iGaming Innovation Archives - CasinoBeats https://casinobeats.com/features/igaming-innovation/ The pulse of the global gaming industry Thu, 09 Jan 2025 14:17:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://casinobeats.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-favicon-32x32.png iGaming Innovation Archives - CasinoBeats https://casinobeats.com/features/igaming-innovation/ 32 32 SlotBeats takes a trip to the jungle for Tom Horn Gaming’s SOTW win https://casinobeats.com/2025/01/10/tom-horn-gaming-sotw-win/ Fri, 10 Jan 2025 09:30:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=99517 Full reel wins and massive multipliers feature in Tom Horn Gaming’s latest slot Pantera Rica, which saw SlotBeats venture through the jungle to award the studio Slot of the Week.  With players able to further enhance their wins using a special star gamble feature, Pantera Rica presents a 3×3 reel slot with nine-paylines and a […]

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Full reel wins and massive multipliers feature in Tom Horn Gaming’s latest slot Pantera Rica, which saw SlotBeats venture through the jungle to award the studio Slot of the Week

With players able to further enhance their wins using a special star gamble feature, Pantera Rica presents a 3×3 reel slot with nine-paylines and a star gamble feature. The slot has medium volatility with an RTP of 95%. 

Low value symbols are represented by playing card suits, with clubs, diamonds, spades and hearts available. If the right number of winning combinations land on a single spin, these symbols can offer between x1 and x4 the player’s bet. 

Meanwhile, gold coins and toucans depict the high value symbols, providing wins between x8 and x15 the player’s wager. 

Panther wild symbols can also land on the reels, acting as expanding wilds that cover full reels. These symbols substitute for all other symbols in the game and award one free respin where they stay in their position. 

If all three reels become filled with the same symbol, all payouts will be enhanced by an x10 multiplier. 

Furthermore, players can select a respin booster feature. This increases their stake by 150% to increase the chances of landing expanded wild symbols and gaining wild respins. 

After any win, players can select the star gamble feature. In this game mode, players can risk their winnings to increase them. 

Players must guess the colour of a revealed star, with pink and blue to choose from. Selecting correctly will increase their winnings while choosing the incorrect colour returns them to the base game empty-handed. 

If readers would like to test out the Pantera Rica demo for themselves, they can click here to be directed to Tom Horn Gaming’s official website.

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Silverback Gaming: Sound is an integral part of the gaming experience https://casinobeats.com/2024/12/23/silverback-gaming-sound-experience/ Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:00:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=99380 Silvia Stefanova, Senior Music Composer and Valentin Genov, Sound Designer at Silverback Gaming, discuss how the studio approaches sound design, the need to “think outside of the box”, why sound design is so important to the overall player experience. CasinoBeats: How important is sound to the overall game experience? Stefanova: Sound is an integral part […]

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Silvia Stefanova, Senior Music Composer and Valentin Genov, Sound Designer at Silverback Gaming, discuss how the studio approaches sound design, the need to “think outside of the box”, why sound design is so important to the overall player experience.

CasinoBeats: How important is sound to the overall game experience?

Silvia Stefanova, Senior Music Composer at Silverback Gaming

Stefanova: Sound is an integral part of the gaming experience – it profoundly impacts how we perceive visuals, adding depth and emotional context. In slot games, sound not only supports the visual aspects but also provides players with feedback on everything that happens – from big wins to those tense near-miss moments. But sound in slot games differs from sound in other entertainment options. In film and cinema, for example, it can steer the emotion in a completely different direction but in slot games, the role of sound is to amplify the emotion, not to change its direction.

Genov: Sound, and especially music, is vital for any type of visual media, slot games included. Years ago, I did an exercise that I had seen some colleagues do. I scored a movie scene with different genres of music and learned quickly that the sound and music used can turn a scene upside down and this is why sound can make or break a game.

How does sound bring a game to life while also building excitement and anticipation?

G: However brilliantly coded the game is, when playing it silently, it feels a bit bodiless. Sticking the right sound to the action makes it tangible and almost physical. Picking the exact sound that matches the animated movement on the screen is not only satisfactory for the player but keeps them engaged and involved. Player excitement levels rise with the advancement of the game and if you manage to raise the excitement in the music in line with the player’s anticipation, you’ve hit the nail on the head.

S: Sound truly brings visuals to life. For example, in the games we create at Silverback, we’ve conceptually decided that when the player is inactive, we transition from music to ambient sounds (sometimes incorporating elements from the main background music track). At that moment, through sound, we can “paint” everything that isn’t visible, bring to life a static image, and place the player in a specific setting and location, creating entire scenes as if projecting a film. And then, when the player hits the “Spin” button, it’s as if they’ve commanded us “Hey DJ, bring the beat back” – we bring back the full musical background with its complete arrangement.

We pay special attention to the sound that represents the moment of anticipation for winning a bonus. Additionally, during regular gameplay, we aim for the sounds to be more subdued and non-intrusive for longer gaming sessions, while for big wins, we don’t hold back on grandeur.

CB: What goes into designing the sound for each game?

Valentin Genov, Sound Designer at Silverback Gaming

G: There are a couple of key things here – teamwork and creativity – thinking outside the box comes in handy, too. Discussions with the designers always bring incredible results in terms of the sound we create and the overall game experience. Starting with the game theme, we always pick sounds that are typical for that specific environment so that the player feels drawn into the game’s world. In terms of creating sound, and as is the case in films, we use totally different sources from those on the screen to achieve the desired effect. For example, if I want the player to hear a crab walking on sand, I use a toothpick and rice to imitate it.

S: As Valentin said, an art concept is needed before we can start working on the music. Although the visual style usually dictates the genre of the music, we often consult the artist who created the visuals about what kind of music they listened to for inspiration while drawing. The game designer also guides us by providing examples of the kind of audio they envision for the game. We create drafts of the music tracks, align them with the responsible stakeholders, and once we get the green light that we’re on the right track, we move on to fully producing the music. As for the synchronous sound effects – they are created later, once there is a working version of the game.

