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Online slot machines are often revamped for special occasions, such as the Christmas holidays. These are referred to as “seasonal editions”, which are highly popular among players.

However, some might see them as mere gimmicks to reintroduce tried-and-tested game features and mechanics with slightly updated graphics. What do slot creators think about this? To find out, we had a chat with Ivan Shlapunov, Business Development Manager at Belatra Games.

Ivan, thank you for joining us! Let’s dive right in. Why are special editions for seasonal events like Halloween or New Year important for game developers and operators?

Special editions tied to seasonal events are crucial in our industry for several reasons. First, they create fresh engagement opportunities by tapping into the festive spirit of players. People naturally look for themed entertainment during the holidays, and games that reflect those celebrations can significantly boost excitement and immersion.

For operators, seasonal editions like Halloween or New Year specials offer a timely way to attract new players and re-engage existing ones. They can be promoted as limited-time experiences, often driving urgency and higher participation. It’s a win-win: players get something fresh and festive, while operators see increased traffic and player retention.

Can you tell us more about Winter Thunder and its connection with the New Year festivities?

Absolutely! Winter Thunder is our latest seasonal adaptation, inspired by Thunder Wolf, one of our standout launches of 2024. We wanted to give players a festive yet wild experience that embodies the magic of a winter wonderland. Imagine snow-covered canyons, frost-laden forests, and a chilly breeze sweeping through the reels. This backdrop isn’t just visually stunning; it draws players into a truly atmospheric, festive adventure.

The game maintains the core thrill of Thunder Wolf but introduces vibrant winter graphics, snowflake-covered reels, and frosty animations. The wolf, our key wild symbol, now sports an icy sheen, and dynamic nudging mechanics add to the excitement. By supporting 16 languages, we ensure the game’s festive charm resonates globally during the New Year season.

Belatra has had other successful winter adaptations in the past. Can you share an example?

One of our most successful winter adaptations was Santa Mummy, a festive version of our major hit Mummyland Treasures. Released at the end of 2023, Santa Mummy brought a holiday twist to the beloved original, replacing ancient tombs with snow-laden pyramids and giving the iconic mummy a jolly, Santa-like makeover.

The game struck the perfect balance between maintaining the core mechanics of Mummyland Treasures and delivering a fun, holiday-themed experience. The result? Santa Mummy was a huge success, capturing players’ imaginations and driving exceptional engagement throughout the holiday season. This success reinforced the idea that well-executed seasonal editions can significantly extend the life of a game.

How do these seasonal changes impact the success and appeal of a game?

They can give a game a renewed life and a unique appeal. Players appreciate familiar gameplay wrapped in a fresh, thematic presentation. This combination of familiarity and novelty encourages loyal fans and new players to engage.

For instance, Winter Thunder keeps the core mechanics of Thunder Wolf but adds a magical winter theme. This familiarity ensures a smooth player experience, while the festive elements heighten anticipation and enjoyment. The emotional connection to seasonal events like New Year creates a stronger bond between the player and the game, leading to longer play sessions and higher retention rates.

Belatra has also released Halloween-themed specials in the past. Can you share some insights on these and how they fit into your seasonal strategy?

Halloween was another fantastic opportunity to connect with players through themed content. Our Halloween specials, like Halloween Bingo and Halloween Crystals, involve eerie visuals, spooky soundscapes, and gameplay twists that embrace the thrill of the season. These games create an atmosphere where players feel part of a Halloween adventure, making their experience more memorable.

We also explore co-branded collaborations. These partnerships amplify our reach and let us tailor the experience to specific audiences. Co-branding helps combine the strengths of both partners—our game design expertise and their player engagement strategies.

Speaking of co-branded games, how does this approach enhance seasonal editions?

Co-branded games allow us to customize experiences for specific platforms or influencers, making the seasonal theme even more impactful. For example, when working with a platform like BitStarz for BitStarz Treasures, we ensured the game reflected the platform’s identity while retaining our core gameplay mechanics.

This strategy can create a more personalized and exclusive feeling for seasonal events, which players love. Blending our seasonal editions with a partner’s brand maximizes engagement and gives players a reason to return, especially during limited-time events.

Finally, what can we expect from Belatra Games in future seasons? Any teasers?

We’re always working on ways to surprise and delight our players. Given the success of games like Winter Thunder, you can expect more themed adaptations of our top-performing titles. And who knows—perhaps a sequel to one of our fan-favorite games might be coming soon! We also plan to strengthen our co-branding efforts and collaborations with streamers to create more engaging, community-driven experiences.

