hype online. That thrill factor really draws players in.
Which is your favorite Peter & Sons mechanic and why?
Right now, I’d say the fishing mechanic in our upcoming game Muddy Waters. It’s a new twist on the fishing genre that really brings something fresh to the gameplay. It’s exciting to take a familiar theme and make it feel totally different.
Tell us about the mechanics in your latest release, Barbarossa Revenge.
Barbarossa Revenge is a pirate-themed, high-volatility game with 243 ways to win. It’s a DoubleMax game, meaning the multiplier doubles with each cascade. You’ve also got Multiplier Jumps and a Cashout feature that guarantees wins. During Free Spins, the multipliers don’t reset and can keep growing unlimited. With a max win potential of 30,000x the bet, this game is a real thrill!
Brazil
Gabriel Pinto, Infingame: The countdown is on for the Brazilian gold rush …
We’re only a few months away until the highly-anticipated Brazilian market launches, and it’s safe to say that the industry is on the edge of its seat waiting to see what lies ahead for the South American sleeping giant. But one company that is poised and ready to capitalise on the golden opportunities this market has to offer is Infingame.
Gabriel Pinto, Sales Manager at Infingame, outlines some of the recent developments taking place across Brazil as he discusses how Infingame is catering to the unique demands of players across the market.
Brazil’s regulated market is expected to officially launch on 1 January 2025. Now that we’re only a few months away, what are your overall expectations for the Brazilian gambling market once it is fully regulated? Where will the biggest opportunities be?
I think it’s an excellent move. For a start, the launch of Brazil’s regulated markets means that operators, suppliers and affiliates will be dedicated to protecting players under licensed market conditions. That includes fair play, responsible gaming and security – both in terms of transactions and technology. This, I believe, will help build consumer trust and participation in the market.
The regulation of the gaming sector in Brazil is also going to have hugely positive effects on job creation across Brazil. As we all know, this is an industry which has operated for quite some time – but the new legislation will help formalise various different sectors, including technology, customer service, marketing, commercial sales and much more.
Sportsbook, of course, is going to be massive, but I think many have overlooked just how exciting iGaming can be. So much of the retail-based heritage when it comes slots especially, is part of our culture already and has been for so many years. IGaming is really going to be the one to watch and given we’re one of the fastest-growing aggregation hubs in LatAm, we can’t wait to begin entertaining players in the regulated market.
Data has suggested that players in Brazil tend to prefer higher volatility verticals, such as slots. What motivates players to choose these games over others?
I think it all comes down to culture and history. We have a history of land-based gaming here in Brazil – for more than 100 years, we’ve had games in the street, card rooms, bingo, land-based machines. This is a sector which has become deeply ingrained in our culture.
As a result, I think slots have an air of familiarity among players. Players are aware of what slots involve, the various different games available to them, who the big-name developers are. I think that it is this affinity with the vertical that makes slots much more popular than other types of gambling products.
Players also understand that slots are a great form of entertainment – playing habits suggest that bettors across Brazil prefer low-stake, high volatility products, which reflect the fun nature of gaming when it comes to betting small and win big. They also create a sense of excitement that more traditional games might not manage.
Slots, in particular Fortune Tiger by PG Soft, have been incredibly popular with players. It really is a truly loved game here, and the title has become the go-to for many bettors – which isn’t necessarily the case in other markets around the world.
How do levels of engagement with high volatility games such as slots differ to that of live casino or table games?
Live casino is hugely popular with bettors across Brazil too! Over the last few years in particular, this vertical has absolutely boomed – and the reason for that is familiarity.
Slots have typically out-performed more traditional table games, but live casino is most certainly experiencing signifcant growth. The live casino suppliers that can effectively tailor their games to the local market – from featuring local, Brazilian croupiers to incorporating culturally-significant icons and designs – will reap the rewards of Brazil’s regulation.
At Infingame, we have a broad portfolio of games that have all been handpicked – our in-depth knowledge of each market means that we know each of the games on our platform will resonate with local players. We have spent a lot of time getting to know players, understanding what they like and what they don’t, what verticals perform well, the game designs that players enjoy – and everything else that comes with it.
