Microgaming – Banana Odyssey

Soar through space to the Banana Planet with Microgaming’s latest slot entry, developed by Slingshot Studios, the creators of Zombie Hoard and Cash of Kingdoms.

The five-by-three reel, 10-payline online slot follows two astro-chimps as they embark upon a new mission, featuring free spins, expanding wilds and respins, and paying out both ways.

James Buchanan, director of global operations at Microgaming, commented: “We always strive to deliver a diverse, quality content portfolio to meet the needs of our operators, and Banana Odyssey is testament to this. 

“Originally conceptualised by Twin during one of Microgaming’s interactive games concept days with operators, and following a two-month exclusivity period with the operator, the game is now available to our wider customer base. 

“Slingshot Studios have done a tremendous job creating an energetic, fast-paced slot, successfully combining popular game mechanics of respins, expanding wilds and free spins. 

“Engrossed with aesthetically pleasing visuals and a foot-tapping soundtrack, Banana Odyssey is a captivating new addition to Microgaming’s library of games.”

NetEnt – Imperial Riches

Set in a Chinese garden among a world of splendour and serenity, NetEnt is aiming to take players on an exciting journey to the Far-East. 

The five-reel, three-row slot also features the firm’s Avalanche concept, where in both the main game and during free falls feature, symbols fall into position onto the reels instead of spinning.

During the feature, a winning bet line triggers an Avalanche, where all symbols in winning combinations, apart from scatter symbols, light up and disappear to continue until there are no more wins.

“This game is packed with features. We are continuing our jackpot successes this year with Imperial Riches but with our Avalanche mechanic. The three-stage, nested bonuses give players a chance to experience the free falls game, collecting jewels from wins for entry into another coin win feature, and then a Jackpot bonus game.  

“The chance to win one of five realistically-priced jackpots and the beautiful, authentic Asian artwork and theme makes this game speak the promise of fortune for players across the board,” noted Bryan Upton, NetEnt director of games.

Push Gaming – Razor Shark

Development studio Push Gaming submerges players in an underwater world where treasures can be unlocked thanks to the game’s razor reveal and free spins features.

Those that take the plunge will enter an scene where sharks roam the reels, with players swimming among them in search of hidden riches which can be accessed via the game’s four features, as mystery stacks and increasing multipliers join the aforementioned duo.

James Marshall, CEO of Push Gaming, stated: “Razor Shark is a game with huge depth, offering exciting win potential from base game through to its wildly progressive free spins.

“We’ve introduced unique features such as a nudging reveal symbol and ‘razor reveal’ instant win prizes, adding new levels of anticipation and excitement to our renowned volatile and thrilling catalogue of games”. 

Nolimit City – Pixies vs Pirates

The Malta based software provider has debuted its latest igaming entry, with Pixies vs Pirates promising enhanced excitement via the introduction of two new mechanics.

Released globally to all partners, the games strives to give players a “unique experience” via the 729 fixed ways and 6×3 reel game.

xNudge, lauded as the signature nudging stacked wild, increases its multiplier with every nudge, but via the new introduction xWays landing a relevant symbol on screen can randomly award a one that may duplicate to increase the amount of ways won.

Landing both mechanics on the same reel offers a multiplier increase of up to six times.

Per Lindheimer, product owner at Nolimit City, said: “Pixies vs Pirates is our first release with our new xWays feature mechanic, merged with the previous smash hit mechanic xNudge! 

“The two together can create thrilling spins with huge potential! With stunning graphics, especially in mobile portrait mode, this game will keep you on your toes both in main game and the free spins mode.”

The post Part 5 | On the spin: Slot launch round-up appeared first on CasinoBeats.

As a result, the supplier will now have full control of its own technology development and delivery schedule thanks to a game host licence in the United Kingdom and a B2B licence in Malta.

This is set to help foster platform feature innovation and new in-game mechanics, while also enhancing bespoke support for operators. Moreover, it will also provide overall systems reliance and security, as it transitions to a fully-fledged B2B provider.