CB: Is the sound for each game unique or do you have a catalogue of sounds you can use?

S: Each slot game has its own identity in terms of visuals and features, and naturally, the sound needs to reflect that. For the music, we create unique tracks for each game, never reusing the same music. As for the sound effects, we do have a library of sounds, but we use them more as layers rather than as finished products. We pull out pieces, edit, process, and record additional layers of sounds, synchronising them with the animations in the game. This way, from about 10-20 layers of sound snippets, we produce a new sound, crafted to suit the specific in-game event. Occasionally, a sound might work across multiple games – like the sounds for reel spins and stops – but they are mostly specific to each title.

G: With me, it is always a combination of both. There are sounds like winds and clicks that are in abundance in SFX libraries. But again, I always tend to tweak them in accordance with the game – be it the frequency, or the length, or the pitch. So, even if you take a ready-made sound, it needs to be adapted to your world, so that it doesn’t sound foreign or out of content with the game.

CB: What are the biggest challenges faced when it comes to game design?

G: I guess one of the challenges is that even though there are hundreds of game studios, you should try to stay fresh and original. At the same time, the game should load quickly enough, so that the player’s experience isn’t ruined. In this respect, we have to keep a perfect balance between quality and speed. Every day there are new games launched on all platforms, and we as a studio strive to maintain originality in sound, in visuals, and in code clarity and speed.

S: One of the biggest challenges in designing a game’s audio environment is striking the right balance between pursuing originality and ensuring player comfort. A sound might be brilliant on its own but may not be suitable for long gaming sessions, where it could be heard dozens or even hundreds of times. A musical track might sound like a catchy summer hit – you might start humming The melody right away – but it may not be ideal for extended gameplay. Given the need to keep the overall game file size minimal, we can’t afford to create very long musical compositions so as a result, and after numerous repetitions, even the most engaging tunes can quickly become tiresome.

CB: How do you overcome these challenges?

S: When composing music, I often leave a track to rest unfinished while I work on the next one, then revisit it with fresh ears to objectively assess its quality. The player’s experience is the top priority – if something distracts or annoys, I cut it out. Uniqueness is important, but it’s always secondary compared to providing a comfortable experience for the player. If something might irritate, I rework it so it serves and supports the overall experience, avoiding the pursuit of uniqueness for the sake of it. This is certainly the case for synchronous sounds where we need to be ready to remove or rework sounds that are otherwise excellent and fitting on their own but if there’s a chance they might overwhelm the player after many repetitions.

G: We always talk to other colleagues – designers and programmers – about how things can be optimised, especially concerning the user experience. We decide on the loudness, harshness, softness, quality, length and so on so that the combination of code, graphic design and sound achieve their final goal, which is for the player to love the game.

CB: Is sound an area where studios can innovate and differentiate? How does your company approach game sound as a point of difference?

G: I think every area, including sound, is apt for innovation. For example, the introduction of AI is a field where we can experiment. Of course, it’s obviously a very controversial topic but we can make use of the technical side where it can provide concepts, help with research and pull us out of the notorious writer’s block that creators tend to fall into occasionally.

S: We experiment with different genres and technologies to offer players something fresh and exciting. To us, sound isn’t just background noise – it’s a tool for storytelling and creating atmosphere. I believe that through sound innovation, we can make games more memorable and help them stand out in the industry.

Sound in slot games is much more than just filling the silence. It plays a psychological role, enhancing players’ actions and emotions. We truly love what we do at Silverback, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to share this passion with the world through our games.

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Roundtable: the evolution of promotional tools https://casinobeats.com/2024/12/20/evolution-of-promotional-tools/ Fri, 20 Dec 2024 09:30:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=99346 Slot suppliers are continuing to expand and develop their use of promotional tools as a way of driving engagement amongst players and strengthening retention levels for their operator partners.  Acting as an alternative way of providing users with captivating gameplay, in the first of a two-part special CasinoBeats spoke with Michael Tadross, Director of Account […]

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Slot suppliers are continuing to expand and develop their use of promotional tools as a way of driving engagement amongst players and strengthening retention levels for their operator partners. 

Acting as an alternative way of providing users with captivating gameplay, in the first of a two-part special CasinoBeats spoke with Michael Tadross, Director of Account Management at Playson, Marcin Trafiałek, Promo Tools Specialist at Wazdan, Adam Wilson, CEO at Splash Tech, and Katarzyna Pysz, Head of Gamification at 3 Oaks Gaming, to find out how have suppliers worked to diversify their offering and create new ways for slot enthusiasts to consume their favourite titles. 

CasinoBeats: With the adoption of promotional tools becoming a norm across the industry for suppliers, how have you worked to diversify your offering?

Michael Tadross, Director of Account Management at Playson

Michael Tadross: We offer one of the industry’s most diverse promotional tool suites, with five distinct features driven by seven separate mechanics. This variety allows us to deliver a wide range of engaging promotional formats across different player preferences.

To ensure compliance across the 20+ regulated markets we operate in, we have developed functionality that aligns with local rules, including opt-in/out options, automated age filtering, and fixed spins during promotions.

Innovation is at the heart of our approach and we constantly develop fun and diverse tools. One of our latest promo tools, Reel of Fortune, highlights our commitment to rewarding and entertaining tools, offering loyalty rewards and a coins collection system that keeps players engaged for longer.

While we are always striving to set trends in the industry, with exciting future releases, we also continue to enhance our classic promotional tools, such as the jackpot games. 

Marcin Trafiałek: The key to standing out in a landscape where promotional tools are the standard lies in simplicity and efficiency at every stage of collaboration – negotiation, configuration, and execution. At Wazdan, we’ve engineered our tools to be user-friendly, ensuring seamless integration for operators while delivering captivating experiences for players. Ease of use is our hallmark, ensuring smooth cooperation and measurable gains for all.

Adam Wilson, CEO at Splash Tech

Adam Wilson: As a supplier, it’s vital to stay abreast of industry trends and to meet the requirements of operators when it comes to player acquisition, retention and cross-sell.

