Play’n Go – Riches of Robin

Based around the infamous English folklore character, Play’n Go’s adventure slot Riches of Robin features instant prizes on the reels in the form of moneybag symbols; the first time the company have included such a feature.

Initially released to the Rank Group, the title sees Robin Hood joined by his gang of Merry Men; Little John, Will Scarlet, Alan-a-Dale, Friar Tuck and the fair Maid Marian in an entertaining quest for cash.

Played on a 5×3 reel format, each symbol on the grid in the game actually houses its own reel strip (as opposed to one per reel), meaning 15 individual strips and the possibility of many more combinations on the grid.

“We’re very excited about the game’s release. We’ve already seen players enjoy it immensely as an exclusive title, and now the rest of the market will get the chance to experience it as well.

“Our regular players will get the chance to experience two brand new concepts to our games, the reel individual reel strips and instant wins, as well as enjoying a brand new Play’n GO adventure!” – Johan Törnqvist, CEO of Play’n Go.

R Franco Digital – Fortune Jungle

Promising the delivery of its wildest game yet, the R Franco Group’s digital division introduces its new 5×3 title with 10 fixed winning lines and including an expandable wild that generates up to three new spins and a scatter symbol that triggers a free spins bonus game. 

Crocodiles, leopards, orangutans and parakeets all get in on the action in R Franco’s Chronos jungle, with a variety of gamified offerings built in, a number of exciting levels built-in and a plethora of winning opportunities.

“With our next adventure, we wanted to set the scene for a thrilling and immersive adventure for our players, and we are delighted to say that we have done just that with Fortune Jungle.

“Expect a wild journey into the unknown with our most action-packed title yet, which boasts a responsive design that is optimised for desktop and mobile and is available for all operators.” – Mario Benito, chief commercial officer at R Franco Digital.

Pragmatic Play – Dance Party

Pragmatic Play invites players to join the disco, as the igaming content provider debuts Dance Party – complete with neon filled reels.

The 3×5 slot features a progressive multiplier free spin mode which can be triggered by landing five diamond scatter symbols in one spin.

During free spin sessions the party steps up a level as players are transported to the middle of the dance floor, ready to land a knockout move, as up to 60 free spins can be awarded with a multiplier that can increase payouts by up to 30x their winnings per spin.

“Dance Party is a high energy, fun-filled game designed to immerse players in an atmosphere packed with the bright lights and catchy tunes of a nightclub.

“Transporting players back to the glory days of disco, the highly-volatile progressive free spins mode can mean the trip to the tiles is a real success, paying out up to 36,450 times a player’s stake for a night you’ll never forget!” – Melissa Summerfield, chief commercial officer at Pragmatic Play.

iSoftBet – Sheriff of Nottingham

In a recurring theme of today’s round-up, Sheriff of Nottingham transports players back to the era of Robin Hood and his Merry Men. The reels are set in the middle of Sherwood Forest as Robin and his band of outlaws try every trick in the book to avoid the evil Sheriff and steal his riches along the way.

The title features four in-game modifiers which are triggered whenever Robin Hood delivers a Royal Letter. Choose one of the three letters to reveal a bonus add, sheriff wilds, a wanted spin or a guaranteed win spin feature.

“Sheriff of Nottingham hits the bullseye with every magical bonus round we’ve developed. This feature-rich game is another immersive title from our games team, who continue to develop the best content on the market. With four randomly triggered modifiers and two lucrative bonus rounds, Sheriff of Nottingham is another thrilling addition to our ever-growing slot portfolio.

“In addition to the amazing feature set, this is our first of many ‘Twisted Tales Series’ slots, where the player, for a change, takes charge of the anti-hero in many popular stories and tales to offer a fresh perspective that complements the unique gameplay.” – Mark Claxton, head of games at iSoftBet.

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In the concluding edition of a two-part roundtable, Johannes Polbring, Product Owner at Thunderkick, Marcin Trafiałek, Promo Tools Specialist at Wazdan, Kajal Verma, Chief Creative Officer at Push Gaming, Amy Brewis, Account Manager at Realistic Games, Javier Sacristán Franco, International Business Director at R Franco Digital, Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, and Iryna Dragulina, Game Tribe Leader at Playson, continue the conversation.

