Interviews

Roundtable: Keeping games studios competitive

Published

3 years ago

April 11, 2023

Reading Time: 6 minutes

In this panel discussion, we ask four of the leading games studios what direction games studios are heading in and the trends they are keeping on top of in what is a fast-developing space

Panellists:

Vigen Safaryan, CPO, Galaxsys

Danielle Calafato, CCO, Gaming Corps

Anna Vikmane, Director, BETER Live

Julian Borg-Barthet, CCO, Lady Luck Games

How has your content given you cut-through and how has it developed since you first came to market?

Galaxsys: Our content has given us cut-through by offering unique and engaging gaming experiences to our partners. From the moment we entered the market, we have continually invested in research and development to create innovative and high-quality games that appeal to a wide range of players.

Our games are designed with the latest technologies and we also leverage customer data and feedback to refine our games and ensure they meet the evolving preferences of our audience.

Since entering the market, our content has evolved to offer a wider range of games, including crash-type games, turbo games, card games, and new, cutting-edge titles.

Overall, our focus on quality, innovation, and responsible gaming has enabled us to stand out in a competitive market and gain a loyal customer base. By continually investing in our content, we remain committed to delivering exceptional gaming experiences to our players.

GC: We started out in mainstream gaming, although that was some time ago now. We applied for our MGA license in 2019, which was approved in 2020. We then started by making slot games, pivoting briefly to instant win content like Mine and Crash games, where we knew there was a gap in the market and we could be competitive while we looked to bring in more experienced people as part of our longer-term strategy. We also produced table games that allowed customisation, from skin tone options on the 3D hand animation through to customer branding.

With the success of Jet Lucky 2 and Coin Miner, we were then able to action the goal of bringing in new people and had an influx of high-calibre staff who had a wealth of gaming industry experience under the guidance of Alex Lorimer, our Chief Operating Officer. Ultimately, this brought us almost full circle and back to the development of competitive slot development, with what has so far proven to be great results.

BETER: As a new company, we have been able to build our product from the ground up and this has been a huge advantage. It has enabled us to use cutting-edge technologies and the latest code, combined with the team’s incredible knowledge and experience, to build the foundation of our portfolio with core table games such as blackjack and roulette. We have also added innovations and new product verticals such as gameshows to our roadmap. Our strong technical base gives us the platform to do this while ensuring the quality of our games is second to none.

Our recently-launched Gravity Blackjack is a great example of how we have taken a classic live table game and given it the BETER twist. We placed multipliers on side bets to add more intrigue to each round. The player never knows where the desired multiplier will be and can try different combinations of bets to see what their luck will bring them.

LLG: We have always aimed to strike the balance between different while also developing games that players want to play. As a team, we are passionate and imaginative, and have always pushed the envelope when it comes to creativity and not being afraid to try something new. This approach has worked well and the feedback we have received from operators and players has been positive to a degree that we simply did not expect.

Of course, we have evolved a lot since our first game release and each title is better than the last. This is only possible because we listen to the feedback we receive from our partners and their players, and ensure it is implemented across our product roadmap. For example, this has seen us add ‘buy bonus’ options to our latest titles. But part of our job as a developer is to bring new ideas and concepts to the market that take players by surprise, so we are always trying to seek conformity while at the same time trying to break it.

To what extent has seasonal content helped improve your offering and what long-term value do these games offer?

GC: As a supplier, it is imperative we are tuned into current trends and can read into player appetites at any given time. For example, Christmas music works on games in December in countries where it is a celebrated occasion. It’s about tapping into a feeling or emotion and ensuring you have content to fit.

From a studio’s perspective, you’re always looking to serve content when the audience is most receptive; making sure the day and date a game is released is something that is considered with your audience in mind. There are multiple games on offer for special occasions, but fewer than there are general releases, so your competition is arguably lessened. If your content is good, the chances are by having seasonal content, you and your customer can see better rewards over these periods.

BETER: Seasonal content is important and always generates great results – both in terms of acquisition and retention – for operators. For BETER Live, we spent year one of operations being focused on putting the technical foundations in place and producing our portfolio of core live titles. Now we have moved into year two, seasonal content is very much included in our product roadmap. We have worked with a couple of operator partners already to customise tables around certain events. This includes a collaboration with our partners for the World Cup, where we changed the UI on our Top Card title to be all things football fever, with the dealer also encouraged to chat to players about the tournament. It was a huge success for both our partner and BETER LIVE.

It was actually a straightforward project for us to launch. Our cutting-edge platform and tech stack allows us to offer a personalised UI to all operators – even on our network tables – so it was a case of deploying this with Parimatch as well as making a few changes to the studio and of course briefing the dealer. It is certainly something we are now looking to do with more operators, as well as launching seasonal tables and games over the coming months.

