Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay

GBC Time has interviewed – Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, an award-winning iGaming development studio.

Please give us some details about your company, how long have you been in the market? What markets do you operate in?

Founded in 2017, Evoplay has grown steadily in terms of headcount, game volume, partnerships, and overall business metrics. Our bold decision to integrate gaming experiences into online gambling helped us stand out in the competitive iGaming landscape and opened new horizons to develop.

Our portfolio currently offers a wide range of games that appeal to a broad audience, including classic enthusiasts and those looking for new experiences. From cutting-edge flagship games to dynamic instant and crash titles, alongside a variety of slots and table games, we continuously innovate with pioneering new game types, enhancing the iGaming experience.

Operating across key markets in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, Evoplay maintains an extensive, continuously expanding partnership network. We are entering new markets to introduce our exciting games to new audiences. Our primary goal remains consistent: to entertain players by delivering an exceptional iGaming experience wherever they are.

What are the top features and tools Evoplay used in iGaming content development in 2024? Are there any specific trends that are followed by the majority of players worldwide?

Ensuring a balanced gaming experience is crucial in game development. It’s a timeless formula that requires adjusting the proportions of game visuals, mechanics, bonuses, rewards, promotional tools, and user-friendly interfaces. When these elements are combined correctly and appropriately to time and place, games resonate with a wide audience across different generations. To achieve this, we at Evoplay focus on innovation, quality, and creativity. I believe this base will remain relevant for years to come.

Our portfolio reflects current trends, featuring a variety of instant sports-themed games, crash titles, and slots with diverse mechanics and themes. More generally, two consistent trends continue: most players prefer slots, while another increasing group enjoys more dynamic games. By the way, recently, we celebrated the ten-year anniversary of crash gambling. The popularisation of this non-slot mechanics marked a turning point for the iGaming industry. These game types underscore that despite the dominance of slots, we see how players’ preferences are evolving, with a growing engagement in full-action gameplay. I expect this trend to continue to grow.

Do you consider the GEO factor while developing iGaming products? How may this affect the outcome?

Understanding our audience is crucial when developing a game, so yes, we always consider the GEO factor. Our team analyses local target audience preferences and interests based on external and internal data, as well as partners’ and players’ feedback. Based on this, our game producers decide on mechanics and themes, while the marketing team tailors promotional campaigns to connect with local players.

Additionally, we consider the taste preferences of players across generations and individual preferences. Bearing this in mind, we primarily aim to diversify our portfolio with high-quality games featuring intuitive UX/UI design that appeals to players globally, regardless of geography or generation.

What are your most popular slots?

Slot popularity can vary significantly over time and across different regions. Based on recent data from the previous month, in the Latin American market, slots like Hot Triple Sevens, Patrick’s Magic Field, Inner Fire Bonus Buy, Budai Reels have performed strongly by metrics such as Bet Sum, GGR, and Users.

During the same period in Europe, slots such as The Greatest Catch Bonus Buy, Hot Volcano, and Temple of Thunder II Bonus Buy have been top performers. Analysis shows that traditional fruit-themed slots remain popular in both regions, with Eastern-inspired themes like Buddai Reels dominating in Latin America and mythological themes in Europe.

Globally, the iGaming market reveals a consistent trend: conservative players prefer classic slots, while more adventurous iGamers seek innovative and unique experiences.

Since we found out what makes slot gaming popular among consumers, what can mess it up? What are the most common mistakes casino gaming developers can make?

If the balance between art, mechanics, rewards systems, and other engaging features is off, you risk creating a visually appealing slot that doesn’t keep players interested. Deep player engagement requires simplicity, well-calculated mathematics, easy gameplay, and ongoing improvements. Finding the right proportions of these crucial elements is essential.

But don’t relax even if you achieve this balance, as it’s not always enough to make your games popular. Effective marketing campaigns and eye-catching promotional tools are crucial components in the formula for creating popular games. They not only arouse interest but also amplify it, promoting both the brand itself and its other games.

Recently, you were recognised as the Skill Games Supplier at the EGR B2B Awards. Please tell us a little about your innovative approach and creativity in development of your products

Recognising that the next generation of players seeks more dynamic experiences beyond traditional slot mechanics, we aimed to create games that resonate with their preferences from the start. Our pioneering response to this trend is our range of skill-based games. Among the most notable are Star Guardians, an action-packed game that combines skill and strategy, and the recently released 3D racing title Adrenaline Rush.

Building on our previous experience and user feedback, we expanded our flagship offer by creating three distinct games under one storyline: the unique 3D skill-based game Adrenaline Rush, the ultra-modern Adrenaline Rush: Super Boost slot, and the crash game Adrenaline Rush: XCrash. Adrenaline Rush allows players to influence gameplay with their driving skills – a unique offering in the iGaming market. The other two additions, while having more familiar mechanics, were infused with unique features to add fresh twists. The development process was demanding, but it enhanced the professionalism of the Evoplay team and enriched our game portfolio.

What are the primary goals Evoplay is setting up for the rest of 2024?

As we progress through the year, our focus remains on achieving the remaining milestones of our ambitious plans. We’ve successfully launched our flagship racing games, expanded our portfolio with new instant games and slots across various themes, and executed high-impact marketing campaigns, including an exclusive Football Rush tournament dedicated to UEFA EURO 2024.

Moving forward, we’re developing new games, emphasising our upcoming expansion into bingo and lottery. By blending classic appeal with innovative twists in these enduringly popular games, we aim to introduce unique elements that reflect our distinctive approach. I eagerly anticipate their upcoming debut. Additionally, we’re actively expanding our partnership networks, which is a cornerstone of our strategy to fortify Evoplay’s market position.