How are seasonal campaigns and tournament-based mechanics changing the way players engage with slots compared to traditional gameplay?

Right now, we see that tournament mechanics and seasonal campaigns increase player engagement by introducing additional layers of success and rewards. However, we cannot say this with complete certainty yet, as we need more time to observe long-term patterns. Sometimes players simply do not have time to join short promotions, as they are busy with their daily lives. At the same time, running shorter campaigns of around three months gives players multiple chances to compete while maintaining high engagement throughout the promotion.

What makes limited-time events and promotional layers so effective in driving retention and repeat play?

By now, the gaming industry is very familiar with tournaments and, more recently, prize drops. However, in today’s environment, where people are used to receiving new information in short 30-second videos every day, it can become boring for a player to see and play the same things everywhere, even though they enjoy tournaments. A greater number of promotional layers gives players a sense of novelty and fresh engagement.

We saw this in practice with our Big Adventures campaign, which ran in phases featuring Tournaments, Prize Drops, and Wheel of Fortune rather than a single promo. Prize draws were held every three months, offering high-value rewards such as iPhones, alongside in-game rewards and additional chances to win through Tournaments, Prize Drops, and Wheel of Fortune. This mix maintained player activity, built anticipation, and generated extra engagement as players approached the final grand prize, a trip for two to the Maldives. The key value of this approach is that it expands the pool of potential winners, giving more players real opportunities to succeed and stay motivated.

How do competitive elements like leaderboards and rewards reshape player motivation and interaction?

I believe this principle is well known, as it is used everywhere now – in marketing, education, and sports. However, in Tournaments, Prize Drops, or Wheel of Fortune, it may differ slightly, as we see different motivations shaping player interaction and engagement. In Tournaments, we show players their current position and how many additional points they need to earn to reach a prize or move to a higher tier. In Prize Drops or Wheel of Fortune, we show that other players have already won prizes, demonstrating that the rewards are real and that everyone has the same opportunity to win. People like to be part of exclusive groups.

Do you see seasonal ecosystems becoming a standard expectation for slot audiences in the years ahead?

It’s hard to say whether this will remain the standard over the coming years, as the entertainment industry is evolving rapidly, including in iGaming, where innovations driven by AI and other emerging technologies are advancing. We also enjoy experimenting with new tools and implementing bold ideas, including exploring ways to engage players in fresh and unexpected ways. But at least for the next year, I believe this will be one of the most popular approaches.

The post Seasonal Campaigns and Tournaments: Q&A w/ Olga Pronak Head of Key Account Management at Evoplay appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Evoplay, the acclaimed game development studio, has named Ashley McCulloch as Vice President North America, strengthening its strategic emphasis on growth throughout the US and Canada.

McCulloch has over 15 years of experience that includes land-based, VLT, and online gaming. She has occupied high-level commercial positions at IGT and Light & Wonder and most recently worked as Director of Account Management North America at Inspired Gaming Group, where she led strategic account development and assisted with new market entry projects.

In addition to her commercial success, McCulloch serves as a board member for Women in Sports and Events, is part of Global Gaming Women, and was recognized in the 2024 Emerging Leaders in Gaming 40 Under 40, highlighting her influence in the industry.

At Evoplay, McCulloch will lead partnerships, regulatory licensing, product launches, and broader business development efforts as the provider speeds up its growth in the North American market.

Evoplay has secured a significant presence in the area, launching in Ontario via collaborations with prominent operators in the province, such as BetMGM and Caesars Entertainment.

In November 2025, Evoplay made a notable initial move into the United States by joining the lottery sector in Washington DC, establishing a connection to the US online gaming landscape.

With McCulloch’s hiring, the company aims to leverage this momentum and continue its expansion throughout regulated US states.

Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, said: “North America represents one of the most exciting growth opportunities for Evoplay, and Ashley McCulloch’s appointment is a major step forward in realising our ambitions in the region.

“Her extensive experience across land-based and online gaming, combined with her track record in commercial strategy, makes her the ideal person to lead our efforts as we scale.”

Ashley McCulloch, Vice President North America at Evoplay, added: “I’m very excited to be joining the Evoplay team at such a pivotal moment in its growth journey.

“The studio has built a strong reputation for high-quality content, and I look forward to developing partnerships and driving sustainable growth across North America.”

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