In the context of iGaming, game mechanics form the foundation of every player’s experience. They’re not just rules or algorithms – they’re the essence of how a game works and how iGamers interact with it. At its core, game mechanics answer one crucial question: how can players experience fun and excitement while earning rewards? Take, for example, a simple title like Lucky Card. Players instantly grasp that matching three fruits leads to a win. Or consider Hercules: Sports Legend, where hitting a sheep at the right moment guarantees a reward. These principles are the heartbeat of the game – a clear, compelling logic that gives players enjoyment. 

At their best, game mechanics provide more than just a path to victory; they create excitement, build anticipation, and drive engagement. Whether through winning combinations, unique symbols, or creative gameplay logic, they craft an experience where iGamers know exactly how their actions translate into rewards. This understanding is vital, ensuring players not only enjoy the game but feel confident about their chances of success.  

Why some game mechanics just don’t work in iGaming

Not all game mechanics seamlessly translate into the world of iGaming. A fundamental reason is the reliance on RNG (Random Number Generator), which ensures that every outcome is fair, random, and regulated. This technology creates an exciting challenge: crafting gameplay that not only embraces the unpredictability of chance but also provides players with genuine opportunities to win, making every spin or bet thrilling.

Let’s consider MMOs (Massively Multiplayer Online games). These open-world games thrive on unrestricted player interactions, exchanges, and even collaborative wins. Allowing players to trade or share rewards could undermine the regulated environment required for controlled RTP (Return to Player) ratios. Similarly, pure skill-based games like shooters present challenges. For instance, even in classic Tetris, the randomness of generated shapes paired with a player’s skill would make it difficult to regulate payouts. Imagine trying to define whether a player’s win is x10 or x100 their bet – it would depend entirely on their proficiency.

That’s not to say innovation isn’t possible. Elements like PVP (Player vs Player) can be integrated into iGaming, but only with significant adaptation. The challenge lies in reworking such mechanics to fit the market while still keeping the experience engaging. 

How player expectations and trends shape innovations in game mechanics

Player expectations and popular trends are the driving forces behind the evolution of iGaming mechanics. By gathering feedback from KAMs (Key Account Managers) and sales teams, we ensure our innovations align with what players truly want. Trends like gamification and personalisation are transforming engagement. For example, leaderboards encourage players to compete and play longer, and customisation options like skin selection in Tap Craze make games more personal. 

Another example of giving players a choice is the famous Adrenaline Rush, where one can select characters, cars, and maps. 

Even crash games adapt by offering features such as toggling chats or adjusting betting panels to suit individual preferences. One such game is Christmas Crash, where the chat is well-integrated, which adds even more excitement and social interaction to iGamers while playing it. 

Popular gaming styles also shape design. In 2024, tap-to-earn clicker games became a hit, inspiring Tap Craze. Similarly, Hercules: Sports Legend brings nostalgic, classic gameplay into the modern iGaming world. 

Another recurring theme in player feedback is a preference for simplicity, speed, and dynamic gameplay. Faster, more engaging games are consistently favoured, prompting us to focus on increasing game dynamism in recent releases. So, by combining trends with direct player feedback, we deliver innovative mechanics that keep players engaged and excited. 

The challenges of adding an innovative touch to games

Bringing innovation to games, especially when adding dynamic elements, comes with its share of challenges. For instance, in Hercules: Sports Legend, the character Hercules needs to respond instantly and accurately to player actions, like hitting at the right moment. It requires seamless, high-quality animations that feel natural and immersive. However, achieving this balance isn’t easy – more detailed animations increase the game’s size, which can strain online play, especially on mobile devices.

Optimising games for smooth performance without sacrificing quality is a constant struggle. Mobile players expect lightweight, fast-loading games, and heavy animations can cause errors. To overcome this, we must strike the perfect balance between high-quality visuals and efficient performance.

Skill-based elements present unique challenges as well. Mechanics like hitting the ram in Hercules: Sports Legend need to feel fair and logical, rewarding accurate timing while penalising mistakes. Based on testing, we discarded some mechanics, while refining the others to enhance the overall player experience.