CasinoBeats: Does a recognisable theme have a better chance of becoming an instant hit, compared to an original concept that might require more time to gain traction?

Johannes Polbring: Games with recognisable themes have an instant head-start due to pre-existing player preferences and established fanbases. For example, our recently released Eager Beavers has a familiar and whimsical animal theme, allowing it to gain instant traction with a certain type of player. It is more difficult for players to align with an unconventional theme, such as Thunderkick’s anarchistic Xterminate. 

However, as highlighted in Xterminate, if these unique themes are coupled with state-of-the-art design and fast-paced, engaging gameplay, they can gain traction and generate a cult following of players who are then more likely to try new genres in the future.

Marcin Trafiałek: A recognisable theme has a better chance in the market due to a larger potential audience it can reach. However, it is still just one component of a product’s success. Basing a game 100% on its theme will never be the key to creating a hit.

A certain large company creating video games about assassins moves its games from setting to setting, introducing very few mechanical changes and maintaining storytelling at a very low level. The player community’s reception to this can vary but is rare.

This example highlights that whether a game has a chance of becoming a hit depends more on who produces it than on the theme itself. And I emphasise chance because the product still has to prove itself in the end.

Kajal Verma: In my opinion there is less risk involved when you rely on a recognisable theme but that is not to say it will be a bigger hit over an original idea. Our most successful games often balance these two elements, using familiarity to pique the interest of players while offering innovative experiences to sustain their gameplay sessions.

For example, Jammin Jars uses a classic fruit theme which draws on familiarity but coupled with disco Jam Jars, we subverted expectations and added an innovative twist. If you get the balance right you can have an instant hit.

Amy Brewis: A recognisable theme often has a better chance of becoming an instant hit because it feels familiar and may remind players of similar games where they’ve enjoyed a positive experience. This familiarity reduces the perceived risk of trying something new and can quickly draw players in. However, while recognisable themes attract players initially, it’s the mechanics present within a title and the user experience that keep them engaged.

An original concept might take longer to gain traction due to unfamiliarity, but it has the potential to stand out and appeal to players seeking something different. Balancing familiar themes with innovative features can help capture both immediate and long-term interest.

Javier Sacristán Franco: While a recognisable theme can boost a game’s visibility, it doesn’t always guarantee an instant hit. Familiar themes may attract an initial audience due to their built-in appeal, but in today’s fast-paced digital world, original concepts can gain traction just as quickly. 

In fact, many players actively seek out novel experiences, and a creative, well-executed game with strong visuals or compelling gameplay can generate significant buzz. So, while a recognisable theme may enhance early sales, the quality, innovation, and marketing of a game are equally crucial to its potential for immediate success.

Ivan Kravchuk: On the surface, recognisable themes might seem more likely to become instant hits, as classic slots with familiar elements still tend to be more popular. New and innovative themes can quickly become hits, sometimes even more so than traditional ones.

However, they also come with a higher risk of failure. So, while recognisable themes might not always go viral, they tend to resonate on a deeper level, offering a better chance for sustained success over time.

Iryna Dragulina: To secure an instant hit, a complex approach to game development is required with theme focus, albeit crucial, still just one element of the creative process. Recognisable themes have the potential to resonate on a broader scale due to catchy elements or recognisable characters and symbols, but if the game lacks win potential and storytelling, it will not captivate its player base.

At Playson, we always ask ourselves what our players will be expecting from the game, how we can create an unforgettable experience for them and how can we gain their trust in the product.    

CB: In a competitive market where certain themes are ubiquitous, what can make a familiar theme feel fresh and appealing to players? 

KV: In a crowded market where certain themes are overly familiar, game designers must find ways to rejuvenate themes while retaining their core appeal. This can be obtained through various methods such as mashing up established genres, combining elements from different familiar themes to create something entirely new. For example, mixing pirate and futuristic sci-fi elements or fusing a detective theme with steampunk aesthetics. These combinations can reinvigorate familiar themes and surprise players.

