Gamanza is breaking the mould and doing things differently.
Rather than following the well-trodden pathway of other studios and focusing on the market’s main product, slots, Gamanza seeks to entertain the latest generation of players by implementing video game mechanics and arcade-style features into real-money gaming.
Releasing its first in-house game creation, “Air Racer”, in 2023, the company has quickly built a reputation for creating cutting-edge titles that blend styles, traverse genres and attract new audiences.
Read on as Filip Matijevic, Head of Game Studio at Gamanza, in conversation with iGF’s Curtis Roach, takes a deep dive into the wondrous future iGaming possibilities .
And discover more about Gamanza’s avant-garde approach to game creation, Filip’s outlook on the market’s future, and gain invaluable insight on how developers can capitalise on emerging trends, like arcade-style gaming, to enthral the next generation of players.
As the newly appointed Head of the Gamanza Game Studio, what is your vision for the future, and how will this enhance Gamanza’s ability to appeal to a wider audience?
“We want to become the most played and the most entertaining game provider of arcade casino games in the world.”
Is the general standard of casino games in the industry good enough, or is there still room for improvement? What can be done to create more interactive, engaging content for the players?
“In general, there are many games out there that are executed at a very high level.
“However, one thing that is lowering the standard is the re-skinning of the games. Slots have been a predominant category all these years. Around 80 percent of the games on the market are slots. With slots, once you create a framework for producing games, re-skinning a game becomes simple. This is what is lowering the standard.
“I believe there should be an alternative to slots—something more familiar to the generations ageing into gambling. We are producing such games. One element that works well for us and increases engagement is integrating video gaming-inspired features into games.
“For example, we introduced skins to the main game mechanic in one of our games. If I can place this in the slots world, it would be equal to unlocking a new set of symbols on a reel as a reward for player engagement. Another example is easter eggs, which we’ve added to other games. While they don’t have a particular game function, they entertain players and are satisfying, making them chuckle when they find them.
“Every studio should have its own secret sauce that makes its games engaging. The ones that don’t are lowering the standard for players.”
What are your thoughts on the market’s emerging trend of fast, arcade-style casino games? Is this the new best way for operators to engage the latest generation of casino players?
“Arcade casino games are, by their own nature, closer to casual mobile games than traditional casino games.
“This familiarity makes the games appealing for groups starting out with casinos, those who enjoy mobile gaming, and younger generations.
“However, I do not believe such games will be more popular than slots, roulette, or other table games, not in our lifetime. Instead, these games can accompany traditional casino games by creating a diverse offering that will satisfy different tastes.
“When we were less “technologically advanced”, there were physical casinos. Physical casinos gave you drinks and food. You could socialise with other players, and there were entertainment shows and lots of different ways to make the player have fun. In online business, you are limited to a 10x20cm screen. A phone cannot give you food or drink or deliver live entertainment. As such, the online industry must be creative. Arcade games are just one way of doing it.”
What does the road ahead look like for Gamanza? What new games and special, innovative features can players look forward to?
“This year, we will release five new games, bringing our total portfolio to 14. Each game will have the special Gamanza Games touch. Some will be innovative, featuring new math and mechanics not seen in the market before. Others will implement popular game mechanics like Plinko or Crash.
“One game that I am particularly excited about implements a “wheel” mechanic. In this game, players create a pizza by choosing different toppings, which represent different win combinations.
“Additionally, the game will include a Pizzaiolo character, who interacts with the players. For example, the Pizzaiolo will humorously call out players who choose pineapple and fish as pizza toppings for their bold combination.”
Editor’s Note:
Tired of the same old slots? So is Gamanza!
Filip believes it’s time to move the market forward and give players an alternative to spinning the reels that engage a younger demographic with different tastes and play styles.
Whether it’s crash games, themed Plinko options, Wild West shooters or something totally new, Gamanza is seizing the opportunity to disrupt the status quo. And their focus on arcade-style games is just the beginning.
While Filip doesn’t foresee these games overtaking traditional casino games–at least in his lifetime–, he emphasises the importance of diversity in satisfying all players. He believes maintaining innovation and creativity is the key to increasing the standard of overall game creation in the industry, and “arcade games are just one way of doing it”.
Source Y.R -#Offering #Secret #Sauce #Strategies #Gamanza #Engages #Gamers
2024-08-13 08:00:24