Interviews
Roundtable: New Mechanics
![Roundtable: New Mechanics](https://europeangaming.eu/portal/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/7-INT-1.jpg)
Eye-catching graphics and familiar themes have become a staple in iGaming, but to truly captivate players and stand out from the crowd providers are continually developing new and innovative gameplay mechanics.
We spoke to a host of leading game developers and providers about creating new features, exploring the challenges and rewards of crafting a fresh experience and the long-term benefits of diversifying a provider’s portfolio with unique experiences.
Participants include:
Suki Sandhu, Chief Product Officer at Gaming Realms
Raj Varadarajah, Games Producer at Realistic Games
Ihor Lozynskyi, Senior Game Producer at Push Gaming
Andrzej Hyla, Chief Commercial Officer at Wazdan
Ivan Kravchuk, Chief Executive Officer at Evoplay
Iryna Dragulina, Game Tribe Leader at Playson
Josefin Uppeke, Head of Games Production at ESA Gaming
Every studio is looking to create the next Megaways success. How does your dev team know they’re on the right track during the creation process? Do you seek player feedback during beta testing?
Suki Sandhu: Our game development process includes various methodologies and frameworks aimed at fine-tuning a new game concept or mechanic ahead of launch. This is supported by a wealth of data around player behaviour and engagement metrics from previous releases. From this, we create a game pitch which encompasses problem statements, outcome-driven innovation, a journey map, storyboard and of course, a functional prototype that we can use to test the concept.
From here, we begin to seek player feedback initially via our internal teams followed by customers and where possible, players. Our long-standing relationship with numerous operator partners means at times we ask their permission to speak to players directly about our new innovations to ensure we are on the right track and that we are meeting and exceeding both our own ambitions and their needs.
Raj Varadarajah: The development of a Realistic Games title is a product of thorough research. We may have an initial game idea, visual concept or mechanic in mind but before pressing ahead with development we carry out extensive research. Internally, our passionate team dissects any idea, exploring its potential and identifying areas for improvement. Externally, we tap into market trends, researching to ensure our creation stands out in a crowded landscape. But more importantly, we want to know â will it truly resonate with players? Will it keep them engaged and entertained? Having early prototypes of our games allows us to refine and polish the title throughout its development cycle, ensuring that it delivers an exceptional player experience come launch day.
Ihor Lozynskyi: We are blessed with an incredibly talented team at Push. Weâve seen incredible success with our back catalogue of hits and a key part of what makes them so great is the mechanics that sit at their core such as those that nudge, reveal and collect along with our proprietary Cluster Linkâą and Push-Upâą creations.
Our Cluster Linkâą mechanic, for example, has been at the heart of several games since it made its debut in Jamminâ Jars and triumphant return in our new release, Retro Sweets. Having been enjoyed by players in Giga Jar, Jamminâ Jars 2 and Retro Tapes, it offers familiarity to players and lends itself well to these titles. These slots have become top performers with fans demanding more innovative Cluster Linkâą titles.
The kind of feedback we receive gives us the confidence to make Cluster Linkâą the basis of new games and we get this from conducting play-testing, feedback-iteration loops. As much as we back our dev team, we also want to reach out to the player community and get their opinions on how games play and feel.
Our most recent launch, Retro Sweets sees the return of our Push Betâą mechanic. Introduced to great acclaim in Razor Returns, it increases the likelihood of triggering the bonus game. This time around, Push Bet offers the flexibility to score a guaranteed one or two wild candy symbols on each base spin by increasing the bet by 2x and 4x respectively.
Retro Sweets is another example of us keeping the potential high and breathing new life into the mechanics that players have loved in the previous games.
Andrzej Hyla: To put it simply, by carrying out a rigorous process involving thorough market research. This includes utilising data analytics to track player behaviour and performance indicators of previous games. Knowing what bodes well and what encourages game retention allows us to refine our search when identifying opportunities and emerging trends for new releases.
At Wazdan, our core aim when developing a new slot is to ensure we are creating as stimulating an experience as possible for our players. It is, therefore, imperative that they too play a prominent role in each gameâs creation. Team Wazdan is full of passionate players, so when it comes to developing our slots, we know from experience what helps us gauge reactions and refine releases. This contributed significantly to the creation of our famed Cash Infinityâą and Hold the Jackpotâą mechanics.
