Interviews
Relax Gaming: Technology supporting game innovation
European Gaming caught up with Relax Gaming’s Marta Zogala, Senior Product Manager and Johan Jönsson, Casino Client Architect, about the phenomenal success of the company’s Dream Drop jackpots innovation and how its front-end integration solution Relax ApexⓇ made this possible.
Before we get started, talk us through Dream Drop’s success since its launch – what’s the story behind it and how popular has it been?
MZ: Dream Drop Jackpots has enjoyed fantastic success since its launch, much of which is owed to the meticulous research processes of our teams. When we set out to build Dream Drop, our scope was to first address several shortcomings that existed in the jackpot space, and then to inject our signature flare for excitement generation.
We sought to deliver on aspects of the mechanic that the current market couldn’t satisfy, such as must-drop features, engaging games beyond the jackpot functionality, providing big-ticket prizes, and generating more frequent fallouts than any other jackpot that exists. In four short months, we’ve had over 900,000 winners, including 35 Major, and three Mega. These are figures that would usually take years to achieve with other jackpot mechanics.
The frequent must-drop mechanic was built with both the traditional player group as well as the new demographic of jackpot players in mind. In recent years, we’ve experienced a drastic shift towards mobile, with players logging in more often but for shorter sessions and this sparked quite a few of our core ideas. We believe that the days of slow-growing and falling jackpots are over and our progressive jackpot is out to prove this.
Gaming innovation is a word spoken about plenty in the industry – but in your eyes, what translates a product innovation into operator and studio success?
JJ: I believe addressing needs is at the root of most successful innovations. An ideology we hold at Relax is founded on listening to our audience before developing the next novelty. By keeping that dialogue open between ourselves and operators, players, and streamers we’re able to identify what the market is lacking, which provides the first puzzle piece to satisfying them and the nucleus of the next big idea.
Following that, I think execution is key. You can have the best idea, but ultimately, without the technical know-how to bring it to market, you have nothing at all. At Relax, we emphasise that our technical foundations help us carve out our route to success by helping our studio partners and operators reach their targets. Relax ApexⓇ is a perfect example of this, providing quality-assured, fully-compliant content at speed with the added benefit of offering Relax Loyalty tools and promo campaigns, we’ve created an equation that brings each party closer to their goals.
Relax’s Apex has been mentioned multiple times as essential to making Dream Drop happen, how does it work and what makes it integral to Dream Drop?
JJ: Relax ApexⓇ works on a standardised integration system that we use to intercept and communicate with a game on a generic level. This allows us to produce content such as Dream Drop outside of the game while maintaining deep integration. In this way, the need for extra modifications to implement the mechanic is entirely removed, making it fast and easy. Through Relax ApexⓇ, we’re able to write the Dream Drop module a single time and deploy it among multiple games at once.
How much do you see regulatory overlays, such as Relax Apex, being integral to the future success of game features?
MZ: Relax ApexⓇ is vital to our future growth in regulated markets. It allows us to extrapolate and create abstractions on a level that simply was not possible before. The infrastructure not only provides regulatory overlays, but also integrates new features into existing games such as in the case of the Dream Drop Jackpots and our upcoming promotional portfolio.
This just scratches the surface of our future plans for the framework. We look forward to sharing more soon and continuing to break barriers in the industry!
Given the current regulatory environment in Europe – how much will products like Relax Apex prove to be a key differentiator?
MZ: Compliance and speed-to-market for new jurisdictions are currently some of the biggest challenges being faced by businesses operating in the iGaming industry. A single automated solution that enables fast and easy adaptation to new requirements is sure to become imperative to the future of our landscape. Having an overlay of this kind offers security for Relax and our partners while giving our operators the confidence to distribute content widely.
JJ: Products like Relax ApexⓇ lift the regulatory burden off game producers, allowing them more time to focus on the quality of their content, while saving operators time by reducing their game-by-game QA duties and bulk of compliance implementation. If the current regulatory landscape is anything to go by, software of this kind will become key differentiators sooner than we think.