Welcome to this exciting interview with TaDa Gaming! In this Q&A session, we discover the world of TaDa Gaming, a team of skilled developers dedicated to creating top-notch gaming experiences. We will learn about their popular games like Money Coming and Fortune Gems, designed for maximum fun. We explore how TaDa Gaming ensures fair play and player safety while introducing innovative features like WIN CARDS for an exciting and unpredictable gaming experience. We will also get an exclusive sneak peek into their upcoming releases for the next months. Stay tuned for the inside scoop on TaDa Gaming’s latest developments and surprises.

Could you provide an introduction to Tada Gaming for our readers and share your company’s vision?

TaDa Gaming is a team of seasoned gaming developers dedicated to crafting top-tier and original gaming experiences. Our portfolio includes a wide array of offerings, ranging from online video slots, bingo, table games, fishing, and thrilling crash games.

With the MGA License now in hand, TaDa Gaming is poised to extend its reach and offerings to MGA-licensed operators. This license not only represents a significant achievement for our company but also serves as a testament to our unwavering dedication to quality and compliance in the gaming industry.

With a portfolio of over 100 games, would you highlight a few of your most popular or unique game titles? What makes these games stand out to players?

In our extensive game catalog, we proudly feature several titles that currently stand out as our most popular offerings. These include Money Coming, Fortune Gems, Fortune Gems 2, Sweet Land, and Crazy 777. For instance, our latest release, Fortune Gems 2, serves as a highly-anticipated sequel to a beloved classic and promises an exhilarating gaming experience. With its distinctive 3×3, 5-line layout, players are transported to a mystical realm, continuing the beloved Fortune Gems series’ legacy. It’s designed to offer exciting rewards with every spin, making it a must-play for gaming enthusiasts.

Could you please explain how you guarantee gamers fair and responsible gaming? How do you prioritize their safety while enjoying your games?

At TaDa Gaming, we ensure fair and responsible gaming by employing Random Number Generators for fairness, offering responsible gaming features, age verification, and compliance with regulatory standards. Player safety is our priority, with dedicated support, educational resources, and robust data security measures in place. Our commitment to these principles creates a gaming environment where players can enjoy our games with confidence and responsibility.

In the competitive world of online gaming, innovation is crucial. Could you provide some examples of the innovative mechanics or features that are incorporated into your games to enhance the player experience?

We take pride in providing players with a dynamic and captivating gaming experience. Our games are crafted with innovative mechanics that transcend the ordinary. One of our standout features is the introduction of WIN CARDS, a distinctive element that sets us apart. These exclusive cards infuse gameplay with excitement and surprise, offering players thrilling perks such as free in-game rounds.

Regarding the ever-evolving world of slot mechanics, which includes the growing popularity of intricate systems like Megaways, we are continually exploring ways to elevate our offerings.

You mentioned tournaments and jackpots as part of your offer. How do these things make players enjoy games more? And, how do you help casinos make these events unique and exciting?

We enhance player enjoyment and assist casinos in creating unique gaming experiences. Our innovative slots, fish games, and exclusive WIN CARDS, alongside diverse game categories, form the foundation.  Tournaments and jackpots add excitement and competitiveness, motivating players with attractive rewards. Our flexible jackpot linking feature amplifies winning potential, while user-friendly sign-ins and AI-driven gameplay enhance accessibility and engagement. Our commitment to innovation enriches the gaming experience for players and allows casinos to offer distinctive and thrilling events.

What games do you have in the pipeline for future releases? Can you give us a little preview of any surprises or exciting news coming up for your fans

We’re thrilled about our upcoming game releases, and we appreciate your curiosity about what’s in store for our fans. While we can’t reveal all the details just yet, we can certainly provide a sneak peek. Not long ago, we introduced one of our favorite slots, ‘SweetLand,’ featuring a delightful and colorful environment. Building on that success, we’re excited to announce that we have something quite similar but with a unique twist in the pipeline. Without giving away too much, we promise that it will captivate our fans and offer a fresh and exciting experience.

Stay tuned for more information and updates as we get closer to the release date. We can’t wait to share the excitement with our gaming community! You can try all TadaGaming’s tiltes on here on Slots-777. You’ll find their best free slots to try with no registration or time limits. 

Welcome to this exclusive interview with TrueLab Game Studios, a leading software provider in the iGaming industry. TrueLab is known for its innovative approach to game design and its commitment to providing players with unique and engaging gaming experiences.

