Games Global Archives - CasinoBeats https://casinobeats.com/tag/games-global/ The pulse of the global gaming industry Tue, 03 Dec 2024 15:04:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://casinobeats.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Games Global Archives - CasinoBeats https://casinobeats.com/tag/games-global/ 32 32 Striking gold – the success of the Gold Blitz franchise https://casinobeats.com/2024/12/04/the-success-of-the-gold-blitz-franchise/ Wed, 04 Dec 2024 09:30:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=99051 Launched in 2022, Fortune Factory Studios’ Gold Blitz has quickly accumulated an extensive fan following. The Gold Blitz theme has since been implemented by other Games Global studios, expanding the brand’s influence and further underlining its success, turning it into a popular internal franchise for Games Global. The popularity of the initial concept has led […]

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Launched in 2022, Fortune Factory Studios’ Gold Blitz has quickly accumulated an extensive fan following. The Gold Blitz theme has since been implemented by other Games Global studios, expanding the brand’s influence and further underlining its success, turning it into a popular internal franchise for Games Global.

The popularity of the initial concept has led to the creation of two new iterations of the Gold Blitz series – Extreme and Ultimate – which supercharge the original game, taking things to the next level and beyond. 

Walter Bugno, CEO of Games Global, gives his insights into the brand’s evolution and why it resonates so strongly with a worldwide audience. 

The birth of Gold Blitz

The original game concept was initially launched in early 2022 with the release of Fortune Factory Studios’ Mask of Amun, although visually, the symbols used were totally different to the iconic lightning bolts of Gold Blitz that have become globally renowned today. However, it was instantly apparent that the game concept had promise, with very strong results across the key performance metrics.

Having received confirmation that the game concept was definitely well received by players, the team at Fortune Factory then applied themselves to visually enhancing the game so as to create a ‘striking’ gaming and visual experience at the same time.

The result was the development of a new set of symbols that reflect the inherent motion and constant anticipation that are integral factors in Gold Blitz games, as well as mirroring the charged energy of the frequently occurring Cash Collect feature.

The dynamic, high-end graphics were inspired from console-based interactive video games, and the incorporation of these into Gold Blitz ensured we achieved the desired visual impact.

Whilst there were no guarantees this game would strike a chord with players, we knew the Fortune Factory team had done a brilliant job at creating both an excellent visual and gameplay experience for players. The original Gold Blitz title launched in December 2022 and immediately began its climb toward the top of the charts.

Merging popular brands

One of the key success drivers of the Gold Blitz franchise is the consistency with which the Gold Blitz game concept is fused with other popular brands in the Games Global content portfolio. There are now a total of 32 games that utilise the Gold Blitz concept, including Fishin’ Pots of Gold: Gold Blitz, Blazing Bison Gold Blitz, and the recently released Thunderstruck Gold Blitz Extreme.

Combining fan-favourite brands allows us to leverage the audience of each to expand the overall player base. While there will naturally be some overlap in players, a small section of unique players will be attracted to these releases due to their affiliation with either brand, allowing Games Global to increase visibility and player numbers on behalf of its operator partners.

This emphasis on amalgamating brands has been pivotal in the ongoing success of the Gold Blitz series since its original launch, resulting in the highest number of lifetime players globally when compared to Games Global’s wider portfolio, and continuing to constantly feature among the top performing slots in many regulated markets worldwide.

2024 has also seen Games Global reaffirm its commitment to maintaining a market-leading IP content portfolio, including new partnerships with prestigious global names, and linking those global brands to some of our most successful game franchises. 

Our specific focus on the combat sports sector, and the collaboration with both Ultimate Fighting Championship and World Wrestling Entertainment, two juggernauts in the media and entertainment landscape, has led to the development of a number of new slot games that provide players with an entirely new way to interact with the sporting superstars of those two organisations.

UFC Gold Blitz Extreme and WWE Bonus Rumble: Gold Blitz are centred around the likes of Jon Jones, Amanda Nunes, John Cena, The Undertaker, and more. Fortune Factory successfully harnessed the popularity of these icons by placing them at the heart of the action, making these Gold Blitz series additions attractive to non-regular players. Once again, by capitalising on existing audiences and merging universal brands, we have further enhanced the performance of the Gold Blitz collection.