Every innovation must go through rigorous testing. While ideas may seem solid on paper, practical implementation often reveals flaws. Whether balancing RNG, RTP, or real-time responsiveness, finding harmony between creativity, performance, and fairness remains the cornerstone of successful game development.

What sets Evoplay apart regarding game mechanics

Evoplay stands out in the iGaming industry for its bold approach to innovation, cutting-edge technology, and player-first design. With a dedicated team focused on instant games and flagship titles like Adrenaline Rush, we push boundaries to deliver unique experiences that captivate players and impress at global exhibitions.

Leaderboards are one of the important features in our games, motivating players to compete for top spots and driving engagement. In many popular games like Adrenaline Rush: XCrash, Long Ball, Tap Craze, Goblin Run, etc., players can see their progress and aim for higher rankings, fostering excitement and replayability. These leaderboards not only encourage friendly competition but also add a layer of achievement that keeps players coming back.  

Our technological edge lies in continually enhancing our in-house engine to integrate advanced features like 3D graphics and seamless interactivity. For instance, games like Mine Field and Patrick’s Magic Field show innovation by allowing players to adjust risk levels and gameplay intensity, blending the classics of computer games of the past with personalised options. Players can choose between a low-risk, relaxing session or a high-stakes, adrenaline-pumping challenge – making each experience uniquely theirs.

We also prioritise visual appeal and emotional engagement, with features like leaderboards, achievements, and dynamic storylines deeply embedded in the gameplay. Whether it’s the physical realism of a soccer ball in Long Ball or the immersive interactivity of a racing map in Adrenaline Rush, we ensure every element resonates with players.

The future of game mechanics: what’s next?  

The evolution of game mechanics is set to accelerate in the coming years, driven by technological advancements and player expectations. One of the most promising innovations is the integration of AI (Artificial Intelligence) into game development. AI enables teams to streamline processes, automate routine tasks, and allow artists and designers to focus on perfecting details and styles. This approach paves the way for even more visually stunning and immersive games, enhancing the overall player experience.  

Multiplayer gaming is also poised to expand. Adding competitive and cooperative elements, such as real-time interaction with other players, opens new avenues for engagement. Features like team-based challenges, live chats, and shared leaderboards could transform the way players connect and compete, making social interaction a central aspect of gameplay.  

Another exciting frontier is VR (Virtual Reality). Evoplay has already explored this space with Necromancer, a VR title that brought a new dimension to gameplay. While VR remains a niche within iGaming, its potential for creating deeply immersive and interactive experiences makes it a key area to watch in several years. With advancements in hardware and growing player interest, VR could see a resurgence in iGaming, offering a fresh and thrilling way to engage with content. And when it happens, we will be ready to develop such an innovative product for our players.

By staying ahead of trends and embracing cutting-edge technologies, Evoplay is prepared to lead the next wave of innovation, delivering groundbreaking experiences that keep players excited and engaged.

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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People will be people. Our enjoyment of entertainment is deeply rooted in the emotional connections we form with the content. When we watch a hyped-up Netflix movie, listen to music on Spotify, or play a game, our brains release neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, reinforcing positive emotions. These emotional bonds influence our preferences and perceptions.

In gaming, these bonds mainly stem from the attachment players develop towards the characters they control, empathising with their struggles and victories. The emotional investment in a game’s narrative arc further strengthens this connection as players become attached to the outcome.

/We’ve long had a tradition of empathising with characters in various visual media like film, television, and live drama. 

(Sheldon, 2004)/

It’s the answer to why video games, where storytelling with characters is core, are a significant source of inspiration for online gambling products. By incorporating microcosms, capitalising on players’ natural inclination towards emotions and affectional drive, iGaming developers can offer a stark contrast to traditional casino content lacking depth. 

Personalisation in games fosters this emotional connection, allowing players to tailor experiences to their individual preferences, making them feel understood and valued, thus deepening their engagement.

In Evoplay’s flagship 3D street racing game, Adrenaline Rush, we’ve tapped into the art of personalisation to the fullest extent possible for an iGaming product. Here are the key insights we’ve gained on how it can help our partners drive engagement and retention.