Mario Petraglia, director of legal and compliance at Push Gaming, commented: “We are delighted to see our efforts recognised by two of the leading authorities in the online gambling industry. We’ve managed to set up a bespoke operational toolkit to support our award-winning gaming content in record time, propelling us from boutique game developer to the ranks of full-service supplier.

“Compliance is at the core of Push Gaming’s operations and we take great pride in spearheading the development of responsible gaming products in the industry. We look forward to bringing further innovation across all regulated markets in Europe and beyond.”

As well as its acquiring of regulatory approval, Push Gaming has also partnered with BMM Test Labs, with the platform and game content already certified in accordance with the technical requirements of the UKGC and MGA, as well as Sweden, Denmark, Latvia and Estonia. The company also supports operations in Gibraltar, Alderney and Isle of Man.

The announcements build on the deal signed that saw Push Gaming agree to acquire GSI in an attempt to scale up its delivery of products directly to operator partners.

Regarding the acquisition, Push Gaming stated that the purchase will deliver added flexibility and control over its technology, as well as the development of platform functionality, game design and industry distribution.

At the time, James Marshall, CEO and co-founder at Push Gaming, added of the deal: “The acquisition of GSI is a real game changer for us and we’re confident it will help us to become a key player within the industry.

“The launch of our own platform gives us full control of our game development, delivery and operator integrations. We will now also benefit from GSI’s extensive industry knowledge and experience, as well as their fantastic technical team ”

The post Push Gaming receives UKGC and MGA approval appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Players to experience the fascinating culture of native North Americans in breathtaking canyons in this 5×4, 20-payline video slot incorporates a maximum win potential of up to x50,000 the bet. 

“Our team has done a fine job with Bison Battle – they’ve had great fun putting together a game that is snappy and endlessly entertaining from the base game through to the second screen-features,” commented James Marshall, CEO at Push Gaming.

“Our Bonus Buy feature makes an appearance too, adding yet more options for players to enjoy the action. We’re really looking forward to seeing our fans challenge the battling bison.”

Starting with the bison clash feature, this is triggered when the red bison symbol with an instant prize or with a multiplier appears on the same row. 

When triggered, both of the red bisons will come together on the reels and clash. Here, the instant prize value will be multiplied by the multiplier value and award the win. 

Meanwhile, the ice park feature is activated when a blue and a red bison symbol with a multiplier appear on the same row and charge into each other on the reels to clash. 

Starting with three free spins, players can land red bison walking symbols with a multiplier up to x10 on reels one and five, and bison coin symbols that are bet multipliers and sticky symbols that go up to x2,500 on reels two, three and four.

Lastly, the green valley feature is activated when a green and a red bison symbol with a multiplier appear on the same row and charge into each other on the reels to clash. 

Starting off with eight free spins, players can land red bison walking symbols with a multiplier up to x10 on reels one and five. Moreover, red bison symbols will multiply the value of the sticky wild symbols if they land on the same row and award additional free spins. 

With an RTP between 95.35 and 96.41 per cent and a high volatility level implemented within the game, readers who would like to experience a demo version of Push Gaming’s Bison Battle can click here to be redirected to the supplier’s official website.

The post Push Gaming wins battle for SlotBeats’ SOTW award appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Magic Kitty – Spadegaming

Spadegaming harnessed the world of magic with its “purrfect” slot title Magic Kitty, a 5×4, 50-payline slot which incorporates scatters, wilds, a free spins buy option and free game mode. 

In the base game, scatter symbols appear in the form of a mouse with one of the kitty’s potions. If a player lands three of these from left to right, it will trigger the free game feature and free spins will be awarded.

Within the free game, any wilds that are landed will lock into their place on the board for the length of the feature. A maximum of five extra free spins can be won during free games, which ends when there are no free spins left to use. 

Players have the option to take advantage of the buy free spins feature for either x50 or x100 their total bet. The feature guarantees sticky wild symbols in addition to skipping straight to the free game mode. 

Starburst XXXtreme – NetEnt

This week saw the release of NetEnt’s sequel title to one of its “most popular titles” with Starburst XXXtreme. 