Continual evolution: the secret to success

Nurturing a brand and ensuring its continued success can be achieved through consistent evolution. This means the evolution of graphics, math models, and gameplay features, which are all vital in bolstering series longevity. 

The initial breakthrough of Gold Blitz can be attributed to several factors. Those factors are all unique, driven by data, run through different iterations of A-B-C testing and more, these all add up to the secret sauce around why Gold Blitz has transitioned from a single game to a franchise of ever-evolving games for the brand. 

It would have been remiss of us, however, to leave Gold Blitz as is. Instead, we have continually evolved the concept, first with Gold Blitz Extreme, and now, with Gold Blitz Ultimate.

Gold Blitz Ultimate introduces 5x multipliers in the base game and 10x multipliers during the bonus, boosting payouts. It also sees the integration of the brand-new Blitz Boost feature that either doubles the frequency of Blitz symbols or guarantees at least one to land with every spin.

When you also consider the now fully configurable bonus buy, which allows players to enter the bonus at any level, it is evident that Fortune Factory Studios has refined and advanced the brand to optimise gameplay and deliver a compelling player-centric experience.

Prize collection is the essence of Gold Blitz, and the opportunities to expand this genre are endless. As we look ahead to 2025, there are a number of new titles in the works that integrate fresh mechanics to progress the series. 

Gold Blitz has already turned into a global franchise, but we are not done quite yet. Games Global is regularly partnering with new studios to license the brand to reach even more players in markets across the world, as we pursue our goal of providing truly memorable gaming experiences. 

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Games Global: Floyd Mayweather an ideal focal point for online casino https://casinobeats.com/2024/10/23/games-global-floyd-mayweather-casino/ Wed, 23 Oct 2024 08:40:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=97885 Games Global has taken the igaming world by storm in 2024, announcing several high-profile deals with global sports brands, including UFC, WWE, and most recently, Floyd Mayweather. The provider has set about curating a collection of IP content that leverages household combat sports names to create immersive, engaging, and memorable online slots.  With an unbeaten […]

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Games Global has taken the igaming world by storm in 2024, announcing several high-profile deals with global sports brands, including UFC, WWE, and most recently, Floyd Mayweather. The provider has set about curating a collection of IP content that leverages household combat sports names to create immersive, engaging, and memorable online slots. 

With an unbeaten 50-0 professional record, many consider Floyd Mayweather to be the greatest boxer to ever lace up the gloves, and CasinoBeats had the pleasure of speaking with both Mayweather and Games Global’s Chief Product Officer, Andy Booth, to find out the inspiration and collaborative processes involved in the creation of the upcoming slot, Money Mayweather. 

CasinoBeats: After conquering the world of boxing, what inspired you to branch out into the world of igaming, and how does the partnership with Games Global align with your brand?

Floyd Mayweather Jr: After conquering boxing, branching into igaming was inspired by the desire to reach new audiences and engage fans in innovative ways. The partnership with Games Global aligns with my brand by expanding my influence beyond the ring, creating interactive experiences that reflect my persona and achievements while resonating with both boxing fans and the igaming community. 

This collaboration allows for the development of creative content that showcases the excitement of boxing and represents an evolution of my brand, ensuring its relevance and impact in the digital landscape.

CB: How did the partnership with Floyd transpire and what about the boxing legend makes him a perfect focal point for an online slot?

Andy Booth: The partnership between Games Global and Floyd Mayweather emerged from shared objectives, brand alignment, and creative collaboration to develop an engaging online slot game.

Mayweather’s iconic status as a multi-weight boxing champion and his high-profile persona make him an ideal focal point for the game, attracting both dedicated boxing fans and casual players while enhancing the overall gaming experience.

CB: What involvement have you had in the creation of Money Mayweather and what references to your brand can fans look forward to in the game?

FMJ: In the development of Money Mayweather, my team contributed by providing creative input to ensure the game authentically reflects my brand and persona. Fans can look forward to personalised features that highlight my lifestyle, as well as engaging and interactive elements that celebrate my boxing career and enhance the overall gameplay experience.

CB: How has the essence of Floyd’s persona and brand been captured in Money Mayweather?

AB: The Money Mayweather slot captures Floyd Mayweather’s essence by incorporating luxurious themes that reflect his lifestyle, using iconic imagery of his likeness and featuring dynamic gameplay inspired by boxing.