Today we have here with us Karl von Brockdorff, Chief Marketing Officer at TrueLeb. With over a decade of experience in the iGaming industry, Karl has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of TrueLab. His keen understanding of player behavior and market trends has allowed him to lead successful marketing campaigns and create games that are loved by players around the world. In this interview, we’ll explore the secrets behind TrueLab’s success, its approach to game development, and the company’s vision for the future of the iGaming industry. So, join us as we dive deep into the world of TrueLab Game Studios.

Hello Karl and welcome! How would you describe the unique qualities of Truelab Games and the gaming products you offer, and how do you differentiate yourself from other iGaming software providers?

The iGaming industry is highly congested and we understand that many operators choose to flood the market with titles to make up market share. However, at Truelab Games, we really do believe in quality over quantity. We prefer to stand out with highly engaging content and disruptive features and mechanics. We approach game development with a specific player profile in mind and always build games with the intended audience in focus. This allows us to deliver games that are tailored to the preferences and play styles of our players. A lot of effort goes into player engagement, both beneath the surface through advanced mathematical frameworks, and on the surface through compelling storytelling, such as that in our latest title ‘Guns, Love & Therapy‘. These type of unique features set us apart from other iGaming software providers and allow us to deliver games that truly resonate with our players.

What are some of the latest trends in the iGaming industry that Truelab Games is incorporating into your games, and how do you stay ahead of the Competition?

We are always striving to stay ahead of the competition by incorporating the latest trends in the iGaming industry into our games. One of the biggest trends we’re helping establish is a move away from traditional boring click-and-spin mechanics towards more intensive audio-visual experiences. We are building upon that trend by incorporating more compelling storylines with engaging plots, deep characters, premium graphics and animations, and high-quality musical scores. By upping the production quality, we are able to engage the senses and build excitement and longevity in our titles. Another trend that we are excited about is the rise of NFTs in the industry. We are proud to be amongst the first studios to incorporate NFTs into our titles. The first game to have NFT compatibility is our classic ‘Victoria Wild West‘, which features NFTs that can be dropped during gameplay and have actual utility. Through a collaboration with our partner TRUE Future, players can collect, craft, exchange, and even sell these NFTs, which bring many advantages like reskinning, loyalty rewards, individualized experiences, extended storylines, and even shares of global revenue on the titles. Overall, we believe that by incorporating these latest trends into our games, we are able to offer players a more immersive and engaging gaming experience while staying ahead of the competition.

How does TrueLab Games ensure its games are fair and meet regulatory requirements in different jurisdictions?

Fairness and integrity are of the utmost importance to us. We understand that our players’ trust is essential, and we take great care to ensure that our games meet regulatory requirements in all the jurisdictions where we operate. To ensure fairness, all our games undergo rigorous third-party auditing and testing to ensure they have fair RNGs (random number generators). We work with independent testing agencies such as eCogra to ensure our games are reliable and trustworthy.  We also work closely with regulators in different jurisdictions to ensure our games comply with their specific requirements. This includes submitting our games for certification and auditing by regulatory bodies like the Malta Gaming Authority. We believe that transparency is key, and we provide detailed information about the RTP (return to player) percentages of our games, which can be found in the game rules.

What role does innovation play in the game development process at Truelab Games, and how do you ensure that your games stay fresh and exciting for players?

Innovation is at the heart of our game development process. We are constantly pushing the boundaries and exploring new ideas to create games that are fresh and exciting for players. One of the ways we ensure our games stay fresh is by incorporating innovative new features and mechanics. We are always experimenting with new ideas and technologies to create games that are engaging and immersive. Another way we keep our games exciting is by staying on top of the latest trends in the industry. We pay close attention to player feedback and incorporate it into our game development process. We also stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and innovations, such as NFTs, and look for ways to incorporate them into our games. Ultimately, we believe that a combination of innovation, quality, and player engagement is the key to success in the iGaming industry. By focusing on these areas, we are able to create games that stand out from the competition and offer a truly unique and exciting gaming experience.

Can you discuss TrueLab Games’ approach to game design and ensuring player engagement?

We believe that player engagement is key to creating successful games. To ensure engagement, we take a targeted approach to game design by identifying specific player profiles that we want to build each game for. We recognize that not all games are enjoyed by all player types, so we start by understanding who the game is intended for and what will make it enjoyable for that particular group of players. Once we have identified our target audience, we craft the game mechanics, mathematical frameworks, art style, and engagement features to cater to that player type. This ensures that specific player types get the absolute most out of our games and are more likely to keep coming back to them in the longer term.

Can you discuss any upcoming projects or new game releases that TrueLab Games has in the pipeline?

