The end of the year has brought new nominations to Evoplay, proving we are moving in the right direction. Our game, The Greatest Catch Bonus Buy, has been nominated for Product Launch of the Year at the prestigious Global Gaming Awards EMEA 2024. This underscores Evoplay’s efforts to bring fresh gaming experiences to players worldwide.

We have also been shortlisted in three categories at SlotsWise Gaming Awards 2023/24. Our titles, Cursed Can and The Greatest Catch Bonus Buy, have gained recognition with Most Electric Slot 2023 and Most Popular Slot 2023 nominations, respectively. Besides, Evoplay is on the shortlist for Innovator 2023, which is a testament to our dedication to pushing boundaries in the industry.

We thank everyone who has made these achievements possible, from Evoplay’s talented team to our dedicated partners. Anticipating the final results, we will keep working on our products. Exciting innovations are on the horizon – stay tuned for big reveals!

As the year draws to a close, we’d like to send our warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season.

We appreciate each and every one of you, whether you’re a valued partner, a fan of our games, or simply a friend. Thank you for being with us this year, and here’s to more great things in the coming one!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

Everyone has a story. But not everyone has the knack for sharing it effectively. The same is true with online casino games – each one could potentially harbour a unique tale. And it’s up to a game producer to create more than just a bunch of rules. By building a fictional world and tapping into the art of storytelling, you’re basically pulling the strings on how players act and react within the game.

Read between the lines to understand the storytelling value

Recent industry studies indicate that games featuring well-defined storylines boast an average of 30% higher player retention rates. These statistics underscore the undeniable link between narrative engagement and player commitment, positioning storytelling as a key driver of a gaming product’s success.

Storytelling is the game’s ability to keep players’ interest hooked. A captivating story contributes to a sense of attachment, prompting players to return for the next mission or challenge. Consequently, high retention rates become a testament to its capacity to build a loyal player base.

Moreover, the impact extends to user acquisition metrics. Just as an enticing story attracts new readers, a game with a strong narrative appeal draws in fresh players. 

A well-told tale becomes the marketing force that propels the game into the spotlight, ultimately reflecting in growth metrics related to acquiring a broader audience.

Psychology has an explanation for this

Neuroscientific research suggests that storytelling activates multiple brain areas, including those associated with sensory experiences, emotions, and motor control. 

To make a long story short, at the heart of compelling narratives lies the ability to forge emotional connections with players.

This is how and with what storytelling enhances the emotional bond between a player and a game.

• Connecting with characters

Games often feature protagonists that players can emotionally connect with. When players form a bond with these characters, their experiences take on a personal touch. 

• Player influence and choices

When players sense that their decisions carry weight and consequences, it adds a layer of emotional involvement. The impact is even more profound when these choices directly affect the characters’ fates or the overarching storyline.

• Dynamic storytelling

Dynamic storytelling is where the narrative adapts to the player’s actions. Player engagement boosts as the story responds to their choices and actions. 

• Visual expression

Visual elements, such as character animations, facial expressions, and environmental design, play a crucial role in conveying emotions. 

• Pacing and tension

Effective pacing in storytelling builds tension and emotional impact. Games skillfully blend slower, reflective moments with fast-paced action sequences to modulate the player’s emotional experience. Well-timed revelations and plot twists contribute to emotional highs and lows.

• Universal narratives

Games that explore universal themes, like love, friendship, and overcoming adversity, resonate strongly with players. When a narrative touches on themes that they can relate to personally, it elicits a more profound emotional response.

Guide to crafting cohesive narratives in games

The structure of game stories may vary, but they all lean on these basic pillars:

• Introduction of the main characters and the setting.
• Inciting incident, something disrupting the normal routine happens, setting the story in motion.
• Call to adventure – the characters are presented with a challenge or an opportunity that requires them to embark on a journey.
• Confrontation-rising action: the main characters face a series of challenges.
• Midpoint – a significant event or revelation that changes the course of the story.
• Crisis – the characters confront their biggest obstacle or conflict.
• Climax, when characters face the ultimate challenge, and the story reaches its most intense point.
• Falling action.
• Resolution – the story ends with the characters experiencing transformation or change.