At Splash Tech, we have invested heavily in creating mini-games that allow players to earn free spins on specific slot titles, and more recently to provide a vehicle to promote in-house exclusive games that help differentiate an offering from the competition.

These mini-games provide a risk-free way for operators to promote their games, and for players to receive rewards that enable them to test out unfamiliar titles. It’s about educating players and providing them with an incentive to try games they otherwise might scroll past.

Katarzyna Pysz: Promotional tools have become a standard feature, not only in the igaming industry but across almost every sector. From earning loyalty points at the supermarket to receiving discount codes from online retailers, consumers are constantly being incentivised to return.

The challenge lies in standing out. At 3 Oaks Gaming, we combine entertainment, surprise, and compelling design to create personalised, engaging promotional tools. By merging tradition with innovation, we draw inspiration from land-based casinos, lotteries, as well as modern PC games to develop intricate reward systems that resonate with players.

For instance, we developed Flip to Win cards, which mimic the beloved scratch cards found in the lottery sector. This tool rewards players after they uncover three matching cards as they progress through the game.

It’s a versatile feature, enabling operators to tailor the frequency and type of rewards to meet different player preferences. For those seeking complex challenges and larger prizes, our Tournament Series offers multi-stage competitions where players qualify for a main event. 

CB: How do your specific promotional tools work to strengthen player acquisition and retention?

Marcin Trafiałek, Promo Tools Specialist at Wazdan

MT (Wazdan): Our Jackpot Rain tool is designed to keep players continuously engaged by offering a high volume of attainable rewards. This creates a tangible sense of achievement, making every win feel within reach.

Meanwhile, Mystery Drop empowers players with freedom of choice, allowing them to influence the outcome and rewards, heightening both engagement and satisfaction. Together, these tools transform engagement into loyalty and spins into wins.

AW: The most successful mini-games can be used as either acquisition or retention aids, and often both concurrently. With dynamic segmentation, gameplay can be adapted to a player’s placement in an onboarding journey; new players will see more enticing rewards encouraging them to cross the deposit line.

Existing players will see gamified reward journeys where they are encouraged and rewarded for return gameplay. All rewards are tailored to a player’s LTV, ensuring the right rewards are presented to the right user in real-time. In providing players with relevant, timely games that entertain and engage, suppliers of promotional tools can ultimately have a positive impact on the operator’s bottom line.  

Katarzyna Pysz, Head of Gamification at 3 Oaks Gaming

KP: When it comes to player acquisition, free bet offers remain highly effective, and we’ve expanded on this with a variety of options. We understand that players want to feel respected and in control, which is why we offer flexible free bets that allow them to adjust stake levels.

We don’t believe in offering the lowest bet levels, as some competitors do; if you’re offering a premium experience, you should treat your players accordingly. To put it simply: if you went to buy a Mercedes and were offered a Fiat, you wouldn’t be impressed.

For retention, we focus on immersive, long-term engagement through tools like Lucky Drop, blending multiple rewards to keep players motivated. With numerous winners and cash prizes, bet multipliers encourage higher wagers with proportionally bigger rewards.

Additionally, our Tournament Series consists of multiple tournaments qualifying for a grand event, rewarding players throughout. This structure encourages repeat participation and fosters achievement as players climb the leaderboard, keeping them engaged longer.

MT (Playson): Our promotional tools strengthen player acquisition and retention in multiple ways by offering a diverse range of engaging and rewarding experiences. For player acquisition, tools like free spins allow operators to offer free gameplay based on various qualification criteria, enticing new players to try our top slots. This tool also serves as a powerful retention and reactivation mechanism, keeping players engaged over time.

Additionally, tools like Reel of Fortune, Tournaments, Cash Blast, and Short Races enhance player experience by offering additional cash prizes, competitive gameplay, and the chance to win on top of organic wins. These features appeal to a broad spectrum of players, from high-value VIPs to casual players, boosting both acquisition and retention.

Our network-wide promotions further amplify these efforts by offering massive prize pools, providing fresh incentives and ensuring players remain engaged with exciting, high-reward opportunities. The 15-minute setup time for these tools, with no integration needed, also allows operators to quickly adapt to player needs and market trends.

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Endless opportunities for innovation: the future of promo tools https://casinobeats.com/2024/12/23/the-future-of-promo-tools/ Mon, 23 Dec 2024 09:30:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=99356 Slot suppliers are continuing to expand and develop their use of promotional tools as a way of driving engagement amongst players and strengthening retention levels for their operator partners.  In the concluding part of a CasinoBeats special, Adam Wilson, CEO at Splash Tech, Katarzyna Pysz, Head of Gamification at 3 Oaks Gaming, Michael Tadross, Director […]

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Slot suppliers are continuing to expand and develop their use of promotional tools as a way of driving engagement amongst players and strengthening retention levels for their operator partners. 

In the concluding part of a CasinoBeats special, Adam Wilson, CEO at Splash Tech, Katarzyna Pysz, Head of Gamification at 3 Oaks Gaming, Michael Tadross, Director of Account Management at Playson, and Marcin Trafiałek, Promo Tools Specialist at Wazdan, continue the conversation.

CasinoBeats: What metrics do operators and providers use to measure the success of promotional tools?

Adam Wilson, CEO at Splash Tech

Adam Wilson: Every operator will have their own KPIs to measure success. These might concern player deposits and bets placed, comparing periods pre and post-promotion, whereas for suppliers they might be more closely associated with player numbers and overall revenues.

By closely monitoring KPIs, the effectiveness of a particular promotional tool can be carefully measured and lessons can be taken that inform future campaigns. It’s also crucial to look at how promotional tools are performing in real-time, with business intelligence tracking and analysing performance.  

Katarzyna Pysz: The success of promotional tools is measured through several key metrics. Player acquisition is the primary indicator—does the promotion attract players to our games over competitors’?

We then assess session length, ensuring players stay engaged longer during the promotion. Gamification plays a key role here, using features that entertain and motivate players to collect points or progress through stages.