Additionally evolving the art style used in creating titles aids in updating overall visuals making a familiar theme feel fresh. For instance, shifting from traditional art styles to more stylized, hyper-realistic, or even cartoonish versions of a known theme can breathe new life into the experience.

MT: Mechanics, quality, and trust in the developer. If a player knows they won’t be disappointed, and that their expectations will be met, then the theme itself becomes secondary.

ID: To refresh a familiar theme effectively, introducing subtle changes that pay testament to the original whilst adding new twists is essential. When working with characters that resonate strongly with your player base and themes that have become popular, sequels are an optimum way to retain demand. Experimenting with art styles and graphics can bring fresh perspective without alienating a player base. 

Our upcoming release 3 Pirate Barrells: Hold and Win has been designed meticulously to ensure it is a memorable addition to our renowned ‘3 Pots’ collection. An example of how gameplay has been elevated is through the bonus game where new features have been incorporated to keep players engaged and captivated by unfamiliar experiences posing the potential for high returns.   

AB: In a competitive market where certain themes are common, creativity is key to making a familiar theme feel fresh and appealing. This involves reimagining established aesthetics by adding new elements that captivate players quickly, ensuring that the theme and features work together harmoniously. Enhancing the player’s experience with innovative gameplay mechanics, visual effects, or unique storytelling can revitalise well-known themes.

It’s also important to immerse the player from the start, blending established elements with unexpected twists. By balancing innovation and familiarity, a game can stand out even in a crowded market, offering something comforting yet exciting to players.

CB: Conversely, how can suppliers ensure a game with an unconventional theme attracts players?

JP: Optimised marketing can be pivotal in communicating the narrative of a game with potential players. Social media campaigns are particularly important in reaching the target audience, giving them early access to game information and trailers to build anticipation. 

It goes without saying that gameplay is equally crucial to a game’s success. A player might load up the slot for the theme, but if gameplay is substandard, game sessions are likely to be short. Attracting an individual to a slot is the first step. Gameplay and mechanics must then deliver anticipation and immersion, and it is this experience that will keep them returning for more.

IK: To ensure a game with an unconventional theme attracts players, two key factors come into play. Firstly, the game itself must be straightforward and easy to understand. Secondly, effective presentation is crucial, involving impactful marketing campaigns and promotional tools to capture interest and boost player engagement.

Our internal data shows that tools like tournaments and quests are particularly effective. To sustain player interest and drive engagement, creating just a few promotional tools isn’t sufficient, so our team continually develops new ones. For instance, Evoplay’s recent introduction of the Wheel of Fortune looks promising and is expected to further enhance player participation. By focusing on both game quality and innovative marketing, we aim to maximise player attraction and involvement.

JS: While there’s no guaranteed formula for success, suppliers can significantly increase the chances of an unconventional theme attracting players by taking a strategic approach. The first step is to clearly define the target audience, ensuring the theme aligns with their preferences and interests. From there, A/B testing, player surveys, and behaviour analysis are invaluable tools for gauging audience reactions and refining the game’s appeal.

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In part-one of our latest roundtable, we spoke to Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, Iryna Dragulina, Game Tribe Leader at Playson, Johannes Polbring, Product Owner at Thunderkick, Marcin Trafiałek, Promo Tools Specialist at Wazdan, Kajal Verma, Chief Creative Officer at Push Gaming, Amy Brewis, Account Manager at Realistic Games, and Javier Sacristán Franco, International Business Director at R Franco Digital, about familiar and distinct themes, what space they fill in the market, and the visual elements that make players gravitate towards a certain game.

CasinoBeats: How crucial is familiarity in game design? Do players prefer slots with recognisable themes or are they more attracted to innovative designs that offer something new? 

Ivan Kravchuk: Recognisable themes and mechanics offer a sense of comfort, especially for the conservative players who make up a large portion of slot fans. That’s why themes like gods, fruits, treasures, and sports continue to dominate, consistently ranking among the top five most popular games in online casinos.

