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Expanding on excellence: The power of sequels

Published

3 months ago

April 29, 2026

expanding-on-excellence:-the-power-of-sequels

Relax Gaming CEO Martin Stålros explores the growing power of slot sequels, revealing how data, player feedback and innovation are driving franchise success in today’s gaming landscape.

Relax has built a reputation for turning strong titles into even stronger sequels. What signals tell you a game has the potential to evolve into a franchise rather than remain a one-off success?

The main signal is the engagement response from both players and operators. Within the first couple of weeks following a launch, we get a clear indication of whether a game has long-term potential, as there needs to be strong demand for a sequel to even be considered.

From there, our in-house studios analyse behavioural patterns to understand what resonates with players, identifying how a game can be further developed while aligning with both player preferences and operator requirements.

We typically see franchise potential when player retention is driven by the core gameplay loop and the excitement of “near-miss” moments, rather than simply high RTP or jackpot size. Increasingly, the response from the streaming community also plays a role, with titles that deliver high volatility, watchable moments tending to sustain interest over time.

Mechanical versatility is another key factor, and we look for frameworks where the underlying math model is robust enough to support feature layering. If a mechanic can be expanded or refined without breaking the game’s logic, it becomes a strong candidate for a sequel.

Alongside this, distinct character and theme identity are crucial. Memorable protagonists, such as the Money Train crew or the duo in Bill & Coin, help build an emotional connection with players. For example, in Bill & Coin 2, we introduced Dicey and The Mummy to extend the narrative and integrate them into gameplay.

Looking at Relax’s most successful titles like Bill & Coin 2 and the Money Train series, how do you approach evolving mechanics and features without losing the simplicity and appeal that made the original resonate with players?

Our approach is to retain a familiar base game while introducing one major new layer or hero mechanic. This allows us to deliver an exciting experience that still feels natural and recognisable to players.

As mechanics become more complex, such as the addition of more symbols in Money Train 4, we rely on intuitive visual cues. We use distinct animations and sound design to ensure that players clearly understand why they have won, even if the underlying math behind it is more sophisticated.

At the same time, we focus on retaining the soul of a title and preserving what we consider the non-negotiables, which are the specific features that players loved in the original. These elements remain the anchor of the experience, even as we expand volatility or increase maximum win potential, maintaining that balance is key to evolving a game without losing the original appeal.

The Money Train series is often cited as a benchmark for sequel success. How important has player and operator feedback been in shaping each iteration of the franchise?

Operator feedback is crucial when it comes to technical and UI refinements, while player feedback directly influences feature frequency and volatility curves, and together these insights play an important role in shaping how each instalment evolves and improves on the last.

Building on this, each Money Train sequel has been developed using the data from its predecessor; for instance, the introduction of persistent symbols was a direct response to player desire for high-anticipation, long-tail bonus rounds. This allows us to refine the experience while continuing to build on what players already enjoy.

As a result, the Money Train series has become part of the Relax DNA, with each instalment somehow managing to take the game even further. Everyone has their favourite Money Train slot, and that is a testament to all of the teams involved in creating such a powerful series over a number of years.

With recognisable IP now proving so effective, how do you balance investing in established franchises versus taking risks on entirely new concepts?

Established franchises act as an anchor for stability and performance within our roadmap, which is carefully planned, and this foundation allows us to invest in new concepts and bring fresh ideas to market.

We believe taking risks on new titles is essential, as this is how future franchises are discovered. Without backing original concepts like Bill & Coin, we would not be able to create the “new classics” of tomorrow.

From a resource perspective, this balance is reflected in how we operate, with our core internal studios focus on developing flagship sequels, while our Silver Bullet and Powered By partners are empowered to explore more niche or experimental gameplay. This ensures we can continue to innovate while building on proven successes.

Looking ahead, do you think the industry is moving toward a more franchise-driven approach?

We are seeing a clear trend shifting from simple sequels to broader ecosystems, where a franchise can span multiple verticals, including slots, crash games, and even brand-integrated jackpot systems like Dream Drop. This reflects a move towards more connected, long-term player experiences, where a title can evolve beyond a single release into something more expansive.

Franchises will continue to play a dominant role, but the breakout hit will always come from a new concept, with the future belonging to those who can build a franchise around genuine innovation rather than simply reskinning existing ideas.

The post Expanding on excellence: The power of sequels appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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Central America

FeedConstruct takes exclusive data and streaming rights for Nicaragua’s Liga Primera

Published

6 hours ago

July 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

feedconstruct-takes-exclusive-data-and-streaming-rights-for-nicaragua’s-liga-primera

Deal covers worldwide distribution of Liga Primera and Copa Primera content for sportsbooks and betting suppliers.

FeedConstruct has acquired exclusive worldwide streaming and data rights for Nicaragua’s top-tier football competitions, Liga Primera and Copa Primera.

The company said the agreement delivers start-to-finish coverage of every match across both competitions and expands its Central American football portfolio for sportsbook operators and providers using its data integration and streaming.