Where do you think casino games/live casino can improve and what kind of innovations do you think we will see in this space in the coming years?

Galaxsys: First, I think by incorporating more gamification elements into casino games and live casino, we can increase engagement and loyalty.

Second, VR and AR technologies offer a highly-immersive gaming experience. We expect to see more VR and AR-powered casino games and live casino features.

Then there is social gaming, which is becoming increasingly popular. We are likely to see more social gaming features incorporated into casino games and live casinos.

Finally, responsible gaming is becoming more important, and we anticipate more features and tools introduced to help players manage their gaming habits and promote responsible gaming.

GC: I believe there is finally a consensus from providers and operators that there is real value in offering alternative types of product. When you look at the slots space and put the most innovative product of today next to a game from 15 years ago, how much has truly changed beyond the game aesthetically looking a lot more modern and polished?

If we look at mobile gaming, we can see a big trend over the last five years where social elements are becoming increasingly popular; things like sharing your wins or communicating in a live channel. Live casino has begun to take shape recently to include this, but casino games are only just moving in that direction.

BETER: When it comes to live content, the sky really is not the limit and I think we will see great strides taken with the gameshow format. Of course, such is the scope of what can be done with live content, I think we could ultimately see new formats land in operator lobbies, including live crash games.

LL: The problem with innovation is it always leaves a portion of the market behind. Just because I can afford to play and want to play does not mean I can access a live dealer studio on the go; even in the UK, mobile infrastructure is limited and not consistent. Socially, I want to play on my own terms and that is fast and discreetly on my phone.

Also, disabilities are wide-ranging, and sight impairment is something we need to be aware of, so this means everything should be crystal clear, easy to find, and highly entertaining. This might not be the sort of innovation we often talk about, but for me, it’s just as important as new pay ways, crazy mechanics and big bonuses.

Interviews

Scaling innovation through the launch of Tequity Publishing

Published

2 days ago

January 28, 2026

Wladimir P.

scaling-innovation-through-the-launch-of-tequity-publishing

Following the announcement of its new publishing vertical and the successful debut of Royal Drop, we sat down with Tanja Bergman, Head of Growth RGS at Tequity, to discuss how this new arm is set to dismantle technical barriers for ambitious studios and why scalability is the new frontier for the ‘Burst Games’ genre.

Tequity has just officially launched its Publishing vertical. What was the primary catalyst behind this move?

The industry is currently in a fascinating place. There is no shortage of creative talent among studios, but there is a massive technical bottleneck. We have seen so many ambitious studios with incredible concepts – especially those moving beyond traditional slots – who have been getting bogged down in terms of getting those concepts out into the marketplace.

The catalyst for Tequity Publishing was simple. We wanted to break down those technical barriers. By handling the infrastructure, distribution, and compliance frameworks, we allow studios to do what they do best, which is build outstanding games. It’s about speed-to-market without compromising on the quality or the vision of their content.

The launch coincides with the release of Royal Drop. How does this game, and the partnership with Mirror Image Gaming and The Fortune Engine, showcase what Tequity Publishing is all about?

Royal Drop is the perfect proof of concept. It’s a collaboration that highlights three important pillars of modern game delivery. You have Mirror Image Gaming bringing that fresh, video-game-influenced Burst Games energy, The Fortune Engine provide the math tools and templates, and Tequity Publishing offers the global scale and distribution pathway.

It shows that when you remove operational friction, you can create a game-first experience that appeals to a new generation of players who want something more interactive than a standard 5×3 reel.

Tequity Publishing offers two models: RGSaaS and RGS-to-RGS. Can you walk us through the strategic benefits of each?

Flexibility is key, because no two studios are at the same stage of their journey. The RGSaaS model is our full-service offering. It’s designed for studios that want to focus 100% on the creative side. We provide the entire infrastructure and publishing framework and it is essentially a business-in-a-box for game creators.

The RGS-to-RGS model is a more streamlined, tech-first approach for studios that already have their own RGS but lack the distribution muscle. It allows them to plug into our growing operator and aggregator network instantly. Both models are built on the same philosophy: helping studios reach parts of the market they otherwise couldn’t access on their own.

You mentioned reaching new generations of players. How does this vertical specifically empower studios to innovate in ways they couldn’t before?

When a studio is concerned about how they are going to integrate with a multitude of different operators or how to navigate complex jurisdictional requirements, they tend to play it safe. They stick to what they know.