Despite this, innovative game designs are steadily increasing their presence in the igaming landscape. These games tend to attract tech-savvy players or those who are bored with the classics and seeking new twists. For example, in our top games across all regions, classic slots like Hot Triple Sevens often share leading positions in key metrics with instant games like Penalty Shoot-out. Looking ahead, I expect this trend to intensify.

Iryna Dragulina: A combination of the two is vital to ensure strong player retention levels and an ever-growing player base. Whilst familiarity plays an important role in game design, especially for seasoned players who come with predefined expectations, innovation can be effectively implemented without becoming overbearing. 

Instead of bombarding new titles with complex descriptions or isolated game sections, we focus on creating intuitive and accessible products. Supercharged Clovers: Hold and Win and Piggy Power: Hit the Bonus, for example, have been designed with clear brand identity. The two titles pay homage to their predecessors but incorporate a wow factor with alterations to trusted mechanics that resonates with slot enthusiasts.

Johannes Polbring: Familiarity is a major factor when predicting the potential success of a game. Utilising themes that are proven to resonate with the target audience can provide a strong starting point for performance, with familiarity often evoking emotional connections which can encourage engagement with a new slot. Themes related to popular culture, such as games centred around TV shows, movies, and myths, are more likely to draw attention as the brand or genre is already established. 

Familiarity in theme is also often accompanied by similarities in gameplay, reducing the learning curve required for players to understand a title. The steeper the learning curve, the more likely players are to lose interest, resulting in shorter game sessions. However, there is always room for innovation with products, and new ideas can provide respite from overused themes.

Marcin Trafiałek: It’s extremely important for players to be at ease with a game thanks to familiar patterns and overall design. However, I wouldn’t say that the key factor is the theme itself, but rather the gameplay mechanics and interface.

If players feel comfortable in an environment shaped by these two factors, I believe they will adapt to gameplay that introduces further innovations. The main thing is the product’s consistency with the overall brand vision and achieving this through consistent development.

Kajal Verma: Recognisable and familiar themes often create a sense of comfort and nostalgia for the player. Already understanding a game’s thematic elements, they can focus more on gameplay mechanics rather than trying to figure out the context. This can also be said about themes based on popular IPs. Here aesthetics can capitalise on players’ existing emotional connections that they have with previous titles.

While familiarity draws in players, many seek out innovative designs that offer unique experiences. This includes fresh themes, or distinctive art styles. Players who are more experienced or adventurous may gravitate towards games that offer novelty and break away from typical patterns. This can also keep players more interested in playing.

Amy Brewis: Familiarity in game design is crucial because it can attract players by evoking comfort and recognition. Players often prefer slots with recognisable themes, as they know what to expect and are reassured by familiar elements, which can lead to steady engagement and revenue for suppliers.

However, innovative designs offer something new that can captivate players, especially those seeking fresh experiences in a crowded market. While these may take more time to gain traction, they can create unique market positions and attract new audiences. 

Balancing familiarity with innovation is key to appealing to a wide range of players. For example, our latest release, Top Tenner, has a classic gaming theme but with a twist within its features, providing a unique experience through the dynamic Top 10 wins mechanic. Offsetting this new concept and gameplay style is the more understood aesthetics, preventing a barrier to entry for newer players.  

Javier Sacristán Franco: Familiarity in game design plays a critical role. Players often gravitate toward slots with recognisable themes because they evoke a sense of trust, nostalgia, or emotional connection, which can lead to stronger engagement.

Well-known themes, such as those based on popular movies, TV shows, mythology, or iconic slot symbols, help players feel more comfortable and confident when trying a new game. This familiarity can also reduce the learning curve, making it easier for players to understand the mechanics and features of the game without feeling overwhelmed.

However, while familiarity can help attract players initially, it doesn’t guarantee long-term success. Many players are also looking for innovative designs and fresh experiences that break away from the predictable. 

CasinoBeats: Do games with conventional themes appeal to a different demographic than those with more unique design, or is visual appeal a universal draw regardless of theme? 

