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Exclusive Q&A w/ Stuart McCarthy, Head of Product & Program at Yggdrasil

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Games designed to piggyback on popular entertainment themes have been proven to perform well in emerging online markets including the United States. With exclusive IP rights often very expensive, we look at the key factors involved in creating games that appeal to fans of well-loved films, TV shows and video games.

 

What are the main aspects to consider when designing a game that can tap into the buzz around an upcoming release in the world of entertainment?

At Yggdrasil, we released our first Vikings game a few years after the hit TV series Vikings first aired. It was mainly developed to tie in with the norse mythology and our Scandinavian heritage, however it cannot be denied that the game series’ popularity has been boosted by the large following of the TV show.

Vikings is of course a large part of Nordic history and has been portrayed numerous times in popular culture and therefore also makes a good theme for slot games. Our Vikings portfolio has been further enhanced with each new title we release. Just like a TV series or a film, we have developed characters that return in all of the games, and we create a storyline around them. This way, we build some familiarity which ensures players come back.

 

What types of content – genre of film or TV show, for example – are suitable for designing a game around, and are there any which are out of bounds?

Out of bounds is an interesting term. Over the years, there would have been a lot of taboo topics that we didn’t go near but that seems to have changed with the advent of more ‘challenging’ themes for slot games seen recently.

Back on topic, game shows have always been the obvious cross over between mainstream TV and gaming with Wheel of Fortune, Who Wants to be a Millionaire and Deal or No Deal being prime examples of where players fundamentally understand the mechanics and are therefore comfortable or excited to play the slot because they have watched the shows.

Outside of that, the world is your oyster really and working with existing popular themes gives developers real scope to think outside the box and really be creative. Most themes can be turned into a game and if it works for film and TV, it’s likely to be also popular with slot players. Inspiration doesn’t have to come from just film and TV, with video games for example being another great source for ideas. Many popular video games have later been turned into films and TV, highlighting that it can go both ways. The trick is then to ensure the mechanics and features of the slot work well with the theme to create an exciting and entertaining experience.

 

Is it more important to consider creating this type of content with an eye on emerging markets, where typical online game genres might be less familiar?

I wouldn’t say so. Often, big hit shows, films or video games become a global phenomenon, meaning a casino product with a particular theme will appeal to a wide audience across numerous markets. When we develop our content, we always try to ensure it will attract as many player demographics as possible, and often themes from popular culture works really well.

 

What legal aspects need to be considered to avoid straying too close to an original IP?

We don’t try to imitate or copy existing franchises, we want to create our own take, inspired by a popular theme. We therefore work hard to develop our own characters and stories, as showcased in the Vikings series.

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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Explore the future of gaming at ICE Barcelona: 20 – 22 January 2025

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Explore the future of gaming at ICE Barcelona: 20 – 22 January 2025

Join the most influential gaming industry professionals from throughout the world when ICE opens at Fira Barcelona Gran Via, 20 –22 January 2025. The first edition of the world-leading business event to be held outside the UK will feature a record 1,000 exhibitors following unprecedented demand for space from world gaming’s leading innovators covering every sector and every jurisdiction.

ICE and the co-located iGB Affiliate – which will occupy 120,000 square metres compared to the 100,000 sqm used in London – connect the entire global industry and provide access to the very latest cutting-edge innovations, technological solutions, regulatory updates, and insights which assist entrepreneurial businesses to enter new jurisdictions and build market share.

ICE is the event where the industry launches tens of thousands of game-changing, landmark products and where visitors can explore the future of gaming. For more information on the event where the world of gaming goes to do business and to register: icegaming.com

 

The post Explore the future of gaming at ICE Barcelona: 20 – 22 January 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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SIS and Premier Greyhound Racing reveal improved greyhound race time schedule

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Sports Information Services (SIS), the leading multi-content supplier of 24/7 live betting services, and Premier Greyhound Racing (PGR), the media rights company supplier of greyhound racing to the betting industry and direct to viewers, have collaborated to offer a revised race time schedule starting from 20 May.

Designed to protect the long-term future of UK greyhound racing, the new schedule will see morning fixtures start slightly later – moving from 10.47 to 11.01 and 10.54 to 11.09. Additionally, there will also be a slightly later start time for some evening fixtures aimed at a retail audience, with the first evening fixture now starting at 18.08.

Commenting on the improved schedule, Terry Mahoney, Head of Business Development at ARC, said: “The new race times will help make it easier for customers to navigate busy racing schedules as well as improving operations trackside. We will continue to listen, monitor, and adapt schedules where and when needed as we move forward to deliver the best service possible for betting operators as well as punters.”