Telling tales in casino games illustrated

You can weave a storyline into any casino product, but instant games provide an ideal framework for crafting engaging narratives. Unlike traditional slot setups with fixed reels and rows, the instant game format offers greater flexibility.

Let’s look at a few examples. First, Penalty Shoot-out: Street, a football-themed instant game. It incorporates important storytelling elements, playing on the global love for football. What’s neat is the setting – it gives off this awesome ‘success story’ vibe, sparking a sense of self-belief and ambition. Players find themselves on a street football pitch, where soccer enthusiasts train, dreaming of lucrative contracts. This storyline engages players by making them feel part of a journey towards their own goals.

Another compelling example is Mary’s Mining Mania, a crash game that unfolds the narrative of Mary, a young and adventurous gold hunter who has inherited her grandpa’s mine. Her old man was a pro at finding gold and dedicated his whole life to it. In a nod to him, Mary decides to keep the family legacy alive, taking on the challenge of exploring the mine. The story hits on classic themes like family values, a bit of an ‘evergreen’ gambling theme – the treasure hunt, and the whole journey of overcoming challenges to reach a goal. The game’s captivating storytelling catapulted it into Evoplay’s top 3 instant games, measured by the GGR metric.

As the festive season kicks into high gear, we came up with the idea of Christmas Crash. In this instant crash game, we explore the enchanting tale of holiday magic, where Santa Claus and his team of reindeer joyfully deliver gifts to well-behaved individuals. However, even in the best stories, challenges arise –   Santa’s sleigh might face obstacles like a broken exhaust stack, colliding with birds, or even getting hit by fireworks. The emotional connection is strengthened by the players’ own memories and experiences of the holiday season, making the game a meaningful and resonant part of their festive celebrations.

In iGaming, a compelling storyline can get a serious boost from the technical side. The right tech approach empowers developers to craft an entertainment product where mechanics and features seamlessly complement the narrative. What’s even more exciting is how it ramps up the interactivity of the gaming experience. It’s the player who is the one pulling the strings, the player triggers features that lead to specific outcomes.

It’s all about giving players a direct response to their actions, making the gaming process more immersive and dynamic.

Just to paint a quick picture of the story-mechanics bond, let’s get back to Penalty Shoot-out: Street. You can pick where on the net you want to send the ball, aiming for that perfect shot to score a goal. If you nail it, your character might land a seven-figure contract from a football agent and join the ranks of soccer celebs on a team. The ball-pointing mechanics provide players with a sense of control over the character’s destiny, enhancing the overall story development.

From another angle, the game’s plot becomes a natural tutor for players, showcasing through its storyline the instinctive ways to grasp the mechanics to navigate within the game.

So, how to create that winning story for a casino game?

Have you ever wondered why filmmakers are so obsessed with translating narratives of games onto the cinematic canvas? It’s pretty straightforward – some games’ high-quality storytelling has players already emotionally invested in the characters and storyline. So, it’s a pre-established fan base tuned to a familiar behaviour – immersion in this story. A gold mine for moviemakers, straight-up turning into dollars. One of the recent examples is The Last of Us, a post-apocalyptic TV series born from the renowned video game franchise. 

Good storytelling in casino games that draws crowds of fans includes:

• engaging plot;
• memorable characters;
• world-building;
• immersive mechanics & features;
• player agency;
• pacing;
• emotional resonance;
• visual and audio elements;
• themes and symbolism.

According to a survey by Content Marketing Institute, 92% of marketers view storytelling as a valuable business asset. Stories always matter because a good story is a powerful tool that can turn a gaming product into a distinct world which players want to explore. 

This is where storytelling transforms into storyselling.

Tetiana Shumakova

Game Producer

Game Producer

I am a gamer-turned-game-changer with 8 years of game development experience. Starting with farm games for social media platforms at other projects, I spent 5 years at Evoplay, crafting over 50 titles. My mission is to turbocharge the industry with gamification and bring dynamic excitement to every product. From a game designer to a game producer, my journey is all about making gaming interesting and interactive.

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Venturing into new markets is like entering a high-stakes game – every move counts. One of the best things about navigating uncharted territories involves building a unique expertise that sets you apart in a rapidly evolving iGaming landscape. If you’re a smart brand, you possess a distinctive approach that not only preserves your authenticity but also delivers precisely what the market demands.