Creating new mechanics is always a roulette and you can never be sure what will appeal to players. Sometimes you have to take a little risk. As was the case with our Coinsâą series, in which we released a game without base game wins for the first time on the market. At our core, when designing games, we aim to engineer the world’s most rewarding casino game experiences.
Ivan Kravchuk: At Evoplay, our aim is to develop a portfolio that features a mix of experimental and proven mechanics. The base ensures business stability, while our experimentation focuses on discovering popular mechanics and fostering our uniqueness.
Developing new games or mechanics is always a complex process. To ensure we stay on track, we gather feedback from casino managers and players, rely on our own experience, and analyse internal and external data. In markets where we’re not yet operating, we also communicate with potential partners for additional insights. This data-driven approach ensures that our games resonate deeply with a wide array of preferences.
Iryna Dragulina: At the heart of our strategic endeavours, player engagement continues to be our foremost priority. Our development team is dedicated to not only crafting potential hits but to establishing a robust feedback mechanism throughout the game development phases. We actively engage diverse focus groups, whose insights directly influence our product roadmap, ensuring that our games meet and exceed player expectations. We place immense value on player feedback, viewing it as essential to our development process. It’s this continuous loop of feedback that allows us to adapt and evolve our games, ensuring they resonate well with our audience and maintain high engagement levels.
Josefin Uppeke: When considering new game mechanics, we analyse existing performance and look to refine them slightly to enhance their appeal. Frankly, reinventing the wheel at this stage is challenging. If a mechanic has proven successful for others, that’s enough validation to believe our version will also resonate positively. Ultimately, however, it’s the players who determine its success.
What are the challenges and opportunities of launching a new mechanic?
Suki Sandhu: From a player perspective, education is the primary challenge when launching a new mechanic. We want everyone to have a positive experience when playing any of our games and understanding what they are trying to achieve and how the mechanics work should underpin playersâ reasoning for choosing one of our titles. Additionally, being a responsible iGaming company, regulatory requirements are also paramount, and ensuring our mechanics meet the caveats of each market we are live in can be a challenge. Creating content within these boundaries also offers an opportunity however, as the additional time spent on each game to guarantee its compliance allows us to further fine-tune the experience we are presenting.
Mechanics within iGaming have had incremental innovation over the years and have been influenced by external factors such as the evolution of mobile, social, land-based gaming, gamification, video games and localised traditional games. Whilst titles have become more complex, players have equally become more educated about slots through this evolution.
Weâve created a loyal base of Slingo players, who fully grasp the features that underpin a Gaming Realms release. This allows us to innovate on other factors within the gameplay, specifically around any IP integration or contemporary slot mechanics to complement the core Slingo concept.
Raj Varadarajah: We take a unique approach to game development and measuring success. While healthy competition exists between providers, our primary focus isn’t just attracting the most players. We prioritise crafting exceptional player experiences. Therefore, we assess triumph by how deeply players engage with our games via metrics like the number of spins each player has on our titles.
When we release a new mechanic such as 1-2-Inifinity in our most recent slot Maxiplier it presents a risk, as you never know how the market and players will respond to something entirely new. Players may not initially gravitate towards it and therefore impact the number of spins they would typically put through one of our slots. Alternatively, players seeking a new experience may increase the number of spins they would play as they discover what a feature is and do so through playing. This risk and reward may feel like a gamble but it keeps players enthused as a collective and ensures the industry continues to innovate.
Ihor Lozynskyi: Developing new mechanics is always a risk but the potential is ever-present to create something which becomes the next industry staple â taking risks that can elevate games in the playerâs favour is one of the things that keeps us motivated and engaged throughout R&D.
The competitive nature of the industry and the many talented teams at our peerâs studios necessitate focus and dedication. But quite apart from that, weâre fervent game creators and are lucky enough to enjoy careers in designing the games that weâre so passionate about. The process, while challenging, is an incredible amount of fun and weâre always anticipating the next runaway success.
Andrzej Hyla: Launching a new mechanic is very much a double-edged sword scenario. The benefits are boundless if executed correctly, however, there is a degree of uncertainty regarding player reception and market acceptance. Striking the right balance between innovation and maintaining a sense of familiarity is imperative.