ID: Separating theme performance from mechanics can be tricky as they often work in tandem to shape the player’s experience. Whilst certain themes may resonate more broadly and perform consistently across different markets, it’s the synergy between theme and mechanics that often captivates players. 

Our data shows themes which typically appeal to a wider audience such as fruit, Egyptian or animal-styled slots, still resonate with those who are a bit more niche with their preferences. This is down to the mechanics which are incorporated blending efficiently with popular themes but also adding an innovative approach to gameplay for those who favour more contemporary features, leading to an inclusive player experience.

JP: If a game looks stunning and performs well, it will undoubtedly have universal appeal. However, there are different attitudes towards game themes and mechanics, largely down to generational quirks. More traditional players will typically gravitate toward familiar themes, such as classic fruits and ancient Egypt, as well as predictable games with fewer paylines and less complex mechanics. 

In contrast, the younger generation of player tends to be more tech-savvy, and as a result, seeks out edgy themes and new mechanics. It is important for a studio to understand its commercial goals and target audience in order to tailor their approach accordingly. 

MT: Certain themes certainly appeal to different groups of players. This is a natural phenomenon commonly occurring. One person may prefer a series set in a fantasy world, while another may favour a science-fiction setting. Ultimately, the most important thing is that both forms deliver the highest possible quality. Only this can dictate a product’s success and meet the full spectrum of market demands.

KV: There will be certain players who will always lean more towards familiar themes, which offer a sense of comfort and are easy to pick up and play. These players value simplicity and recognition over complexity. 

Alternatively, there are players who seek variety and innovation. These players may enjoy immersing themselves in new themes that deviate from traditional designs.

Finally, there will be balanced players who like a mix of both—familiar themes with enough innovation to keep them feeling fresh and engaging.

Whether the game is a traditional theme or a unique one, the key is ensuring that the visuals elements work in sync with the game mechanics. With unique themes you need to work harder to ensure there is high visual appeal and intuitive gameplay, as the player is already thrown into unfamiliar terrain.

AB: Games with conventional themes often attract a broad demographic by using familiar imagery and narratives that many players recognise and feel comfortable with. These themes appeal to those who prefer traditional experiences or are new to gaming and are drawn to established elements.

In contrast, unique designs and innovative themes may attract a niche audience, particularly players seeking fresh and different experiences. While visual appeal is important to all players, the combination of visual appeal with the theme’s familiarity or uniqueness is what truly determines a game’s draw, balancing both elements is key to reaching diverse player groups.

JSR: Absolutely. The theme of a game plays a significant role in attracting different demographics, but it’s not just about the theme itself – it’s also about how that theme is executed. The style, tone, and overall presentation can resonate differently across various player groups.

For example, conventional themes like ancient civilisations, classic fruit slots, or mythology might appeal to more traditional or casual players who are familiar with those motifs. On the other hand, more unique or avant-garde themes, like sci-fi worlds, sweets or fantasy, might attract younger or more adventurous players looking for something novel.

IK: When creating games, we focus on different audiences, considering their cultural and generational preferences. Generally, classic casino games resonate with traditional players, while more innovative games attract a younger audience. However, player preferences are influenced by factors beyond just age or theme, such as market maturity and economic conditions.

For instance, many of Evoplay’s classic and instant games are popular in Latin America, whereas our sports-themed instant games perform well in Europe, where players are traditionally more passionate about slots. With this in mind, at Evoplay, we prioritise quality, attractive design, and simple gameplay – elements that appeal to players of all types, regardless of age or location.

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The first of these has been inked alongside R Franco Digital, which will see its entire gaming suite become distributed across the Games Global network in a bid to heighten the international reach of the Spanish provider.

Andrew Booth, Chief Product Officer at Games Global said: “Games Global aims to only provide customers with content of a consistently high standard that keeps players entertained with new and fresh options. With its commitment to developing high-quality content, we feel R Franco is the perfect fit for Games Global Plus.

“Having seen the success its portfolio and innovative solutions have brought to the Spanish market, we have no doubt it will resonate well with slot enthusiasts across our operator network.”