The game also embodies his trademark bravado and confidence through its narrative and promotional materials, while an engaging soundtrack enhances the overall atmosphere, creating an immersive experience that appeals to both his fans and a wider igaming audience.

CB: How does the partnership with Games Global allow you to connect with your global fanbase in a different way, and have you any future plans to continue exploring the world of online casino games?

FMJ: The partnership with Games Global allows me to connect with my global fanbase through interactive and engaging online gameplay, extending my brand beyond traditional boxing experiences and reaching diverse markets worldwide. I am super excited for this partnership with Games Global!

CB: In what way does the collaboration with Floyd enhance Games Global’s reputation as a pioneering provider of combat-themed content? 

AB: The collaboration with Floyd Mayweather enhances Games Global’s reputation as a pioneering provider of combat-themed content by associating the brand with a globally recognised sports icon, which boosts visibility and credibility.

This partnership allows for authentic and high-quality game design that resonates with combat sports fans, showcases innovative gameplay mechanics, and expands our best-in-class portfolio.

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Flutter & Games Global strengthen ties for UK growth https://casinobeats.com/2024/09/19/flutter-games-global-uk/ Thu, 19 Sep 2024 13:45:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=97086 Flutter Entertainment has gained igaming content from Games Global and its roster of subsidiary studios, enhancing the casino offering of its various UK brands.  The UK-focused collaboration will build on the two companies’ existing relationship in the US, where Games Global has supplied games to Flutter’s PokerStars, Sisal and FanDuel brands.  Following the latest deal, […]

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Flutter Entertainment has gained igaming content from Games Global and its roster of subsidiary studios, enhancing the casino offering of its various UK brands. 

The UK-focused collaboration will build on the two companies’ existing relationship in the US, where Games Global has supplied games to Flutter’s PokerStars, Sisal and FanDuel brands. 

Following the latest deal, the collaboration will look to attract players in the UK market as Games Global’s catalogue of content becomes available in the casino lobbies of Flutter brands Sky Vegas, Sky Bingo, Paddy Power and Betfair

Roisin Hogan, Commercial Director at Flutter UK&I, commented: “We take great pride in elevating the offering of our individual brands and launching a selection of Games Global’s portfolio in the UK will significantly boost our product which is trusted to deliver exciting experiences to players around the world.

“The broad range of titles added, including exclusive games, will further enhance our online casinos and ensure audiences are presented with an unrivalled range of content.”

Games Global’s content offering will include a plethora of games provided by the supplier’s roster of in-house studios. A selection of established games have been uploaded to Flutter’s various platforms, such as Immortal Romance, Gold Blitz and Ancient Fortunes: Poseidon Megaways. 

Moreover, the UK extension will see Games Global produce several bespoke games exclusively for Flutter brands, with Sky Vegas Gold Blitz set to be released imminently. 

Rupert Dix, Interim Chief Revenue Officer at Games Global, added: “We have enjoyed a wonderful partnership with Flutter and we are delighted to take this to the next-level.

“By launching legendary content with a number of its tier-one brands in the UK, one of our core markets, there promises to be a wealth of opportunity to maximise player engagement and we are excited to deliver these immersive experiences together.”

Both the US and UK&I were key areas for growth in Flutter’s latest financial update, as the operator group’s Q2 2024 total group revenue grew by 20% year-over-year. 

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Eilers-Fantini: August witnesses supplier shake-up in Canada https://casinobeats.com/2024/08/30/eilers-fantini-august-canada/ Fri, 30 Aug 2024 08:45:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=96500 The three leading suppliers in the US Eilers-Fantini charts – IGT, Evolution and Light & Wonder – each dropped points in August as a larger share of revenue was claimed by smaller studios.  The US charts saw each supplier gain a lower share of revenue compared to July’s reporting, while a number of new rankings […]

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The three leading suppliers in the US Eilers-Fantini charts – IGT, Evolution and Light & Wonder – each dropped points in August as a larger share of revenue was claimed by smaller studios. 

The US charts saw each supplier gain a lower share of revenue compared to July’s reporting, while a number of new rankings dominated the new top games charts and the top three games by gross gaming revenue remained exactly the same. 