Identifying markets for expansion

Discovering new markets for expansion feels like navigating a complex maze – it takes a blend of research and a street-smart understanding of market dynamics to find that sweet spot.

One key aspect is the assessment of internet penetration and technological infrastructure. Regions experiencing a surge in internet connectivity and smartphone accessibility become fertile ground for online gaming expansion, especially among demographics characterised by a tech-savvy, youthful population. Economic stability and growth are integral factors; a flourishing economy often translates to increased disposable income and a growing demand for entertainment. Equally crucial are cultural attitudes toward gambling, influencing the acceptance and popularity of iGaming.

Peeling back the layers of the competitive landscape is vital. The scarcity of established operators coupled with rising demand for online gaming signals a market on the brink of emergence. The arrival of heavyweight iGaming contenders or team-ups with local powerhouses also serves as a noteworthy indicator. 

Spotting other iGaming providers with similar content is a positive sign for an iGaming provider to step into the market. For example, for us, it underscores that Evoplay’s innovative products have substantial potential and value to contribute to this space. 

Tailoring approaches to address diverse markets effectively

At its core, any business is fundamentally about people and the culture they bring to the table. You don’t forge connections with a business entity; rather, it’s about building relationships with individuals. Sales kick off with genuine connections, and that’s precisely where we should shift from the traditional B2B approach to a more human-centric H2H model – human to human.

This shift reflects a crucial psychological dimension in personal relationships. Each representative from various cultures comes with a unique background and values. Understanding and sharing these interests is not just about conducting business discussions; it’s about delving into each other’s passions, hobbies, and cultural nuances. It’s this shared understanding that transcends mere transactions and fosters a deeper connection.

Take Italy, for instance, where placing emphasis on personal connections is not just a choice but a necessità. When venturing into the Italian market with the goal of cultivating enduring partnerships with local operators, the focus should lean more towards establishing a tangible presence rather than relying solely on virtual meetings through Google Meets or Skype. In-person communication provides a unique opportunity for both parties to delve deeper into each other’s cultures, a crucial element for successful business engagements.

Furthermore, immersing oneself in the country’s culture goes beyond mere business strategy. It serves as a key to understanding the Italian audience on a profound level, unravelling insights into their preferences and interests, especially in the realm of entertainment content. 

Driven by this approach, the Evoplay sales team could establish partnerships with top iGaming brands in Italy that made it present on 40% of all online gambling platforms.

At its essence, harbouring a pure interest stands as the foundational value; this innate curiosity not only draws you closer to your partners but also forms a bridge to the country where your presence is intended.

The competitive edge of market-focused products

Consider the success story of Penalty Shoot-out: Street, a football-themed instant game that swiftly captured the hearts of Latin Americans. The strategic development of this game wasn’t a shot in the dark; it was grounded in our acute awareness of Latin Americans’ fervent passion for football.

To fortify Evoplay’s standing in the LatAm market, we elevated our previous metrics goal scorer, Penalty Shoot-out, by enriching it with more dynamic gameplay. We added a Brazil setting, threw in a street football vibe, and cranked up the excitement by letting players choose a spot on the net to send that ball flying. 

The outcome speaks volumes – Penalty Shoot-out: Street in LatAm now contributes significantly, accounting for 60% of Bet Sum, 55% of GGR, 53% of Rounds, and 70% of Users within the overall traffic across all regions. This success underscores the effectiveness of our strategic approach and the resonance of our tailored offerings with the Latin American gaming audience.

This serves as a perfect illustration of adapting a product to meet the specific preferences of a targeted region, delivering precisely what its audience desires. Leveraging the rich cultural heritage and profound interest of Latin Americans in football, we’ve successfully channelled this audience into the iGaming domain, offering them the thrill of betting without being confined to sports events schedules.

So, what do we need to win over new markets?

Embarking on a new market venture is akin to diving into Evoplay’s game, resembling the challenges faced by Star Guardians, for example. Choosing your hero is like adopting a personalised professional approach to business development, armed with a specific toolset. Each new market, much like a new room in the game, demands overcoming challenges to secure victory. Progressing from room to room mirrors the journey from market to market. Activating a booster is akin to gaining valuable insights about the market, and venturing into the Bonus game represents entering a highly lucrative market. Here, you compete with formidable opponents, showcasing your brand as the ultimate innovator and absolute conqueror.