Theories that work 

It’s pretty mind-blowing when you consider how much science and its theories are behind entertainment. Have you ever wondered why some games completely captivate us, whisking us away into their worlds without a second thought, while others barely hold our interest? 

When we talk about games and their characters, that’s where parasocial theory really comes into play.

Parasocial interaction (PSI) is a psychological phenomenon in which individuals form a sense of connection with media personalities or characters encountered in mass media or online platforms.

In games, players often form a unique bond with characters, seeing them as their “digital pals,” which really enhances that feeling of companionship. And this is precisely why iGaming titles featuring characters tend to become players’ favourites more easily. 

In our game, Adrenaline Rush, we’ve introduced 3 characters for players to pick from – each with their own captivating backstory. There’s Deathless, the daring stuntman with loads of confidence, then there’s Akemi, who’s all about sticking to her principles no matter what, and Clean Sean, the go-getter who’s always striving for success. With such a lineup of characters, it’s like having a bunch of friends to choose from with whom you want to share your best racing experience ever, right?

Another way to look at it is through identification theory, which suggests that players develop connections with characters they relate to on a personal level. This connection often arises from shared experiences, values, or dreams. 

/Role-playing games are unmistakable. They have evolved from the MUDs and text-based MMORPGs of yesteryear. 

(Oxland, 2004)/

When you play a role-playing game as a specific character, it’s like you become them. Players really get into it, and suddenly, the mission feels personal. They find themselves cheering for their own success. Stepping into another persona makes the experience immersive. This personal connection fosters heightened engagement as players become emotionally invested in their character’s journey.

In light of the research findings (Lee Sheldon, 2004), humans can deeply empathise with fictional characters, experiencing their emotions as if they were their own. 

According to Richard Bartle, a game researcher and professor, a player views the character as a tool or object to manipulate within the game world. However, when the player starts to develop a sense of attachment or emotion towards the controlled entity, it transcends being merely an object and becomes an “avatar.” The next level is the “character,” and when it starts to represent the player, it leads to the deepest form of involvement, known as the “persona.”

The pinnacle of immersion in gaming occurs when players fully embody their character, reaching a state of persona where they genuinely feel like they are living through the experiences of the character they’re playing. 

This is where the skill-based games really shine. In Adrenaline Rush, players are in control of their cars, naturally adopting the driving style of the character they’ve chosen. What’s more, their character can evolve as they master their driving skills in the game. From a gameplay perspective, think of it like this: the game uses RNG, setting the maximum potential RTP, but your driving skills make the difference in where you end up in the race. So, the better you drive, the sweeter the rewards at the finish line!

In the realm of the iGaming business, the connection between players’ attachment to characters is straightforward: emotional bond leads to immersion, which in turn boosts engagement, ultimately resulting in increased casino revenue. 

Give them a story, and they’ll see themselves in it

Developing characters in games involves ensuring they grow organically throughout the gameplay experience within their world. They crave narrative, a journey that shapes who they are, forging deeper connections with the player along the way.

As stated above, studies have proved that when immersed in a virtual world, players often form a strong connection with their in-game character, sometimes even imagining themselves as that character. 

In Adrenaline Rush, we’ve created a 3D universe of street racing. It is a true testament to #motorcore, spreading like wildfire across diverse realms, from gaming to fashion. And with Formula 1 getting super popular and everyone binge-watching the Formula 1: Drive to Survive docuseries, this vibe is hitting online gaming big time too.

Adrenaline Rush offers a high-octane experience complete with 3 maps to explore. Players are tearing through the streets of the sleepy night city Riverside, blazing across the desert in Maldito Camino, or navigating the bustling streets of enchanting China Town. It’s not the destination but the journey that matters.

In Adrenaline Rush, the ability to choose from various maps makes players feel like their decisions matter. It adds a personal touch and emphasises the significance of their choices, creating a stronger connection with the game.

Don’t overlook the fact that Adrenaline Rush is all about racing, so the cars are the main focus as well. Each character has their own set of vehicles to pick from, for example, Clean Sean’s Blue Dream, Akemi’s Golden Bird, or Deathless’s Hurricane. These cars have real-life specifications, just like the ones you’d find on the road.