Meanwhile, the Canadian Eilers-Fantini report saw Games Global overtake Pragmatic Play in the supplier charts for the first time as several of the studio’s slots breached the top 25 in several categories. 

US stats

As aforementioned, the top slots by GGR charts witnessed robust performances from July’s top three games, as IGT’s slot Cash Eruption, Buffalo by Aristocrat and Blackjack, a table game also from IGT, kept their positions at the top of the table. 

However, each title did drop in terms of GGR share, as Cash Eruption dropped from July’s 3.19% to 3.09%, Buffalo fell from 1.65% to 1.56% and Blackjack claimed 1.34%, after claiming 1.51% in July. 

Rounding out the top five was another title from IGT, Prosperity Link Wan Shi Ru Yi, which burst into the top 10 as a new ranking to gain 1.23% of recorded GGR. Evolution’s Live Dealer Roulette also kept its place while dropping slightly in GGR share, coming in fifth with 1.07% (July: 1.08%). 

From the top games per GGR, 16 were slot titles, three were table games and five were live casino titles, with no video poker games making the top 25 for the first time this year. 

Gamecode’s recent Triple Stones slot release stormed its way to the top of the overall games charts as a new ranking, knocking Cash Eruption from its usual perch in July down to second place. 

Meanwhile, the top 10 titles were shaken up completely as Blackjack from IGT rose from fourth to third, Live Dealer Lighting Roulette climbed from sixth to fourth and Capital Gains by AGS dropped from third to fifth. 

Mining Loaded Pots from Games Global performed significantly well across August to rise from 38th place in July to sixth, while Light & Wonder’s 88 Fortunes, 3x Ultra Diamond by AGS – dropping from July’s fifth place finish – Prosperity Link Wan Shi Ru Yi and Doctor Reactive Mega Drop Low from Light & Wonder made up the rest of the top 10, in that order.  

Moving onto the top slot charts, Triple Stones, Cash Eruption and Capital Gains made up the top three, respectively, and Mining Loaded Pots climbed from 28th place to fourth. Light & Wonder claimed fifth place with 88 Fortunes. 

Overall, 14 suppliers were represented in the top slot charts, with Reel Play, Aristocrat, Greentube, Everi, High 5 Games, Inspired, White Hat Studios and Bragg Gaming Group all featuring at least once. 

For the new game rankings, five of the top 10 were completely new rankings with August proving to be a strong month for recent releases. July saw only two new rankings within the top new games chart. 

New ranking Triple Stones claimed top spot as expected, while Mining Loaded Pots climbed from 11th to second. 3x Ultra Diamond and new rankings Prosperity Link Wan Shi Ru Yi and Pacific Gold from ELK Studios made up the rest of the top five. 

Light & Wonder’s Thundering Blaze, another new ranking, Mr Pigg E Bank and Dark Waters, Inspired’s Big Piggy Bank and Almighty Buffalo King from White Hat Studios, again a new ranking, rounded out the top 10 in that order. 

Once again, each game that appeared in the top 25 new game rankings was a slot title, proving the vertical’s dominance in the US. 

While Evolution, IGT and Light & Wonder kept their places as the top three brands in the supplier charts, each company saw their share of GGR drop.

Evolution fell from July’s 18.4% to 18.1%, IGT dropped for consecutive months from 17.4% to 17% and Light & Wonder fell to 13.3% from 13.4%. 

This, in turn, saw smaller studios take a higher share of the GGR, with Games Global rising to 9.5% (July: 8.6%), Inspired climbing to 2.6% (July: 2.4%) and AGS reaching 4.8% (July: 4.5%). 

As per usual, slots remained the dominant segment for total games tracked, with a total of 91.6%, ahead of table games which stands at 3.5%. 

Instant win was next with 1.9%, slightly ahead of live casino’s 1.5%, video poker’s 0.9 per cent, lottery’s 0.3% and bingo/keno’s 0.2%. 

Mobile recorded the highest percentage of theoretical win generated per vertical with 72.1%, followed by desktop at 26.9% and tablet at 1%. 

The latest US Eilers-Fantini report examined data from Michigan, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Connecticut across 28 online casino sites, tracking 62,875 games to represent around 64% of the US market.

Canada performance

Eilers & Krejcik’s Canadian report continues to provide statistics on the nation’s online casino industry, covering nine online casino sites to track 9,745 games across five provinces. 