Crafting a robust “market expansion playbook” for the iGaming industry involves prioritising key strategies:

• Deep market understanding

Gaining insights into the nuances of the market, including an understanding of players, competitors, and effective development strategies – a goldmine of market intelligence crucial for navigating this space. Explore not just the ‘where’ but also the ‘why’ behind decisions.

• Technical flexibility

Ensuring that technical strategies are adaptable to meet prevailing market standards. Take a hands-on approach by observing the functionality of content and releasing tailored games that seamlessly integrate with the specific region’s technical demands.

• Personal presence and H2H connections

Establishing a personal presence as the embodiment of the company within the market. Cultivate Human-to-Human connections to build trust and solidify long-term relationships. Local partnerships offer a unique lens into the market, providing valuable insights that go beyond the surface.

If you think about brand identity, think twice

Jeff Bezos once said, “Your brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.” 

Brand identity is like the personality of your business – it’s the unique set of traits that make it stand out in the crowd. It’s not just about a fancy logo or catchy tagline; it’s the overall vibe and impression your brand leaves on people. 

The inconvenient truth is that you can adjust your product, but you shouldn’t alter your brand.

Maintaining your authenticity while dipping a toe in uncharted waters is what really helps a company make a mark. Of course, you may adapt a product, align it with the market and its requirements, but never go off the road of your brand’s values and mission, ensuring that the reputation you’ve built isn’t left at the door when you step into a fresh arena.

Your vibe attracts your tribe

Whether it’s a business partner or a colleague joining your team, your vibe attracts your tribe. At Evoplay, to identify potential allies in the market and ensure these partnerships contribute to the overall success of the entry strategy, we thoroughly choose those with whom we cooperate. From the simplest factor of selecting the largest and most proficient operators to finding partners with whom we share a strategic vision aligned with potential and priorities.

The same formula holds true for Evoplay’s business development team. A thriving sales team embodies empathy, adaptability, and a non-traditional approach. Individuals who think outside the box and innovate, coupled with the ability to translate strategy into effective tactics, are the driving force behind business growth. 

This perfectly describes the sales team at Evoplay, renowned as a trailblazer and trendsetter in the iGaming industry. It’s a symbiotic relationship where creative minds generate innovative solutions for the company, and its pioneer breakthroughs inspire the team to forge ahead on this path. The brand’s product becomes a source of inspiration. 

When a salesperson receives abundant positive feedback from both partners and players and witnesses the uniqueness of their selling proposition, it serves as unparalleled motivation. This highlights the undeniable synergy where a brand with inherent value and a high-quality product naturally attracts similar energy in the form of inspired employees.

Nothing motivates people more than witnessing how they contribute to positive changes within a company and observing the ripple effect it has on the entire industry.

Be strategic, play it smart and never lose sight of what your brand stands for. Every move you make, make it count, make it a winner. It’s all about planting your #brandcore flag in every new spot you explore. You’re not just expanding; you’re making your brand a local legend wherever you go.

Ihor Zarechnyi

Chief Business Development Officer

Chief Business Development Officer

After almost a decade of devoted work in sales, I took the position of the Chief Business Development Officer at Evoplay. At the moment, my focus is on advancing areas critical to our growth, including sales strategy, key account management, compliance oversight, and legal affairs. I actively expand Evoplay's partnerships and explore new business opportunities through participation in public events.

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Evoplay has proudly secured spots on two prestigious shortlists at the International Gaming Awards 2024. Our game Penalty Shoot-out: Street has earned a well-deserved nomination for Game of the Year, showcasing the dedication and creativity poured into its development and the impressive results it delivers. Additionally, we are honoured to be nominated for Multi-Channel Provider of the Year, a testament to our versatility in providing top-tier gaming content across various platforms. 

We sincerely thank our supportive community, partners, and the entire Evoplay team, whose contributions have made this achievement possible. 

As we await the final results, we’re also hard at work on some exciting new products that aim to shake up the iGaming industry. Stay tuned for more groundbreaking innovations from Evoplay!