Wazdanâs Coinsâą series is a prime example of this. Although innovative new features are consistently added to each of the released titles, the core gameplay continues to contain the same unique math model with no regular symbols in the base game and player-favourite mechanics, such as Cash Infinity âą and Hold the Jackpotâą that have guaranteed its success. Both existing players of the series and those who are seeking a fresh slot experience are therefore drawn to the game.
Boosting player retention and increasing gameplay sessions is also a key opportunity that launching a new mechanic presents. Through our Infinity features like Cash Infinityâą, Sticky to Infinityâą and Collect to Infinityâą, players enjoy an increased winning potential and therefore a higher level of engagement.
Ivan Kravchuk: The most difficult part of launching something novel and different is getting your audience’s attention. This happens across various forms of entertainment, not solely in iGaming. Take, for example, the film industry -new movies with uncommon themes are rare, and often tend to be low-budget. This cautious approach helps find interesting subjects while reducing financial risks associated with possible lack of viewer interest.
Finding the winning formula may not be easy, but very rewarding. It reminds game providers to keep trying new things. To succeed, you need to be brave enough to try something new.
Iryna Dragulina: Introducing new mechanics in game development inherently involves balancing risk and innovation. Our team commits significant time and effort to each project, emphasising the importance of learning from every phase. This process demands resilience, as perfecting new mechanics is not instantaneous.
Continuous feedback introduces unique challenges, requiring our development team to be both adaptable and persistent. These stages are crucial for understanding and mitigating potential issues, ultimately refining the game mechanic to meet our high standards. By embracing these challenges, we turn potential setbacks into valuable learning opportunities, continuously enhancing our capability to innovate effectively.
Josefin Uppeke: Launching a new mechanic presents both challenges and exciting opportunities. Convincing players to embrace something fresh amidst a sea of established favourites can be daunting. However, successfully introducing a new mechanic can lead to heightened visibility and differentiation in the market, potentially propelling the game to new heights of success.
Which new mechanics are you currently developing and what should players be expecting from them?
Suki Sandhu: We are working on numerous new trademarked mechanics that will work concurrently with Slingo or offer gameplay differentiation within the bonus round. Re3lsâą is the first of these trademarked mechanics and will be a feature within the upcoming release Slingo River Re3lsâą. This brand new mechanic provides players with lives in addition to cash prizes as they climb the Slingo ladder. We also believe some of the mechanics weâre designing internally will create great standalone gaming experiences for players.
Raj Varadarajah: We have just launched our new title Maxiplier, which boasts the fresh mechanic 1-2-infinity. It can award players infinite respins by landing two scatters in the first two reels. This triggers an infinite number of respins and transforms the scatters into wilds. This provides wins throughout with as many spins as possible until the third scatter lands thus beginning the bonus and ending the respins. It positions players in a win-win scenario where they of course want to enter the bonus round but equally want to continue with the infinite respins and gathering wins.
Ihor Lozynskyi: We canât divulge any teasers at this point about whatâs on our slate as they’re still in the early development stage, but we can promise that weâve got plenty up our sleeve.
We take the learnings from each release and use the insight to pour fresh innovation into new, unique mechanics and games that weâre pretty sure wonât have been seen in the industry before.
There are several things Push Gaming fans – and slot enthusiasts in general – can be excited about.
Andrzej Hyla: Although we are remaining tight-lipped on current mechanics in the pipeline, I can confirm that we have a host that are soon to be announced that will continue to elevate the player experience. There is a clear focus on developing already existing features, in future titles.
Just to name a few examples; in 36 Coinsâą we have merged Cluster Collector with the Sticky to Infinityâą feature, in Hot Slotâą: 777 Cash Out Grand Platinum Edition we added Sticky Multipliers and in 9 Lions Hold the Jackpotâą will include Lions Bonus Game, in which Grand Jackpot is only one click away.
Ivan Kravchuk: At Evoplay, we’re not just dedicated to crafting games with trendy and classic mechanics. Instead, our aim is to excite players by delivering a fresh concept to the market. Currently, one focus of ours is introducing more sports-related titles. With major sporting events such as the Olympics and the Euros due to take place this summer, weâre aiming to develop mechanics that replicate the same excitement as watching your team in action.
In our pursuit of innovation, we leave room for experimentation in our instant and flagship games, which gives us more space to examine new concepts. Here, our game producers have the freedom to explore fresh approaches to creating online casino hits, investing the time and dedication needed to develop groundbreaking mechanics.