The 5×3, nine-payline slot features Starburst wild symbols, random wilds and XXXtreme spins. Along with its high volatility, the title has an RTP of 96.26 per cent. 

Moreover, Starburst XXXtreme includes starburst wilds that award respins, random multipliers and spontaneously activated random wilds. 

Players have the option to purchase an all-new XXXtreme spins feature which guarantees Starburst wilds when activated. This comes at the cost of either x10 the bet for one guaranteed Starburst wild symbol per spin, or x95 the bet for two guaranteed Starburst wild symbols per spin.

“Starburst XXXtreme is a fun-focused addition to any gaming portfolio, with an easy-to-understand mechanic – and it brings a great legacy,” Todd Haushalter, chief product officer at Evolution commented.

“Everyone knows the Starburst name. It’s been a slot favourite for years. We’ve been working hard to keep those classic features that make the game so popular and the team have done a great job at incorporating them into an XXXtreme version that will appeal to current, as well as the next generation, of players. 

“It’s a big responsibility working on an already well-loved game, but with Starburst XXXtreme there’s a blend between old and new. We’re looking forward to seeing this game out in the market, and we’re sure players are going to love the gaming experience just as much as we loved creating it.”

Booty Bay – Push Gaming

Push Gaming’s latest slot title, Booty Bay, takes players on a swashbuckling adventure to claim hidden plunder in the 5×5, cluster title. 

Including a Treasure Map feature which involves Swirling Rapids and Booty Wilds, the base game of this highly volatile title can be transformed by triggering different features when the moving Booty Wilds land in the 3×3 square, which has progressive unlimited respins that are generated.

The Treasure Map feature presents a board of instant prizes, while Swirling Rapids pulls Booty Wilds into the Hotzone. Three of these wilds also trigger the Triple Wild Lock, anchoring them inside for more opportunities for riches to grow with multipliers.

“Pirate-themed games are one of the many popular themes in our industry and with Booty Bay, we’ve put our signature on it in the shape of progressive unlimited respins, bringing something fresh to the genre,” noted James Marshall, CEO at Push Gaming. 

“With our typical focus on mobile user experience, we’re going a little against the trend on this one, providing players with a different feel that is very well suited to shorter game play sessions.”

Midnight in Tokyo – Wazdan

Another cat-themed title makes it into this week’s on the spin with Wazdan launches its “claw-some” Midnight in Tokyo, a five-reel, 243 ways to win Asian adventure. 

Including the company’s splitter and Hold the Jackpot mechanic, Midnight in Tokyo integrates two types of wild splitters within the title which increase the number of ways to win. 

Moreover, Ninja Cats slice symbols on either side of them, while Kung-Fu Cats split symbols above and below. The Geisha Cat symbol acts as a bonus symbol, where three of them landing on the reels will trigger the bonus jackpot game. 

Utilising Wazdan’s Hold the Jackpot mechanic, players are transported to a 15-slot mini-grid in a 5×3 layout as they search for further bonus and moon symbols. Players are initially granted three re-spins, which reset every time a new symbol lands on the reels.

“Midnight in Tokyo sees our players invited to explore the landscape of one of the world’s most famous cities while its feline citizens are up to mischief,” explained Andrzej Hyla, chief commercial officer at Wazdan.

“With the Wild Splitters adding a unique twist to the reels and our popular Hold the Jackpot bonus round, Midnight in Tokyo is one of our most engaging titles yet.”

The post Spadegaming, NetEnt and Push Gaming: on the spin – slots round-up appeared first on CasinoBeats.

When designing a game, what elements in particular are you looking to incorporate to appeal to players? What features are in demand right now?

Vladimir Malakchi, Evoplay: – The game concept process, for me, is developing both easy-to-understand, exciting and rewarding features for a player – elements that would bring not just visual joy but also exciting gameplay that will stay with me after I’ve played. 

I start with ‘player first’ thinking. Trend reports show that multiplayers, tournaments, leaderboards, manual control and skill-based elements are among the most popular and this is what we should be catering to. These features – introduced from the video gaming industry – are the engagement tools that can really prove key to interacting with players, especially given the social element of the process that enables a shared community of fans. 

