At the SBC Summit Barcelona event, SoloAzar was able to talk with Vladimir Malakchi about their performance at the show as speaker in one of the conferences that were held at the fair. He remarked the great performance of the company, their short-term plans and the innovation technology they are always working for.

What innovations did you showcase at SBC Summit Barcelona?

First and foremost, it is our cross-sell football package, consisting of Football Bet, Penalty Shoot-out, Penalty Series, and Football Manager, that is poised to win the audience of sports bettors and all those who seek exceptional online entertainment. As mentioned on Evoplay's stand, the football pack is more than simply a collection of sports-themed games; it is a full-fledged business tool lined up to net a business goal. A betting feature implemented in various game plots is the complete transportation of a traditional wagering experience into an online gaming format without sacrificing its authenticity.

The pack can be used by both sportsbooks and casino operators to reach a larger audience. For bookmakers, the titles are a perfect addition for retaining players before, after, and during sporting events, while iGaming platforms have an excellent prospect of finally reaching and engaging sports bettors.  

Can you tell us your experience and highlights as speakers at the conference about the engagement at the iGaming innovation room?

I am very grateful for having the opportunity to speak about the topic, and if asked to give one word for describing Evoplay, ‘innovation’ would be the most fitting option. We are recognized for being innovators in the iGaming space, which is confirmed by our awards. We find inspiration in many entertainment sectors, adapting their best practices to the audience's interests, with video games being the primary source. A shining example is our third-person runner crash game - Goblin Run - and its running mechanic, mega-popular among gamers.

One of the pillars on which a product stands out from the crowd is gamification ideology, which has always been a significant part of our game development process. Leaderboards, reward systems, player rankings, and progress bars are the in-game motivational features that transform an unremarkable 'click and swipe' routine into a full-value game! The video game industry has also clearly demonstrated that tournaments and other out-of-game events are an additional approach to not only increase engagement but also to build a community of players and pique their competitive spirit.

Why was it important to participate in SBC Summit Barcelona? How do you see the Spanish market?

SBC Summit Barcelona is one of the industry's most prestigious and outstanding events, and it is a must-attend event for anyone involved in the iGaming world. Every time we attend this event, bringing together the leading representatives of the vertical from all over the globe, I am super excited because we get to meet our partners and make new business ties. And I'm not just saying this because the SBC team has been longtime friends of ours:))

Spain is undoubtedly among the most appealing countries for both game providers and operators, with an annual GGR of over €400 million in the online casino sector. It is a large European market with significant potential, which is why it is at the top of our list of regions to watch in the coming year. Also, Spaniards are known for their love of football, which fits perfectly with our emphasis on products, cross-selling between sports bettors and casino players, and our latest football package.

After this event ended, what conclusions did you reach in terms of adapting products and services to your customer’s needs?

As before, we continue to create innovative and unparalleled products, following our mission of supplying the iGaming audience with a heavy dose of non-conventional high-quality entertainment. Game uniqueness, a high-technology approach, and state-of-the-art gamification are a part of Evoplay’s brand identity, and we are more than ready to push the industry to new heights. 

What are your plans for the markets where you already operate?

Portugal and Switzerland are in our short-term plans, and we have already closed a handful of agreements with high-profile operators serving these regions. Also on our wishlist are Ontario, Spain, Greece, Denmark, and Finland. We are continuing to expand our worldwide reach with a strong focus on key markets, but it is still too early to say where you should expect to see our games next year.

Which other events do you plan to attend for the remaining months of the year?

The next event the Evoplay crew is heading to is the SiGMA taking place in Malta in November. I will also be attending the SBC Summit Latinoamérica, so I really can’t wait to meet everyone in person!