Iryna Dragulina: As a leading developer of Hold and Win games, we continuously innovate to introduce fresh variations to this beloved format. We are currently developing an exciting twist to the traditional gameplay.
Our focus is on enhancing player engagement through innovative features such as â3 Potsâ and âHit the Bonusâ. These additions are designed to cater to a diverse range of player preferences and have already received outstanding feedback from both operators and players. This positive response is instrumental in shaping our future developments.
Our primary goal remains to create mechanics that not only entertain, but significantly enhance the overall gaming experience.
Josefin Uppeke: Currently, we’re exploring a twist on the classic cluster pay mechanic. By infusing it with new elements, we aim to create a gameplay experience that feels familiar yet distinctive. Players can anticipate a fresh and engaging approach to cluster pays, offering a board game feeling within a slot. Stay tuned in the coming months to find out exactly what we’re talking about â we can’t wait to unveil it!
How do you ensure the end user is educated about the mechanic and therefore seek out the game upon launch?
Suki Sandhu: From a product perspective, if we feel the mechanic is intrinsically innovative enough that players may need additional branding to highlight extra functionality, we will emphasise this within the feature itself, ensuring best practices and that users fully understand the mechanics they are presented with.
From a marketing perspective, we carry out Q&As with leading affiliates to also educate players about titles in advance of their launch. However, we endeavour for our features to align with the flow or narrative of a game, meaning this educational process isnât as much of a necessity as it may be for others as the mechanics perfectly fit the unique Slingo gameplay.
Raj Varadarajah: We educate our players about new mechanics and innovations in a variety of ways. When initially developing a title we carry out a lot of research to ensure as much as we can that there is a desire for this type of new mechanic within the market. Additionally, before a launch, we use our successful relationships with affiliates to educate players about new mechanics, set expectations and seed excitement. Upon launch, we align with some of the most respected and influential slot streamers to visually show their audiences many of the newer elements in our titles ensuring they are knowledgeable and playing in an informed and educated way.
Ihor Lozynskyi: Marketing our games and the features that drive them is a vital part of the launch cycle. We want to seed anticipation well in advance of launches so that, on launch day, players have a level of familiarity that makes their first play sessions as enjoyable as possible.
We engage in interviews, and deep-dive features across several formats that explore the nuances of the mechanic and how players can make the most of their gaming without having to refer to the rules.
Andrzej Hyla: There are three key steps to ensuring the end user can easily digest the mechanic and feel intrigued to try out the game once launched. Clear and accessible instructions are located in the help panel, which ensures players clearly understand the mechanics before gameplay begins. We also utilise social media to promote the mechanics and share comprehensive information about the title, enticing players to keep their eyes peeled for launch day.
Last but not least, during gameplay, non-intrusive pop-ups deliver information about game mechanics, ensuring players are well-informed without disturbing their in-game experience. We design our games so that all features are intuitive enough that players do not need to refer to help or other descriptions. This is a key factor in creating rewarding experiences.
Ivan Kravchuk: In the highly competitive iGaming world, the success hinges beyond simply creating a flashy game. From the start, we’ve grasped this and put a lot of effort into crafting unique marketing campaigns to help players get acquainted with our games featuring innovative mechanics.
This approach consistently leads to good results. For example, the marketing campaign for our instant game, Penalty Shoot-Out, during the last World Cup was carefully planned and fruitful. This success inspired us to create the sequel, Penalty Shoot-out: Street, which captured even more attention worldwide and boosted our partners’ business metrics.
Additionally, we use tournaments, quests, and other popular promotional tools to effectively introduce our games and attract more players to them. These marketing efforts allow us to showcase our distinct features and innovations found within our portfolio.
Iryna Dragulina: Our approach to introducing new game mechanics focuses on creating an intuitive user experience, significantly reducing the need for players to access help sections. We achieve this by integrating brief, informative pop-ups at the start of each game, which succinctly explain the mechanics and features. This initial interaction is designed not only to enhance player understanding but also to enrich their overall experience from the outset.
Furthermore, we employ engaging, easy-to-follow animations that showcase the main features of the game before gameplay begins. This visual introduction helps players grasp the core concepts quickly and effectively, ensuring they are well-prepared to fully enjoy the game upon launch.