The social element of gaming is a key driver of appeal – players naturally want to share experiences, results, and communicate with others in the same environment. Previously, that was presented by slot machines placed close to each other in the casino, now, everything is adapted to an online setting, but it still needs to be the same – and it’s all about the win. 

James Marshall, Push Gaming: We’ve got two different trends in the market right now – both of which are polar opposites. Players want the gameplay experience to be quicker and have more excitement, while the regulator wants to slow things down. Of course, as a studio we need to work out how to cater to demand from players, whilst ensuring we’re always meeting the requirements of regulatory responsible gambling. 

As a studio we’re not looking to please every single player, and we don’t produce ‘localised’ content – because ultimately markets are not worlds apart.

When it comes to game design, we are aware of the fact that there are regional anomalies in regulations, which makes it impossible to create a game that works for all markets at the start. What we need are games that can provide a universal hit while also offering the potential to incorporate features and mechanics that can work for different markets. 

David Little, Lightning Box Games: Game design is about trying to create a perfect marriage of game play and graphics. There’s always a lot of talk about the latter and they will always be an important form of visual temptation that persuades people to give it a go. But particularly among the more serious players, graphics fade pretty quickly and what tempts people to continue playing is the maths.

The minor triumphs and defeats along the way, the building tension, and the prospect of a big win. Each game does it slightly differently, of course, but the feeling of being engrossed in the game and excitement that comes with it will always be the key ingredients.

Simon Hammon, Relax Gaming: Without a doubt, the tangibility and win potential is now the number one focus of designing a game. It’s the first thing the modern customer is looking out for so finding elegant ways to make that clear is our first port of call. 

Depending on jurisdictional restrictions, the Bonus Buy feature is a key attraction. However, some suppliers go wrong here by just adding it in regardless, but the game flow and mechanics need to be able to support it in a way that is actually offering real variation and win potential in the feature.

There are several familiar mechanics that are in high demand such as stairway multipliers as an example but, as well as that, players often want a twist or difference to keep them entertained. Simply copying what is already out there isn’t going to attract a player for any meaningful length of time, the modern customer has higher demands than that.  

Looking at the next few years of evolution, what technologies and elements do you believe will disrupt games development as we know it? What’s going to change in terms of stakes and the entertainment experience over the next two years?

RS: Nobody expected the past year to have such a big impact on so many industries and products. Looking at the list of CES 2021 Innovation Awards, I am delighted to see that gaming is now in the top 10 of the number of awards received. 

We’re also going to see plenty more hardware and software solutions that I’m sure will help us to make an evolutionary leap in what we do over the next few years. Another tech disruptor to keep an eye on will be Facebook’s launch of ‘Infinite Office’ – which will allow users to work across multiple customisable screens built on top of the Oculus Browser. 

Last but not least, multiplayer and skill-based elements are here to say, and there will be plenty more to explore soon enough. For me, these are all great examples of how technology changes – and how the environment it’s applied in changes too. 

After all – why would casino games be any different when it comes to entertainment? It’s always more fun to play together, and I’m sure we’ll also see multiplayer slots becoming an emerging area soon enough.

SH: Technology always has the ability to shape the casino experience, but in the next few years I don’t believe it will be that element that will have the biggest impact. By their nature, casino players are not the earliest adopters of the latest technology.

They are more likely to be followers than leaders in driving demand for tech change. Without a doubt, tech can have news value and disrupt in this way but in terms of financial impact this often takes a bit longer.  

That being said, I can only assume that the biggest sources of impact will continue to be what they are today – regulation and competition. Really, we just need to continue making the kinds of games that players enjoy and we should be able to weather whatever either of these factors can throw at us. 

DL: As mobile devices become ever more sophisticated the ability to enhance the graphics will undoubtedly improve. The real estate on mobile devices may not change, but their ability to download richer and more immersive content quicker will make games more satisfying.

We may see more providers use the Unity 3D engine which is very popular with video games. If countries like Germany are the rule rather than the exception, then we will undoubtedly see lower stakes. The UK is also set to introduce slower spin speeds to slow down how quickly players go through their money. Will that encourage players to play for less money? Will it make them play a game more, or be more inclined to try out new games because they have more time and money? It will be interesting to see.