With this in mind, are there specific game mechanics or themes that resonate more with Brazilian players? If so, why?
Anything with a local twist! We’ve seen a particular up-tick in football-themed casino games – this was a trend that was certainly prominent throughout the 2022 World Cup and the Copa America this year.
As a result, we’ve noticed that many operators are looking to include Brazilian themes within their slot offering, with many incorporating games that feature samba, football and local icons into their games. Of course, that makes perfect sense.
Another trend that we’ve noticed is that many operators are requesting exclusive, branded content to roll out to their players. They want slot titles and casino games that are developed specifically for their brand – be it joint ventures with game developers, or partnerships with local icons such as sports clubs.
I think that this is a trend that will continue long into 2025, as casinos look to make their mark on the local audience. Not only is it a great way to get your name out there, but it is also a much more cost-effective way to create a unique experience for your player base. Gambling is very much a commoditised industry; there is very little differentiation in the actual products and bonuses out there. Of course, exclusive games help to disrupt that status quo and bring something new to the table. This will definitely be an area to watch.
How do Brazilian players’ session lengths and frequency compare to those in other markets?
Players tend to gamble for longer periods of time, but with lower stakes. They see casino products as a form of entertainment, with many players usually enjoying the occasional bet during an evening or when they have a spare 30 minutes.
However, we should note that this trend differs depending on which device players are using. Those using mobile tend to enjoy shorter playing sessions, showing a preference for more high volatility games such as crash games and slots, while those on desktop tend to enjoy sessions ranging from 1-2 hours.
Those on desktop show similarities to land-based bettors – they tend to gamble in the evening, products tend to include more table games and traditional casino products, although similar to mobile, the stake tends to be lower.
How important is mobile gameplay in Brazil, and how does it impact player engagement and retention? How can brands best optimise their games to better suit mobile-first gaming?
It’s not just important, it’s critical! Everyone has a mobile device, and for many, this is the go-to platform in which to enjoy casino games. To not optimise your games to mobile devices would risk alienating a large portion of your player base.
In Brazil, there has been significant improvement in mobile connectivity and smartphone penetration, meaning that more players are able to access games via their handheld devices. But in order to create the most optimised experience, casinos and game developers must adapt their UI to suit mobile devices. Another consideration is developing games that are tailored to single-handed play – with many players enjoying casino products on the go, ensuring that your games cater to playing habits is essential.
Based on current player habits and preferences, what future trends do you expect to emerge in the Brazilian casino market, particularly in online slots?
As we’ve covered already, and I can’t re-enforce this enough, localised content that is tailor-made to the Brazilian market is going to be key. This will by far be one of the biggest trends. As operators flood into Brazil, there will be fierce competition among brands looking to amass market share and engage with new players – so the key to achieving that will be through providing content that they cannot get anywhere else.
I also think we will see slots and live casino continue to grow in popularity. Their high volatility and social nature will no doubt drive loyalty among players and keep them engaged in the long-term. And I think the final trend will be that we will see verticals such as crash games emerge as a front-runner among bettors – these products are simple to understand and highly engaging, a perfect recipe for players looking for entertainment!
Africa
SmartSoft’s expertise and future vision for the African market
In recent years, the online gaming landscape has witnessed a surge in innovative and engaging titles that capture the interest of players worldwide. Among these, first ever flying crash game by SmartSoft – JetX emerged as a standout game, particularly gaining substantial traction in Africa. This article provides an in-depth examination of JetX, a popular online crash game, and explores the expertise behind its creation. By focusing on the game’s features, the developer SmartSoft Gaming, and insights from an interview with the Vice President Commercial, we aim to highlight the factors contributing to JetX’s success and its impact on the gaming industry.
About SmartSoft Gaming
Founded in Georgia in 2015 by industry experts, SmartSoft set out to create a one-of-a-kind casino games provider that offers high-quality gaming experiences worldwide. By combining interactive features with captivating visuals, we blend gaming and gambling to deliver more engaging, entertaining, and superior experiences. Our mission is not just to attract players but to enhance their enjoyment.
