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Not Just Games. Experiences: Interview with Gabor, CPO at DreamPlay
The iGaming industry has evolved far beyond spinning reels and flashy win screens. Today, it’s a rapidly shifting space where player expectations define innovation. Creativity, data, and emotional design have become central to building not just games — but experiences.
We sat down with Gabor, Chief Product Officer at DreamPlay, to discuss what modern slot development really means, how ideas transform into products, and why the future belongs not to games that are simply entertaining — but to those that resonate.
What makes a slot competitive today — math, visuals, gameplay, or a combination of factors? And which matters most?
Gabor: A great game is like an orchestra: you need every instrument playing in harmony or the whole thing falls apart.
The math and design are the heart and soul of every game — without them, even the best art is just a pretty face. Today’s players also expect to be entertained: strong pacing, polished audiovisuals, and features that feel meaningful, not gimmicky.
I always say that one of the challenges of creating great slots is that you have to be able to tell a whole story just through a push of the button — making them feel exciting while being simple and smooth for the player, but this means a lot of complexity for the creator.
So the real magic happens when everything clicks together. The best slots feel effortless, but behind that effortlessness is a very deliberate balance of math, flow, visuals, and just the right level of innovation.”
When working on a new release, what helps you shape the product vision before development even begins?
Gabor: Ideas can come from anywhere – a family vacation, a conversation, a movie, a meme, pretty much anything you can think of.
Creativity thrives when everyone on the team can chip in with their own ideas – we actively encourage that.
But inspiration alone isn’t enough. Every game needs a clear purpose. Is it pushing boundaries? Refreshing a classic theme? Continuing a successful series? We always start by defining the ‘why.’
Then we let data and experience meet in the middle. When the numbers support the idea and our collective instincts say ‘yes, this will work,’ that’s when a concept becomes a vision worth building.”
Do you see potential for an even closer integration of video games and slots, or are they still two different markets?
Gabor:There’s definitely potential — and honestly, the two worlds have been borrowing from each other for years. iGaming has embraced progression systems, more complex storytelling, achievements… while video games picked up loot boxes and other elements from gambling.
They will never fully merge, because the motivations and regulations are different, but there is clearly much more overlap than 10–15 years ago when these two industries were completely different. Today’s players grew up with games that blend entertainment, challenge, psychology, and reward, and they
expect a different form of entertainment than previous generations.
So we’re moving from ‘old-school gambling’ toward ‘interactive entertainment with a gambling core.’ And that trend will only continue.
Is the industry truly ready for bold experimentation, or does it still prefer playing safe?
Gabor: This is where it gets interesting. The industry loves talking about innovation and bold ideas – but in reality, the audience is still quite conservative. Most players enjoy evolution, not revolution.
We’ve seen a few big hits like Megaways and crash games, but they didn’t throw the core DNA of gambling out the window. These mechanics are mainly focused on enhanced entertainment value and presentation.
So yes, there’s room to experiment, but true format-breaking innovations tend to become niche and usually struggle to gain wider traction. The sweet spot is pushing boundaries without losing the essence of why players show up in the first place.”
What was your first step in iGaming, and when did you realize this was your industry?
Gabor: My start was completely unplanned. I moved to Israel from Hungary at 26, didn’t speak Hebrew yet, and was looking for any English-speaking job. A friend worked at an online casino, said they were hiring, and I thought, ‘Perfect, something temporary to help me get settled, I will find a proper job once my Hebrew improves.”
I have never even tried finding a ‘proper job’ afterward. That ‘temporary’ role turned into a 15+ year career across multiple countries, teams, and roles across casino management and game production — and I’ve loved every minute of it.
This industry is fast, sometimes (often) chaotic, but full of brilliant people and challenges that keep you sharp. Even after all these years, I still wake up excited about what we’re building. It’s hard to imagine doing anything else at this point.”
Final Takeaway
The iGaming industry continues its transformation — not just technologically, but emotionally. As Gabor pointed out throughout our conversation, the future belongs not to those who release the most games, but to those who understand what players truly feel.
