Pulse
Evoplay: driving innovation with Adrenaline Rush
By William - 19 February 2024
In January, Evoplay announced the promotion of Ihor Zarechnyi to Chief Business Development Officer as part of the company’s ongoing objective to expand its global footprint. Ihor sits down with G3 to explain how the developer will continue to deliver boundary-pushing player experiences with its latest flagship title unveiled at ICE, Adrenaline Rush.
What is Evoplay’s market strategy for the coming year?
In 2023, our partner network witnessed a remarkable 82 per cent surge, marking a year of significant collaborations for Evoplay. We solidified our position in Italy, covering a third of operators. We have also entered the Portugal market via a partnership with Solverde.pt last summer.
The alliance with Sportingtech, a leading iGaming provider, played a crucial role in our expansion into the dynamic Latin American market, where our titles, especially football-themed instant games like Penalty Shoot-out: Street, resonated deeply with local audiences.
Looking ahead to this year, our strategic focus is on entering the Canadian iGaming market, which boasts 19.3 million active online gamblers. Simultaneously, we actively explore opportunities in the regulated US states, aligning with local trends and popular gaming themes.
What content trends are shaping Evoplay’s product development roadmap?
Riding the wave of tech progress and the pursuit of top-notch user experiences, the iGaming scene is transforming. In 2023, while classic theme games maintained their popularity, there was a rising interest in instant and crash games featuring dynamic gameplay. This trend resonates exceptionally well with the new player generation seeking a fresher gaming experience.
I believe crafting a killer game portfolio is like curating a mixtape. It’s about having timeless classics alongside trendier titles that resonate with the younger crowd, the future of the iGaming scene. Our flagship products are an effective tool to attract a fresh audience seeking a novel experience and also amplify brand awareness in the highly competitive iGaming industry.
At SiGMA Europe, Evoplay announced a 3D car racing game, Adrenaline Rush. What can you tell us about the title? How does it work and what was the inspiration?
Adrenaline Rush, our newest 3D racing game and the gem of our flagship line-up, outshines its predecessors with even more advanced graphics and dynamic gameplay. This skill-based game offers manual controls, allowing players to showcase their driving prowess and compete for the coveted first place. Featuring a variety of sports cars, three unique racers with individual storylines, and challenging tracks filled with excitement, it delivers an adrenaline-pumping experience.
Inspired by popular racing video games, the Adrenaline Rush title incorporates elements tailored for a new generation of players, bridging the current gaming landscape with the future of iGaming. With the racing theme’s broad popularity and the anticipated racing gaming market volume of $2.86bn by 2027, it’s positioned as a favourable addition to casino and sportsbook platforms, promising iGamers an immersive gaming experience.
How long has the game been in development? As an industry-first, are there a greater number of hurdles in the certification process?
The flagship title, Adrenaline Rush, was in development for over a year. At ICE, we unveiled it for the first time as part of our complete racing pack, also featuring the Adrenaline Rush: Super Boost slot and the Adrenaline Rush: XCrash instant game. This strategic expansion aligns with our goal of diversifying offerings and tapping into a broader player audience.
The primary challenge lies in the timeline, as certifying innovative games demands two to three times more effort than standard slots. Reflecting on our experience with Star Guardians, we encountered similar hurdles due to the advanced features of our product. Overcoming these challenges requires not only time but also industry adaptability to meet the evolving needs of market players.
What audience are you looking to reach with this game, and what are your expectations post-launch?
We focus on engaging a diverse player base, including not only iGamers but also sports and video game enthusiasts. Adrenaline Rush appeals to next-gen players who’re entering the iGaming landscape and those seeking a fresh gaming experience. Post-launch, our 3D racing game, accompanied by two more classic additions, is expected to enhance player engagement and retention in casinos and sportsbooks. This trio aims to captivate racing fans and individuals who enjoy racing games or bet on suchlike events.
How have Evoplay’s previous two flagship titles, Dungeon: Immortal Evil and Star Guardians, performed relative to the rest of the portfolio? Are they standout successes compared to the Fruit Nova series of slots, for instance?
Evoplay’s prior flagship titles, Dungeon: Immortal Evil and Star Guardians, have played a pivotal role in enhancing our competitive standing within the industry. Instead of directly comparing them to our classic Fruit Nova series, tailored for more traditional iGamers, we highlight the unique value proposition of our flagship line. It significantly enhances our brand recognition and fosters innovation within the iGaming industry. This comprehensive approach aims to deliver diverse, exceptional gaming experiences to iGamers.
Ultimately, are these flagship titles as much about brand awareness and having a point of differentiation from other suppliers as selling?
Absolutely, the flagship titles like Star Guardians or Adrenaline Rush go beyond mere profit-making. They’re all about giving Evoplay a unique identity and offering iGamers an exciting experience. These titles represent more than just financial wins; they embody the core of what we stand for.
The goal is to shape the future of iGaming with innovative, personalised games — packed with diverse mechanics, top-notch graphics, and innovations that players will love, taking the entire industry to new heights.