JM: I believe growth will continue in the same trend – with mobile powering that. For the tech behind that, I expect we’ll see plenty to come from both browser-based games and also browser-based tech for mobile, which will shape development. 

Over time I also expect engagement to shift – for example, might players start wanting games that last for a longer time or extended gameplay experience because they’re staying at home? Right now, it’s the opposite but if that does become the case, the way in which games are designed will certainly need to change.

There’s certainly a good possibility that gameplay patterns will shift, and there becomes a demand for extended sessions. Whatever happens, we will have to remain agile and flexible in order to accommodate any changes in wider player preferences.

Apps are also going to be very important in how the entertainment experience is shaped. This is especially the case in the US, where the majority of revenue is derived from IOS-based apps.

This is very different to Europe of course with players accustomed to browser-based casinos from pre-native app availability, whereas the US has kicked off its new regulations with native, specifically iOS supporting real money casino apps. 

The post Future of Entertainment: skill-based elements are here to stay appeared first on CasinoBeats.

In CasinoBeats’ Future of Entertainment mini-series, we asked Vladimir Malakchi, CCO at Evoplay, Simon Hammon, CPO at Relax Gaming, David Little, co-founder at Lightning Box and James Marshall, CEO at Push Gaming, to discuss the evolution of entertainment in the casino sector and player preferences. 

How would you define the nature of ‘entertainment’ at this point in the casino industry – what’s changed in terms of what players are looking for?

Vladimir Malakchi, Evoplay: Entertainment’s always been with us – the key is defining what it means in today’s market. We’re seeing the industry evolve largely on the back of technological changes, but also due to the environment players expect to interact with. 

Vital to development is immersive gameplay, and it’s a facet that is seemingly limitless. 

Players want more and more to feel part of the games they’re playing, so much so that retention is no longer just a battle between operators, but also in the hands of game developers. 

This means adopting a whole range of technologies, user experiences within platforms, devices, genres and themes to create the experience that the new generation demands and it’s a really exciting period we’re seeing right now. 

However, it’s also important to note that it’s not always about producing products that are completely new – we’re seeing plenty of trends toward reimagining the classic games that we all know and love, with fresh new takes. 

For example, classic fruit-based slots as well as Egyptian themes are in high demand, but only if they come with a modern twist – offering a new version with a fresh spin. We can call this a contemporary experience wrapped up in a classic favourite. 

Simon Hammon, Relax Gaming: We have seen some significant shifts in what players are looking for. In previous years, there was a lot more demand for low to medium variance in games that led to longer-term player enjoyment and a lot of time on the device. 

Today that landscape is different. 

Players are now looking for high visual appeal and an engaging theme. The modern customer expects an innovative approach in design or gameplay or a clever twist on the game’s features and, most importantly, a very tangible and high win potential. 

Players today expect to understand quickly and clearly where the win potential lies in the game offerings rather than discovering that by spending time with the game.

David Little, Lightning Box Games: There’s obviously been an increase in high volatility games that have been propelled by the success of Megaways and their equivalents that studios are trying to create for themselves. But I think we’ve also seen an influx of new players over the last 12 months, possibly during periods of Lockdown, who are looking for a fun experience rather than a lucrative one. 

For them, high volatility games can be a bit too much, so having titles that are closer to the playful games found in social casinos are more relevant. What it demonstrates is the need to have a diverse portfolio that caters for all-comers.

James Marshall, Push Gaming: The slots market in Europe, and no doubt the US, are ones we can consider mature. This is especially the case in Europe, where player demand is higher than it has ever been. 

Tied in with that, we all know today’s players are more accustomed to complex user experience, understanding new mechanics and grasping new gameplay more effortlessly than ever before. 

Players want instant entertainment, looking for quick and instant fun, and it’s very interesting that we see this for all types of entertainment right now. 

Just like TikTok, Instagram Reels and now YouTube recently launching Shorts, if we look at the growth of small bits of content, it’s fitting that slots are also becoming shorter and shorter with their gaming cycles. 

