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Exclusive Evoplay interview on Italy: “We’re creating high-quality games that can really appeal to Italian players.”
Italy is arguably Europe’s second biggest gaming market and the most interesting when it comes to retail vs. online – with 80% or more players still part of the land-based scene.
We caught up with Evoplay CCO Vladimir Malakchi to hear the latest on their plans for capturing the market, as well as how the award-winning studio’s games are proving to be a real asset for their latest Italian partners.
Congratulations on Evoplay’s multiple deals as you expand into Italy! Can you tell us a bit more about your recent partnerships and your plans for further growth in the market?
Thank you! We’re very excited about our recent partnerships and our plans for further expansion. We entered Italy back in 2020, and, over the past three years, we’ve ensured constant growth in players’ interest, trust and openness towards trying out our latest titles.
I truly believe that the key to any commercial success is the partnerships and connections we build with the operators we work alongside. As a result, we are very proud to work with some of the country’s biggest brands. Last year was by far our best yet, securing deals with the likes of Tuko Productions, Scommettendo and Sportbet. Our award-winning slots and instant games have proven to be a real differentiator, and we’re delighted that the feedback has been so positive.
On plans for further growth, we’re strongly focused on building our partner relationships even more, as well as creating high-quality games that can really appeal to Italian players. Our unique gamification tools will no doubt be key to this and are a strong factor in our focus on boosting engagement. So, in short, we’re very excited about Italy’s potential, and we’re confident that our unique approach will continue to resonate with players and partners alike.
What has been the principal driver behind Evoplay selecting Italy as a key market for growth? How would you summarise Italy’s online audience and demographics?
Our main drive here is the increasing adoption of online gaming from land-based. The numbers are clear to see; the online market revenue is projected to grow by 6.69% annually between 2023 and 2027, reaching a total volume of €3.68bn. On audience and demographics, the country is incredibly broad and diverse – which means significant opportunity. There’s a potential market of up to 20 million people for online, with a ratio of approximately 60:40 of male vs. female.
Given that near-parity, we can pursue plenty of creative options. The 25-34 age group is the largest segment, so demand for innovative entertainment is on the rise – which is a gap that Evoplay is serving well! It’s also good to note the level of smartphone penetration – with over 80% of the population using new generation smartphones, game content should be heavily mobile-optimised.
As well as being one of Europe’s biggest gaming markets – Italy also has a unique retail heritage with as much as 90% of gaming still happening offline. What strengths can you offer to operators to provide a platform for conversion into the online world?
Italy’s land-based gaming heritage certainly sets it apart from the rest of Europe. Online gaming holds distinctive benefits such as convenience, a greater variety of games, and of course, bonuses and promotions such as tournaments and quests. I believe that in-game and out-game gamification tools can effectively drive player engagement and improve conversion efforts for sports bettors and offline players. And, of course, those in-game and out-game gamification features add to the whole thrill of playing online, creating a community.
At Evoplay, we pride ourselves on our ability to create immersive and engaging games offline with strong visual and audio elements that can create an experience as exciting as a real casino. We believe that this is particularly important in the Italian market, where players are accustomed to the sensory experience of playing offline and improving conversion efforts for sports bettors and offline players. As a result, we focus heavily on our unique range of gamification features and incentives for our partners.
In addition, we also work closely with our partners to ensure that our games are integrated seamlessly onto their platforms, making it easy for players to access and play them. We understand that trust is a key factor in Italy, so we emphasise ensuring that our games are secure and reliable.
Onto slot types – what gaming trends are you seeing for Italian players and how are you catering to that demand? Which of Evoplay’s games is performing the best?
It’s common knowledge that football is Italy’s favourite sport, and it’s a huge industry with millions of people betting on it. This has had a significant impact on gaming trends in the country. Instant games have become particularly popular, providing a nice contrast to the wait for live sports fixtures when betting. Players love the instant results they get from these games, and it’s a refreshing change of pace. So of course, football-themed games work perfectly for this. Another trend we are seeing is that Italians love to play chicken-themed titles, so this is certainly an avenue we’re continuing to develop!