By taking that weight off their shoulders, we give them the opportunity to be brave. Studios like Mirror Image Gaming are pushing the boundaries of modern iGaming, taking influences from the video game world. This is exactly what the new generation of players is looking for. We provide the scalability so that these niche, innovative ideas can achieve mass-market impact.

It’s been a busy period for Tequity, following the success of your Originals series and the iBankroll partnership. How does the Publishing vertical fit into the broader Tequity roadmap for 2026?

It’s all part of becoming the ultimate technology partner for the gaming industry. Whether it’s our streamer-friendly Originals or our Bankroll-as-a-Service offering, the goal is to provide scalable, customisable solutions. Tequity Publishing is the natural evolution of that mission. We aren’t only providing the tools anymore, but also the pathway to the player. Looking ahead, you can expect a series of further launches through our three-way collaborations. We’re proving that the barrier to entry for innovation has never been lower.

Finally, for studios looking to scale quickly, what is your main message to them?

Don’t let technical noise drown out your creative signal. If you have a game concept that breaks the mould, you shouldn’t have to spend years building the distribution architecture to get it seen. That’s what we’re here for. We want to help you launch at a speed and scale that matches your ambition, so that you can make a significant splash in the industry.

The post Scaling innovation through the launch of Tequity Publishing appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

BetMGM

Breaking America with BetMGM

Published

1 week ago

January 20, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

We speak to Charles Mott, CEO & Co-Founder at S Gaming, about the provider’s move into the US market with BetMGM and why more casual gameplay hits the mark with players stateside

Congratulations on your deal with BetMGM in the USA. Why is this such a milestone market launch for S Gaming?

The deal with BetMGM marks our hotly-anticipated launch in the US market, and sees our games go live to players in core regulated states such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Michigan. We see huge potential for our content in the North American market, and to make our debut with such a high-calibre operator is a testament to this. The US is still just finding its feet as a regulated online casino market, and our games, with their focus on sustainability and high entertainment, are the perfect fit for audiences who are used to land-based slots and are increasingly moving online. They are simple, easy to understand and play, and ultimately deliver tons of fun over longer playing sessions – just like the slot machines found on the floors of casinos in Las Vegas and beyond.

Just how important was it to go live with a tier-one operator like BetMGM? And how will the deal allow you to quickly build momentum in the US?

It’s mission critical. Going live with BetMGM allows us to build immediate trust with players, tap into a large and loyal playerbase, and simultaneously enter multiple regulated iCasino states at the same time. Now that we are up and running with BetMGM, we are turning our attention to striking partnerships with other operators active in the market. It’s pretty much the same blueprint that we’ve followed in our home market of the UK where we are now live with all but a handful of brands – something we have been able to achieve in a little over two years. We know the US is a slightly different market, but we are confident in our approach to game development and, as we gather more data on how US players interact with our games, will use this feedback loop to guide our product roadmap going forwards so that each title is better than the last and more suited to the preferences of US players.

You mentioned that your games are aimed at more casual players. How does this align with the preferences of US consumers?

If you walk onto the gaming floor of any Las Vegas casino, you’ll see row after row of slot machines. Increasingly, these machines are designed to keep players entertained for longer through gripping gameplay and regular wins. A lot of online slot content delivers high risk/high reward gameplay, where players can quickly clear through their balance as they hunt down big wins – wins that don’t land all that often. In a market where operators care deeply about retention and lifetime value, games that keep players spinning for longer really matter. Our approach to producing sustainable, fun games for players in the UK and Europe has allowed us to not only stand out but to engage players at scale, and we are confident players in the US, especially those who enjoy land-based slotting, will also be drawn to them at scale.

Has launching in the US been a major undertaking for S Gaming, or did it prove to be plain sailing for the most part?

When planning our move into the US market we identified two routes. We have our own remote game server, so we could build on that, secure licences in each state we wanted to enter, and then deploy our content directly with operators. The other option would be to work with a third-party RGS provider that already has the licences and integrations we needed. While the first option might sound like the best, in reality, especially for a smaller studio, the cost of and resources required for securing individual state licences can be prohibitive. So instead, we joined forces with Gaming Realms as they have the cutting-edge RGS and licences (in both the US and Europe) we were looking for. This means we simply need to build a US version of each game on the Gaming Realms RGS and can then deploy content with the wide range of operator partners they are connected with in regulated iCasino states across the US.

Tell us more about the initial run of games you’ve launched with BetMGM.

