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Wazdan appeals to the traditional slot audience with retro-inspired slots

Published

4 years ago

September 22, 2022

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Andrzej Hyla, CCO at Wazdan writes about how the company has gone back to basics in terms of the appearance of its slots in the Hot Slot™ series, applying a self-reflective approach to game design to get closer to what a ‘traditional’ slot is in a number of its products.

Slots have been around for over a hundred years, and for decades the 3×3 layout that featured cherries, lemons, and other fruity symbols was the standard for the space. Naturally, the genre has evolved to facilitate modern player preferences and their craving for new themes and a greater sense of interactivity. However, a small group of loyal followers still seek out retro games that evoke a sense of nostalgia and deliver a charm that, in their opinion, modern releases fail to.

While many believe that it is only a matter of time before traditional experiences are pushed to the peripheries of iGaming, at Wazdan, we believe there will always be a place at the table for throwback titles that utilise easy-to-understand mechanics and a classic aesthetic. As the industry continues to push forwards in terms of innovation and customisation, it also produces a steady stream of players that start to feel sentimental and reminisce about old-school gameplay, creating consistent demand for classic products.

The appeal of retro experiences

The main appeal of vintage products is the sense of nostalgia they deliver, paired with the simplicity of their mechanics. Research shows that the majority of land-based and online casino customers are casual gamers that consider slots an entertainment-based pastime.

These players see traditional experiences as something that can bring face-value excitement into their lives. Therefore, do not want to waste time learning about the complicated rules and seemingly endless combinations that modern titles provide. They seek simple, yet engaging games that provide them with many winning opportunities.

As a business that prides itself on the quality of games it produces, with an offering that spans classics and popular table games to innovative video slots, we have a responsibility to cater to all types of players. Our top-performing Hot Slot™ series, including Hot Slot™: 777 Crown, Hot Slot™: Magic Bombs, and Hot Slot™: Magic Pearls, do this by taking things back to how they used to be, employing modern features that complement the classic designs on display, rather than overpower them.

As a result, our games get recognition for the balance that they strike between traditional and contemporary, generating fantastic results for our partners.

Innovations that target modern demographics

As things stand, slots with sophisticated bonus features dominate the iGaming space as more and more players yearn for a greater sense of interaction and entertainment.

With the advent of new technologies and leaps in graphic and audio design, the slot looks different now than it did ten years ago, as do mechanics, outcomes, and even bonus rounds.

However, we believe easy-to-understand features that increase the chances of winning are the most engaging for players. Our Hot Slot™ games collection is a perfect example of how effective simple features can be in terms of driving revenue growth for operators.

Our top-performing Hot Slot™: 777 Crown proves that many players still seek simple fruit machines with basic mechanics. Although the game offers Scatters as the only special feature, it became one of the most popular slots in our portfolio.

Hot Slot™: Magic Bombs is a brand-new slot that offers our engagement-boosting Collect to Infinity™ mechanic proven to generate better results for operators. The game also introduces our brand-new Sticky to Infinity™ feature, designed to keep players immersed for longer. When combined with player-favourite Free Spins, these two innovative features guarantee increased engagement. Players immediately understand how these mechanics work and can focus on the thrilling action taking place on the reels.

The upcoming Hot Slot™: Magic Pearls slot combines classic aesthetics with our popular Hold the Jackpot bonus round, allowing players to win the Grand Jackpot of 2500x their bet in a simple re-spin-based bonus game.

What is more, our games offer customisable features, allowing players to adjust the game to their needs. For example, with our Volatility Levels™, each game can appeal to all types of players, from recreational to VIPs.

Finding the perfect balance

Providers in the iGaming space are required to be flexible and change with the times to remain relevant, serving modern players with slots that are a feast for all senses, but those that take it upon themselves to develop games for retro slot fanatics get to reap the benefits of catering to a loyal community of mature gamers.

The key to our success has been developing slots that target modern players without alienating the fans of classic slot experiences, and we have no plans to stray from this strategy.

Affiliate Succes

Kongebonus becomes first Norwegian affiliate to win Best Casino Affiliate at iGB Affiliate Awards 2026

Published

47 minutes ago

July 8, 2026

Wladimir P.

kongebonus-becomes-first-norwegian-affiliate-to-win-best-casino-affiliate-at-igb-affiliate-awards-2026

Kongebonus has become the first Norwegian affiliate to win Best Casino Affiliate at the iGB Affiliate Awards 2026, a landmark recognition that names the independent Norwegian guide as the world’s leading casino affiliate for 2026.

The award was presented on 2 July during iGB L!VE London, where the iGB Affiliate Awards celebrated the affiliates, programmes, networks, suppliers and individuals helping to drive the iGaming sector forward.

iGB Affiliate described first-time contestant Kongebonus as a “Norwegian local hero”, noting that the platform claimed the award in a close race and ended Gambling.com Group’s two-year reign in the highly competitive category. Independent judges praised Kongebonus’ “super smart” approach, highlighting its combination of innovation, engaged player community, and strong editorial presence across Google News and the media.