We are always looking to stay ahead of the curve and provide our Italian players with the latest and most innovative gaming experiences. Classic slots, video slots, in-game gamification elements, out-game gamification, tournaments, and quests are trending heavily, and we’re actively catering to that demand. Our current top-performing games in the Italian market are Penalty Shoot-out, Fruit Super Nova Game Collection, Elven Princesses, and Hot Triple Sevens. These games are loved by players for their engaging gameplay, stunning graphics, and exciting bonus features.
As a truly innovative studio, how can you help online operators improve their conversion efforts for sports bettors and offline players? What can you offer that’s different?
Sports, and indeed sports betting, is an essential part of the Italian fabric. We understand that importance, and we’re proud to offer RNG-based games that provide a unique sports betting experience.
Our games are also designed to be integrated seamlessly with sports betting platforms, which means that players can quickly switch between gaming and sports betting, with the same action enjoyed across both. Evoplay’s RNG-based Football Pack is a vital component of this commitment as it offers a unique and exciting experience that adds to the overall thrill of the betting experience.
Testament to this is the success of our Penalty Shoot-out. This instant game is unique because it features an innovative betting method that keeps players engaged and excited. As players navigate through the game, they experience a realistic penalty shoot-out where they get to choose the nation they want to represent and aim for goal.
Last but not least, what’s Evoplay’s vision for Italy 2023 and 2024? What are your plans for growing even further in the market and entertaining players?
Our vision for Italy in 2023 and 2024 is focused on growth and continued innovation. The market is a core part of our European strategy, and we’re committed to providing the best gaming experiences possible for players here.
To achieve this, we’re launching new games of different types that are tailored to local audiences. Especially exciting is that players can expect another game in the Penalty Shoot-out series. Additionally, we’re also preparing our next flagship game, which is truly fresh and unique, and we’re confident it will be a real hit with players here.
We’re also providing our partners with different game packages that include marketing activities and engagement opportunities. We also see plenty more opportunity in transitioning land-based players to online, which gamification will be a key driver towards achieving. We make calculated data-driven moves, so we will be gathering all the data and feedback from our operators and based on the collected information, we will prepare our next steps and make predictions for 2024.
Latest News
Nolimit City’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend has entered the chat
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Meet Nolimit City’s latest Crazy Ex-Girlfriend…the kind ex who would “accidentally” like your 2014 selfie at 3am and has a little voodoo doll named after you. She’s sliding straight into the portfolio and trust us… you’ll feel her presence. She kind of reminds you of Outsourced and Nine To Five, and with a sound track like hers, you’ll definitely find it hard to forget about her.
Reel Area
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend has mapped out your every move and runs through a 2-4-4-4-4-2 layout across 6 reels. She’s wild enough to set your house on fire and also sometimes shows up holding a pair of scissors. xSplit® doubles the value of all position multipliers on its row, including its own. Positions with no multiplier value, will get a 2x multiplier on the first split and then increase it another 2x for each consecutive split. Yeah, possibly the only time you’re happy to see your crazy ex holding a pair of scissors.
Plot Twist
All good romantic stories have a Plot Twist. The Plot Twist symbol upgrades all sticky symbols to random higher paying symbols and transforms into the same upgraded symbol. Only one Plot Twist symbol can land per spin. The Plot Twist symbol will not affect Wild and Bonus symbols. If no winning combinations land on the first spin, the Plot Twist symbol transforms into a random mid paying symbol.
Rebound Spins
Buddy, I think it’s time to move on… to Rebound Spins. Wins award respins on non winning positions. Winning symbols and all their instances on the reel area will remain sticky during the respin. Every respin that either improves the win, contains a symbol type from the current win or a Wild/Bonus symbol will award an additional respin. During each respin, the multiplier value of all non-winning positions increases by +1 except for Wilds, Bonus and sticky symbols. Rebound Spins end when there are no more wins.
