Why crash has become big business for operators and suppliers

We speak to Yordan Petkov, Product Owner at Silverback Gaming, to understand why crash games are dominating online casino game lobbies and why they are a must-have for operators

Why have crash games taken the market by storm?

They have been such a big hit with players because they are simple to understand and play, but deliver huge excitement and tons of big win potential. These are high-risk/high-reward games that play very similarly to mobile and video games, and this means they hit the mark with the lucrative but often hard-to-reach Millennial and Gen Z audiences. When you compare crash to slots and table games, the experience is so much more compelling – this is not only because of the gameplay, but also because of the social interaction they provide. Crash games tend to be multiplayer and come with features like chat and real-time leaderboards.

How has the simple nature of gameplay led to widespread adoption?

Most crash games take the increasing curve format with a win multiplier that climbs higher and higher. All the player needs to do is decide when to cash out. Go too soon, and the win is small, but wait too long, and the game crashes, taking their accrued winnings and initial bet with it. Unlike most slot games, which come packed with lots of different features and complex reel structures, you can figure out how a crash game works and how to win in a game round or two. The intuitive nature of crash means players are willing to give games a try, and then they get drawn in by the compelling gameplay. In markets where online gambling is new, they have proved to be a real hit with players often favouring them over slots and table games simply because they are so easy to understand.

It seems like players enjoy the sense of control that comes with crash games?

Absolutely. The element of control is a big part of why they are so popular. Players love that they can decide when to cash out, with many honing their skills and some even coming up with strategies for how to beat the game – strategies that are often discussed at length in the chat and various communities that form around specific crash titles. Control is something that players are used to when engaging with mobile and video games, and with crash, they get the same degree of control but within a gambling game. This is something they didn’t really have up until crash hit the market, with slots play very much a case of hitting spin and waiting to see if you win or not.

What’s the business case for online casino operators to add crash games to their lobbies?

Operators need to provide players with the games and experiences they are seeking, and this increasingly means stocking their lobbies with crash titles and other non-traditional content. These games are hugely popular with Millennials and Gen Zers, audiences that online casino brands have really struggled to engage with in the past because they have not been able to offer the type of action-packed gameplay, sense of control and social interaction they are looking for – of course, crash offers these things and more. But it’s not just new audiences that crash appeals to – operators often find they get high levels of engagement among existing players who also enjoy the edge-of-the-seat gameplay and big win potential.

Are crash games easy to localise?

Yes. Again, given the super simple nature of the gameplay, they require very little in the way of localisation – aside from the standard things like language and currency. Everyone gets how they work, everyone gets how they win, and everyone knows it’s all about when to cash out. In addition, some crash titles are recognised internationally, so operators adding these titles to their lobbies can really build trust with player audiences and communities, and significantly boost acquisition, especially if the operator is new to the market. They are also great for being a part of wider marketing campaigns, regardless of the jurisdiction the operator is targeting.

Are crash games now a necessity for operators or still a nice-to-have?

They are a necessity, especially for those online casino brands wanting to engage the player of tomorrow, today. Not only that, but crash game sessions are often much longer than slot sessions, with players regularly returning to the casino to play specific crash titles and to remain active in the communities that form around them. So, the numbers really do add up when it comes to crash, and that’s why, for me at least, they are a must-have, not a nice-to-have.

Silverback’s first crash game is set to hit the market shortly. What more can you tell us about the game ahead of its launch?

We are super excited to launch our first crash game, but the details are a closely guarded secret for now. What I can say is that the design concept is in place, the gameplay has been set, and we are now working on the creative assets. Then it’s just a case of bringing all the elements together. But this being Silverback, it’s not going to be a standard crash game – we are adding plenty of unique twists to take the anticipation and thrills to the next level. The initial roll-out will be in the simulated gaming format with real money to follow.