Paul Witten, Managing Director at SIS, added: “We are passionate about delivering a greyhound racing service that benefits all of the sport’s stakeholders. Together with Premier Greyhound Raxing, we have introduced a revised racing schedule that benefits operators and their customers.

“Our approach to greyhound racing is grounded in sustainability and flexibility. This collaboration with fellow service providers allows everyone to enjoy all the high-quality action produced on a daily basis from tracks across the UK and Ireland.”

SIS has long-term agreements in place with bet365, William Hill, Paddy Power and Betfred to deliver its greyhound content across UK and Irish retail and digital channels. SIS also promotes this content across dozens of leading international operators, as well as through SISRacing.tv.

PGR offers greyhound action, cards, video replays, results, news and info on greyhounds.attheraces.com, and regular live broadcasts on Sky Sports Racing. Premier Greyhound Racing is a joint venture between Arena Racing (ARC) and Entain, the global sports betting, gaming and interactive entertainment group. Between them, the two companies own nine of the 20 licensed British greyhound tracks and ARC manage the media rights for five independent tracks.

The post SIS and Premier Greyhound Racing reveal improved greyhound race time schedule appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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EGT to create a sensation at FIJMA 2024 with its new products for the B2 Saloon and casino markets in Spain

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EGT will present its latest developments for the B2 Saloon and casino markets in Spain during FIJMA 2024, which will take place on 07-09 May. Alejandro Mosquera, director of the local office of the company, shared: “We have chosen to show the products that have the greatest potential for the country, and I am confident that our selection can offer something to everyone – to those, who are about to start their gaming business now, and also to those who want to make their business even more successful. We will be waiting for all of them at stand C17-C19.”

Among EGT’s newest proposals, that are expected to generate huge interest among visitors to the exhibition, are the multilevel jackpot Sands Princess AWP and the latest addition to the top-performing jackpot Bell Link AWP – the Bell Link Plus multigame, both of which are designed especially for the B2 Saloon market.

Sands Princess AWP will take players to the kingdom of Egypt, where each of the 5 levels can be won with any bet. The 4 games of the jackpot: Egyptian Tale, Pharaoh’s Desert, Sands Spirit and Mystic Dawn, will present to those eager for adventures and untold riches numerous opportunities for winning, but only the boldest ones will be able to reach the two linked progressive levels and turn sand into gold.

Bell Link Plus joins Bell Link AWP jackpot to add even more diversity to the choice of the Spanish gaming audience. The multigame’s 5 titles: Book of Realm, Burning Hot, 40 Super Hot, 20 Super Hot and Shining Crown, will dive players into the fascinating world of some of the most popular games of the company, now enriched with more chances for winning and entertainment.

Both Bell Link Plus multigame and Sands Princess jackpot will be housed in the Phoenix AWP cabinet – another product, designed specifically for the B2 Saloon market in Spain, which will make its debut on local level at the exhibition. Featuring 27-inch monitors and multiple ergonomic features, this model offers maximum comfort, while the video and audio capabilities, along with the latest EGT software, guarantee an optimal gaming experience.

The guests at the EGT stand will have the opportunity to see the new Premio Ganador multigame for the B2 Saloon market as well, which is expected to be available in the country in the near future and grab the attention of local players with its attractive features offering a lot of bonuses.

The selection will be complemented by the other well-known B2 Saloon cabinets and games, as well as some of the slot products with greatest potential for the country such as the General cabinets and the bestsellers Bell Link and Gods & Kings Link. The latest jackpot proposals Supreme Combo Link and Sheng Sheng Bu Xi, which were launched just a few months ago and have received very positive feedback, will also be showcased.

EGT Digital will demonstrate its rich portfolio of iGaming solutions as well, including instant and slot games, as well as the in-house developed “all-in-one” betting platform X-Nave, which provides operators with a complete solution for building and maintaining a successful online business.

“We will be delighted to welcome everyone who is interested in our products on our stand at FIJMA,” concluded Mr. Mosquera. “I believe that this year’s participation will be very fruitful just like the previous editions and we will receive many inquiries. We will be happy to continue the conversations with our partners and potential new customers in EGT’s new office in Madrid, which is equipped with a spacious showroom, where they will be able to see and test our developments on site once again. Its official opening will be on May 6 and we will be glad to share this experience with all our friends.”

 

The post EGT to create a sensation at FIJMA 2024 with its new products for the B2 Saloon and casino markets in Spain appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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