We’re seeing a shift toward more immersive, meaningful experiences — where design, psychology, and data work together to create lasting engagement.
And it’s leaders like Gabor — and companies like DreamPlay — who are moving the industry forward, proving that innovation isn’t just about features or mechanics… it’s about connection.
Dream Play’s most recent releases and upcoming products here:
BABU88, a leading online gaming and sports betting platform, has announced its sponsorship of the Antwerp Anchors (ANA) for this season of EUT20 Belgium 2026. This strategic partnership highlights BABU88’s commitment to sports development and solidifies its presence in the international cricket community.
The highly anticipated season of the EUT20 Belgium kicks off on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Antwerp International Cricket Ground in Belgium. Organised by the Belgian Cricket Federation, this high-energy T20 tournament runs until July 19, 2026, featuring five powerhouse teams: Brussels Tigers, Ghent Gladiators, Liege Lions, Antwerp Anchors and Bruges Batsmen. With action-packed matches scheduled across one thrilling week, the top teams will advance to the knockout rounds, leading to an exciting final on June 14, 2026.
The Antwerp Anchors, one of the most anticipated teams in the league, features a star-studded roster with international and European cricketing talents. The squad is anchored by explosive Belgian all-rounder Saber Zakhil, known for his aggressive batting style and critical bowling variations. Zakhil, who has a massive following among European cricket fans, was secured as a marquee signing ahead of the tournament. His recent stellar performances in continental tournaments reinforce his reputation as a dominant, consistent match-winner.
Joining him are key tactical players and top-tier talent from the international Associate cricket circuit, bringing a wealth of competitive experience. With an aggressive batting depth and a versatile bowling attack, the Antwerp Anchors are well-positioned to captivate fans and make a deep run for the championship title.
The post BABU88 Announces Sponsorship of Antwerp Anchors in EUT20 Belgium 2026 appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by Eastern European Gaming
Spinomenal has launched Tornado Treasure – Hold & Hit 3×3, adding a new title to its Hold & Hit portfolio. The 3×3 slot uses a 777 Wild (excluding Bonus and Bonus Collect). Two special symbols drive the feature: Bonus symbols can land only on reels one and three, while Bonus Collect appears only on reel two.
Amusnet has released its latest online video slot game, Trophy Rush Triple Boost. Packed with stadium energy, trophy-chasing action and feature-rich gameplay, this football-themed release captures the thrill of competing on the sport’s grandest stage. Set within a roaring arena filled with cheering fans and championship atmosphere, the game unfolds across 5 reels and 40 paylines, where every spin feels like a much-chased goal.
bet365 has partnered with MGA Games to launch Mina de Oro Golden Edition bet365 for customers in Spain. The companies said the release is a reimagined version of Mina de Oro, positioned as an update to one of MGA Games’ long-running titles for the Spanish market.
Evoplay has launched Liberty Fireworks, a new five-reel slot built around a booster-led Bonus game and a US Independence Day theme. The base game includes a Wild symbol that substitutes for all regular symbols except Bonus symbols. It appears on reels 2–5.
Million Games has launched East West Wild, a new feature-led video slot inspired by the historic Silk Route, the supplier said. The game runs on a 5×4 layout with 1,024 ways to win. Million Games said consecutive wins increase a Combo Multiplier within each spin, positioning progression as the core mechanic.
Microgaming has launched Playboy Gems and Desires, the latest addition to its official Playboy-branded games portfolio. The slot uses a reel set featuring Wild stacks that land on reels two, three and four. The game also uses a ways win structure as part of its presentation.
Zingo Bingo has exclusively launched Midnight Marauder ClusterBreaker, the latest action-packed slot from leading supplier Relax Gaming. The neon-fuelled heist adventure is now available to Zingo Bingo players who will embark on a precision operation to plot the ultimate raid to try and crack the vault to unlock those wins.