Another important metric is betting activity. Higher qualifying bets set up for promotion require players to increase their wagers to be qualified for promotional prizes. Uplift in wagers is a desired outcome as well. For Chief Product Officers, metrics such as uplift in number of active players, new player acquisition, and longer gaming sessions reflect the overall effectiveness and player experience.

Tailoring metrics to the audience is crucial when presenting results. For commercial teams, metrics like gross gaming revenue and return on investment are critical, as they highlight financial impacts. 

Finally, user feedback is essential for refining our promotional tools. Insights from players help us iterate on features to ensure they remain aligned with industry trends and player expectations, maintaining long-term engagement and satisfaction.

Michael Tadross, Director of Account Management at Playson

Michael Tadross: The success of promotional tools can be measured using various key metrics, depending on the specific goals of each promotion. From the provider’s perspective, the most important KPIs are bets, unique participants, and GGR.

Operators might focus on deposits, especially for promotions targeting player spend. Comparing metrics such as bets and deposits before and during the promotion, or with the same period last month, offers valuable insights into its success.

Additionally, operators can analyse participant activity against non-participant behaviour to gauge effectiveness. Another common metric used across both sides is the number of rounds, as an increase in bets typically indicates a successful promotion, regardless of whether it comes from more players, higher individual bets, or longer gaming sessions. Tracking these KPIs ensures operators can assess the impact and optimise future promotions for better results.

Marcin Trafiałek: As a provider, we focus on key metrics such as player engagement levels, session duration, and reward appeal, all benchmarked against a variety of KPIs. These data points allow us to evaluate player behavior and optimise promotional tools to maximize growth and retention. With Wazdan, every metric translates into actionable insights and measurable success.

With 2025 just around the corner, how do you see promotional tools continuing to evolve?

Katarzyna Pysz, Head of Gamification at 3 Oaks Gaming

KP: The future of promotional tools is exciting, with endless opportunities for innovation and personalisation. One key area is social interaction, enabling players to chat and share progress, much like in land-based casinos, fostering community and excitement.

Customisation is another exciting avenue. Imagine players creating personalised avatars, similar to the Tamagotchi craze in the 90’s, which they nurture and develop through in-game achievements. These avatars could unlock new features, deepening players’ emotional connection to the game.

Looking further ahead, augmented reality offers thrilling possibilities. Picture a fortune wheel “jumping” out of the screen into a player’s living room, where they can spin it in real time to win prizes. With technology advancing rapidly, these ideas are within reach, promising a future where promotional tools are immersive, interactive, and truly memorable.

MT (Playson): With the intense level of competition in the RNG product segment, promotional tools look set to evolve at an increasing rate. While high-quality game content remains crucial, promotional tools will play an increasingly vital role in enhancing player interaction with games in a seamless, engaging, and rewarding manner. This evolution will benefit both operators and providers, with more innovative tools expected to emerge as providers strive to revolutionise player engagement.

Looking ahead, it is clear that a single, game-changing idea could disrupt the industry. As we’ve seen in recent years, one well-executed concept can revolutionise the market and introduce new, high-quality competitors. The next big promotional tool may already be in development, waiting for the right moment to redefine how players engage with games and operators maximise player loyalty.

Marcin Trafiałek, Promo Tools Specialist at Wazdan

MT (Wazdan): Big surprises are on the horizon. We’re preparing innovations that will redefine player engagement and operator success. With personalisation, gamification, and advanced technology leading the way, the future of promotional tools promises to deliver gains for everyone involved. Stay tuned – there’s more to come.

AW: Promotional tools cannot and should not be a one-size-fits-all solution. To be effective, tools must be personalised to a user’s preferences and their value.

This can include ad hoc promotions to specific players, but the key is to make sure players receive enticing promotions. With so many variables across player preferences, having an engine that can be both cohort and player-specific is mandatory.

Competition for the attention of players will continue to be intense in 2025 and operators cannot afford to neglect tools that engage in a highly targeted, relevant way.

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Ola Wallin, Slotjava: nostalgia and trust critical to stay ahead of the game https://casinobeats.com/2024/12/18/ola-wallin-nostalgia-and-trust/ Wed, 18 Dec 2024 09:45:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=99169 True passion can be a critical factor in ensuring that Slotjava continues to occupy a lofty position across any desired market, believes VP of Product, Ola Wallin. Citing specific strategies undertaken in a bid to rise to an elevated position within the Italian online gaming market, Slotjava’s understanding on the nuances of players across the […]

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True passion can be a critical factor in ensuring that Slotjava continues to occupy a lofty position across any desired market, believes VP of Product, Ola Wallin.

Citing specific strategies undertaken in a bid to rise to an elevated position within the Italian online gaming market, Slotjava’s understanding on the nuances of players across the country is also crucial.

Built on a foundation of retail activities, Wallin stresses that Slotjava’s consideration of the uniqueness of the country and its people will see the brand continue to shine through next year and beyond.

In addition to the above, Wallin also elaborates on the importance of making sure that any partnership struck will be mutually beneficial, as well as the strategies that will be deployed to maintain momentum.

CasinoBeats: Slotjava and Nuovicasino each rank highly in Italy. What strategies did you deploy to ensure that this is the case?

Ola Wallin: We have worked with search engine optimisation for a long time. Back in the days, people had different strategies, very different from today. 

I would say that today the main search engines have achieved their goal and the sites ranking in the top positions are the most appreciated by their audience. 

It basically comes down to delivering a product that the audience engages with, and we constantly keep track of how users interact with our product to improve it and stay on top of our game.

CB: What nuances with regards to Italian players do you believe that each appeals to?

OW: Speaking for the free to play part and slot machines I would say that a lot comes down to game selection with the Italian audience. The Italian people have a strong legacy with physical slot machines in brick and mortar venues. 

These game titles are still extremely popular and will continue to be so. It must be the nostalgia and the trust these people put into these game titles. I also think that Italian people are more nationalistic than the average country. The look and feel of an authentic Italian site is something I see as very important.