Certainly, we are thrilled to have several exciting projects in the pipeline. One of them is the Victoria Wild West NFT integration, which we mentioned earlier. It allows players to collect, craft, exchange and sell NFTs during gameplay, adding a layer of personalization and utility to their experiences. Another game we have in development is Bloody Tourists, a satirical and entertaining game with a dynamic play area and contagion feature. It promises to be a unique addition to our portfolio and we can’t wait to share it with the gaming community. We are constantly exploring new ideas and concepts to create fresh and engaging gaming experiences, so stay tuned for more exciting announcements from TrueLab Games.

It was a pleasure speaking with Karl! We learned a lot about the challenges that the industry faces and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. It’s clear that TrueLab is at the forefront of creating games that truly resonate with players and we look forward to seeing what they come up with next. Our website offers a great selection of TrueLab’s free slot games that you can try and experience the fun and excitement of iGaming.

Welcome to this exclusive interview with David Mann, CEO of Swintt, a leading gaming provider. Today, we are privileged to explore the inspiration and innovation behind Swintt’s latest venture, the captivating slot game Stacking Bison and the Fine Edge Gaming series. David will shed light on the unique features that make Stacking Bison stand out from other slot games, the commitment to fairness and balance, and even share tips and strategies for players seeking big wins. Moreover, we will get a glimpse into the exciting future of Swintt Studios and what lies ahead for gaming enthusiasts. So, let’s dive in and discover the world of Swintt through the visionary perspective of David Mann.

Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind Stacking Bison and the Fine Edge Gaming series?

We are extremely proud of the partnership program called SwinttStudios, and Fine Edge Gaming is the first partner in this program where we stream the games to our wide network of customers via our platform. Stacking Bison is the first game which has been released and it was really a successful launch. Fine Edge Gaming is based in Las Vegas, and since the US is one of our targetmarkets for the future, Stacking Bison is definitely a game with features and visuals  targeting players in this market. The biggest symbol of the game is the bison, which is very popular in North America and once we'll reach the US operators, we have high hopes for this game to be a hit.

The Bison Respin Feature is a unique addition to Stacking Bison; what makes it stand out from other slot games?

The Bison Respin feature is a frequent feature within the slot activated when players collect 36 Bison Symbols. Every time the players land the Bison Symbol, it is added to the Respin counter, and it keeps accumulating the symbols until it reaches 36, which rewards the Bison Respin feature. What sets it apart from others is the innovative approach to Respins, taking into account the popularity of this feature in slots. Instead of a conventional Respin, Fine Edge Gaming have introduced a unique twist by exclusively placing high-value symbols on the reels during this feature. 

With 720 ways to win and a maximum win of 5,044 x your bet, Stacking Bison offers plenty of excitement for players. How do you ensure the game remains fair and balanced for all players?

Stacking Bison is a highly volatile game, and it also has a fair amount of maximum win – which is 5,000 times the bet. The dedicated and experienced team of game developers ensure that it’s fair and balanced by having a high-volatility game that gives less frequent payouts but of a higher amount.

Can you share any tips or strategies for players looking to increase their chances of triggering the Bison Respin Feature or winning big in Stacking Bison?

The crucial symbol that players should keep an eye on is the Bison Symbol, as it serves as the trigger for the Respin feature. In addition to the Bison Respin, there is also the Free Spins feature in this game. 3 or more Scatter Symbols reward the players with from 5 to 15 Free Spins. Sticking to the Stacking Bison is the key to win big! 

What can we expect from Swintt Studios and the Fine Edge Gaming series in the future?

For Fine Edge Gaming, they’re coming up with more content and games for later in the year. However, we have another exciting studio coming up – Samurai Studio – and we’ll have a few games from them. We just recently launched Lightning Jungle Hold The Cash and we have Capsule Treasure Thor’s Strike planned for the release in June. Watch this space!

Are there any upcoming games or features that you’re particularly excited about

We are eagerly anticipating the release of Electric Elements, a game that is set to launch at the end of June. This highly anticipated game offers thrilling features such as cluster pays, elemental boosters, and five different free spins modes. It guarantees to provide an exhilarating experience that will keep you captivated throughout. We are also working on more branded content in collaboration with Vinnie Jones. We launched The Crown last year, and we’ll be bringing two new titles to the market. So we are in a very exciting phase at Swintt and we can’t wait to see what the future brings. 

Thanks to David Mann for sharing his valuable insights and providing us with a glimpse into the thriving world of Swintt. Stay tuned as Swintt continues to redefine the gaming landscape, offering thrilling adventures and unforgettable entertainment for players worldwide. Explore Swintt’s extensive catalog of free slot games without the need for registration.