The aggregation platform, titled Games Global Plus, which boasts content from the group’s 36 exclusive studio brands as well as third party providers, will gain an MGA-licensed slot suite that includes latest additions Vikings Rage and Treasure Keeper.

“We’re delighted to be distributing our portfolio through Games Global Plus,” commented Mario Benito, Online Sales Director of R Franco Digital. 

“This development unlocks an even bigger reach for our high-quality titles, which have proven to resonate with players both in Spain and beyond.

“Games Global provides its operator partners across the world with an excellent range of casino content, so they have always been on our radar when looking for new international partners.”

Furthermore, Crazy Billions has also disclosed an alliance that will see its online gaming portfolio become added to the Games Global Plus network.

This will see the delivery of a “continuous roll-out” of titles that cover the skill, lottery, scratch card, slot and table games verticals.

Ashley Sandyford-Sykes, Crazy Billions’ Director, stated: “We’re super excited to be working with Games Global and our diverse portfolio of more than 50 titles will benefit their offering. Crazy Billions delivers value to its partners by leveraging the games library to streamline customer journeys and meet demand in a fast-paced industry.” 

The initial integration will include instant games, such as RedHot and CashVault, which will be complemented by Wordzz and the multi-player Keno-Millions. These will be imminently followed by the  All-out Crash and Wingo titles.

“Games Global is committed to only offering the highest-quality content through our award-winning platform,” Booth noted. 

“Adding Crazy Billions to our aggregated content product is testament to the standard of games coming out of the studio, and we are very much looking forward to watching the partnership flourish.”

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This will allow the R Franco Group’s digital division to provide its content to Malta-based operators, with a number of brands lined up for new partnerships in the coming months.

Furthermore, the certification also acts to further grow the footprint of R Franco Digital as it aims to continue expanding its presence in regulated markets globally.

Javier Sacristán Franco, director of R Franco Digital, said: “As the most established gaming company in Spain, we have enjoyed substantial growth through partnerships with allies who share our vision of creating truly innovative and tailored products and technology.

“With the MGA licence now under our belt, we are excited to begin a new phase where we can form new alliances and offer our games to a wider number of European players than ever before.” 

The licence caps a period of growth and development across Europe for the provider, which has recently expanded its content offering with multiple operators in regulated markets. 

R Franco’s catalogue of slots includes Time Lab, Fortune Jungle and Book of Fruits, with the Spanish supplier also boasting a wealth of new games currently in development.

In addition, its newly launched omni-channel Iris 4.0 platform is integrated with over 40 providers across sports and casino, including R Franco Digital’s in-house games. 

Mario Benito Campo, commercial director at R Franco Digital, added: “From the commercial and operations department of R Franco Digital, we are very proud to have obtained our critical gaming supply licence from the Malta Gaming Authority. This milestone is a great opportunity to expand our markets.”

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The collaboration will give Spanish customers access to R Franco’s catalogue of titles, including Time Lab, Fortune Jungle and Book of Fruits, with further games from the existing portfolio, and that are currently in development, set to be added in the coming months.

Mario Benito, sales director at R. Franco Digital, said: “We are very proud that Sisal Group wanted to incorporate our games into its entertainment offer. 

“We have been developing games for many years, so we know the Spanish player very closely as well as their preferences and their evolution, which positions us as a reference point at a national level. We are sure that it will be a very satisfactory relationship for both parties.”

With the collaboration lauded as being “aligned with the interests of both,” Sisal issued further praise on the latest steps in its global expansion strategy as it aims to build on Italian success with licensing agreements now in place in Spain, Morocco and Turkey.

Cecilio Santiago, general manager Sisal Spain, added: “We are delighted with this agreement, which will enrich Sisal’s varied current offer in Spain and strengthen our market positioning. 

“We understand the need to personalise the casino content for the Spanish market and we know that R Franco Digital will definitely give us games the Spanish customers would like to play.”

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In the first part of an extensive slot streaming series to be rolled-out by CasinoBeats over the course of the next few weeks, we are speaking to numerous industry incumbents to gain key insight into the growing trend and its future capabilities.