By prioritising clear communication and engaging educational content, we ensure that players are not only well-informed about new mechanics but are also excited to explore them, thereby increasing the likelihood that they will seek out and return to the game.
Josefin Uppeke: Ensuring players understand and appreciate the mechanics is paramount to the success of any new game. Therefore, we are particularly attentive to tweaking the math models to minimise the occurrence of dead spins. We meticulously design our games to intuitively guide players through the experience, minimising confusion and maximising enjoyment. By focusing on clarity and accessibility, we strive to captivate players from the moment they start spinning.
With a new generation of players continually entering the iGaming market are these innovations developed with them in mind? Or is the primary demographic existing slot enthusiasts?
Suki Sandhu: Slingo is a genre of its own and weâre creating games which cater for all generations of gaming enthusiasts. Slots are a natural fit for this genre, but you will also see social and video gaming influences in our upcoming portfolio of games. Whilst this inspiration may lean towards a newer generation of players, our core titles will always revolve around the Slingo genre which has a broad demographic appeal.
Raj Varadarajah: We arenât necessarily looking for our games to appeal to a specific demographic, many of our slots have attributes that align with classic slots or AWP machines. However, we blend these elements with contemporary innovations and modern themes creating a unique experience that will appeal to a broad spectrum. Our portfolio of titles has evolved in recent years and we now have a broader demographic of returning players who tend to be younger than the enthusiasts of classic games that we once focused on. Additionally, being one of the pioneers of the mobile market, which tends to attract a younger audience, there is no doubt that our slots by their very nature, are continually steering towards a newer demographic. While our games are enjoyed due to all the innovations and new mechanics within them, they donât present a barrier to entry therefore we can appeal to a wider section of players.
Ihor Lozynskyi: Like any provider, we try not to limit our scope when it comes to new products. As much as we espouse our âPlayers Firstâ motto, weâre a business and donât want to pigeonhole ourselves and limit the success potential of any new game.
Our increased roadmap is pivotal in ensuring we have the right diversity in our content, released with the appropriate amount of frequency to keep up with demand. Slot creation is a challenging task but for Push, itâs also a labour of love and something weâre dedicated to perfecting.
Andrzej Hyla: Our innovations will always remain inclusive, ensuring they are designed to provide familiarity to existing slot enthusiasts, but also to capture the attention of younger generations entering the iGaming world and to accommodate their contemporary preferences.
At Wazdan, we recognised the growing trend of mobile gaming among new players and created the Extremely Light series which offers optimised gameplay for mobile devices, by providing faster loading times and extended battery life. For our long-term enthusiasts, we engineered the Hot Slotâą series fitted with an old-school charm for those particularly fond of straightforward mechanics, taking a more minimalistic approach and pairing it with innovative in-game mechanics. Ultimately, our goal is to provide rewarding experiences that resonate with all types of players across the iGaming world through our diverse portfolio of games, whether they are newcomers or seasoned veterans.
Ivan Kravchuk: As mentioned, we believe in catering to the diverse tastes of players across different demographics and regions. While innovative games often appeal more to younger players, classic slots are still popular among casino enthusiasts. However, individual player characteristics can’t be ignored. In some cases, a captivating slot can engage a next-generation player just as effectively as an instant game can entice slot fans.
Recognising the importance of blending user experience (UX) design with effective marketing strategies, we aim to make our games more engaging and user-friendly. Therefore, we continuously enhance them with vibrant special effects, top-notch graphics, an easy-to-use interface, immersive sound, and new themes.
Iryna Dragulina: Our game innovations, fueled by insightful data, captivate both newcomers and seasoned players alike, setting a high bar for entertainment across our dynamic portfolio. Weâve noticed a thrilling shift: a new generation craves the fast-paced thrill â quick bonuses and rapid-fire gameplay. This shift challenges us to rethink traditional engagement strategies. Yet, strategically our games are designed to engage everyone without prioritising a specific demographic.
This broad approach not only enhances our appeal across different player segments but also positions us well to continuously adapt to evolving market dynamics, ensuring relevance and excitement in the ever-changing iGaming landscape.
Josefin Uppeke: With a new generation of players continually entering the iGaming market, our innovations are crafted with a diverse audience in mind. We aim to cater to both seasoned slot enthusiasts and newcomers alike, acknowledging the evolving tastes of the newer generation while respecting the preferences of existing players. By offering a blend of familiarity and innovation, we strive to appeal to all types of players.