Players want shorter but bigger impact – enabling them to jump into the bonus rounds and hit the excitement straight away. 

The post Future of entertainment: the evolution of casino appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Coming as part of an exclusive interview in the second edition of SBC Leaders for 2021, Lapides shared his opinion, along with James Marshall, CEO of Push Gaming, on the continually shifting landscape of the online gaming market. 

Along with Lapides and Marshall, other leaders within the industry, including Microgame’s CEO Marco Castaldo, reflect on the journey through COVID-19 for the Italian betting industry, and the huge opportunities presented for online growth.

His missive also warns us that alongside that there is a worrying nostalgic tendency among politicians in the country about a “see-no-evil” past where gambling is hidden away, out of sight and, unfortunately, out of control.

Sticking with the Italian market, we give a breakdown of the country’s advertising regulations, discussing how betting companies have been forced to undertake fresh, creative strategies to marketing since the blanket ban came in prohibiting all sports clubs and leagues from promoting gambling-related brands.

Scot McClintic, SVP igaming product and strategy at Paysafe, is another to pick up on pandemic-induced changes as he looks at its impact on the US sports betting industry.

Meanwhile, as we pass one year of lockdowns around the world, Scott Morgan, founder and CEO of Crypto Integrity Tao, believes that the pandemic has forced global economies to open their eyes to the potential of cryptocurrencies.

Rounding off this edition of SBC Leaders is a round-up of the latest developments on the new National Lottery and the launch of an exciting new SBC Leaders podcast series.

The new issue of SBC Leaders is available to download or read online HERE.

The post SBC Leaders: The continually shifting landscape of the online market appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Under the terms of the agreement, the slots supplier will go live with operators including Lucky Casino and Gambola. Facilitated by Relax Gaming, the integration is set to give Glitnor’s operators access to Push Gaming’s full portfolio which includes Jammin’ Jars and Razor Shark.

Linda Guranova , games manager at Glitnor said: “With quality offerings such as Jammin’ Jars and Razor Shark, we are delighted to have agreed a deal with Push Gaming.

“The slots supplier has quickly built up an impressive and extensive portfolio of offerings and our operators are sure to enjoy having them in their collections.”

In March of this year Glitnor linked up with Red Tiger which saw its Lucky Casino and Gambola gain access to the online casino games and software developer’s full slot portfolio, as well as its daily and hourly jackpots.

James Marshall, CEO of Push Gaming, commented on the deal with Glitnor: “We have challenged ourselves to grow the Push Gaming brand and reach more players than ever this year and our partnership with Glitnor will certainly help us achieve that.

“The likes of Lucky Casino and Gambola are some of the most exciting casino brands in the industry and we know its players are sure to enjoy getting in on the action with our full portfolio of games.”

The post Push Gaming extends player reach with Glitnor deal appeared first on CasinoBeats.

In October the company will celebrate the milestone, a year which looks to be just as big as the previous nine after recently joining forces with William Hill and receiving regulatory approval for its proprietary platform from both the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority. 

The CEO of Push Gaming James Marshall recently spoke to SlotBeats regarding the firm’s continuing evolution: “It’s incredible to think that we are already approaching our 10-year anniversary. It feels like just yesterday we set out on this journey and so much has changed for us over these past few years. 

“Our initial idea, back at the end of 2009, was simple – we wanted to bring the best land-based games into the online space. By 2012 we had already developed eight flash games in-house and distributed to several major operators. 

“Continuous developments in technology have of course played a significant role in our evolution and as flash was left behind, so was the focus on land-based games.

“Our direction has now turned to making unique games and in particular mobile-first offerings, so we set about developing HTML5 content on an exclusive basis for selected partners. 

“In 2015, our first HTML5 game, Bonus Beans, went live and was launched on both desktop and mobile. We have continued working extremely hard to improve the player experience ever since.  

“We also streamlined our distribution through a partnership with Relax Gaming, and through building other strong partnerships, our games are now widely available across the industry’s most popular online casinos.

