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Vanilla content will always be second best – argues Reflex CPO

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Ahead of ICE London 2019, Mat Ingram, CPO of independent developer, Reflex Gaming, explains why the commoditisation of content is a race to the bottom

Looking back on 2018 what have been the highlights and the key achievements in the online space for the Reflex brand?

2018 was a year characterised by strategic and steady expansion for Reflex in the online sector. We went live with five new top tier operators as well as numerous smaller operators courtesy of our existing distribution partnerships which continue to do well for us. We have adhered to our “quality over quantity” philosophy, resulting in six new game titles over the course of the year, all but one emanating from our market-leading portfolio of land-based content. We have forged new commercial relationships, worked with new development partners, and continued to learn a lot.  There’s no doubt that 2018 was an important and successful year.

How would you describe the main challenges for the online sector – is it facing a case of over supply?  Is there a danger of quantity subsuming quality when it comes to games content and what can be done about it?

For me, the sector is surprisingly slow-moving given its entirely-digital nature, but this is a symptom of the complex distribution routes that are now so prevalent, along with the hugely busy supply chain. Many planets have to align technically and strategically for a relatively simple event to occur, such as a game release. Compare this to our server-managed land-based machines, where I can develop a game in half the time and release it overnight to thousands of machines, but of course in this case I am in complete control of the tech stack and the content strategy, which helps enormously! The over-supply of what I would describe as vanilla, ‘global’ content has turned the previous art of game creation into a production line building commodity ‘widgets’ whose value to the supplier is measured in how low they can get their costs. This must, in turn, reduce quality, however this is not always immediately apparent. There are so many games being released that without any promotional activity (that the bigger suppliers can fund), one game performs much the same as another, thus perpetuating their commodity status. As such, I believe there is an increasing requirement for specialised, ‘hyper-local’ content – by which I refer to games that have been specifically created by suppliers with local expertise and experience for local players. As suppliers, we often have to modify our games anyway to suit local regulations and language, so there is already an existing idea that games must be localised, but I believe that it is also better for the user if the games with which they are presented are those that have been crafted for them rather than the one-size-fits-all approach that is often used. Reflex have some of the most successful games in the land-based markets in which we compete and we should leverage these with partners who have expertise in distributing hyper-local content.

Has your thinking on omni-channel gaming changed since ICE 2018 and if so where do you stand now?

No, my opinion hasn’t really changed on this. It may be sometimes difficult to quantify the benefits or produce empirical evidence of them, but intuitively I feel that it has to be better UX for a player to be able to move from one channel to another and play the content they know and enjoy on platforms that support a seamless transition from one place to another. Surely, if the player has a better experience whilst doing this, they are more likely to stay loyal to the retailer / operator and indeed the games? It just seems to make sense to me. This is why Reflex are talking to a number of operators who have both a land-based and an online presence about how we can work together to provide UK-specific, omni-channel games, and we are one of only a few suppliers who can do this.

How will Reflex be using ICE London 2019 and what does success look like?

We will be using ICE to showcase our diverse land-based and online product ranges. It’s one of the few opportunities we have to put everything together in the same space, and our omni-channel credibility becomes really apparent when you see it all together. The range includes UK and Dutch land-based machines of many styles and categories, through to purely online and mobile content, with the same design ethos running across all channels. The star of our land-base range is the GamePro cabinet which will this year include the new GamePro Max, a sit-down lounge-style machine. Our view is that whatever a player experiences in a land-based environment, they should be able to experience on their desktop or mobile within the confines of the devices. A successful exhibition for Reflex is mostly not about the number of contracts or deals we sign, as most of the hard work has been done on these prior to the show, but rather it is about how many new people we meet and new opportunities present themselves, and judging by the number of meeting requests we have already had, we should be in for a busy few days!

As an exhibitor do you get the opportunity to spend time walking the aisles at ExCeL and taking stock of the industry and the direction its travelling in – how important is it to do this?

I think this is hugely important, although being honest, I don’t get as much time to do it as I would like, as I am generally busy on the stand. However, I have a great team who come to the show and who act as my eyes and ears on market trends and important product innovations.  I wouldn’t say it’s a military style operation but we have regular catch-ups whilst the exhibition is in progress and they take me to see the things and meet the people that have caught their eye. I am a firm believer that Reflex should stand independently with respect to innovation and not succumb to parodying the ideas of others, but that said, it is important to know and understand what other market sector participants are doing and why.


Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: Vanilla content will always be second best – argues Reflex CPO

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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Big Daddy Gaming® signs with Yolo Group’s Hub88 to accelerate European distribution

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Pioneering slots studio Big Daddy Gaming® has signed a new content distribution agreement with leading aggregation platform Hub88, further strengthening its early commercial rollout across key regulated European markets.

The partnership will see Hub88 integrate Big Daddy Gaming’s growing portfolio of slot titles via its Casino API Integration Service, providing the newly launched studio with immediate access to a broad network of licensed operators.

As part of the agreement, Hub88 will onboard an initial batch of Big Daddy Gaming’s debut releases, showcasing the provider’s signature game DNA combined with its brand promise of Reel Fun Real Value, delivering operators fresh content aligned with local player preferences.

The integration follows Big Daddy Gaming’s recent approval as a licensed B2B supplier in Sweden, further reinforcing its commitment to regulated markets and supporting partners with compliant, market-ready content.
Marking another milestone in Big Daddy Gaming’s commercial trajectory, the partnership underscores the strong appeal of its early content offering.

With Hub88’s strong footprint across Europe, the deal reinforces the studio’s initial growth as Big Daddy Gaming continues to secure early support from major operators.