CB: How do you plan on retaining such a lofty position within the market and what challenges will you have to encounter in order to do so?

OW: We need to stay on top of our game. Continuously challenge and push us to give users a better product and a better experience. There is so much happening with the introduction of AI into our society, we try to be responsive and follow the latest trends on product development, ensuring that our users always can find the latest products, casinos and news on our sites.

CB: How crucial is ensuring that you strike the correct partnerships in maintaining this headway, and how do you assess these to make sure that they are the correct fit?

OW: You are only as good as your latest reputation, and we would never cut corners and recommend casinos which we haven’t done a thorough due diligence on. The people responsible for performing these due diligences have vast experience and have reviewed over 1000 casinos in their past. 

We find this kind of in-house competence crucial as an independent review party, and we can’t disappoint our readers with recommending a casino not living up to our expectations as this would not benefit us long term.

CB: What strategies will you deploy to ensure that you make the necessary progress within Italy to keep appealing to players. What’s next for Slotjava and Nuovicasino?

OW: We work a lot with these sites as brands people remember. Our content should be cutting edge and a role model for other review sites when it comes to the time and effort put into testing the casinos. 

The reason we went with a free to play slot machine focused site is that we are truly passionate about slots. This enables us to really cater for the different kinds of games everyone prefers, think of it like a cinema back in the days. 

You had these big posters with the latest movies. If the movie didn’t become popular within a certain time even though it had that exposure, it was removed. It was also a delicate process to select movies that had the highest probability of becoming a success. 

That is how we see slot machines, the ones we believe in are the ones we give the greatest exposure to.

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Relax Gaming: the art of collaboration – an overview of creating Immortal 5 alongside CasinoDaddy https://casinobeats.com/2024/12/19/relax-gaming-the-art-of-collaboration/ Thu, 19 Dec 2024 09:30:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=99297 Collaboration is once again the name of the game for Relax Gaming as a tried and tested alliance with CasinoDaddy sees the pair channel their inner superhero in Immortal 5. As the influence of slots streamers continues to soar, the igaming developer is aiming to build on the past successes of the likes of Beast […]

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Collaboration is once again the name of the game for Relax Gaming as a tried and tested alliance with CasinoDaddy sees the pair channel their inner superhero in Immortal 5.

As the influence of slots streamers continues to soar, the igaming developer is aiming to build on the past successes of the likes of Beast Mode, Sloth Tumble and Epic Dreams, as well as looking to bridge the gap to players through such a strategic alliance.

In addition to touching on how a streaming link-up can heighten a sense of community and lead to considerable success, Leah Neutel, Head of Studio at Relax Gaming, elaborates on the creative plus point of such a relationship, the process behind Immortal 5, what’s next on the horizon and much more.

CasinoBeats: Relax and CasinoDaddy have enjoyed several successful collaborations in the past with the releases of Slot Tumble and Epic Dreams. What is it about your partnership that keeps you both coming back for more?

Leah Neutel: At Relax, we thrive on partnerships that challenge us creatively and push boundaries. CasinoDaddy are a perfect example of a successful collaboration with their deep understanding of player preferences, dynamic presence in the streaming sphere and ability to help us shape games that resonate with players.

What keeps us coming back is the synergy we’ve developed over the years. CasinoDaddy bring a unique player-focused perspective, while our internal team of incredibly skilled developers, mathematicians, audio designers, QA specialists, artists, and animators, ensure world class execution. 

An exceptional collaboration in game development thrives on clear communication, shared creative vision, mutual trust, and well-defined roles, bringing teams together to craft something extraordinary.

This combination of creative direction from both our internal game product owners and CasinoDaddy allows us to consistently deliver innovative games.

CB: Can you talk us through the ideation process as you and CasinoDaddy worked together to decide what Immortal 5 would look and feel like?

LN: It is games like Immortal 5 that demonstrate the power of effective collaboration, ensuring no stone is left unturned from ideation to launch.

Our internal product owners at Relax, Andy Payne and Gabe Pisani, set the direction for the game’s mechanics and overall vision alongside CasinoDaddy. This strong foundation is then passed onto the games studio to address the feasibility, both creatively and technically.

What makes these collaborations successful is the ability to transform creative ideas into a finished product that exceed expectations. They take the ideas from CasinoDaddy and their audience and turn them into features that are not only innovative, but visually and technically seamless. 

While our mathematicians, game product owners and CasinoDaddy carefully flushed out the idea, the concept was brought to life by our talented studio team. Their creative and technical expertise ensured every detail was executed to the highest standard from the richly detailed characters, intricate mechanics and immersive feel.

Our studio team, audio designers, artists, animators, developers and QA specialists, then brought these ideas to life. It is their passion and ability to translate creative concepts into a visually stunning, immersive experience that sets our games apart. 

I’m incredibly proud of my studio team, as they were able to take feedback and ideas from all sides throughout the production and create an epic game which is both visually and mechanically advanced. 

The result is a game that’s not only innovative but also deeply aligned with what players want, thanks to the input from CasinoDaddy and their community. 

CB: Do you feel that players gravitate towards these collaborative games more so due to the fact they’ve had a hand in the creation process through their favourite streamers?

LN: Absolutely. Collaboration with streamers like CasinoDaddy create a sense of ownership and connection for their audience. Players feel like their voices are heard, and  their preferences directly influence the game’s development. However, collaboration is only one part of the equation. 

The execution, thanks to our incredible studio team, is equally critical. The complex mechanics and polished design of Immortal 5 wouldn’t have been possible without my team’s hard work and expertise. 

It’s this blend of community-driven inspiration and professional craftsmanship that creates a game players truly gravitate towards.

CB: Are there requests that players and streamers want to be added to a game that simply aren’t possible, or do releases such as Immortal 5 offer the perfect opportunities for Relax to give players exactly what they want in a custom game?

LN: Player and streamer requests can sometimes push the boundaries of what’s technically or creatively feasible, but we always see these as opportunities rather than limitations. 