Similarly to the US, Cash Eruption kept its position atop Canada’s top games by GGR chart with 2.12% GGR share (July: 1.98%). However, Live Dealer Roulette from Evolution clinched second place with 1.34% GGR (July: 1.12%), leapfrogging Cleopatra which fell to third with 1.03% (July: 1.14%). 

Evolution also took fourth place with Live Dealer Blackjack, while Everi’s Cash Machine remained in fifth place, with 0.85% and 0.79%, respectively. 

While Canada’s top two suppliers stayed in the same positions as July, with IGT claiming top spot with 17.18% of theoretical win and Evolution taking second with 14.8%, the rest of the top five each took new positions on the supplier leaderboards. 

Last month, Pragmatic Play (July: 11.88%) took third place, followed by Light & Wonder (July: 11.03) and Games Global (July: 8.55%) in fourth and fifth positions, respectively. 

Yet, each supplier claimed a new spot in the charts as Games Global flew into third place with 11.64%, narrowly beating Light & Wonder’s 11.59%. Pragmatic Play fell into fifth place with 11.06%. 

If interested in learning more, subscribing, or participating in the Eilers-Fantini Online Game Performance Database reach out to Rick Eckert at reckert@ekgamingllc.com.

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Games Global praises Flip Five Gaming’s poker content amidst partnership https://casinobeats.com/2024/08/13/games-global-flip-five-gaming/ Tue, 13 Aug 2024 13:00:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=96133 Games Global has welcomed its latest exclusive partner by adding video poker developer Flip Five Gaming to its roster of studios.  As the partnership commences, Flip Five Gaming is set to add 13 new exclusive titles to the Games Global portfolio, with the supplier group looking to leverage the South African-based studio’s “fresh take” on […]

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Games Global has welcomed its latest exclusive partner by adding video poker developer Flip Five Gaming to its roster of studios. 

As the partnership commences, Flip Five Gaming is set to add 13 new exclusive titles to the Games Global portfolio, with the supplier group looking to leverage the South African-based studio’s “fresh take” on the poker vertical. 

Andy Booth, Chief Product Officer at Games Global, commented: “Our ethos at Games Global is to partner with standout studios in the industry and Flip Five Gaming is a perfect example of that. 

“With forward-thinking content that enhances video poker experiences, the integration of such a fantastic portfolio into our platforms will be greatly received from our customers and players alike.”

Operators affiliated with Games Global will benefit from the deal by being able to offer Flip Five poker products such as Aces & Faces – Power Poker, Double Double Bonus – Power Poker, Aces & Eights – Power Poker and All Aces – Power Poker. 

Bonus Poker Deluxe – Power Poker, and Bonus Poker – Power Poker will also be made available, alongside Deuces & Joker – Power Poker, Deuces Wild – Power Poker, Double Joker – Power Poker, Jacks or Better – Power Poker, Joker Poker – Power Poker, Tens or Better – Power Poker and Bonus Deuces Wild – Power Poker. 

Mark Willett, Director at Flip Five Gaming, added: “As an exclusive Games Global studio partner, we aim to differentiate our product offering to that of our competitors and to bring an innovative and contemporary video poker portfolio to a market that is saturated with slots.

“Together with Games Global, we will be able to connect with more operators and players, bringing the diversity of our games library under one uniformly branded identity for video poker; and we look forward to taking the poker experience to the next level.”

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Attracting a diverse global audience through branded slots https://casinobeats.com/2024/08/07/global-audience-through-branded-slots/ Wed, 07 Aug 2024 08:30:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=95817 Many slot studios are partnering with blockbuster brands to utilise popular IP in games. Titles influenced by Squid Game, Tetris, Space Invaders, and UFC are just some recent launches in the online casino space. In the concluding part of our latest roundtable, Andrew Booth, Chief Product Officer at Games Global, and David Willis, Head of Product […]

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Many slot studios are partnering with blockbuster brands to utilise popular IP in games. Titles influenced by Squid Game, Tetris, Space Invaders, and UFC are just some recent launches in the online casino space.

In the concluding part of our latest roundtable, Andrew Booth, Chief Product Officer at Games Global, and David Willis, Head of Product and Content at Gaming Realms, continue the discussion by looking at if such titles enjoy a larger life span than counterparts, as well as looking at IP slots from an audience perspective.