Ani Isakhanyan, Head of Rights and Content at FeedConstruct, stated, “Securing these exclusive rights is a highly valuable addition to our portfolio. Liga Primera and Copa Primera deliver the consistent football content that the global iGaming industry demands. This acquisition ensures our partners can offer comprehensive coverage of a rapidly emerging betting market.”

Allan J. Chamorro, Managing Partner at Apollo Sports Business Group, added, “Nicaragua has rapidly established itself as one of Central America’s fastest-growing football markets, attracting growing regional recognition and international commercial interest. Our partnership with FeedConstruct builds on that momentum by expanding the global distribution of Liga Primera and Copa Primera while powering sustainable commercial opportunities that strengthen clubs, elevate the competitions, and accelerate the long-term growth of the game.”

Liga Primera and Copa Primera are the main competitions in Nicaragua’s professional football calendar. FeedConstruct said the competitions are gaining regional recognition in Central America, supported by regular participation in CONCACAF tournaments.

The post FeedConstruct takes exclusive data and streaming rights for Nicaragua’s Liga Primera appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Cool Bus Shelter

The UAE Lottery backs Cool Bus Shelter initiative for outdoor workers

Published

15 hours ago

July 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

the-uae-lottery-backs-cool-bus-shelter-initiative-for-outdoor-workers

The UAE Lottery has partnered with SmartLife Foundation to support outdoor workers during the UAE summer, backing the Cool Bus Shelter initiative in Abu Dhabi on July 20, 2026.

The programme aligns with the UAE’s Midday Break rules, which require outdoor work to stop between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM during peak heat. As part of the initiative, air-conditioned buses were stationed near labour sites to provide workers a place to rest before returning outdoors.

Volunteers from The UAE Lottery and SmartLife Foundation provided cold towels, cold water and drinks, according to the organisations. Workers also received portable rechargeable neck fans intended to provide additional cooling after the break.

Suzan Kazzi, Associate Director – Corporate Social Responsibility at Momentum- The UAE Lottery, said: “Outdoor workers are the backbone of our cities’ urban development, and initiatives like the Cool Bus Shelter ensure they receive the care and recognition they deserve during the most challenging months of the year. This is our small way of saying thank you and reminding them that their wellbeing truly matters”.

Abhijeet Oak, Vice President at SmartLife Foundation, added: “At SmartLife Foundation, we believe that protecting the wellbeing of outdoor workforce is a shared responsibility. Through the Cool Bus Shelter initiative, we are proud to collaborate with organizations such as The UAE Lottery and other community partners to create moments of comfort, appreciation and human connection that leave a lasting impact”.

The post The UAE Lottery backs Cool Bus Shelter initiative for outdoor workers appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Bally’s Intralot

Intralot Ireland Limited Signs Seven Year Contract Extension with Premier Lotteries Ireland

Published

16 hours ago

July 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

intralot-ireland-limited-signs-seven-year-contract-extension-with-premier-lotteries-ireland

Bally’s Intralot announced that its subsidiary Intralot Ireland Limited has signed a seven year contract extension, through November 2034, with Premier Lotteries Ireland (PLI). The agreement supports PLI’s continued operation of the Irish National Lottery through the remainder of its license period and reinforces Bally’s Intralot’s role as a trusted technology and services partner.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bally’s Intralot will modernise PLI’s technology ecosystem by deploying its next-generation LotosX Omni solution and PlayerX Player Account Management platform. The solution will provide a modern, cloud-based technology foundation supporting lottery operations across retail and digital channels, while incorporating advanced retailer management, instant games management, device management and content management capabilities. The agreement also includes comprehensive support and maintenance services, along with cloud operations and cybersecurity services for the first year, designed to ensure the long-term reliability, security and performance of PLI’s technology environment.

Through this partnership, Bally’s Intralot will support PLI in delivering a future-ready operating environment designed to enhance operational efficiency, accelerate innovation and strengthen player engagement. The modernisation will provide a secure, scalable and resilient platform that enables PLI to continue evolving its offerings while improving time-to-market implementation of new initiatives, along with maintaining the highest standards of reliability and service to players and retailers across Ireland.

“We are pleased to extend our partnership with Bally’s Intralot, a relationship built on trust, commitment to excellence, and shared ambition since 2014. As we look to the future, this agreement provides a strong platform for continued innovation and growth, ensuring we can deliver a modern, secure, and world-class National Lottery that places responsible play at its heart while continuing to benefit communities across Ireland,” said Cian Murphy, CEO of PLI.

Robeson Reeves, CEO of the Bally’s Intralot Group, said: “We are proud to extend our long-standing partnership with Premier Lotteries Ireland for a further seven years. This agreement reflects the strength of our technology and the trust we have built with PLI over more than a decade of collaboration. We look forward to continuing to support the National Lottery of Ireland and to delivering innovative, responsible gaming experiences to players across the country.”

The post Intralot Ireland Limited Signs Seven Year Contract Extension with Premier Lotteries Ireland appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.