Erland Hellström, CEO at Big Daddy Gaming®, said: “Partnering with Hub88 is another strong endorsement of our strategy and the quality of our early content. Their platform plays a key role in connecting studios with major operators across Europe, and we’re delighted to offer our titles to their network.
“This agreement helps accelerate our presence in regulated markets and gives partners immediate access to games built on our Reel Fun Real Value philosophy.”

Ollie Castleman, Managing Director at Hub88, added: “Big Daddy Gaming® is one of the most exciting new studios to emerge this year, and we’ve been impressed by the clarity of their vision and the strength of their early portfolio. We’re thrilled to be among the first platforms to distribute their content and expect their distinctive style and solid mechanics to resonate well with operators and players across our network.”

The post Big Daddy Gaming® signs with Yolo Group’s Hub88 to accelerate European distribution appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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Games Global and Fortune Factory Studios wrap up 2025 with supercharged sequel Gold Blitz Express™

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Games Global and its exclusive studio partner, Fortune Factory Studios, have launched a high-voltage finale to 2025 with Gold Blitz Express, the latest iteration of its dynamic franchise.

Building on the proven popular foundations of its predecessors, Gold Blitz Express retains the titular cash collect mechanic and bonus choice, but amps up the sequel with a brand-new Blitz Express feature and deeper bonus progression.

The Blitz Express mechanic is activated when a train symbol lands on reel six on any spin. A train steams across the reels pulling up to 20 carts, with each awarding a cash prize or one of four fixed jackpots, the total value of which is collected and awarded.

The studio has also elevated Gold Blitz spins with the introduction of an Accumulation Trail, which collects each Blitz symbol that hits. Every third collected awards additional spins and an increasing multiplier, with up to 14 spins and a 5x maximum multiplier, surging win potential.

Supplementing the action further is the integration of Games Global’s Rising Rewards jackpot, where every coin boosts the prize pot up to 200x, which can be randomly paid out.

The Gold Blitz series continues to define industry trends from a player control perspective. In addition to the bonus choice and bonus buy options, a Win Booster doubles the likelihood of activating features, while Bonus Recharge offers an opportunity to purchase an extra spin following feature completion.

Gold Blitz Express represents the latest evolution of one of the industry’s most diverse, battle-tested game franchises, spotlighting Fortune Factory Studios’ continued commitment to creating products that perform.

Alexander Monsma, Team Manager, Game Sales at Games Global, said: “2025 marks the fourth consecutive year that we have unveiled a Gold Blitz game toward the end of December – it is the perfect way to ring in the new year.

“Gold Blitz Express is the most feature-rich upgrade to date, electrifying the environment with even more variety and potential.”

David Reynolds, Director of Games Strategy & Partner Management at Games Global, added: “The Gold Blitz brand remains one of the strongest franchises in our portfolio, and Gold Blitz Express builds on that success by extending the series with genuine depth. The introduction of new elements, such as the Blitz Express feature, feels like a natural evolution of the brand.

“It’s a fitting way to close out 2025, with the continued performance of the series reflecting Fortune Factory’s ability to create games with lasting appeal and sustained engagement. We can’t wait to showcase our upcoming lineup within this franchise and more as we enter 2026.”

The post Games Global and Fortune Factory Studios wrap up 2025 with supercharged sequel Gold Blitz Express™ appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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QuinnBet Expands Racing Offering to include Derivative Racing Markets

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QuinnBet, a leading sportsbook and casino operator, has expanded its racing product through Pragmatic Play Sports to include new derivative racing markets, giving customers greater choice, flexibility, and engagement across a wide range of global racing events.

The new expansion, powered by Racing and Sports (RAS), introduces additional betting opportunities such as Betting Without the Favourite and Second Favourite, head-to-head and Money Back markets. These derivative markets form part of the broader Pragmatic Play Racing product, which delivers a premium, data-driven experience built on official pre-race and race-day data.

Through Pragmatic Play’s racing solution, powered by Racing and Sports, QuinnBet customers enjoy comprehensive global coverage across 20+ racing jurisdictions; live greyhound racing featuring over 100,000 live events from 80+ tracks; official pre-race and race-day data for accuracy and transparency; and a complete suite of live video streaming and enriched racing content including racecards, previews, and editorial insights.

Stephen Kelly, MD, QuinnBet, said: “Horse racing sits at the heart of QuinnBet, and we are always looking for ways to elevate our customers’ experience. Derivative markets bring a new level of strategy and excitement to horse racing betting, and we’re proud to deliver this enhancement in partnership with Pragmatic Play Sports and Racing and Sports. It reinforces our commitment to real horse racing fans and the continued evolution of our product.”

Gareth Crook, SVP of Sports at Pragmatic Play, said: “We were immensely proud to partner with QuinnBet earlier this year following their successful migration to our platform, and we are confident that this latest expansion of their racing product will help the QuinnBet team realise their ambitious growth plans now and into the future. QuinnBet users continue to enjoy a market-leading racing experience powered by official data through our partnership with Racing and Sports.”

Stephen Crispe, CEO, Racing and Sports, said: “We’re excited to see QuinnBet go live with Derivative Markets, powered by Racing and Sports, following a successful sportsbook platform integration with Pragmatic Play earlier this year. This marks another key step in our ongoing collaboration with Pragmatic Play to deliver market-leading racing content to sportsbook operators. QuinnBet is a perfect example of an operator providing an immersive, data-driven betting experience built on precision and innovation.” 

The post QuinnBet Expands Racing Offering to include Derivative Racing Markets appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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