To gain further insights into the development of JetX and the vision behind its creation, we spoke with the Vice President Commercial of SmartSoft.
Rusa Javakhishvili Vice President Commercial of SmartSoft shared insights and analytics from African countries, and outlined future plans. Rusa joined SmartSoft two years ago as Head of Finance and Strategic Projects. In early 2024, she transitioned to the commercial side as Head of Account Management, and is now Vice President of Commercials, overseeing several regions, including Africa.
What was the general concept and inspiration behind JetX?
In recent years, the online gaming landscape has witnessed a surge in innovative and engaging titles that capture the interest of players worldwide. Among these, JetX has emerged as a standout game, particularly gaining substantial traction in Africa. The main concept of the game is that it is easy to play, the player is involved in the decision as much as possible, it is fast and within the fast-paced world we think that it delivers exactly what players need for an enjoyable experience.
How does JetX differentiate itself from other crash games in the market?
At SmartSoft, we appreciate our relationships with partners, it’s very important to us. We constantly think and work to create a valuable product and maintain strong connections with them. SmartSoft’s portfolio includes a diverse range of online casino games, each designed to offer unique features and interactive gameplay but JetX is the literal gem!
JetX is an online crash game that combines simplicity with excitement, offering players an engaging betting experience. This dynamic gameplay requires both luck and strategy, appealing to a broad audience seeking quick, high-stakes action. JetX stands out due to its user-friendly interface, real-time gameplay, and mobile compatibility, making it accessible and enjoyable for players on the go. Its growing popularity in Africa can be attributed to its exciting gameplay mechanics and the potential for significant winnings.
What strategies did you employ to ensure JetX appeals to a diverse audience, particularly in Africa?
When we expanded into the African market, we knew it’s a big and diverse region, so it’s important to understand each country individually instead of seeing it as one market. With our partners’ help, we’re working hard to learn about each country’s marketing practices and what types of games people enjoy. It’s a challenging task, but the African market is a top priority for us, and we’ve allocated resources to quickly build our knowledge in this area.
How has JetX been received by African players compared to other regions? Are there any notable differences in player behavior or preferences?
The African market is one of the most interesting and significant for us, and we believe it has great potential. It is a highly dynamic and exciting market, where players are exposed to a wide variety of games. Their enthusiasm for diverse content gives us inspiration and motivation to create games specifically tailored to their unique preferences and needs. Moreover, they are quick to engage with new releases, eagerly embracing fresh content when it aligns with their tastes and expectations. Although Crash products were introduced only recently, they have quickly become a favorite among consumers. We expect this trend to continue growing.
How do you assess player feedback and incorporate it into ongoing game improvements?
This is a crucial aspect for us. That’s why, in collaboration with our partners, we consistently review key feedback on our games and strive to incorporate it as much as possible into new versions. We strive to bring enjoyment in everything we do – whether it’s in our work environment, or for the end users. Our goal is to delight both the customers and ourselves with our work. Therefore, we integrate gaming’s fun elements into gambling to maximize enjoyment. This approach fuels our drive to innovate and create playful experiences, redefining the gambling industry and making it more entertaining;
What future developments or updates can players expect for JetX?
Our product has undergone numerous changes since its inception, with many more improvements planned. These changes are aimed at delivering the best possible user experience for players while ensuring the product remains of the highest technical quality.
How has the success of JetX influenced SmartSoft’s approach to game development?
JetX, the first Crash game created in 2018, holds a special place as one of the company’s most beloved titles. Its global popularity is evident, and we’re thrilled that players enjoy it. At SmartSoft, having a diversified portfolio is crucial, which is why we release new games every year. As pioneers in the Crash genre, we ensure that we continually expand our offerings. Our goal is to provide players with a wide range of high-quality games they can trust to deliver an enjoyable experience.
The post SmartSoft’s expertise and future vision for the African market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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