Latest News

Not Just Games. Experiences: Interview with Gabor, CPO at DreamPlay

Published

2 months ago

November 18, 2025

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:

👉 Dream Play

eSports

Razer Enters into Multiyear Deal with VALORANT Esports EMEA

Published

50 minutes ago

January 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

razer-enters-into-multiyear-deal-with-valorant-esports-emea

Razer has entered into a multiyear deal to become the Official Gaming Chair Partner for VCT EMEA and Game Changers EMEA.

For the 2026 and 2027 seasons, Razer’s Iskur V2 gaming chair will be used by all teams on stage and in the coach and co-streaming rooms backstage. Designed with advanced ergonomic features for extended gaming sessions, the Iskur V2 provides support and comfort, during long, high-pressure games, helping players stay focused. In a game like VALORANT, precision, speed and consistency can decide the outcome.

Razer’s flagship gaming chairs are known for their ergonomic design, featuring adaptive lumbar support system that dynamically adjusts to every movement, helping players maintain proper posture through every high-stakes moment during the season.

Razer has consistently developed gear trusted by both professional and aspiring players and now, their equipment has earned the trust of others in the VALORANT scene. Recently, VCT EMEA’s Karmine Corp also announced Razer as their Official Partner including Gaming Chairs for the upcoming year – further proof of Razer’s commitment to elevating the competitive experience.

The post Razer Enters into Multiyear Deal with VALORANT Esports EMEA appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Latest News

Tom Horn Gaming Releases Wild Tribe Wall

Published

50 minutes ago

January 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

tom-horn-gaming-releases-wild-tribe-wall

Tom Horn Gaming has released Wild Tribe Wall, a brand-new 5×5 scatter pays slot that takes players deep into a mysterious rainforest, where ancient tribes guard powerful riches.

Wild Tribe Wall is packed with engaging mechanics and introduces a completely reworked UX and UI, designed to make gameplay faster, cleaner and more intuitive. Key features are available instantly, cutting out unnecessary clicks and keeping players fully focused on the action.

Gameplay options such as Infinity Spins and Turbo Mode are now accessible with a single click. Bonus Buy has also been streamlined, with three clearly visible buttons – Buy Free Spins, Free Spins Booster and QuickX – placed directly under the reels for immediate access without disrupting the gameplay flow.

Wild multipliers and distinct bonus buy options

Wild multipliers range from x1 up to x50 and substitute for all symbols except Scatters. When multiple wilds land in a winning combination, their values are added together.

The bonus system adds depth and progression. Free Spins, triggered by three scatters, are fully retriggerable, while Super Free Spins, activated by four scatters, remove lower multipliers and guarantee only high-value wild multipliers on the reels, significantly increasing win potential. Players can also buy direct access to Free Spins or Super Free Spins, activate the Free Spins Booster for a higher bonus trigger chance, or enable QuickX to guarantee wild multipliers on every spin for maximum intensity.

“With Wild Tribe Wall, we focused on creating a more intuitive, user-friendly game that simply feels great to play. By reworking the UX and making features instantly accessible, we’ve removed friction from the experience. Combined with frequent wins and strong visuals, the game leaves players feeling genuinely satisfied with the gameplay,” said Ondrej Lapides, CEO at Tom Horn Gaming.

Built to deliver frequent wins and consistent engagement, Wild Tribe Wall offers a highly satisfying gameplay rhythm. A strong hit rate, combined with wild multipliers, BlastX and layered bonus features, ensures wins are regular, impactful and easy to follow from the very first spin.

The post Tom Horn Gaming Releases Wild Tribe Wall appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Anthony Rus

Mindway AI Announces Strategic Partnership with PepperMill Casino

Published

50 minutes ago

January 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

mindway-ai-announces-strategic-partnership-with-peppermill-casino

Mindway AI and PepperMill Casino have announced a multiyear deal to strengthen player safety in Belgium. The partnership focuses on the implementation of GameScanner, Mindway AI’s premier technology designed to monitor and protect players using automated, data-driven insights.

PepperMill Casino, with over 30 years of industry experience and operations in both Belgium and the Netherlands, is committed to maintaining a safe and controlled environment where players can enjoy gaming responsibly. This partnership aligns seamlessly with their values of transparency and trust. Through this partnership, Mindway AI’s GameScanner will be integrated into PepperMill Casino’s systems. GameScanner offers innovative detection software that combines artificial intelligence with human expert assessment to monitor and identify at-risk and problem gambling behaviour.

By employing GameScanner, PepperMill Casino will provide its Belgian players an extra layer of security, utilising Mindway AI’s “Virtual Psychologist” capabilities for individualised and early detection of gambling-related issues. This development underscores PepperMill Casino’s dedication to sustainable gaming practices and upholding the highest standards of player safety and well-being.

“Partnering with a forward-thinking company like PepperMill Casino marks a significant milestone for us at Mindway AI. We are thrilled to bring our innovative GameScanner technology to their Belgian operations, reinforcing our joint mission of providing a safer gambling experience,” said Rasmus, CEO of Mindway AI.

“Mindway AI’s technology represents a significant step forward for responsible gaming. By adopting data-driven insights and behavioural science, we are raising the bar for player protection and demonstrating our commitment to leadership in safer online gambling.” said Anthony Rus, CEO at PepperMill Casino.

This partnership further strengthens Mindway AI’s presence in the European market, marking another step in its rapid global expansion. Mindway AI continues to lead the industry with solutions live in over 65 jurisdictions both online and land-based, translating their success into widespread player protection across the globe.

The post Mindway AI Announces Strategic Partnership with PepperMill Casino appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.