Returning to the capital this 7th-9th of February, ICE London is the “leading gaming technology event for business growth, development, and networking.” The event will see industry professionals and organisations from around the world descend on London to share their latest insights and products.

This year’s event promises to be the biggest yet, with the event organiser Clarion Gaming revealing that the upcoming show will use the largest floor space in the event’s history. According to Clarion Gaming, ICE will occupy 41 halls of the ExCeL London, with the business’ sister show iGB Affiliate London taking up the remaining three halls.

“ICE London and sister show iGB Affiliate London will be occupying the entirety of ExCeL,” said Clarion Gaming managing director Stuart Hunter. “That means all of the north and south side exhibition halls, every meeting room and all of the International Conference Centre at ExCeL, which will host ICE VOX, the World Regulatory Briefing and the International Casino Conference. In very simple terms, there’s not a square millimetre of space left.”

ICE London 2023

The remarkable size of the event this year is due to a range of factors. However, one of the most influential is that the event has not been able to take place since 2020 due to Covid-19 safety restrictions.

Since the 2020 show, many breakthroughs have taken place within the industry, in addition to a range of new companies being launched. A lot has happened in the intervening time between events, and organisers and attendees are very keen to finally showcase their progress and new products to the industry.

As Hunter explains, “ICE is vital to the global business. More so because the industry has waited three years for its return. As a consequence, the eyes of the gaming world will be focused on what many industry commentators are now referring to as World Gaming Week, a description based on the volume and variety of high-level meetings, sector-leading conferences, content masterclasses and networking that takes place over the period that the global industry meets and comes together in London.”

Welcome to this interview with Mascot Gaming, organizers of the Zeus the Thunderer Tournament at SBC Summit Barcelona. They focused on an immersive experience, showcasing their game Zeus the Thunderer, offering a chance to win an iPhone. The game stands out for its mythological theme and engaging features, emphasizing Mascot Gaming’s commitment to innovation. In this interview, we explore their objectives for the event and their new game releases, including Paper Lanterns and their ventures into Artificial Intelligence.

Can you provide more details about the Zeus the Thunderer Tournament you have organized at the SBC Summit Barcelona? What is the main objective of this tournament?

In addition to showcasing our innovative games and technology, we’ve really gone the extra mile to create an immersive experience at the SBC Summit. We’ve constructed a fabulous stand with outstanding scenery that complements the rich thematic elements of our games. And that’s not all! We’re hosting a tournament for a deluxe version of our legendary game, Zeus the Thunderer. To add even more excitement, participants have the chance to win a brand-new iPhone! The main objective remains the same: to provide a hands-on experience of the exceptional quality and engagement that our games offer, all while offering a taste of the luxury and excitement that Mascot Gaming brings to the table.

I hope this gives a more comprehensive view of what we have in store for attendees at the SBC Summit Barcelona. We’re pulling out all the stops to make it an unforgettable event!

Could you tell us about the game Zeus the Thunderer and why you chose it?

Zeus the Thunderer is not just another slot game; it’s a carefully crafted experience that has enchanted players with its mythological theme, engaging gameplay, and captivating graphics. We’ve selected it for the tournament precisely because it embodies the innovation and storytelling that we pride ourselves on. What makes this even more exciting is that we’ve decided to adjust this particular slot with our extended version of the Risk&Buy feature, which also includes the Gamble feature. This allows players to engage in an even more dynamic and risky gameplay, raising the stakes and the thrills. These extra layers of excitement and decision-making elevate Zeus the Thunderer from a game to a journey, demonstrating the depth and complexity that Mascot Gaming brings to the online casino experience.

Considering the significant scale at the SBC Summit Barcelona conference, what are your expectations for this year’s event, and what specific goals do you hope to achieve within this event?

Given the significant scale of the SBC Summit, our expectations are set high. We aim to make a memorable impression on industry stakeholders, potential media partners, and decision-makers who will be in attendance. Specific goals include solidifying existing partnerships, exploring new media collaborations, and entering into discussions that will allow us to extend our reach into new jurisdictions.

Do you have any interesting news for our readers? Maybe about new special releases for Christmas?

We’re never short of exciting news at Mascot Gaming! I’m thrilled to announce that we have released our first crash game, Paper Lanterns. This game features the innovative capability of placing several bets simultaneously, all wrapped in a calming Western setting. It promises a unique blend of tension and tranquility that we believe players will find irresistible. But that’s not all! We are also conducting research in the exciting field of Artificial Intelligence to explore how it could enhance the gaming experience. So yes, the sky’s truly the limit for what’s coming next from Mascot Gaming! With these forthcoming releases and initiatives, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in online gaming. Thank you for letting me share these exciting developments!
In addition to showcasing our innovative games and technology, we’ve really gone the extra mile to create an immersive experience at the SBC Summit.