The recognition reflects Kongebonus’ focus on detailed operator testing, transparent casino reviews, community-led content and player protection. The platform tests casinos with its own money before reviewing them, publishes its full methodology and continues to invest in responsible gambling resources, including practical guidance and support signposting for players.

David Nilsen, Editor-in-Chief at Kongebonus, said: “Winning Best Casino Affiliate at the iGB Affiliate Awards is a huge moment for Kongebonus and for everyone who has helped build the platform. To be recognised in a category alongside some of the biggest and most respected names in the affiliate industry is something we are incredibly proud of.

“I’ve spent more than ten years on the inside of this industry, and I’ve seen how big the gap can be between what a casino promises and what the player is actually left with. Closing that gap is the whole reason we test the way we do.

“What this award tells us is that being the most trusted guide matters more than being the biggest one, and that’s the only thing we’ve ever set out to build.”

The post Kongebonus becomes first Norwegian affiliate to win Best Casino Affiliate at iGB Affiliate Awards 2026 appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Ariel Reem CEO at Games Valley

Games Valley adds BGaming titles to aggregation platform

Published

2 hours ago

July 8, 2026

Wladimir P.

games-valley-adds-bgaming-titles-to-aggregation-platform

Games Valley has signed a content aggregation partnership with BGaming, adding the studio’s online casino portfolio to the Games Valley platform.

Under the agreement, operators connected to Games Valley will be able to access BGaming titles via a single integration. The content slated for distribution includes slots, crash games, casual games and other online casino titles.

Games Valley and BGaming marked the partnership during NEXT Summit Valletta, where both companies supported the BGaming Charity Gala in aid of DAR Bjorn.

Ariel Reem, CEO at Games Valley, said: “BGaming has built a strong reputation as one of the most creative and dynamic studios, with games that combine strong visual identity, engaging mechanics and genuine player appeal. At Games Valley, our role is to help operators access the content that delivers real value to their players and their business, quickly and efficiently through a single integration. We’re delighted to welcome BGaming to the Games Valley platform, and we’re especially pleased that this partnership has grown from a relationship rooted in shared values.”

Marina Ostrovtsova, CEO at BGaming, added: “Games Valley has established itself as a modern and ambitious aggregation partner, helping operators access high-quality casino content with speed, flexibility and reliability. This partnership allows us to bring BGaming’s portfolio to a wider network of operators through a platform that shares our focus on innovation, strong partnerships and long-term industry growth.”

The post Games Valley adds BGaming titles to aggregation platform appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Arman Movsesyan

Kerma Games Announces New Partnership with Dustbit

Published

2 hours ago

July 8, 2026

Wladimir P.

kerma-games-announces-new-partnership-with-dustbit

Kerma Games, a premium casino game provider, has announced a new partnership with Dustbit, marking its official expansion into the crypto casino space.

Through the collaboration, Dustbit will become the first crypto casino to feature the Kerma Games portfolio during an initial rollout period, giving its players early access to a selection of the studio’s premium content, including the newly released Snoop Olympus.

Inspired by the world of Snoop Dogg, Snoop Olympus combines iconic mythology with unmistakable West Coast style, showcasing Kerma Games’ vision of creating casino experiences that blend entertainment, cultural relevance and engaging gameplay.

The partnership represents another milestone in Kerma Games’ international growth strategy as the company continues to expand the reach of its portfolio across new markets and distribution channels.

Simone Bacchin, Sales Manager at Kerma Games, said: “We’re excited to partner with Dustbit as we bring Kerma Games into the crypto casino space. This collaboration allows a new audience to discover our entertainment-driven approach to game development, with standout titles like Snoop Olympus leading the way. We believe players are looking for experiences that feel memorable and culturally relevant, and that’s exactly what we aim to deliver.”

Arman Movsesyan, Casino Product Manager at Dustbit, said: “We are excited to welcome Kerma Games to Dustbit and to become the first crypto casino operator to offer their portfolio to our players. At Dustbit, we continuously seek innovative and engaging content that differentiates us from the competition, and Kerma Games perfectly aligns with that vision.

“Their unique approach to game development, combined with celebrity-driven entertainment and strong player engagement mechanics, brings a fresh experience to our community. We believe this partnership will not only enhance our gaming portfolio but also strengthen Dustbit’s position as a leading destination for crypto casino entertainment.

“We look forward to working closely with the Kerma Games team and delivering exciting new experiences to our players over the coming months.”

Beyond Snoop Olympus, Dustbit players will gain access to a growing portfolio of slots, crash games and table games developed with a focus on engagement, retention and premium production values. Kerma Games continues to differentiate itself through a combination of original content and globally recognised celebrity collaborations featuring names such as Snoop Dogg, Lil Baby and Sexyy Red.

The partnership also reinforces Kerma Games’ broader mission to redefine casino entertainment by creating games that capture attention long before the first spin and remain memorable long after the session ends.

As the company continues its global expansion, additional launches, partnerships and new celebrity-powered experiences are already in the pipeline.

The post Kerma Games Announces New Partnership with Dustbit appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.