Last but not least – talk us through the future of compliance for major platform providers and game studios like Relax, how do you plan to continue staying ahead of the curve?
JJ: In the gaming industry, you need to keep moving to keep up. Regulations will only increase and more measures are bound to emerge that will alter the way we produce content time and again. A well-oiled machine is imperative to continue adapting, improving and innovating, which involves having sound technical foundations, compliance experts at hand, and talented creatives at the core.
By utilising the latest technologies and creative initiatives such as Relax ApexⓇ, our developers are able to prepare and face the challenges with sufficient knowledge and adapt to unforeseen scenarios.
MZ: In fact, this is also how the idea of Relax ApexⓇ was born; we looked at how we could organically build a technology-driven solution to our own issues and explored growing it to span those of our operators and studio partners. The result is a framework that empowers our partners and our teams to keep pushing the limits of iGaming.
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Would you tell us about the idea behind the Xprizo fintech platform?
It’s a story that started several years ago when the founder was conducting business on the ground in several emerging markets. Xprizo was founded to respond to the needs of emerging market consumers and merchants, whilst also addressing the limitations of Western banking systems.
This full-service payments platform combines all functionality needed by merchants, with a product tailored to unbanked consumers, bringing this market together in one, seamless ecosystem. What’s more, we drive adoption and consumer education through a network of agents, supporting cash deposit and withdrawal in a way that our target audience is accustomed to.
Xprizo’s mission statement is to ‘revolutionise the future of fintech’. What gaps in the market is Xprizo working to find solutions for and improve in the fintech space?
We are primarily targeting countries which have substantially large communities which are under served when it comes to fintech or banking. Therefore, we are operating in a challenging environment where we truly believe we can have a life changing impact connecting these people to several national and international services. We are delivering a comprehensive financial service where our clients are usually just served with either mobile money or cash and with the introduction of Xprizo our customers can benefit from p2p payments, card processing and full integration to the local mobile money ecosystem, debit cards, crypto and much much more.
How was the development process in building the platform? Were there particular challenges along the way and how long did it take to get the platform ready for market?
We wanted to build the platform from the ground up using local knowledge and tenants so we are working with people coming from Africa, India, Southeast Asia and also Latin America. To arrive at where we are it took several years actually and it is always developing. Having said that in the last 12 months the platform and the wallet took the shape it has today and we covered a lot of ground. Main challenges were the territory we operate in since we needed to make sure the platform can run smoothly with less than ideal infrastructure. One has to keep in mind that we are operating in a space where lack of electricity is the norm, interrupted internet is an everyday occurrence, regulatory matters are still very complex and more.
How does the Xprizo platform set itself apart from other fintech offerings? What can the service provide that others can’t?
As explained earlier, we build the platform from the people to the people. Most other offerings are a one-size fits all where they are adapted versions of what is available in the western world. Moreover, we are offering a truly comprehensive payment orchestration for users and merchants. One just needs to get on our platform and doesn’t need anything further. You can get the local payment methods, our own p2p, cards, etc.. No other service out there has such a complete offering.
Xprizo’s platform features a number of payment service providers such as M-Pesa, what benefits does this bring customers?
The idea is that our clients don’t need to use several systems to make their life or business. Using or integrating to Xprizo gives you a number of payment methods in one place where for the business side you would integrate one API and you can pick and choose what you wish to use.
How is 2024 shaping up for the business and what plans are in place to continue to develop the platform?
2024 is proving to be an incredible year for Xprizo. We are very happy to be overwhelmed with businesses that are recognising the benefits of using our system and we are having internal discussions to be integrated with very well known businesses and also by Tier 1 banks. Our ground reach though the agent network will also keep expanding month on month and the product offering will keep being a one of a kind setting the standard for other Fintech companies to keep up to.