Mascot Gaming’s approach to the Zeus the Thunderer Tournament at SBC Summit Barcelona demonstrates their dedication to immersive gaming experiences. Players can enjoy both the free slots Zeus the Thunderer and Paper Lanterns in demo version, with no registration required here on Slots-777. 

In this interview with Johan John, Senior Product Manager at Lucksome, we will be discussing Lucksome’s newest slot game, Bon Bomb Bonanza Hyperboom, set to release in June. The game is a candy-themed slot with a unique mechanic called Hyperboom, which allows for un-capped multipliers and big wins. We will learn about the game’s features, development process, and feedback from testers and early players. Additionally, we will get a sneak peek into Lucksome’s upcoming releases, including 6 in the Chamber, a high volatility Cyberpunk Western Bounty Hunter themed game with an impressive max win potential.

Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind Bon Bomb Bonanza Hyperboom and what makes it different from other slot games?

The performance of Bonbon Esplosivi (Bon Bomb Luxpots English name), which is a popular title amongst our players, proved to us that there is still an appetite for candy themed slot games. We wanted to pair this beloved theme with a powerful mechanic. Our recent title Treasures of the Dead had a Hyperlines mechanic, which the players loved, and we wanted to carry the excitement of growing multipliers into Bon Bomb Bonanza, giving birth to the very unique Hyperboom mechanic.

We’re curious about the features of the game. What can players expect in terms of bonuses, free spins, and other special features?

Much like Bon Bomb Luxpots, Bon Bomb Bonanza is anchored around the candy bombs. The Hyperboom meter collects the winning symbols from win streaks to grow the Hyperboom multiplier. The meter resets if you have a spin without a win. The multipliers are un-capped and applied to all wins from the spin when activated, the best thing; the multiplier only resets when it is applied to a win, otherwise it can keep growing! In Free Games, multiplier progress and the multiplier are not reset during the entire session, so the multipliers can hit huge levels. We’ve kept the feature in Bon Bomb Bonanza as well but halved the cost! Players can buy the free games for 150x the bet and get a free retrigger if their win is 30x or below the base bet. Even better, they get to KEEP their winnings AND the current Hyperboom multiplier into the retrigger round which can lead to some juicy wins.

How did the development process go for this game? Were there any challenges or unique aspects to creating Bon Bomb Bonanza Hyperboom?

I’m a big fan of scatter pay games and have had a concept for one in the back of my mind for a while. When we decided to do Bon Bomb Bonanza, it just felt right to pair it up with this concept. The biggest challenge for this game for certainly the math for it. A game with rising multipliers tend to get very volatile. I had to spend a lot of time on the math to make sure it was still soft enough to make it entertaining but at the same time make sure it can deliver some sweet wins, pardon the pun. 😉

With the game set to release in June, what kind of feedback have you received so far from testers and early players? Is there anything you’re particularly excited about in terms of player reactions?

I love user testing games and seeing the reactions real-time. The game is already a hit internally in our team. Aesthetically, it is a pleasant game to sit back, relax and play and our testers are finding it fun and exciting, and the feeling is that players will make this a favourite in their go to games. Why? Because of the growing multipliers and when those candy bombs come into view, they can deliver big wins.

Finally, what’s next for Lucksome? Are there any other games or projects in the works that you can share with us?

One of the positive feedbacks we have received about our games is the variety we offer. We plan to further diversify our portfolio with some incredible themes, mechanics and features. Although I cannot give too much away, rest assured we have something for everyone in this year’s roadmap. Our next big release will be 6 in the Chamber, which is a super high volatility, Cyberpunk Western Bounty Hunter theme with up to 100,000x bet max win, a game to watch in 2023!

Lucksome’s Bon Bomb Bonanza Hyperboom offers a fun and unique gaming experience with its innovative Hyperboom mechanic! Slots-777 offers a free demo version of many Lucksome’ games, allowing players to try it out before playing with real money. With more exciting releases planned for the future, Lucksome continues to diversify their portfolio, offering free slots for everyone.

Ahead of Kalamba Games’ upcoming release 9 Blazing Cashpots Megaways™, Slots-777 spoke to Chief Commercial Officer, Andrew Crosby about the influences behind the slot, what other titles they have on the horizon and the developments the provider will be making throughout 2023.

Can you tell us more about your upcoming release 9 Blazing Cashpots Megaways™?

