The Power of Seasonal Editions in iGaming – Insights from Ivan Shlapunov, Belatra Games’ BDM

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.