Inspired Entertainment, Inc. has launched two new online slot titles—Bigger Piggy Bank Super Wheel
and Cops ‘n’ Robbers Smash ‘N’ Grab—now available across the UK and Malta iGaming markets. The company said Bigger Piggy Bank Super Wheel combines its Bigger Piggy Bank series with Player Link and a “Super Wheel” community feature.
Playson has released 4 Pots Riches: Super Wheel, adding a new “Super Wheel” mechanic to its 4 Pots Riches slot line-up. The Super Wheel feature triggers when a Super Wheel Symbol is present on the reels at the moment either the Bonus Game with Pot Features or the Mega Bonus Game starts.
Booming Games has launched Greedy for Gold: Hold and Win, the second game in its Greedy for Gold series. The supplier said the slot uses a 5×3 grid with 20 fixed paylines and offers a maximum win potential of 2,000x. The Irish-themed title includes Pot of Gold and Lucky Hat mechanics, plus Free Spins with Jumbo symbols and a Hold and Win feature.
Reflex Gaming has launched Sidewinder Xtra Power, a sequel to its Sidewinder title, with distribution through the Yggdrasil Masters Program. The game uses a 5×3, 20-payline fruit slot format and brings back the Sidewinder Shuffle mechanic. Reflex said the Sidewinder Feature is triggered when five orbs light up above the reels, turning losing spins into winners as the reels shuffle into position.
GAMOMAT released Frooty Troupe – Gold Club, marking the third launch in its Frooty Troupe slot series. The title is a 6×4 slot with 20 paylines. GAMOMAT said Credit Card symbols drive a prize collection mechanic: landing seven or more triggers instant cash prizes as multipliers of the base bet, ranging from 1x to 100x.
Gaming Corps has launched 3 Pigs of Olympus 2: Rise of the DemiHog, a sequel to its 3 Pigs of Olympus title. The new slot runs on six reels, four rows and 4,096 ways to win. Gaming Corps said the sequel introduces upgraded collect mechanics, an evolving progression system and enhanced Free Spins and Bonus Pot features, culminating in the Wheel of Olympus with rewards stated to reach up to 10,000x total bet.
Pragmatic Play has launched Mahjong Wins Triple Pot, a new online slot release, The title introduces “golden reels” and bonus coin symbols with values of up to 100,000x. The game uses a 4-5-5-5-4 grid with tumble mechanics. Pragmatic Play said consecutive tumble wins trigger a progressive multiplier trail that increases payouts by 2x, 3x and 5x until the end of the spin.
The post Weekend Reels | Week 25: Slot Drops & Trends appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Eeze will use Yggdrasil’s Studio in a Box to build proprietary slot titles, with the first two launches expected toward year-end.
Eeze has signed a multi-year strategic partnership with games publisher Yggdrasil to develop original slot titles using Yggdrasil’s Studio in a Box production solution.
Under the agreement, Eeze will operate as an independent slot studio within the Yggdrasil ecosystem, using the end-to-end framework covering game design, maths configuration, testing, certification and launch. The companies said the setup is intended to streamline production and speed up time to market.
Eeze said the partnership supports its plans to expand as a “multi-vertical content provider,” adding slots alongside its live casino offering.
The first two Eeze slot titles are expected to launch towards the end of the year. After that, Eeze and Yggdrasil plan a rollout cadence of two multi-region games per month.
Graeme Powrie, Chief Commercial Officer at Eeze, said: “This partnership with Yggdrasil is an important step in accelerating Eeze’s long‑term ambition. Studio in a Box allows us to scale our slots strategy at pace, extend our reach in the market, and build on the work already done to position Eeze as a dynamic provider. It sets us up strongly for the future as we continue to grow as a multi‑vertical supplier.”
James Curwen, Chief Executive Officer at Yggdrasil, said: “Eeze has a clear vision for where it wants to go as a business, and Studio in a Box is built to support exactly that type of long‑term growth. This partnership brings a commercially driven studio into our ecosystem, with the tools and structure needed to deliver original, market‑ready slot content at scale.”
The post Eeze partners with Yggdrasil on multi-year slots development deal appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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