As the winter winds usher in a season of merriment and joy, iGamers can unwrap a virtual wonderland of excitement with December’s enchanting lineup of game releases from Evoplay!

The Belt of Champion & The Belt of Champion Bonus Buy

Release Date: December 5 & December 26

MMA has transcended its origins as a niche sport to become a cultural phenomenon, captivating fans worldwide with its unique blend of athleticism, strategy, and raw intensity. Its meteoric rise can be attributed to its charismatic athletes who transcend the sport, becoming household names and inspiring a new generation of fans. 

Captivated by the intensity and allure of this dynamic sport, we’ve crafted a slot game that embodies the same energy – The Belt of Champion. 

It’s a showdown in the ring! We’ve got a five-character face-off: two eager contenders, their wise mentors-turned-coaches, and the reigning champ who’s been holding court for ages.

The young guns are duking it out, hungry for a shot at the champ’s throne. The stakes are sky-high, not just because of the title but because these contenders are coached by former arch-enemies. Those seasoned pros can’t seem to let go of their age-old grudge, and they’re living vicariously through their proteges in this showdown. The mechanic with random Wild symbols and The Hit It Bonus game add more passion to this octagon allowing players to feel this sweet taste of triumph. 

The Belt of Champion Bonus Buy introduces an exhilarating additional dimension to players’ gaming sessions. Offering them the option to acquire and immediately activate 10 Free Spins, accompanied by a unique number of Random Wild symbols, the Bonus Buy feature elevates the gameplay and engagement. 

Battle Roosters

Release Date: December 14

Explosive birds ruffle some feathers to make it hot to each other in our upcoming slot – Battle Roosters! 

Feisty roosters gather in the 3-reel arena to assert dominance. Swift and aggressive, they refuse to let the dust settle, showcasing captivating features, including the thrilling Fight Spins.

Prior to kicking off the Fight Spins, a random Hero symbol gets picked out of the 7 regular symbols. This Hero steps into the ring to battle for the player. With each round, the Hero symbol takes on a fresh opponent, one of the other regular symbols. The feature keeps going as long as the Hero keeps winning those showdowns.

Who emerges victorious in this legendary battle? Will it be Douglas Bully, Eggy Chan, Roy Cocky, or perhaps Mr. Roosterson? Only Lady Luck knows for sure!

It’s a game where the clash of feathers meets the thrill of the spin!

Christmas Crash

Release Date: December 21

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, especially because Santa is delivering gifts to all those who have behaved well. We took this as a plot for our instant socket game – Christmas Crash.

In the midst of a winter wonderland, bathed in the gentle radiance of a crescent moon, Santa sets off on a whimsical adventure to bestow joy upon a town. Guiding his sleigh with a touch of magic, he gracefully glides through the star-studded night sky. Gifts tumble from above, resembling a shower of sparkling confetti, landing in front yards, ensuring each residence is adorned with the true essence of the festive season. 

However, challenges can occur even in the best of tales. The generous old man might face a crash, leaving players without a gift. The celebrations of those who have already started enjoying the holidays – fireworks – or a defective sleigh can bring his fly to an end. The win occurs when a player cashes out before Santa hits the earth’s surface.

This multiplayer instant game includes a two-bet feature, a top 100 players list, chat functionality, and quick access to history – everything you need to unwind during the holidays and soak in the festive spirit!

Let your players unwrap the gaming experience from the most innovative iGaming developer, Evoplay! Contact us at [email protected] to bring the sparkle of our games to your casino.

Outstanding marketing is the very essence of a company’s power. When a brand excels in crafting compelling messages and connecting with its audience, it possesses a formidable force. However, the true strength lies in ethical marketing. Building trust through transparent practices is the bedrock of an enduring impact. 

Evoplay has consistently stood out for its robust marketing campaigns. We select the most effective channels and find verbal and non-verbal tools that resonate with both our partners and players, allowing them to grasp the true value of our product – entertainment. 

That is why it is a big honour for us to be shortlisted for The Most Ethical Approach to Marketing category at the prestigious Casino Guru Awards. This recognition reinforces our commitment to innovation and ethical principles in our marketing strategies. We’re optimistic about our chances of winning, as it reaffirms that our distinctive approach is undeniably our superpower!