Act one, scene one, sees supplier’s take centre stage, with Pawel Piotrowski, new games manager at Yggdrasil Gaming, Tamas Kusztos, head of sales and account management at Kalamba Games, Peter Causley, Lightning Box’s CEO and co-founder and Ruben Loeches, R Franco Digital CMO, addressing added restrictions in recent times and the growth of streaming channels. 

CB: During the current health pandemic we have seen numerous regions impose, or look to impose, added restrictions on a number of issues. What effect has this had on marketing techniques? 

PC: The most visible and tangible impact has been on the retail industry, be that casinos or betting shops, obviously. Things are starting to get back to normal, and long may that continue, but businesses have effectively been mothballed without customers coming through the doors.

When it comes to online, sensitivities around player protection have been heightened – and so they should be. We have to act responsibly as an industry, whether that is suppliers like us or operators, to ensure players stay safe and enjoy our products responsibly. If that means temporary restrictions on stake limits, changes to advertising, etc then so be it. We’re all in this together. 

RL: The restrictions that have been introduced during the pandemic have affected, and will continue to affect, the marketing plans of all companies. The gaming sector was never going to be an exception. 

From my point of view, more and more regulated markets are approaching almost a situation where gambling is almost considered illegal. Advertising is being heavily restricted across all key channels. Accordingly – marketing teams are having to look for more even key niches, as well more technologically advanced audio-visual content.

PP: At Yggdrasil, we always aim to make top quality games that are widely enjoyed by our players. A key component of this is to create a good understanding of our current and future players which is supported by being present on some of the major community forums as well as engaging with streamers.

That said, engaging with Yggdrasil and playing our games should be entertaining but also done in a responsible manner. We take responsible gaming seriously and continuously work on keeping our products not only fun, but also safe and fully compliant with regulatory policies and market guidelines. 

TK: It has made it harder for operators to advertise in some countries and many have taken a more cautious approach even where no restrictions require it. For our B2B audience, the big difference is how industry events have had to change, moving to an all digital delivery.

While it’s obviously a little less personal, organisers have overall done a great job in offering a very similar experience to the real deal and in some ways even improved it. For example, virtual sessions are much easier to attend and absorb, plus analysing and evaluating the event afterwards is more straightforward as we have access to readily available data straight afterwards. 

CB: We are seeing the role and influence of streamers grow throughout igaming, is this an avenue you have considered exploring? And why/why not? 

RL: It’s an area of great interest to us, and we are already engaged in a few associations with streamers. Why? It’s simple. The consumption of multimedia content is growing fast, and therefore streamers are generating more and more followers. We see this as a great channel for expanding our message, as well as adapting our products towards the preferences of the new generation of user.

PP: Streamers are probably the biggest influencers in the gambling community and therefore it is natural for us to come up with content that is relevant to the streamers community. We follow this on a daily basis and treat it as an invaluable source of intelligence and feedback on our games performance.

You can get a streamer to promote your game but it’s not going to work if it’s not a great product. The followers will understand that the streamer’s interest in the game is not authentic and it’s going to backfire for both the provider and the streamer. Any feedback coming from the stream, especially a harsh one is great for improving our future games and making them more relevant and more successful.

It’s kind of a symbiosis where we listen to the steamers and improve our products to make their broadcast even more entertaining. We want our games to be streamed and the streamers want great content that will keep their followers on the edge of their seats. 

TK: Yes, in fact we have recently completed an industry first promotion where we invited streamers to play our games over a two week period. The winner, CasinoTest24, is designing a new game with us as we speak.

Generally speaking, streamers create communities which help us understand what players actually like or find important about certain games and the industry in general which means we can improve our offering.

PC: We’re always looking for opportunities to engage with the right streamers to play our games. They have a big influence on player preferences, especially on the Twitch platform, and can be a valuable ally.

They provide interesting and entertaining reviews of slots that can really boost the presence of a game. The impartiality they bring to the table is healthy for suppliers and operators and useful to players wanting to find the best games.