Interviews
Time to get into the gamification game
![](https://europeangaming.eu/portal/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Tomer-Baumel-INT.jpg)
Tomer Baumel, Founder at CEO of Solitics, talks about why personalised gamification is the best way for operators to differentiate and bring tremendous added value to their players
Differentiation. This is something that operators strive for but, in reality, is very hard to achieve. If you take a look at the online betting and casino experiences available to players in any given market, itâs hard to come across many brands that truly stand out.
Most offer the same welcome bonuses, similar games/odds, the same payment options and deploy the same tactics for fostering loyalty once the player has signed up and deposited for the first time. But loyalty must be earned, and right now, casinos and sportsbooks are not doing enough.
For many, retention is a tick-box exercise based around level-up loyalty schemes, offers sent out via email and SMS, and the occasional generic pop-up message that aims to keep players engaged with the sportsbook or casino – usually with free bets or free spins.
The majority of players will be familiar with these tactics and are sufficiently smart and savvy to know the sportsbook or the casino brands do this to encourage them to play for longer.
There is nothing wrong with operators taking this approach, but it is boring at best. Retention should be fun and exciting, and there is a lot that casinos and sportsbooks can do to be different to their rivals and add tremendous value to the player experience â value that will ensure they stick around.
How? Personalised gamification.
Gamification has been an industry buzzword for some time now, but few operators have yet to truly incorporate it, and personalise it using data, into the overall player experience. Personalisation is how how operators will unlock the huge potential gamification offers for both acquisition and retention, and ultimately differentiation.
Not only can gamification be used to transform the user experience across multiple touch points, but it can also be used by operators to drive certain player behaviour such as making a deposit or continuing to play even after a run of losses.
Gamification comes in many forms, but at Solitics, we have just launched a new Gamification Module that includes Gamification Widgets with highly customisable mini-games that operators can use to elevate the player experience to boost both acquisition and retention. Mini-games are the perfect gamification tool. They can be combined with promos and bonuses to help the brand connect with the players and build trust.
Because the experience is gamified and highly customised to playersâ preferences and playing patterns, operators can guide usersâ behaviour in a way that is authentic, allowing them to generate a much higher life-time value from the players than when they are incentivised by traditional or generic offerings.
So long as mini-games can be customised and configured, operators can be smarter in how they bonus and run promos that are far more effective while avoiding overbonusing and overspending.
For example, if you would like a player to log-in each day to claim a daily surprise, instead of offering ÂŁ5 bonus upon log-in, the operator can engage the player with daily challenges such as âlogin and get a daily surpriseâ. During this mission, player will get to spin the wheel to determine his daily prize, and also see an interactive map of his progress. From managing the bonus economy point of view – since the widget is entirely customized by the brand. This actually adds excitement for the player while reducing the bonusing cost for the operator.
Positive, fun experiences also generate advocacy, with players recommending the brand to others.
Personal gamification widgets are also a powerful driver of acquisition, especially when deployed as part of the onboarding journey through game introducing carousels, or spinning a prize wheel to determine the welcome bonus they receive.
Of course, operators need to be able to differentiate through the mini-games they offer to their players otherwise players will once again find themselves swimming in the sea of sameness. This is why we have ensured our mini-games offer unrivalled opportunities for customisation and personalisation including brand colours, content, bonuses configuration, all of which are easy to change.
With Solitics, marketers can choose from a pre-set library of games and customise them, or they can create their own games from scratch, all from a single UI, with no need for heavy development resources.
That said, itâs still important for the right games to be delivered to the right players at the right time and this requires the use of data and segmentation.
Our solution is built on top of the operatorâs data house which allows marketers to be incredibly granular in terms of who gets the game, the accompanying bonus, the communication that goes with it and the channel via which it is deployed. This is all done through a single platform and UI.
Despite the potential personalised gamification offers to take the entire player experience to the next level, and for brands to be heard above the noise being made by the competition, the majority of operators have yet to really get behind it.
We believe that our solution is a game-changer here and those that get in the game will be surprised by just how effective gamification can be when it comes to acquiring and retaining players at scale while offering a strong USP for their brand or brands.