9 Blazing Cashpots Megaways™ is a further development of our hit game 9 Blazing Cashpots. In this version, we have seamlessly blended two radically different player-favourite features which have created a distinctly unique and entertaining title. The slot harnesses both the ever-changing reel sizes synonymous with the Megaways™ mechanic, fills the reels with traditional symbols and big win awarding Cashpot prizes.

At least eight or more of these are needed to unlock a prize with additional Cashpot symbols improving the player’s position on an incrementally increasing prize ladder. These can culminate in a max win of 50,000x for landing 25 of these symbols on the game board! With 46,656 winning ways available, this huge win can be just a spin away.

What are some of the influences behind the design of 9 Blazing Cashpots Megaways™?

The six-reeled title of course draws inspiration from its predecessor and fans of this fiery hit will be familiar with symbols in this Megaways™ reimagining. At Kalamba Games, we have an affinity with the land-based casino aesthetics popularised in places like Las Vegas. These elements have again worked themselves into this version of the game with fruit symbols such as cherries, grapes and watermelons making up the lowest-paying symbols.

This influence is extended to the highest-paying symbols, with lucky shamrocks, bells and numerous different coloured sevens awarding the biggest wins. These are joined by a wild which acts as a substitute for all these symbols except the scatter and Cashpots. Its shape and design draw a clear parallel to the famed “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign with these classic themes underpinning a lot of the influences behind the title.  

Could you tell us more about the free spins round found within 9 Blazing Cashpots Megaways™?

The free spins round amplifies the exciting features seen in the base game and delivers players some unrivalled win potential. At least three scatters are needed to unlock the bonus and award nine free spins, however, landing extra scatter symbols can boost this and award up to 18 spins in total! These spins can be further upgraded via the collection of three additional scatters in the bonus round. These award three extra respins and can be retriggered multiple times giving additional opportunities to land more Cashpot prizes.

Buying the bonus can provide the key to lucrative rewards in 9 Blazing Cashpot Megaways™. We have four different options for players to buy that suit a variety of budgets and two of these further enhance the value of the Cashpot prizes on offer. These double the max win available and also increase all prizes available via the pay ladder. If you enjoy volatility when playing, then the bonus buy feature is for you.

9 Blazing Cashpots Megaways™ sees you return to an existing title, will you be integrating other hit games into your roadmap moving forward?

Within our vast portfolio of high-quality slots, we have some truly amazing titles that have become staples of players’ play sessions around the world. Enhancing some of these fan-favourite releases and integrating new mechanics allows us to build upon the brand recognition of previously released hits and further explore mechanics found in other slots.

Hit ‘n’ Roll has proven to be a popular addition to many of our releases and will see further iterations in the future. This adds a bonus wheel mechanic which can award free spins, instant cash prizes or Cashpots allowing for even more engagement and entertainment to be offered by pre-existing titles. This feature can be found in Joker Max Xmas Edition Hit ‘n’ Roll, Joker Lanterns Hit ‘n’ Roll and soon to be released Joker Leprechauns Hit ‘n’ Roll just in time for St Patrick’s day. We also have some new amazing slots on the horizon such as Megaways™ Duel of the Dead which I look forward to sharing further details of in the future.

Other than game releases, what else will you be working on throughout the year?

Players will be excited to learn more about the Mini-max feature we have been developing, which allows for new betting options on existing titles, providing higher and lower bets to be made. This will also allow us to also enter new markets and broaden our player base. We also have Cash Drops on the horizon which can award jackpot prizes for simply playing a Kalamba title and of course our range of Premium games; these developments alongside our robust portfolio of high-quality titles mean that 2023 is going to be a huge year at Kalamba Games.

While we wait for all the new Kalamba slots to be released in 2023, we can play with their big successes of the past. Try all Kalamba free slots on their page, no registration needed!

SpinPlay Games is a new provider on the market but they have already stood out for their quality and resourcefulness. In fact, they are already part of the large Global Games network and are now preparing for the release of many new slots online.
Andrea Schultz, Chief Product Officer at SpinPlay Games, is here with us today to tell us about a new slot, Special Amazing Link™ Poseidon, which will make Greek mythology fans enthusiastic!

SpinPlay Games is a young provider but your team have a long history in the game industry and you already work as a supplying partner to Games Global. Do you mind telling our readers about your story and the achievements you reached so far?

We started SpinPlay Games back in 2019 after successful careers in land-based and social gaming slots. We have brought together the best talent with, as you said, long experience in the gaming industry. With that experience comes great passion to create fun, innovative, exciting games that our players love. We’ve had great success in particular with our Amazing Link™ series and latest release, Amazing Link™ Poseidon, is no exception.