For Immortal 5, our goal was to balance the ambition of CasinoDaddy’s input with our  expertise to create something that felt both unique and achievable. 

That said, some requests do require creative problem-solving, particularly when balancing complex mechanics with a seamless player experience. This is where my team’s adaptability and expertise come into play. We can often take ambitious ideas and shape them into something even better. In that sense, our collaboration works hand in hand.

CasinoDaddy collaborations give us the perfect platform to innovate, push the boundaries and deliver a game that feels tailor-made for its audience.

CB: What’s next in terms of your collab with CasinoDaddy? Could it be a sequel, or can we expect something new entirely?

LN: Our collaborations with CasinoDaddy are only getting started. We’re constantly exploring new ideas that challenge the status quo and excite players in new ways.

Whether it’s a sequel that builds on the success of Immortal 5 or a completely new concept, what’s certain is that we’ll continue leveraging the incredible synergy between our internal teams and CasinoDaddy’s insights. 

Together, we aim to create more unforgettable gaming experiences that keep players coming back for more.

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NSoft: the future of online casino – beautiful design & brilliant engineering https://casinobeats.com/2024/12/16/nsoft-the-future-of-online-casino/ Mon, 16 Dec 2024 09:30:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=99256 NSoft has been hard at work creating a lineup of slot games that don’t just keep up with industry leaders but challenge them. These, they say, aren’t your average slots. With advanced animations, rich visuals, and modern mechanics, they’re designed to captivate players and bring a fresh perspective to casino gaming. Game Mathematician, Marko Galić, […]

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NSoft has been hard at work creating a lineup of slot games that don’t just keep up with industry leaders but challenge them.

These, they say, aren’t your average slots. With advanced animations, rich visuals, and modern mechanics, they’re designed to captivate players and bring a fresh perspective to casino gaming.

Game Mathematician, Marko Galić, and Product Manager, Benjamin Nazdrajić, have confessed to pouring their hearts into every detail of these games. From the vibrant designs to the innovative features, everything is crafted to keep players engaged and satisfied.

Let’s dive into what makes these games so special, and let’s hear it directly from the pair on what they believe makes the NSoft portfolio stand out.

What makes NSoft stand out

“Our goal was to deliver games that feel alive, immersive, and packed with surprises,” says Galić. “We’ve included features and mechanics that players won’t just enjoy – they’ll talk about.”

The animations are intended to be a step above. From the glittering treasures in Gold of Egypt to the cascading action of Fishy Guy, every detail is designed to pull players in to be a part of the story, adding depth to the experience.

“Features were our biggest focus,” adds Nazdrajić. “Modern players expect more than basic spins. They want interaction, strategy, and excitement. That’s exactly what we’ve delivered.”

These games combine traditional elements with modern twists and aim to offer players something new with every spin. Whether it’s jackpot systems, cascading reels, or bonus rounds packed with choices, the features that are implemented are intended to entertain, increase playtime and, ultimately, revenue for operators.

Explore the games

Each of these titles aims to offer something unique, while promising variety, excitement, and potential rewards. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look under the hood.

Gold of Egypt: you’re in charge of the wins

“This game is different from anything else,” Nazdrajić states. “Gold of Egypt puts you in control. It’s a single-reel slot with one symbol per spin. Simple, right?

“But the real excitement comes directly from the player’s decision: collect your winnings or take a risk for bigger rewards.

“Your choices can make a big difference. The RTP shifts based on what you do, ranging from 80.17% to an impressive 99.95%. The game also keeps you on your toes with a dead symbol, adding an extra layer of suspense.”

Here’s a few things you need to know about this game:

  • Strategic gameplay: The presence of a ‘dead symbol’ aims to add an edge of strategy, challenging players to weigh risk versus reward.
  • Eye-catching design: The Egyptian theme is brought to life with golden hieroglyphics and a backdrop of pyramids under the desert sun.
  • Exclusive features: The Cashpot feature lets players track their earnings, while the Bonus Buy option allows for risk-free spins at a solid RTP of 96.26%. The Top Prize mechanism, with its dual-tower system, promises players a chance at x20,000 their bet, a jaw-dropping potential payout.

“Gold of Egypt is a journey of decision-making and suspense, perfect for players seeking a fresh, strategic challenge, risk, and huge rewards,” Nazdrajić adds.

Fishy guy: cascading fun

“If you like action, Fishy Guy is your game,” Galić comments. “It’s a 5-reel, 6-row slot with cascading reels and a unique respin mechanic. When you win, the symbols disappear, keeping the energy high.

“Players love the cascading reels. It keeps the game dynamic, with every win feeling like a gateway to something bigger.”

The top row has special symbols that can increase your potential wins, and if they don’t drop into play right away, their value grows for the next spin. The slot comes complete with an RTP of 96.31% and a max win of x50,000.

Considering its medium volatility, the game strives to strike the perfect balance between excitement and accessibility.

Additional details to be aware of:

  • Dynamic gameplay: Each win triggers cascading reels, where winning symbols vanish to make room for new ones.
  • Feature-packed experience: The Collect feature lets you grab cash rewards using the Fisherman symbol, while special modes let you unlock bigger rewards. The Bonus Game gives you free spins with five levels.
  • Even bigger wins: Want to skip ahead? You can buy into the bonus rounds or activate the collect feature with the Collect Buy option.

“Fishy Guy is all about non-stop action, fun features, and big wins,” added Galić.

Cherry blast & cherry xmas: classic slots with a twist

“If you’re a fan of classic slots, these games will hit the sweet spot,” Nazdrajić statess. “Cherry Blast and its holiday version, Cherry Xmas, are 4×3 grid slots with sticky wilds, free spins, and a bonus game.

“They bring back the charm of old-school slots with some exciting upgrades.”