Interviews
Exclusive interview with Steve Rogers – Founder and CEO at Playbook Fusion
![](https://europeangaming.eu/portal/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Steve-Rogers-INT.jpg)
We recently sat down with Steve Rogers – Founder and CEO at Playbook Fusion and talk about several important aspects that shape the game studios industry.
What made you want to launch a game studio given the incredibly competitive nature of the market?
Because we have identified a gap in the market in which we can offer something truly unique. There is a large audience of players who enjoy sports-themed video and mobile games, and the ownership and skill required to master titles such as FC Ultimate Team, and who also like to place a bet on their favourite sports, teams and players. Right now, there isnât a game format that brings these two worlds together, but Playbook Fusion is allowing them to collide to provide an entirely new experience that these consumers will absolutely want to engage with.
The addressable audience for our games will be broad but it is currently one that operators are struggling to engage. This goes beyond those who bet on sports to include those who are simply sports fans, gamers who enjoy management format titles and who are light-touch gamblers, virtual sports players looking for ownership over their teams and fantasy sports players seeking round the clock action.
In all instances, our strongest appeal will likely be among the next generation of players â those who are unlikely to walk into a retail betting shop or have a bet on the Grand National, but who are engaging with mobile and video games, social media and streaming.
How will you leverage your industry experience to lead Playbook Fusion to success?
I have more than 20 years of experience in the industry, and this has enabled me to amass a deep understanding of key factors required in bringing successful betting products to market, such as regulation, compliance, content deployment and ultimately what goes into making a hit game. I have been delivering RNG sports games to operators for various companies for a long time now and have good relationships with the right people within most of the major tier one and tier two brands, opening up a clear path to deploying our games with the biggest operators in the business. My experience has also taught me what a good game looks like and has allowed me to identify the gap in the market that Playbook Fusion has an ambition to fill.
Where I lack experience or in-depth understanding, I have brought in experts including video and mobile games veteran, Santiago Jaramillo. Santiago has more than 13 years of AAA gaming experience and has previously worked as Creative Director for EA Sportâs FIFA Franchise and was Executive Producer of MonopolyGo! He was also Head of Sports at Dapper Labs where he conceived and created NBA Top Shot, an award-winning, first-of-its-kind product anchored in blockchain technology.
Our complementary skillsets will absolutely be key to ensuring the future success of Playbook Fusion.
How will you stand out from your rival studios? How will your content offer something new to operators and players?
The level of ownership, the persistent progression within the games and the ability for skill development that each of our titles will offer will set Playbook Fusion apart from its competitors. We are working on a range of innovative mechanics that will allow players to boost the capabilities of their teams, which in turn will increase the chance of them winning. Gameplay will include acquiring or earning packs that players can open to strengthen their lineup before they decide what kind of contest they want to engage with. Thereâs really nothing like this in the sports betting space at this point and this strong, clear point of difference is what is already allowing Playbook Fusion to stand out and catch the attention of sportsbook operators.
Bringing together the worlds of gambling and video/mobile gaming is a tough task. How have you approached this?Â
It comes down to building a team of the brightest minds and creative talents from both industries. From the gambling sector, we have sought to hire dynamic individuals with a passion for sports and who understand what the next generation of sports bettors are looking for. Then, from the gaming sector, we have Santiago and a growing team of designers and developers who have an in-depth understanding of the mechanics behind successful video games. We are bringing the edges of these industries together and creating an environment in which everyone can learn from each other. I truly believe that we have a game-changing concept and with the team we have in place, we can bring it to life and disrupt the industry.
Can you share some insights into your first game? What will it look like? How will it play? Who has it been developed for?
Our first game will be a football title. Football is the biggest sport globally and will allow us to hit the ground running with a game that has mass market appeal. It will take the football manager format, with players able to build a team by acquiring and trading players. They can also do things like buy packs and reveal cards that all help in strengthening their team. They then compete with others across several game types including seasons, player vs player and in contests with friends. Players earn points based on the performance of their team, which are posted to a real-time leaderboard. The more points players accumulate, the more league levels they clear and the more rewards they earn. Betting is a core part of the game loop but, unlike more traditional virtual sports games, the bettor will have a much greater sense of ownership over the team they are betting on, just like in real sports betting. We plan to replicate this format for other sports including basketball and cricket.
Why should sportsbook operators partner with Playbook Fusion?