CasinoBeats: What demographic does slots using IP from popular franchises attract the most – new audiences that are fans of the brand or established slot players?

Andrew Booth, Chief Product Officer at Games Global

Andrew Booth: Branded slots tend to attract a diverse audience. On one hand, fans of the brand who might not typically play slots are drawn to the game out of loyalty and curiosity. On the other hand, established slot players appreciate the fresh themes and recognisable elements that these branded games offer. This dual appeal helps us expand our player base, bringing new audiences in while providing something novel and exciting for our existing players.

David Willis: Leveraging the power of established IPs is a strategic approach for Gaming Realms and is predominantly used as an acquisition tool to introduce new players and audiences to our games. For instance, fans of iconic franchises like Space Invaders may be drawn to our Slingo iteration simply due to brand recognition, providing an opportunity to engage a wider player base. 

Moreover, by creatively adapting core elements from these classic games into the slot medium, we can offer a unique and compelling experience that both respects the original IP and showcases our innovative titles potentially turning them into long-term fans of our games.

CB: Have you seen proof of IP slots having more longevity than other titles? 

David Willis, Head of Product and Content at Gaming Realms

DW: Concrete, data-driven evidence is always valuable. The performance of our IP-inspired titles offers compelling anecdotal support for the improved longevity and appeal of these games. For example, Slingo Davinci Diamonds continues to be a top-performing title in Italy despite its 2022 launch, demonstrating the enduring appeal of well-executed IP integrations. 

Additionally, the sustained popularity of Slingo Gold Cash and Slingo Hot Roll in the US, as well as the global success of Slingo Centurion, underscore the power of IP-driven Slingo games in capturing and retaining player interest long after their initial release.

AB: It’s a great question and comes with two answers. We’ve had some amazing external IP partnerships where we’ve seen great long-term success with partnerships like Lara Croft, Jurassic Park, and Jurassic World. These recognisable IPs are perfect for operators to use for the acquisition of players who recognise and are fans of these brands. 

Adding new partners like UFC into our portfolio will only help us to grow in this space and provide our operators with acquisition opportunities through providing their players with exciting new branded games. 

Our own IP where we have internal franchise games like the Thunderstruck series, Immortal Romance series, 9 Masks series and our progressive brands Mega Moolah, WowPot and King Millions also have a major part to play in the long-term success for Games Global.

We are focused on securing brand partnerships with top tier external IPs and marrying them with our own top tier internal IPs, which we know players love and recognise as much as UFC and other brands.

Both have a huge part to play in our operators’ success and that of our own, but more importantly the IP franchises provide our operators’ players with exciting games that leverage the recognition of these global entities.

CB: Are there particular markets where audiences are more drawn to blockbuster games?

AB: Blockbuster games perform well globally, but we do see some regional preferences and understanding these regional preferences helps us tailor our offerings to maximise appeal and engagement across different markets.

DW: The US market exhibits a particular affinity for blockbuster IP-driven games, comparatively outperforming many other regions. This can be attributed to several factors, including a natural cultural alignment with strong brands and IPs, as well as the historical influence of branded titles within the traditional Las Vegas casino landscape.

The UK also demonstrates a strong appetite for IP-based games, however, this preference may be partly explained by the nature of the IPs we typically select, which often resonate and have an established history with both the US and UK audiences.

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Roundtable: branded slot success hinges on selecting the perfect partner https://casinobeats.com/2024/08/06/branded-slots-perfect-partner/ Tue, 06 Aug 2024 08:30:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=95808 Many slot studios are partnering with blockbuster brands to utilise popular IP in games. Titles influenced by Squid Game, Tetris, Space Invaders, and UFC are just some recent launches in the online casino space. In our latest CasinoBeats roundtable, we speak to David Willis, Head of Product and Content at Gaming Realms, and Andrew Booth, […]

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Many slot studios are partnering with blockbuster brands to utilise popular IP in games. Titles influenced by Squid Game, Tetris, Space Invaders, and UFC are just some recent launches in the online casino space.

In our latest CasinoBeats roundtable, we speak to David Willis, Head of Product and Content at Gaming Realms, and Andrew Booth, Chief Product Officer at Games Global, about the opportunities these titles offer and what it takes to create a blockbuster slot experience.   

