Champion’s CEO on the Art of Slot Development: Exclusive Interview

How does your team approach the development of online casino slots to meet the needs of modern players?

At Champion, we operate in 24 countries internationally, and our approach is to cater to a wide range of player preferences. We focus on a player-centered strategy, analysing trends and behaviours globally. Every game we develop blends immersive storytelling with gameplay mechanics that are both engaging and rewarding. We are committed to regularly releasing new games to keep our content fresh and exciting for players.

Having been in the industry since 2008, how have you seen the online casino slot landscape evolve?

The evolution of online slots has been fast-paced. When we first started, the focus was on adapting land-based games to an online format. Over time, technological advancements and changing player expectations have transformed online slots into a more dynamic, standalone experience. Players now demand high-quality, immersive games with more engaging features, and the industry has responded by focusing on interactive gameplay and mobile-first designs.

What key features set your slot games apart from others in the competitive online casino market?

Our slots are designed to captivate players through both engaging themes and immersive gameplay. For example, games like Safari Ways Deluxe combine striking visuals with innovative features, offering a unique gaming experience. Furthermore, our commitment to regularly releasing new games ensures our portfolio remains fresh, providing players with constant new and exciting content to enjoy.

How do you ensure that your slots comply with varying regional regulations and legal requirements?

We operate in 24 countries and have a team dedicated to ensuring compliance with regional regulations. With licenses in markets like Romania, Ukraine, and Curacao, and soon in Malta, we are adept at navigating different regulatory frameworks. Our team ensures that all our games meet local requirements for fairness, security, and responsible gambling, ensuring continuous compliance.

To what extent do player preferences and regional cultures influence the design of your slot games?

Player preferences and regional cultures significantly shape our game design. We tailor our offerings to different markets by incorporating local themes and preferences. For example, some regions prefer fruit-themed games, while others are drawn to games that reflect local myths or historical themes. By adapting to these cultural nuances, we create games that resonate with specific markets, delivering a more personalised experience to players around the world.

Could you walk us through the process of creating a new slot game, from the initial concept to the final release?

The process starts with thorough research into player trends and feedback. Once we identify a concept that aligns with market demand, our creative team develops the theme and overall gameplay. Next, our developers build the mechanics and features, all while ensuring regulatory compliance. The game then undergoes rigorous testing to ensure performance and optimise user experience. Finally, we launch the game and closely monitor its reception, making updates or improvements based on player feedback and performance metrics.

How do you strike a balance between traditional slot themes and modern, innovative gameplay elements?

We strike this balance by blending classic themes, such as fruit slots or popular animal adventures, with modern gameplay mechanics. A perfect example is Safari Ways Deluxe, where we take a classic theme but introduce fresh, engaging gameplay elements. We make sure that players who love traditional slots still feel a connection, while also appealing to modern tastes with high-quality visuals and engaging features.

What trends in the online gambling world are shaping the future direction of your slot development?

The growing shift towards mobile gambling is a key trend shaping our future development. We’re also observing a rising interest in non-traditional game formats like crash games, which we’re actively working on. The demand for gamification and more interactive experiences continues to grow, and this is something we’re keeping in mind as we plan our upcoming releases.

How do you incorporate new technologies to enhance the player experience in your online slots?

We constantly experiment with new technologies to enhance gameplay. Whether it's improving the visual and audio effects or incorporating dynamic gameplay elements, we strive to create an engaging and immersive experience for players. Our team is always looking for ways to push the boundaries of what traditional slots offer.

What are some of the most popular slots in your current portfolio, and why do they resonate with players?

Our most popular slots include Sevens on Fire, Fire Rage, Fruit Party Deluxe, and Tropical Fruit. These games resonate with players because they combine exciting themes with rewarding gameplay. Fruit-themed games, in particular, have a timeless appeal across various markets, and we continue to see strong engagement with these titles.

How has your experience in land-based gaming helped in developing successful online slot games?

Our background in land-based gaming has given us valuable insights into player psychology. Transitioning from physical machines to online platforms taught us how to maintain that same level of excitement and engagement while incorporating the flexibility and convenience of online play. This experience has helped us design online slots that are immersive and entertaining.

How do you ensure your online slots are optimised for cross-platform play, especially on mobile devices?

We follow a mobile-first approach in our development process. This ensures that our games run seamlessly on both mobile and desktop devices. Mobile optimisation is crucial, as more players prefer gaming on the go. We make sure that the gameplay experience remains consistent across all platforms, from smartphones and tablets to desktop computers.

Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming slot releases and what players can look forward to?

We’re excited about the upcoming release of Anubis' Spell, launching on October 15, 2024. This game will transport players to the mysterious world of Ancient Egypt, featuring captivating gameplay and stunning visuals that showcase the magic and power of the Egyptian god Anubis. Players can look forward to immersive features and thrilling bonus rounds, making Anubis' Spell a must-try for both traditional slot enthusiasts and those seeking a fresh, engaging experience.

How do you adapt your slots for different markets across Europe, the CIS, and the UK?

Our team ensures that each game is not only compliant with local regulations but also localised and tailored to meet regional preferences. For example, in some European countries, players gravitate towards classic fruit-themed games, while in others, they may prefer high-volatility slots. We adapt our offerings to these varying tastes to provide a more personalised experience for each market.

What kind of support do you provide customers after a slot game has been launched, especially in terms of updates and service?

Post-launch, we provide ongoing support through regular updates that enhance performance and introduce new features. Our technical team is always available to resolve any issues and ensure smooth operation. Additionally, we offer marketing support to our partners, assisting them in promoting our games through customised campaigns and promotions.

How does your complete production cycle, from concept to service, ensure a high-quality gaming experience?

Our production cycle is designed to prioritize quality at every step. From the concept phase, where we focus on player engagement, to rigorous testing during development, we ensure that each game meets the highest standards. Even post-launch, we continuously monitor performance and implement updates to keep the game fresh and engaging for players.

Lastly, what is your personal favourite slot game and why?

Sevens on Fire remains a personal favourite of mine. It’s a classic slot with a modern twist, combining the timeless appeal of fruit symbols with updated features and sleek visuals. It’s a great representation of how we strive to blend traditional themes with modern gaming elements to deliver the best possible experience for players.

About Champion

Champion is a software game developer that was established in 2019. The company offers a wide range of online casino games, including slots, table games, and crash games. With over 80 game titles, Champion releases a new game every month to keep its collection fresh.