/Using storytelling to shape how players experience the game’s narrative, characters, world, and lore and ultimately evoke emotional responses from players is often referred to as “emotioneering.”

(Freeman, 2003)/

David Freeman coined the term “emotioneering,” combining “engineer” and “emotion,” to propose that designers can shape emotions within games. The aim of emotioneering is to guide players through a series of interconnected emotional encounters, crafting a meaningful experience.

And here’s where features enhance the title’s story, driving its development. In addition to picking up coins with multipliers, which again demands feeling confident at the wheel, players also collect boosters. These boosters basically become linked to a player’s character. Then, in the next round, players can use them to boost up their car. They can adjust things like how fast your car can go, how it performs, its aerodynamics, and nitro, thereby increasing winning opportunities.

Levelling up in all its appearances consistently ranks among the top 5 features players crave in any gaming experience. Being able to enhance their cars and thus directly impact their character’s fate is a game-changer for player retention. It’s about players feeling the tangible results of their investment as they strive to make their mark in the game and secure victory.

/Understanding the elements that keep players engaged and coming back is important to developers.

(Yee, 2006)/

When players can customise their characters, upgrade vehicles, or make strategic decisions, they feel more connected to the game. This sense of connection keeps them engaged for longer periods, as they’re invested in seeing their choices pay off. For online casinos, offering games that provide freedom of choice is a great move, leading to extended play sessions and increased revenue. 

The actionable tip – give your players iGaming content to take it personal(isation).

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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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.

Go to Author’s page

In Latin America, football isn’t just a game; it’s a way of life. Imagine this: over 90% of people across the region share a fervent passion for the sport. It’s like a unifying force, a glue that holds fans together. Over 70% of Latin Americans are die-hard enough to regularly show up at local matches. Around 85% of families pass down their love for the sport from one generation to the next. It’s a cultural phenomenon that transcends time. This connection is about being fans of a game that is more than just 22 players on a field; it’s the enduring power to inspire, unite, and define the very soul of Latin America. 

To expand our presence in Latin America, cater to this football-fanatical audience, and build on the success of our metric goalscorer, Penalty Shoot-out, we’ve embarked on the development of a new game infused with a Brazilian flair, drawing inspiration from the authenticity of street football matches. It sounded the opening whistle for Penalty Shoot-out: Street, an instant game poised to become a bestseller not only among LatAm football fans but worldwide.

Here is Penalty Shoot-out: Street’s winning score globally

And here is the captivating backstory behind the triumph of Penalty Shoot-out: Street.

From training camp to the stadium with all eyes on the game  

Latin America has produced a plethora of world-class footballers, many of whom are revered globally. Legends like Pelé, Ronaldo Nazário, Ronaldinho, Neymar, and many others have left an indelible mark on the game and continue to inspire aspiring players and fans alike.

Penalty Shoot-out: Street is a celebration of all those iconic traditions that motivate young talents to dive into amateur football to become one of these superstars. Throughout the game’s development, we devoted our utmost efforts to portray the natural atmosphere of football fervour that permeates the region.

We designed a vibrant backdrop to capture the essence of a local football field nestled within the bustling streets of Salvador. To enhance the game’s complexity, we incorporated both aerial and ground-level perspectives, featuring a white football net as a symbol of scoring goals and a goalkeeper as the focal point. 

Research shows that for Latin American iGamers, realism and authenticity come out in the first place. Accurate representation of players, teams, stadiums, and leagues is crucial. It’s worth noting that street football is a whole different ballgame compared to its standard version. We conducted extensive research, delving into aspects ranging from the appearance of the goalposts to the type of pitch covering used.

Spending hours just glued to videos about Brazil, soaking up all the sights of its streets and diving into its culture did wonders for us in nailing down the background details. The colour palette we used in Penalty Shoot-out: Street was meticulously curated to harmonise with the unique cultural nuances of Brazil. To recreate the unique climate of Latin America and immerse players in the gameplay, we included a blazing sun, under which players skillfully manoeuvre the ball. 