Our games will enable operators to generate incremental revenues from existing player groups, particularly Virtual Sports and Fantasy players, by offering a more engaging betting experience on a 24/7/365 basis. Also, our games will allow them to tap into a new, lucrative but hard-to-reach audience. These are not traditional sports bettors, but rather the next generation of customers looking for social, fast-paced gameplay where they can improve and display their skills and strategy with the chance of winning money â the YouTube, Fortnite, tech-savvy generation that will become a sportsbookâs core player base in the coming years.
Interviews
Exclusive Q&A w/ Vladimir Malakchi, CEO and Managing Partner at Xanada Investments
![Exclusive Q&A w/ Vladimir Malakchi, CEO and Managing Partner at Xanada Investments](https://europeangaming.eu/portal/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Xanada-Investments.webp)
From a C-level perspective, what inspired the founding of Xanada Investments and how does it distinguish itself from other investment firms?
Xanada Investments was founded with the goal of creating a unique, high-value investment ecosystem. We wanted to build an investment firm that provides not just capital, but a thriving, interconnected community of visionary leaders and entrepreneurs.
What sets Xanada Investments apart is our holistic approach. We don’t just invest in businesses; we build an ecosystem where each venture supports and enhances the others, promoting mutual growth. We focus on creating long-term value and success for our partners.
We offer more than fundingâwe provide expert guidance, operational support, and access to our extensive global network. This helps startups navigate challenges, scale effectively, and reach new markets.
What specific projects does Xanada Investments focus on?
We believe in creating a diverse and interconnected ecosystem. Instead of limiting ourselves to specific sectors like casinos or providers, or geos, we invest in a wide range of projects. This diversity helps eliminate internal competition and fosters a more collaborative environment.
We see our investments as “smart money” â funds that bring more than just capital. Investing in a variety of companies allows us to offer tailored support and valuable insights to each one. This approach not only broadens our horizons but also ensures that each project benefits from our extensive network and expertise.
We seek leaders and companies who share our values of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. By embracing a holistic investment strategy and fostering a community-driven approach, we aim to build a thriving, interconnected community where every venture has the potential to succeed.
What strategies does Xanada Investments employ to help startups scale and enter new markets?
We use a holistic approach based on our core values of collaboration, innovation, and excellence to help startups scale and enter new markets.
First, we provide strategic operational support tailored to each startupâs needs, refining business models, optimizing operations, and developing go-to-market strategies. Our deep market insights help startups navigate fluctuations and seize opportunities.
Our extensive global network connects startups with industry leaders, potential partners, and key market players, facilitating strategic alliances and new opportunities. We also enhance startups’ visibility through comprehensive PR and media strategies, ensuring they gain the attention and credibility needed to enter new markets.
By combining these strategies, we not only offer financial backing but also provide the strategic support, resources, and visibility startups need to scale successfully and enter new markets.
What do you look for in potential investment opportunities and partners?
We prioritize the potential of the people behind the projects. Our ideal partners are those who have experience building businesses, regardless of whether successful or not. Experience in successful companies and a deep understanding of their market are crucial traits we look for.
Preparation is key. We value those who present well-structured portfolios and comprehensive project presentations. This initial impression is a great start for our deeper evaluation process, where we focus on several critical aspects:
First, we assess the team dynamics, looking at their cohesion, expertise, and experience. A strong, knowledgeable, and well-coordinated team is essential for overcoming challenges and achieving success. We also seek individuals who not only understand their market but can also anticipate trends and navigate market fluctuations effectively.
We are drawn to visionary leaders who bring innovative ideas to the table. Their ability to think outside the box and drive industry changes is a significant factor. The project must also align with our broader ecosystem. We seek investments that complement and enhance our existing portfolio, fostering collaboration and mutual growth.
How do you see Xanada Investments evolving in the next year?
In the next year, we’re planning to invest in about 10-15 projects, with each investment averaging around $1.5 million. Our main focus will be structuring deals and getting everything in place. We want to establish solid processes, get to know the key players in our field, refine our strategy, and build a strong network.
Weâre also looking to create a diverse portfolio and boost their visibility through smart PR and media engagements. A lot of startups struggle with media relations, PR, and events, so weâre going to connect with media outlets and PR firms to give these startups the exposure they need.
On top of that, we plan to sponsor and participate in events like startup pitches and industry conferences to help promote our portfolio companies. Weâre also excited about creating our own competitions and events to support and showcase innovative startups.
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