Latest News

Evolution launches Funky Time, a disco-themed live game show and its biggest new development since Crazy Time

Published

3 years ago

May 24, 2023

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Evolution today announced the launch of its unique new Funky Time live game show, a ’70s disco-themed, bonus and multiplier-laden extravaganza, and the company’s biggest new game show since Crazy Time.

This innovative online game with live presenter celebrates the iconic disco era with a retro club ambience, funky beats, daring dancefloor moves and the chance for players to accumulate multipliers in all phases of the game.

At the heart of the main game a spinning DigiWheel money wheel generates numerous random multipliers per round, which can further multiply winnings on either numbers, letters or bonus games. The 64 segments on the wheel, which spell out the words PLAY, FUNK and TIME, and which also feature a series of number 1s and various bonus game segments, offer different ways to win and progress in the game.

Win on any of the number 1 or letter segments of the wheel and players can cash out instant wins. Win on a bonus segment and they proceed to one of four unique bonus games – Bar, Stayin’ Alive, Disco, and VIP Disco — in which multipliers are guaranteed. While all bonus games offer great entertainment, Disco and VIP Disco really put the FUN in FUNKY, as both see the cool Mr Funky character step out onto the virtual dance floor to collect even more multipliers while avoiding toppling off the edge of the floor.

Todd Haushalter, Evolution’s Chief Product Officer, said: “At Evolution, we invented the live Game Show gaming category with Dream Catcher, and since then we’ve never looked back. We have created most of the top 10 new games of the last five years, many of which are our live game shows, and we’re confident that Funky Time will achieve similar success. When I first saw the DigiWheel, a big vertical revolving wheel with an electronic LED centre, I knew there was a great game show to be built around it. Then the team and I started brainstorming what that game could be, and we knew we were onto something very special with Funky Time.”

Haushalter continued: “Around 100 people were involved in getting Funky Time live, and I’m incredibly proud of their achievements. It’s the most expensive and complex game we’ve ever created, but most importantly, it’s a game that just oozes fun. I’m often asked, ‘what’s the inspiration for new game ideas?’ The answer comes from literally asking ourselves the question, ‘what is the most fun game we can make?’ While different players look for different things, Funky Time is sure to have broad appeal. We believe it’s every bit as entertaining as Crazy Time, but it’s got a completely different feel and it adds a few extra goodies too. I hope players enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it.”

Alona Shevtsova

Sends CEO Alona Shevtsova moderates Global Gaming Expansion panel in Riyadh

Published

1 hour ago

June 25, 2026

Wladimir P.

sends-ceo-alona-shevtsova-moderates-global-gaming-expansion-panel-in-riyadh

Alona Shevtsova, CEO of Sends, will moderate a panel at The Blockchain show on 29^th June, bringing together experts from entertainment, location-based gaming, and content localisation to examine what it takes to build sustainable gaming ecosystems across emerging markets.

The panel, titled “Global Gaming Expansion: Lessons from Untapped Markets,” will structure its discussion across four themes: the growth dynamics reshaping emerging gaming markets; the role of localisation in creating experiences that genuinely connect with new audiences; the infrastructure and communities needed to build gaming ecosystems beyond the game itself; and the lessons and opportunities that will define successful expansion in the years ahead.

Alona Shevtsova plans to frame the discussion around the central challenge for companies looking to expand globally: entering a new market requires far more than bringing an existing product to a new audience. Understanding local cultures, building communities, adapting experiences, and creating ecosystems that allow gaming to grow sustainably are all as important as the product itself.

Alona Shevtsova, CEO of Sends, said:

“The future growth of gaming will come not only from new technologies, but from understanding people — their cultures, communities, and the experiences they want to be part of. Successful expansion will belong to those who can combine global ambition with local understanding.”

The first segment will examine why regions including the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia are becoming increasingly significant for developers, operators, and investors — driven by young audiences, accelerating digital adoption, and new entertainment models creating substantial growth potential. Panellists will explore how consumer preferences differ across markets and what trends among younger audiences are shaping the future of gaming and entertainment.

The third segment will broaden the lens beyond the game itself, exploring the role of location-based entertainment, gaming centres, esports, and experiential destinations in attracting new audiences and building long-term communities. Panellists plan to address how entertainment ecosystems — spanning physical venues, events, and community infrastructure — accelerate gaming adoption in markets where the category is still establishing itself.

Earlier this month, Alona Shevtsova was shortlisted for the 2026 Great British Entrepreneur Awards in the Established Business of the Year category. Her team is also preparing for the Fintech Connect conference in London later this year. Sends will be a leading sponsor of this event.

*Sends is a trade name of SMARTFLOW PAYMENTS LIMITED, registered in England and Wales (Company No.11070048). For more information, visit sends.co .

The post Sends CEO Alona Shevtsova moderates Global Gaming Expansion panel in Riyadh appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.