Taking one of our most popular mechanics, we ‘played’ with it, adding a layer of interactivity to enhance the game’s dynamics. It gave ample scope to the imagination: we made the football net more interactive, which immediately influenced the goalkeeper as he needed to move more. We tested this, and it was fascinating to observe how he handled the challenge. Even though he was skilled enough, he still had to make lots of moves. That’s when we decided to incorporate a few effects on the ball to work around this. 

To infuse some innovation into the game, we introduced a feature that allows players to aim for any section of the net. Moreover, players can now use the sliding mechanic to guide the ball, enhancing the game with a unique allure and adding more control to the process.

The title’s fast nature totally matches the Latin American temperament. By removing unnecessary intermediate steps, we allow players to dive into the game the moment they spot the ball. To amplify this experience, we fine-tuned the code and animations, maintaining a high tempo throughout the gameplay.

One of our primary goals was to create gameplay that’s both dynamic and immersive, providing a balance of excitement and relaxation. We wanted players to feel cheerful and optimistic as they engage with the title. And we did a good job!

Penalty Shoot-out: Street – the goalscorer formula

This is how Penalty Shoot-out: Street entered the iGaming field, giving players an inspiring story where local football enthusiasts chase their big dreams of reaching the top leagues and landing those lucrative six-figure contracts.

We framed the title into an instant game format that perfectly fits into both – casino platforms and sportsbooks. Fast and dynamic gameplay that maximally resonates with Latin American players includes a betting feature – a gambling factor that lies at the core of both industry sectors. Players pick their favourite country’s team, make a bet, and select a spot on the net to take their shot. As they score more goals, the multiplier goes up, delivering the same thrill and excitement that gamblers experience with each spin or bet.

The game brought together the best of both worlds, the gambling nature of casino games and the betting mechanic of sports betting, allowing casinos to instantly engage new audiences and sportsbooks – to retain bettors even when the real football matches calendar is empty.

A new player is stepping onto the pitch

Lionel Messi once said: “Goals are only important if they win games.” When creating any of Evoplay’s products, we have a clear goal. We understand who will play this title and how it will find success in the iGaming field. 

There are 5 billion football fans worldwide, with Latin America having one of the largest fanbases, and Penalty Shoot-out: Street is definitely the product to capture its attention.

Having launched the game exclusively among a selection of partners in Latin America, we received some really positive feedback. What is more, the title performs particularly well in the LatAm market, and it has definitely shown in our metrics:

Penalty Shoot-out: Street in LatAm accounts for 60% of Bet Sum, 55% of GGR, 53% of Rounds, and 70% of Users from the overall traffic across all regions. 

The partners recognise the game’s superpower when it comes to retention, so it’s no surprise that, in the region, the game’s stats are growing on a weekly basis – by 24% in Round Count, 32% in GGR, 30% in Bet Sum, 16% in Users. 

What we see now is that comparing the title’s performance in Latin America with other regions where it’s live, LatAm boasts a 53% higher Bet Sum, 20% – GGR, 15% – Round Count, and 160% – Users.

Penalty Shoot-out: Street has paved the way not only for our expansion in this region but also for reaching sports fans on a global scale. FIFA’s vision “to make football truly global” has become the source of our inspiration as football is the world’s most popular sport, meaning the demand for such content is literally in every corner of the earth.

That’s why the title quickly made its way into the top 2 games across all KPIs, holding the number 1 spot in Bet Sum growth pace among all the products Evoplay introduced in 2023. It’s also securing a top 3 position among all our games in terms of metrics growth tempo, surpassing even strong performers like The Greatest Catch Bonus Buy and Hot Volcano.

At the core of any game is the audience, the players. Their engagement and feedback are the most valuable asset, shaping the overall success of a product. In the context of Penalty Shoot-out: Street, the use of social media enabled us to obtain significant insights into its reception and perception among iGamers. 

To illustrate, on Evoplay’s official YouTube channel, the video about the game got x3 more views compared to other content. It showcases the gameplay’s flow and highlights the main features, painting a vivid picture of its atmosphere. This lets viewers dive right into the storyline and form a genuine emotional connection with the game, starting from the very first minute. Our statistics back this up by demonstrating impressive engagement levels, affirming that the title truly strikes a chord with the audience and captivates them. 

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.

Go to Author’s page