CasinoBeats: How do you choose what brands to partner with to ensure a great slot experience? 

David Willis, Head of Product and Content at Gaming Realms

David Willis: Selecting the right brands to collaborate with can be a meticulous process. We strategically evaluate each IP to ensure it resonates with our audience and aligns with our Slingo vision. The Gaming Realms team is a diverse hub of talent which thrives on multimedia experiences, this means we can draw from the team’s expertise in gaming, TV, film, and beyond when choosing which brands to partner with.

The rich blend of perspectives fuels our ability to identify potential hits and create truly captivating Slingo titles inspired by a variety of IPs. Our deep-rooted connection with our audience, many of whom have been Slingo fans for over a decade, provides us with unparalleled insights. This innate understanding of our players empowers us to identify and deliver content that truly resonates.

Andrew Booth, Chief Product Officer at Games Global

Andrew Booth: When selecting brands to partner with, we prioritise those that have a strong, recognisable identity and a loyal fan base. We look for brands that offer rich narratives and iconic elements that can be seamlessly integrated into a slot game format.

This ensures that the final product not only appeals to existing fans but also translates effectively into an engaging and entertaining slot experience. Our goal is to create a collaborative relationship where the game enhances both brands.

CB: How does the development experience differ when collaborating with an established brand outside the RMG space?

AB: Collaborating with an established brand outside the RMG space involves a more intricate development process. We need to deeply understand the partner’s essence, its visual and thematic elements, and what makes it special to its audience.

This often means working closely with the brand’s creators to ensure authenticity and respect for the original material. Additionally, there’s a greater emphasis on meeting standards and expectations, which includes rigorous approval processes and creative negotiation.

DW: While established IPs offer a recognisable foundation, transitioning these brands into the Slingo format, an entirely new medium, can present unique challenges. To address this, we proactively engage with collaborators, sharing drafts, sketches, and ideas to ensure early alignment with brand guidelines and avoid costly rework. This means the initial creation of a title can take longer when compared to developing an entirely new IP. 

Ironically, what some may see as constraints through working with a brand often sparks innovation. For instance, Tetris Slingo, our first cluster-paying title, emerged from working with the Tetris brand and wanting to bring the Tetris playstyle to Slingo. We view these challenges as opportunities to push the boundaries of Slingo and innovate on our proven formula.

CB: Is there a danger of focusing too much on the IP brand rather than the slot experience when creating branded slots? 

DW: While traditional slot providers may grapple with the challenge of adapting familiar IPs in a balanced way, our player base expects to enjoy the traditional Slingo format.

Our unique approach involves seamlessly integrating IP elements into the core Slingo gameplay, often elevating them to a prominent role in the game’s design or bonus rounds. This strategy allows us to create fresh and exciting experiences while staying true to the heart of the Slingo genre, ensuring that our players’ expectations are consistently met.

AB: Balancing the appeal of a well-known IP with the mechanics of a high-quality slot game is crucial. While a strong brand can draw players in, it’s the gaming experience that keeps them engaged. We strive to integrate the partner in ways that enhance gameplay.

By focusing on creating immersive and rewarding experiences, we ensure that the IP adds value without compromising the core elements that make a slot game enjoyable and engaging.

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Games Global partners with the WWE in three-year slot deal https://casinobeats.com/2024/07/31/games-global-wwe-deal/ Wed, 31 Jul 2024 09:30:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=95771 Games Global has signed an official partnership with World Wrestling Entertainment, allowing the supplier group to develop slots inspired by IP from the company.  Under the terms of the agreement, Games Global will produce three bespoke WWE-themed slots over a three year period. The partnership will kick off with the release of WWE Bonus Rumble: […]

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Games Global has signed an official partnership with World Wrestling Entertainment, allowing the supplier group to develop slots inspired by IP from the company. 

Under the terms of the agreement, Games Global will produce three bespoke WWE-themed slots over a three year period. The partnership will kick off with the release of WWE Bonus Rumble: Gold Blitz next month in August. 

Andy Booth, Chief Product Officer at Games Global, commented: “Games Global is thrilled to step into the wrestling ring with WWE and deliver powerhouse content that will appeal to our audiences around the world.

“Some of the most iconic WWE superstars will bring our three titles to life and ensure players are immersed in the exciting world of sports entertainment.”