Carpe DIEm Spins
Carpe DIEm, my guy! Landing 3 Bonus symbols will trigger 5 Carpe DIEm Spins. Position multipliers are kept during Carpe DIEm Spins, and a Wild symbol will remain sticky on the top position of the second reel.
Super Carpe DIEm Spins
Landing 4 Bonus symbols will trigger 7 Super Carpe DIEm Spins. Position multipliers are kept during Super Carpe DIEm Spins, and two Wild symbols will remain sticky on the top and bottom position of the second reel.
Mega Carpe DIEm Spins
Landing 5 Bonus symbols will trigger 10 Mega Carpe DIEm Spins. Position multipliers are kept during Mega Carpe DIEm Spins, and Wild symbols will remain sticky on all positions on the second reel.
Speed Run (Nolimit Bonus)
We all have a special place in our hearts for our “firsts”, don’t we? Speed Run makes its debut in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend! All Carpe Diem modes are played at a fast paced sequence. Position multipliers are kept.
God Mode (Nolimit Bonus)
Remember the good ol’ days when she treated you like a god? Learn how ‘Love Hurts’ by landing God symbols on each position and enjoy the only good thing an ex can give you. A Max Win.
Nolimit Boosters
Break ups are never easy. It’s time to up your game with these Nolimit Boosters:• Bonus Booster – guaranteed a Bonus symbol on reel 2.
• Print Spins x20 – guaranteed a spin that starts off with x20 multipliers on all positions.
• Printer Spins x250 – guaranteed a spin that starts off with x250 multipliers on all positions.
• Printiest Spins x1,000 – guaranteed a spin that starts off with x1000 multipliers on all positions.
The post Nolimit City’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend has entered the chat appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Fujitsu launches ‘Fujitsu Accelerator Program for SPORTS’ to create new value through Sports x Technology
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Fujitsu today announced the launch of “Fujitsu Accelerator Program for SPORTS,” a global partner co-creation program aimed at fostering new innovation in the sports sector.
Through Fujitsu Accelerator, Fujitsu collaborates with startups and other companies to create new businesses and solve challenges by leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as AI and quantum computing. This new program seeks to expand the value and monetization potential of corporate sports. It will achieve this by combining the strengths of Fujitsu’s sports teams and athletes—including its American football, women’s basketball, and track and field teams—and facilities, with the innovative technologies and ideas of partner companies. Through co-creation, the program aims to generate new value in sports and related fields such as entertainment, tourism, and merchandise and build a corporate sports ecosystem.
Fujitsu will begin recruiting new partners who want to engage in new business creation from December 1. Selected companies will be determined after a pitch event scheduled for February 2026. Proof of Concept (PoC) initiatives are planned to commence from fiscal year 2026.
Through various collaborations facilitated by this program, Fujitsu will continue to promote “improving people’s well-being,” one of the indispensable contribution areas of its materiality. In addition to promoting sports through its long-standing support for various teams and athletes, Fujitsu will further accelerate collaboration with local communities and encourage employee engagement.
Application Themes
1. Athlete and Team Enhancement
- Measures to improve athlete performance and results (e.g., training support, mental health support, etc.)
- Data analysis and collection for team sports
2. Well-Being
- Health promotion initiatives targeting a wide range of people, from athletes to general participants and local residents
- Efforts to improve exercise habits and encouragement to start an exercise regimen
3. Fan Engagement Enhancement
- Measures to enhance the appeal of corporate sports teams and athletes, and to attract fans
- Merchandise sales utilizing team IP, improved viewing experiences, and digital fan-participation projects
4. Regional Revitalization
- Revitalization of areas around home arenas and grounds. Business planning in collaboration with local communities (local governments, educational institutions, shopping districts, etc.)