We’ve launched the partnership with Barnyard Bash Chicken Chase which will be followed by Triple 7 Jackpot in February and Cat and Mouse Collect in March – with one new game a month to follow as we build out our US portfolio. If players were to try just one of our games, it would be Barnyard Bash Chicken Chase. It gets players clucking as they spin the reels, collect Eggs and add them to the growing Nest – the more eggs collected, the bigger the Nest Egg becomes. Not only that, Eggs can randomly activate the matching colour-coded Nest Egg and award entry to the Chicken Trail feature, drop Egg-stra Free Spins or lay an Instant Prize.

But once they’ve tried it, they’ll definitely want to take Triple 7 Jackpot for a spin. This classic slot is dripping in neon action – the Triple 7 feature is always on screen but is locked until a spin lands three Bonus 777 symbols. This unlocks the feature with on spin awarded, giving players a shot at the 500x Jackpot prize. Free Spins are also up for grabs with seven Free Games awarded when three Scatters land in the base game.

Finally, Cat and Mouse Collect is a playful, feature-rich slot built around a simple but engaging Collect mechanic. Players pin the reels, collect up the cheeses and feed the hungry mice until they’re fit to burst. Green plates will serve up an instant prize, Blue will start the wild and wacky Cheese Chase and Red dishes out some feisty Free Spins. With regular feature triggers and plenty of on-reel interaction, it’s designed to keep players engaged from spin to spin without relying on extreme volatility.

What does success in the US look like for S Gaming over the next 12-18 months?

Success for us isn’t about one big hit, it’s about becoming a trusted, widely-distributed supplier in regulated iCasino states. Over the next year we want to significantly expand beyond BetMGM, roll out a steady pipeline of US-optimised titles and build the kind of player data and

operator relationships that let us grow sustainably. If players in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan are regularly choosing S Gaming titles as part of their core rotation, then we’ll know we’re really breaking into the market.

The post Breaking America with BetMGM appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

3 Fortune Trees.

Kendoo interview: Can stability be the new innovation?

Published

2 weeks ago

January 19, 2026

Wladimir P.

kendoo-interview:-can-stability-be-the-new-innovation?

What innovation consists of within the slots industry is often debated. While there are often calls for more groundbreaking features to be introduced, the reality is that the progression of trusted and popular concepts is what drives the industry forward with new releases.

We caught up with the Kendoo’s Commercial Director, Kate Romanenko, to understand more on how long-term retention is often underpinned by controlled evolution of proven concepts, as shown in the company’s success over the past year.

In an industry driven by novelty, why do you think long-term consistency is becoming just as valuable as innovation?

In the competitive iGaming market, everyone is obsessed with “what’s next,” long-term consistency has become a signal of trust. Operators are increasingly cautious: they want games that perform predictably over time, not just those who grow only on launch. Controlled evolution, like we showed with 3 Pots and 4 Pots games, such as 3 Fortune Trees, 3 Gates of Pyramid, 4 Egypt Scarabs etc., proves that you can refresh mechanics and visuals without breaking what already works. Innovation still matters, but when it’s backed by performance data and retention, it becomes scalable, sustainable value rather than short-lived hype.

How does Kendoo ensure technical and gameplay stability across its growing portfolio, especially as it scales into new markets?

At Kendoo, we build on a select set of well-tested core mechanics, evolving them thoughtfully rather than introducing unproven systems. Each game reflects our research, experience, and deep understanding of player needs. This approach lets us expand into new markets without compromising reliability, delivering operators consistent performance and players a smooth, familiar experience they can trust.

What role does reliability play in building strong partnerships with aggregators and platforms?

Reliability is the foundation of trust with aggregators and platforms. When integrations are stable, launches are predictable, and games perform consistently, partners can scale with confidence. For Kendoo, reliability reduces operational friction on their side, fewer incidents, faster rollouts, and clearer performance expectations. Over time, this turns a supplier relationship into a long-term partnership, where growth is planned together rather than driven by constant risk around new releases.

Do you think players are beginning to value dependable, well-balanced games over constant experimentation?

Players enjoy novelty, but they return to games that feel fair, familiar, and well-balanced. Constant experimentation can create friction, while dependable mechanics build confidence and habit. That’s why evolved formats with proven performance tend to retain better: players know what to expect, and that reliability turns curiosity into long-term engagement. For example, taking mechanics like Pots, which originated in land-based casinos, and successfully adapting them for online play.

Can you point to a Kendoo title that’s become a steady performer over time and what that tells you about what players really value?

A clear example is 3 Fortune Trees. Since launch, it has consistently driven strong retention and engagement across markets, with an average of 500 bets per player, which is excellent. The game demonstrates that players value Pots mechanics and reliable, well-balanced gameplay over flashy, one-off features. Its engaging mechanics, popular theme, and premium art and animation all come together to create a game that players love to play.

The post Kendoo interview: Can stability be the new innovation? appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.