The partnership aims to allow both companies to “recruit new players and fans”, citing a similarity between the target audiences of the WWE and Games Global. Each WWE slot that is produced will be taken live in all of Games Global’s “key markets”, excluding the US. 

Games Global has strengthened its ties with the sporting world through this collaboration, having recently entered the octagon with the UFC to produce UFC Gold Blitz Extreme via Fortune Factory Studios – one of the group’s supplier subsidiaries. 

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Games Global strengthens aggregation service with Aviatrix https://casinobeats.com/2024/06/24/games-global-aviatrix-aggregation/ Mon, 24 Jun 2024 10:30:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=94736 Games Global has gained the rights to distribute Aviatrix’s flagship crash game in a deal that will strengthen the former’s aggregation offering.  Under the terms of the agreement, Aviatrix will be added to Games Global’s PLUS aggregation platform, extending the crash game’s reach across the global igaming industry through the aggregator’s platform partners.  Mikalai Pobal, […]

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Games Global has gained the rights to distribute Aviatrix’s flagship crash game in a deal that will strengthen the former’s aggregation offering. 

Under the terms of the agreement, Aviatrix will be added to Games Global’s PLUS aggregation platform, extending the crash game’s reach across the global igaming industry through the aggregator’s platform partners. 

Mikalai Pobal, Co-founder and CBD at Aviatrix, stated: “We really respect Games Global, because like Aviatrix, they’ve very quickly assembled a great team which is driving genuine innovation in our sector. We’ll continue to focus on delivering the very best experience to our players, now with the support of Games Global. We’re going to make fantastic partners.”

Aviatrix offers players NFT-based mechanics by which players use their own personal aeroplane that flies across the screen as the crash multiplier rises. These planes can be customised and upgraded to enhance players’ personalisation. 

Additionally, Aviatrix uses several design changes across the year to fit into seasonal themes and major events, such as St. Patrick’s Day and EURO 2024, allowing operators to enhance player engagement. 

Andy Booth, Chief Product Officer at Games Global, added: “We constantly strive to offer operators the industry’s very best gaming content, bringing together the highest quality partner games to complement our exclusive portfolio. 

“We’re thrilled to see Aviatrix take flight on our Games Global PLUS aggregation platform, elevating our third-party offering to new heights. The product really has been flying high since it launched, and we look forward to working with the Aviatrix team to ensure continued success.”

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Games Global postpones NYSE listing https://casinobeats.com/2024/05/14/games-global-nyse-listing/ Tue, 14 May 2024 12:00:00 +0000 https://casinobeats.com/?p=93716 Despite strong investor interest, Games Global has decided to postpone its initial public offering in the US.  The decision came just hours before the firm was expected to go public, with the firm handing a Withdrawal of Registration statement to the SEC following a decision from the Board of Directors.  A statement from the company […]

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Despite strong investor interest, Games Global has decided to postpone its initial public offering in the US. 

The decision came just hours before the firm was expected to go public, with the firm handing a Withdrawal of Registration statement to the SEC following a decision from the Board of Directors. 

A statement from the company read: “With a strong balance sheet, healthy margins and meaningful growth, an IPO at this point in time was an accelerator, not an absolute necessity, for our business strategy”

The board believed it to be ‘in the best interest’ of its stakeholders due to boasting ‘continued positive performance’ in the US.

Following the IPO cancellation, Games Global suggested that it will ‘continue to monitor the timing for the proposed offering’, as well as ‘evaluate all strategic opportunities that align with the company’s long-term strategy’. 

Walter Bugno, CEO of Games Global, stated: “While we are disappointed not to be entering the public markets in the near term, meeting with investors during this IPO process has further cemented our confidence in our strategy and that what we are building at Games Global is unique.

“With a strong balance sheet, healthy margins, and meaningful growth, an IPO at this point in time was an accelerator, not an absolute necessity, for our business strategy.

“Our team remains committed to delivering the most innovative games on the market. We will continue to monitor the capital markets going forward and make the appropriate reconsiderations as to an IPO in the future.”

The igaming supplier group will remain a privately held company in the US market, where it launched earlier this year.

Always a consistent performer in the Eilers-Fantini charts, the group acquired US-focused provider DGC to strengthen its position in the nation.

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