- Tourism planning, especially initiatives linked to the Kawasaki area
5. Social Inclusion
- Access to sports for all demographics (para-sports, adaptive sports), sports experiences for elementary and junior high school students, and club activity support
6. Operations and Business Foundation
- Sports management platforms, corporate sports revenue models, event management, sponsor visibility, DX planning for venues, and athlete second career support
Fujitsu’s Sports Teams
Fujitsu manages many sports teams including its American football team “Fujitsu Frontiers,” the women’s basketball team “Fujitsu Red Wave,” and the track and field team. These teams have produced top athletes who aim for national and world championships. Athletes work as full-time employees of Fujitsu while engaging in their athletic activities, embodying the company’s values and social mission through sports.
1. Fujitsu Frontiers (American Football Team):
Eight-time X-League champions, aiming for an unprecedented ninth title.
2. Fujitsu Red Wave (Women’s Basketball Team):
Achieved their second W-League championship in 16 years in 2023. A top team that values player autonomy.
3. Track and Field Team:
A top-level team that has produced world, Asian, and Japanese record holders. Athletes excel in a wide range of events, including race walking, marathon, and sprints.
4. Other Sports Teams:
In addition to the above, Fujitsu also has various other sports teams, including in women’s cheerleading, men’s basketball and volleyball, 9-man volleyball, swimming, horseback riding, and golf.
Upcoming Schedule (Tentative):
- February 6, 2026: Application deadline
- February 26, 2026: Pitch event
- March 2026: Selection of adopted companies
- April 2026: Start of PoCs
Companies selected to participate in this program will be provided with opportunities to interview and survey athletes and staff belonging to Fujitsu’s sports teams. Fujitsu will offer its training facilities for the PoCs, support the development of use cases, and promote and sell co-created services through the Fujitsu Group.
Fujitsu’s Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015 represent a set of common goals to be achieved worldwide by 2030.
Fujitsu’s purpose – “to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation” – is a promise to contribute to the vision of a better future empowered by the SDGs.
The post Fujitsu launches ‘Fujitsu Accelerator Program for SPORTS’ to create new value through Sports x Technology appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
SkillOnNet Redefines RNG Gaming with World-First Launch of AI-Powered GAIA Roulette
Reading Time: 2 minutes
GAIA is the world’s first AI-driven roulette host now in commercial use.
Global entertainment brand SkillOnNet has announced the launch of GAIA Roulette, a groundbreaking new roulette experience powered by artificial intelligence.
The game – which is now live on PlayUZU Mexico, with plans to expand to additional markets across the SkillOnNet network in the coming months – blends the thrill of RNG gameplay with the 3D realism of a live dealer. It’s the world’s first AI-driven roulette host now in commercial use.
Unlike traditional RNG tables, GAIA Roulette features an intelligent, interactive digital dealer that is personalized to each player. GAIA learns player preferences, adapts its communication style, and provides real-time assistance, helping users understand bets, game flow, and strategies.
Players can discuss game events – asking questions about game results, previous numbers, their wins and losses, and review gameplay history – but they can also talk about everyday topics like hobbies, sports, foods, movies, weather and more to make the experience more enjoyable.
Designed and developed in-house by SkillOnNet, GAIA stands for Gaming AI Agent. It uses GPT-4.1-mini for chat, which supports every language, so players worldwide can converse with her in their native tongue.
For players who enjoy the personal touch of a live dealer, GAIA provides the next best thing. And because it’s powered by RNG technology, they also enjoy faster gameplay and more spins per session than a real live-dealer environment.
For SkillOnNet, GAIA represents a major step forward for AI-driven gaming and personalised casino experiences.
Jani Kontturi, Head of Games at SkillOnNet, said: “With GAIA Roulette, we’re redefining what’s possible in RNG casino entertainment, and we’re proud to bring our players something truly revolutionary. PlayUZU has always been about fairness, fun, and innovative entertainment — and GAIA fits perfectly with that promise. This launch will set a new standard for what players can expect from online roulette.”
The post SkillOnNet Redefines RNG Gaming with World-First Launch of AI-Powered GAIA Roulette appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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