2024 will also see us expand our reach in Africa launching several other countries and more importantly we will be launching our first operations in South East Asia. We will be beginning with the Philippines in June with the goal of expanding our reach across the following months.
The post Exclusive Q&A w/ Richard Mifsud, Chief Vision Officer at XPRIZO appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
In the vibrant gaming industry in Chile, Francisco Leiva’s figure emerges as a key reference. A trained industrial civil engineer, his professional journey spans 35 years, from his beginnings in the public sector to his prominent role as Superintendent of Casinos, and more recently as Corporate Manager of Strategic Development at Marina del Sol. His entry into this industry, marked by challenges and significant achievements, reflects his commitment to progress and innovation. In this interview, Francisco shares his vision, experience, and accumulated wisdom over the years.
Could you tell us a bit about your career, professional trajectory, and path to where you are today; What motivated you to enter the Gaming industry?
I am an industrial civil engineer, and my career started in the public sector 35 years ago. Initially, I worked at the Ministry of Health and then at the Ministry of Finance, where I was involved in the drafting and legislative processing of various bills, such as the anti-money laundering law and the gaming casinos law.
Given my work in the legislative process of the gaming casinos bill, after its enactment in February 2005, President Ricardo Lagos appointed me as the first Superintendent of Casinos to implement the law. It was a significant professional and personal challenge as it involved bringing an industry that was far behind similar developed countries as Chile up to date.
During your time as Superintendent of Casinos in Chile, what were the most challenging tasks you undertook, and what would you say was your legacy in the gaming industry?
The main challenge was implementing the new gaming casinos law, which involved setting up the Superintendency, hiring staff, and preparing all conditions for private investors to apply for new casino operation permits. This led to 52 projects being submitted for the 18 available casino permits, with investments exceeding US$ 755 million at the time. Foreign investment accounted for 55%, and national investment for 45%.
The result was the construction of 18 new casinos along with complementary facilities such as hotels, convention centers, restaurants, and other leisure facilities that turned these areas into tourist attractions in the cities where they were built.
Undoubtedly, the main challenge was meeting the tender requirements within a tight timeframe. We managed to have a competitive process with operators from around the world, radically changing Chile’s gaming casinos industry.
The legacy was transforming the gaming casinos industry from seven municipal casinos to a modern industry with 24 top-level casinos and facilities.
What significant lessons have you learned throughout your career? And what message would you like to leave for future generations?
One lesson is that ambitious goals can only be achieved through dedication and by building motivated teams with clear objectives. It’s impossible to do it alone in tasks like these.
I believe the message is to work with honesty, dedication, and without losing sight of the task entrusted to you.
Knowing you personally, not just professionally, what activity inspires you or helps you achieve balance in your life?
Since I was a child, I have been passionate about playing tennis, and I have tried to maintain this passion even as a senior player. In this sense, I think engaging in sports helps maintain a healthy mind and body, which is essential to counter the stress that comes with demanding and complex work.
Similarly, one cannot neglect family life, as they are the ones who will ultimately support you in difficult times.
In summary, the only way, although not easy, is to harmonize work demands with a balanced life.
Finally, what is your opinion on hosting such an important international event in your country? And in a way, being one of the hosts to such important international personalities.
It is very important for the country to host such events that allow interaction among different actors in the gaming industry. It facilitates the exchange of experiences and networking, allowing the industry to continue developing. It is also important for public authorities, especially regulatory ones, to participate so they can understand the industry’s reality and see where the industry is heading given technological and cultural changes.
Francisco Leiva’s story in the gaming industry in Chile is an inspiring testimony of determination and success. From his crucial role in implementing the gaming casinos law to his contribution to the industry’s growth and modernization, his legacy endures as a beacon of positive change. Beyond his professional achievements, Francisco reminds us of the importance of balancing work and personal life, as well as the need to stay focused on values such as honesty and dedication. His optimism and commitment to the future of the gaming industry in Chile are a reminder that success is achieved through effort, teamwork, and a clear vision.