“More recently, we acquired our own platform at the beginning of 2020, and this is allowing us to take the next steps forward as a business. We aim to keep innovating and refuse to compromise when it comes to quality.”

To read the full interview click here. 

The post Push Gaming looks forward as tenth year approaches appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Stressing confidence that the acquisition will enable the firm to become “a key player within the industry,” it comes as Push Gaming rolls-out a transformation from games studio to full-service B2B gaming supplier.

Hinting at ambitious plans throughout 2020, CasinoBeats caught up with James Marshall, CEO of Push Gaming, to discuss the recent purchase and the changing needs of operators.

CasinoBeats: Talk us through the deal: what do you see as the business case behind it?

James Marshall: We have always been a creative business and a front-end development studio, but in order to directly compete with major suppliers we needed full control in order to prioritise our product development from start to finish.

We initially set up and launched our own platform over a year ago, with licenced a copy of GSI’s RGS called Hive and their building integration layers called HIVE and MESH (which is an open platform) over a year ago. Whilst working together we quickly realised we had complimenting teams and synergies.

GSI were as keen on merging businesses and it made perfect sense to combine both
skill-sets in order to become a much more competitive outlet and in turn putting us in a stronger position. The timing was perfect, and we are now ready to begin distributing our technologies.

Unsurprisingly, this is especially exciting for us given our humble beginnings as a bootstrap start-up, and we’re now at the point where we’re ready to compete with some of the industry’s best in terms of technology supply. It’s also going to be our first year at ICE that we’ll be attending as a fully licenced gaming technology supplier by both the UKGC and MGA, and we can’t wait to show off what we have to offer.

CB: We’re seeing a few of the larger studios becoming aggregators themselves, where do you see aggregators fitting into the market going forward and how did that influence your decision to acquire your own platform?

JM: Aggregators will always have a place in the market, however, for us, it was a case of evaluating how we would reach our target to become one of the industry’s leading B2B content and platform suppliers, and we felt having a reliance on aggregators was hindering our potential.

Our aim was to take a more hands-on approach and manage the delivery of our games from start to finish. We felt that to compete at the highest level and create truly immersive games, we needed full control of our cycle – which acquiring our own RGS has given us the keys to do.

As part of our acquisition of GSI we acquired their integration layer (Mesh) and we’ll be evaluating over the next 12 months how best to use this technology.

CB: How do you see the needs of operators developing through 2020 and beyond? Are suppliers going to have to up their game? 

JM: With more and more markets bringing in legislation, suppliers are going to be under more pressure to further support operators in their pursuit of meeting regulations in a time and cost-effective way.

Suppliers are going to need to ensure their offerings are not only exciting and engaging, but also tailorable in some way to meet these regulations, whether it’s RTP or another measurable. It won’t be easy, but if suppliers and operators have a close enough relationship, I see no reason why they can’t continue to make gambling a safer place while retaining that excitement and entertainment factor that we all love.

From our point of view, it’s also a chance for suppliers to get away from the ‘pump and dump’ approach which many, especially those using aggregators, often have when it comes to releases. We want to create smash-hit games that punch above their weight and generate a loyal following, rather than large quantities of mediocre products.

The future of igaming is all about immersive entertainment, and to be frank, the market is already awash with enough sub-par games. Operators have no shortage of games, so it’s quality entertaining games that they now need. need quality, not quantity.

CB And lastly, with the merger now complete, what are your plans for the year ahead? 

JM: We have plenty of ambitious plans for rolling out our new platform – and we’re now operating and certified across multiple six core regulated European jurisdictions with full regulatory approval, including Sweden, Denmark, Scandinavia, Malta and the UK. We also see fantastic growth potential in Spain and LatAm, and we’ll be targeting these markets in 2020 given their passion for action-packed entertainment, with Italy is also on our radar for the same reason.

On the gaming front, we’ll be doing what we do best – with a target of up to 10 new games released over 2020. Not that I can get into too much detail just yet, but our development team are working on some gaming tech that I’m absolutely blown away by, and we can’t wait to start bringing our latest catalogue to market.

The post Push Gaming: The future of igaming <br> is all about immersive entertainment appeared first on CasinoBeats.