We know Amazing Link™ Poseidon is perfect for those players who love ancient Greek history and mythology. Tell us more!

Amazing Link™ Poseidon is set within his mighty fortress, where he rules over all creatures of the deep. It features player favourite, the Amazing Link™ feature, and the all-new Poseidon Feature. Once triggered, Wild Amazing symbols are placed randomly on the reels. Wild Amazing symbols can trigger the Amazing Link™ feature or connect paylines for epic wins. The Poseidon feature can trigger more frequently during Free Spins.

Amazing Link™ is a special feature we can find in your games. Can you tell us more about it?

The Amazing Link™ feature is triggered by landing six or more Amazing symbols. In the Amazing Link™ feature, players can land more Amazing Symbols to increase the potential end winning tally. Fill all 15 reel positions with Amazing symbols to win the Mega plus all locked Amazing symbols for over 5300x! We know the Amazing Link™ feature is the star of our Amazing Link™ series. So, with every release in that series we focus on balancing the game rules and math to continually showcase the Amazing Link™ feature and bring the experience that we know our players are looking for in every new release.

What are you inspired by when creating a new slot game?

Research. We really want to make sure we are giving players the themes and experiences they want and enjoy playing. We investigate what’s working and what’s not, and that really helps focus our roadmap.

Do you have any other previews that you can reveal to our readers?

Be on the lookout for Wild Link Frenzy, a fishing adventure for the books in SpinPlay Games’ newest slot from our Wild Link series. In the picturesque Alaskan wilderness, experience the Wild Link feature like never before. Cast out and wrestle in those big wins during the Wild Link, Fish Frenzy, Free Spins and Pick Game features. Don’t expect a calm day out on the water, it’s time to hook ‘em and reel ‘em in! It will go live globally in January 2023. Keep an eye on our socials to find out more!

Before discussing the impact of brand awareness on customer loyalty, we thought it might be beneficial to the reader to define the terms used in the question. Brand loyalty is generally understood as the level of familiarity consumers have with a product or service – how aware your target audience is of what you are trying to sell them. Customer loyalty, on the other hand, is the likelihood of a customer continuing to interact with your business long-term.

The general perception of the link between these two marketing elements is that the better a company’s brand awareness, the more likely customers will be loyal to it. The way brands try to accomplish this usually is to build familiarity with their customers by having a consistent presence in their lives via marketing tools such as social media campaigns and direct email messaging.

Gambling Markets

A recent article written by igaming business online uncovered a collection of insights about this topic gleaned from research on several gambling markets, including a Canadian province. Their research, which questioned a variety of customers, first asked all respondents to their survey to list all the brands that came to mind when thinking about online sportsbooks and casino operators. This part of the research was to establish a ranking of brands in terms of customer awareness.

The respondents in answer to this question identified five key organisations. These were DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars and Barstool.

To measure customer loyalty, the researchers surveyed brand app usage and their interaction preferences, such as how often respondents used each app and which ones they used for which services. In addition, the survey asked them to rank each app in its performance in certain key areas, such as user interface and which apps were their favourite.

These two information-gathering techniques establish how aware customers were of their favourite betting providers and how loyal they were in their usage of each and why.

Apps

The first part of the study revealed that the three most recognisable brands were also the three most frequently selected as the first app used. However, when considering the correlation between a bettor’s first app and their favourite app, research showed an interesting story about the shift in app preference from DraftKings to FanDuel overall. Indeed, 35% of all respondents in this cohort first used the DraftKings app, but 32% listed it as their favourite.

This is compared to the 28% of respondents that listed FanDuel as their first app used but 33% that listed it as their favourite (a net win to FanDuel of +8 percentage points compared to its biggest rival).

Somewhat predictably, when analysing this cohort of bettors’ app preferences, user interface and user experience were most important in deciding users’ favourite app (36%) – the category in which FanDuel happens to rank highest.

Interestingly, according to this study, a “strong brand name”, where Caesars and Barstool ranked first and second, respectively, was tied as only the fourth-most important in deciding a favourite app, listed by 7% of bettors.

Conclusion

If this research shows us anything, it is that customers aren’t looking for one app or service that can fulfil all their needs but that they hop around platforms and providers for different services depending on their use. In a sense, they are only temporarily loyal to various platforms and are always looking to optimise their experience, even if that means peripatetic gambling habits.

That being said, the numbers, in many respects, do reflect the opinion that if you have significant brand awareness, you are likely to have customers use your products more often.

In summation, customer loyalty is significantly impacted by brand awareness. However, user experience and product quality are very important, too, especially considering that customers seem to have no issue switching brands depending on their needs.