Players feels like they are part of the streamer’s journey when they watch them play, especially with the near misses and wins on bonus feature triggers and Jackpots. I think it has been a welcome development.

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Coming as a result of more than two years of research and development, the platform has been designed to provide its Spanish partners with a solution that can deliver a competitive advantage across the Spanish and LatAm markets when deployed. 

Able to be utilised across online or in the retail space via gaming or sports betting terminals, Iris 4.0 offers an armoury of engagement-boosting bonusing, campaign and promotional tools, as well as newly built event-driven architecture to offer arange of scalability.

The supplier of choice for a number of Spain’s operator brands, including 1XBet, DafaBet, Suertia and Degestec, Iris 4.0 will be initially going live with Wanabet and Genesis Group, with full migration of R Franco’s partner network anticipated by the end of the year. 

Javier Sacristan, director at R Franco Digital, said of the launch of the platform: “The wait is finally over! Our development teams have been working overdrive on getting this ready for our operator partners to take full advantage of the return of the sporting calendar.

“Iris 4.0 is by far the most advanced solution we have built, and we’ve designed it to truly push the boundaries of native platform technology for the Spanish and LatAm regions. With plans to scale globally in the coming months – we look forward to delivering a true competitive advantage to our partners.”

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The deal gives Gaming1’s customers access to R Franco Digital’s catalogue of games such as Time Lab, Fortune Jungle and Magic Jewels, as well as the firm’s wide range of products and services, including its Iris platform.

Similarly, Gaming1’s catalogue of more than 120 in-house games are to be incorporated into R Franco Digital’s Spanish operator brand, Wanabet.

Javier Sacristan, director of R Franco Digital, said: “Working alongside a company as well-established as Gaming1 is the perfect way to deliver our immersive range of games to a growing global client base. 

“Both companies share a strong land-based heritage with a proven track record for bringing operators into the online domain. We look forward to pooling our years of experience together to deliver one of the industry’s most efficient betting operations.” 

Gaming1 operates more than 20 online gaming brands with land-based partner operators across regions such as Spain, Portugal, France, Serbia, Peru and Colombia.

With shared operations set to start in Belgium under the partnership, the strategic link-up will extend to Spain, with circus.es, as well as Colombia, via the zamba.com portal, with Malta to also follow.

The link-up is aimed at further expanding R Franco Digital’s footprint as it strives to enhance its presence across global regulated markets, with the deal following recent agreements signed with the likes of Dafabet, 1XBet and BetConstruct.

Sabri Tekaya, general manager at Gaming1, said: “Spain’s legendary gaming company needs no introduction, and we’re delighted to be signing a deal that will broaden both company’s international reach. 

“Starting with our home market of Belgium, we plan to scale our shared operations together across Spain, Colombia and Malta – and I am fully confident that this will be the start of a long and productive business relationship.”

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Under the partnership, R Franco Digital will benefit from access to BetConstruct’s global network of partners, allowing the duo to form a synergistic relationship together for international projects with shared partners.

Mario Benito, Commercial Director of R. Franco Digital, emphasised that the partnership will be integral to the company’s development in 2020. He said: “Our goal as Spain’s most established gaming company is to seek first-rate strategic partners and allies in which we can share technology, products and knowledge, bespoke to each of their needs.

“We’re delighted to be working alongside one of the industry’s leading technology suppliers and see it as testament to the quality of the games, products and services that our company offers. We look forward to a long and productive relationship together.

BetConstruct will gain access to R. Franco Digital’s full gaming catalogue, which consists of over 30 titles, as well as the Spanish supplier’s products and services. This will include R. Franco Digital’s compliance-facing technology, developed in tandem with the DGOJ, Spain’s regulatory authority, as well as Coljuegos of Colombia.

Aris Gabrielyan, Head of Regional Business Development at BetConstruct said: “We are very happy to be partnering with R. Franco Digital, a benchmark for leadership in the Spanish market and a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.

“We see its innovative and powerful product portfolio as a great complement to our offering, and we have no doubt that it will work impressively across our network of operators.”

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