With the iGaming industry currently experiencing a perfect storm of evolving technology, progressive regulation and increased internet penetration, we sat down with BETBAZAR’s Chief Operating Officer, Max Sevostianov, to get his take on the latest emerging trends for operators to keep an eye on and how they could potentially alter the gambling landscape in the next few years.
You’ve previously spoken about the increased adoption of AI being one of the most notable recent developments in iGaming, but outside of this technology are there any other notable emerging trends that you think will play a major role in shaping the future of the industry?
From my perspective the growing prevalence of mobile gaming continues to have a major impact on how the iGaming industry is evolving. Driven by the increased availability of smartphones/tablets and greater internet penetration, mobile gaming offers unparalleled accessibility and convenience, which in turn enables users to enjoy their favourite games anytime, anywhere. Somewhat related to that, I think we’re also seeing live streaming platforms become much more popular and channels like Twitch – which is now the go-to medium for esports coverage – are becoming an essential part of operators’ toolkits. Finally on a more personal note, I’m a big believer in the potential of VR and AR technology. With recent games like No Man’s Sky providing immersive VR experiences where players can really feel the emotion of what it might be like to command their own spaceship, I really think the entertainment they provide will be key to the future of iGaming.
Looking specifically at the changing gaming preferences of customers, it seems that player interaction and community involvement are becoming increasingly important to operators looking to generate sustained user engagement. Do you expect products like crash games and bet-behind slots that offer these social aspects to become even more popular in future?
Definitely. Whether it’s having multi-player compatibility or providing social aspects that allow users to engage with each other and share the betting experience, any product feature that promotes unity will play an important role in increasing audience engagement. You only need to look at recent high-quality titles like Helldivers 2 to see how effective these gameplay elements can be. Here, the developers have created a co-operative third-person shooter where players compete in teams, invite their friends and socialise with one another to create a more immersive experience. I think when analysing this type of game, you have to make a distinction between the gambling side of things and the entertainment aspect – and I’m a big believer in the value of the latter, as this is what will ultimately provide the user experience that keeps players coming back.
Likewise, when it comes to sportsbooks, live streaming and in-play betting – especially micro-betting – seem to be major focus areas for operators these days. Does the availability of better technology for higher-quality streams, more accurate live data and real time interaction now make it even easier for operators to provide a more immersive experience?
I believe at this moment in time, having the capability to supply fast gaming and fast betting is one of the biggest priorities for sportsbook operators. Advances in technology have made it possible to provide better quality live streams and more accurate live data feeds, which in turn enable bettors to make more informed decisions in real time. This of course goes hand-in-hand with live betting and micro betting, as having this up-to-the-second information available gives bettors more confidence in what they’re doing and empowers them to make quick bets on the fly. I think from the operators’ side of things, having access to official data providers has also made a big difference, as they are now able to work with reliable data that not only helps them provide a fairer and more enjoyable experience to users, but also assists them in analysing their business as well.
Finally, in terms of how new iGaming trends are formed, what is it that you think drives change in the industry? Is it shifting regulations, the emergence of new technologies or evolving player preferences/demographics that mainly informs how operators will respond?
The formation of new iGaming trends is driven by a combination of factors – and while in the long term I think the three you’ve mentioned are pretty much parallel, at this precise moment in time I’d put regulation in first place. All countries are trying to provide a healthy environment in which iGaming businesses can grow while also ensuring that player safety remains a key consideration. This is great, because it means that in regulated markets there are clear and understandable rules about what businesses can and can’t do, so they’re all starting from a level playing field. This obviously has a knock-on effect on how technology develops, as once these parameters have been set, your aim is to provide the best product you can within the constraints of that framework. Of course, player preferences also play an big part and regulators are often slow to cotton on to things like the popularity of esports, but over time they’re usually able to adapt to public demand.
The post Riding the winds of change appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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