A few key highlights you should know:

  • Classic appeal, modern thrills: Think cherries, bells, and wilds that feel nostalgic, but the modern mechanics, like sticky wilds that hold their positions during free spins and a dynamic bonus game, intend to add a whole new layer of fun.
  • Sticky Wild Spin: Land at least three bonus symbols to activate free spins with sticky wilds. Depending on how many bonus symbols you hit, you can unlock 10 free spins with Sticky Spin Delight or 15 free spins with Mega Sticky Spins.
  • Cash Link bonus game: Triggered by landing four cash or jackpot symbols, this feature grants three respins. Land a symbol – cash, jackpot, or multiplier – and your respins reset to three. Fill the reels, and the global multiplier kicks in, doubling all your winnings, including jackpots. 
  • Bonus Buy options: Choose between Sticky Spin Delight, Mega Sticky Spins, or Cherry Harvesting to jump straight into the bonus rounds. Each option gives you a shot at jackpots and sticky wilds, with RTPs ranging from 96.27% to 96.31%.

“Cherry Blast and Cherry Xmas prove that sometimes, the classics, when done right, are all you need,” Nazdrajić continues. “Cherry Blast is a perfect mix of old-school charm and fresh features. Cherry Xmas wraps it all in a festive vibe.”

Toluca Fortune: a jackpot fiesta

“Coming in January, Toluca Fortune combines bold visuals with exciting gameplay,” Nazdrajić says. “The Mexican-inspired theme adds vibrant energy to every spin, while the features keep you coming back for more.”

Breaking down the main features:

  • Expanding gameplay: Players can buy their way into exclusive bonus features like the Fortune Expanding Spins, which increase chances of winning big.
  • Three unique bonus modes: Choose between sticky Aztec spins, expanding sticky wilds, or the Cash Link Bonus game, each tailored for different styles of play.
  • Big jackpots: With three jackpots available in the Cash Link Bonus game, players are blessed with opportunities.

“Toluca Fortune combines vibrant visuals with feature-rich gameplay, making it a must-play for fans of jackpot slots,” Nazdrajić concludes.

“Everything about Toluca Fortune feels vibrant and alive. The bonus modes and jackpots are designed to cater to different player styles, making it a versatile choice for operators.”

Why should operators pay attention

“NSoft’s new line-up delivers innovation that stands out in the crowded igaming space,” adds Galić. “These games are designed with operators in mind, promising high engagement rates, diverse audiences, and lucrative revenue streams.”

“From the strategic gameplay of Gold of Egypt to the festive fun of Cherry Xmas, there’s something for everyone.

“Whether you’re looking to attract high-stakes players or casual gamers, NSoft’s latest releases are packed with features that cater to all preferences. With release dates perfectly timed for peak gaming seasons, now is the time to add these titles to your portfolio.”

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1spin4win: our slots are traditional but classic – just like vanilla ice cream https://casinobeats.com/2024/12/17/1spin4win-slots-classic-vanilla/ Tue, 17 Dec 2024 09:30:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=99236 While new themes have exploded in popularity in recent times in the slot industry, the classic and traditional features still reign supreme with certain players, according to 1spin4win Sales Manager, Tanya Pisarchuk.  Speaking to CasinoBeats at SiGMA Europe, Pisarchuk likens 1spin4win’s portfolio of slot games to the best vanilla ice cream that you could taste. […]

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While new themes have exploded in popularity in recent times in the slot industry, the classic and traditional features still reign supreme with certain players, according to 1spin4win Sales Manager, Tanya Pisarchuk

Tanya Pisarchuk., 1spin4win Sales Manager

Speaking to CasinoBeats at SiGMA Europe, Pisarchuk likens 1spin4win’s portfolio of slot games to the best vanilla ice cream that you could taste. According to her analogy, 1spin4win’s games are traditional, but are done to a pristine standard. 

She explains: “If we’re talking about classical games such as coins and fruits, I can compare it to an ice cream. Ice cream is a very simple thing, it’s just milk and sugar. But look at ice cream makers. They can do so many different things using just milk and sugar. That’s what we are talking about when we talk about the competition and saturation and that market.

“It is about mathematics. It is about mechanics. It is also graphics. It is also the sounds, and maybe the winning placement of buttons. Put all those things together and you can make magic.” 

In the context of slots, Pisarchuk notes that the main ingredients are maths, mechanics, graphics, sounds and buttons, but she also explains that there are other parts of making a great slot game.

1spin4win’s portfolio specialises in classic slots such as coins and fruits, and Pisarchuk explains that they are targeting a broader audience with this approach.

But creating games for all players also means that 1spin4win can experiment with other aspects of game development.

“We can experiment with volatility,” Pisarchuk says. “So for the games with high volatility, there are going to be few lucky winners. But we have over 50 games that have medium volatility, which means anyone can have a chance to win over time, usually over one session. You can play for one hour or two hours, and you still can win, but you also still have this dopamine and enjoyment of the game. 

“Our games are for people who really enjoy playing. They’re for those who want to find comfort in the right time, play the game without any disturbing sounds, with a nice graphic design, while still having a chance of winning.”

“Our games are for people who really enjoy playing. They’re for those who want to find comfort in the right time”

Though the studio’s primary focus is on traditional games, it is introducing characters into its portfolio. For example, the release of Lucky Robbery this year sees a traditional game with characters including new and original characters including Boss Lizard, Guzz Pig and Ricky Mouse. This is part of the firm’s strategy to stick in the classic realm, but add elements of storytelling into its content. 

Pisarchuck says that this is good from a player engagement perspective. “For the player, it gives you kind of space to imagine things. So it’s not only just coins or just rules, it’s something really cool. It makes you look at those symbols, look at those characters, and just add some fantasies into the experience.”

There is, however, no reason to have engaging and popular games if there is no effective method to get them into the hands of players. This is where Pisarchuk comes in as Sales Manager to ensure 1spin4win games get into casino lobbies and onto players screens. 

By far the firm’s most preferred method of distribution is aggregation. It has deals in place with several aggregating suppliers including Softswiss, Softgamings, Reevo and EveryMatrix to get its games to a much wider audience. 

Pisarchuk tells CasinoBeats that this distribution method is part of a carefully thought out strategy to build long-term partnerships and a sustainable way of distributing its games. 

She elaborates: “We consider those partners as a long term distribution plan. It’s not a deal that we close and we are happy and we enjoy it. No, there’s no working in this way. We believe that with them as partners, we can grow bigger together.”

“Our first strategy is to connect to as many aggregators as possible”

Moving ahead into 2025, 1spin4win is aiming to partner with even more aggregators to ensure wide exposure to different markets. This, she outlines, is to reduce technical limitations by partnering with individual operators. 

2025 is shaping up to be another big year for igaming and 1spin4win is working to ensure that it is at the centre of the action, offering traditional games to experienced players. 

“Our first strategy is to connect to as many aggregators as possible, so that will give us a range of opportunities which we can use to connect to operators.

“It’s going to be easier for us, because we all know that sometimes technical work is a bottleneck and sometimes the technical pipeline is so busy that it will stop us from proceeding further. To avoid that, the strategy is to connect as much aggregation, big aggregators, as possible.

“In terms of product, the plan is to continue delivering games and inventing new mechanics.”

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Bison crash onto the reels in Push Gaming’s SOTW win https://casinobeats.com/2024/12/13/bison-push-gaming-sotw-win/ Fri, 13 Dec 2024 09:30:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=99234 SlotBeats has been running with the bulls in Push Gaming’s latest Native American-themed slot release 10 Flaming Bisons, which claimed Slot of the Week. With bison symbols awarding instant wins and jackpot prizes, the SOTW winner presents a 5×3 grid with up to 60-paylines and a maximum win worth x5,602 the player’s stake. The slot […]

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SlotBeats has been running with the bulls in Push Gaming’s latest Native American-themed slot release 10 Flaming Bisons, which claimed Slot of the Week.

With bison symbols awarding instant wins and jackpot prizes, the SOTW winner presents a 5×3 grid with up to 60-paylines and a maximum win worth x5,602 the player’s stake. The slot has medium volatility with a 96.26% RTP. 

Ihor Lozynskyi, Head of Studio at Push Gaming, stated: “10 Flaming Bisons is a thrilling evolution of last year’s 10 Swords. We have evolved this concept by combining beloved mechanics with pioneering new features like push up to captivate both seasoned players and newcomers.

“We are excited to see the numerous playstyles our fans will implement via these mechanics and look forward to them enjoying the progressive bonus game upon release.” 

Totem scatter symbols can also drop into play, triggering the free spins feature when three or more land on the reels. Landing three, four or five scatters on the same turn will award eight, 10 or 12 free spins, respectively. 

Instant wins bison symbols can also appear on the reels, awarding instant prizes when three or more drop into play. Bison prizes range from x2 to x1,000 for landing between three and 10 bison on the same turn. 

Four jackpot bison can appear, awarding their respective jackpot prizes if they appear alongside at least three other standard bison symbols. Jackpot prizes include mini (x15), minor (x50), major (x500) and mega (x5,000). 

Additionally, wild purple dreamcatchers can fall onto the reels, substituting for all symbols other than totem scatters. 

During the free spins game mode, landing four totem scatters throughout the game mode will cause extra rows above the initial 5×3 grid to become unlocked. 

Up to four additional rows can be unlocked and each unlocked row will also award three additional spins each. 

Moreover, a Push Up function can be activated in the base game, increasing the player’s stake in order to unlock additional rows for the base game grid. 

If readers would like to test out the demo version of 10 Flaming Bisons, they can click here to be directed to Push Gaming’s official website. 

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Greentube clinches Christmas SOTW triumph https://casinobeats.com/2024/12/06/greentube-christmas-sotw-triumph/ Fri, 06 Dec 2024 13:30:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=99103 SlotBeats has been delivering presents along with Santa Claus this week by awarding Greentube a Slot of the Week award for its latest snowy slot release, Diamond Link: Mighty Santa Boarded Up.  With players hoping to activate an array of festive features, Diamond Link: Mighty Santa Boarded Up offers a 5×3 reel slot with 25-paylines […]

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SlotBeats has been delivering presents along with Santa Claus this week by awarding Greentube a Slot of the Week award for its latest snowy slot release, Diamond Link: Mighty Santa Boarded Up

With players hoping to activate an array of festive features, Diamond Link: Mighty Santa Boarded Up offers a 5×3 reel slot with 25-paylines and a grand jackpot prize worth over x1,000 the player’s bet. The title has medium-high volatility with a 95% RTP. 

Bernd Baumert, Director of Games Production and Operations at Greentube, commented: “Diamond Link: Mighty Santa Boarded Up is the perfect festive addition to our portfolio, delivering an immersive and innovative experience with Christmas-themed mechanics and a visually innovative game board. 

“We’re excited to bring this seasonal title to players looking to enjoy some Christmas magic while chasing big wins.”

Diamonds can also land on the reels, awarding the Diamond Link feature when six or more appear on the same spin. These diamonds will present monetary prize values that can be claimed in this bonus game mode. 

In the Diamond Link feature, players are given three spins to land as many diamonds on an empty reel set as possible. Each diamond that lands on the reels will reset the number of spins to three.

The game mode also features a board game mechanic. Players roll Santa’s dice to move him around the board, landing on fields that trigger spin bonuses, countdowns, multipliers, and other modifiers.

These modifiers include spin fields which award one free spin where the diamonds remain sticky, watch fields which sees the Christmas countdown randomly determine whether the feature continues or ends, special fields that trigger add, multiplier or collect features, and diamond fields that double all diamond values on the board.

Additionally, jackpot diamonds can appear in this feature, awarding one of three jackpot prizes of mini (x10), minor (x50) or major (progressive jackpot of at least x200). 

Landing a full board of 15 diamonds will award the game’s grand jackpot prize, which is a progressive prize that will offer a minimum of x1,000. 

Finally, wild money bags can drop into play, substituting for all symbols other than diamonds. 

If readers would like to take a trip to the Arctic with Greentube, they can click here to access the demo version of Diamond Link: Mighty Santa Boarded Up.

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