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Zitro: Combining science and art to achieve gaming synergy

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As the varied sectors of the global gaming industry prepare to meet at this year’s ICE London, the world leading developer, Zitro Gaming highlights the importance of creative content experiences and teamwork regardless of whether its for land-based, online or social verticals. Talking ahead of the company’s showcase on Stand: N6-160 in London, Johnny Ortiz, founder of Zitro, explores the relationship between technology and ideas, the power of passion and why being one big family continues to drive Zitro’s success…

Zitro is a long term supporter of ICE London – how do you use the event to gain maximum benefit and what products are you bringing to the show?
Without a doubt ICE London is one of the most important events in our industry, and for us in particular, to show our current and future customers our full range of proven products as well as brand new releases. Visitors can see first-hand how well designed and executed our offering is and how it stands out compared to our competition, even to the most established suppliers. ICE also allows us to reiterate to the industry a compromise of delivering first-class service, adapted to our constant growing offering.

You have interests in both land-based and online – do you have separate creative teams for each sector or do they overlap and share ideas?
At Zitro we create gaming experiences. We then distribute the content through the various possible channels to reach the maximum amount of players, whether it’s land-based, online or social – the essence is the same, we just need to make the necessary adjustment required for each channel. For example, the gamification varies between social and land-based and we have people who create the experiences and then we have experts that adapt them to the channels. I don’t like to talk about different creative teams, as we are all one team. Zitro is one big family and we are all in the same boat rowing towards the same objective of becoming a global gaming leader.

How do you recruit the right talent to the various teams and where do you recruit from?
Despite the technical capacities of the personnel we recruit, we like to identify if a future employee shares our core values: Passion, Compromise, Team Spirit, Quality and Innovation. If a person has these values in their DNA, his or her adaptation to our organization will be much easier. In terms of how and where we recruit, it obviously depends on the country and the position we are trying to cover. Our experienced HR team figures out the best solution based on each vacancy we want to fill.

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Can you describe a ‘normal’ day for the people working at Zitro?
The international growth means each and every one of us wakes up in the morning knowing about the progress that our colleagues have made on the other side of the oceans, allowing us to prioritize better and help each other. It provides true satisfaction to see how teamwork and compromise helped us to accomplish, in just a few years, what other companies took decades.

What’s more important technology or ideas?
This is a very interesting question, although not easy to respond to. A gaming experience is created based on science and art. Two components that can’t work without each other. Now, if you want to measure for every single game which one is more important, that is where it becomes very tricky. Experiences are based on emotional connections to human beings and this is where the limits between science and art become blurry. Now clearly, between ideas and technology one can’t work without the other, you first need an idea… without that, even the best technology can’t help. However, if you have a good idea and combine it with cutting edge technology, this is when you convert them into something great and this is where we put our focus at Zitro.

On a personal level where do you get your inspiration from – which personalities outside of the gaming sector would you describe as being inspirational and why?
During my career I had the privilege to get to know a lot of people that have inspired me along my journey, and who have motivated me in a way or another, but aren’t necessarily famous. To name a person that everybody can refer to due to his popularity worldwide and who has deeply affected me as a business person, I would name Steve Jobs. Two of our core values are also values that have marked his life: Passion and Innovation. His story is truly amazing, the way that he believed in and pushed innovation, even when others would call him crazy, has taken his companies to incredible levels of success. However, everything he has done, the things which went extremely well, as well as the ones that didn’t as much, he did with passion. He truly believed and felt the things he was doing and has fought for them, even when things were extremely complicated. I believe his passion acted as the engine of his success and is the real reason for it. I relate to him in this sense very much.

How has the industry changed over the years – are their fewer big personalities?  Is it more or less entrepreneurial in its outlook?
The leading suppliers of this industry have changed during the last decades, however we can identify a pattern that repeats itself: a dynamic company with solid leadership can be very successful until it is absorbed by a big corporation, as this is when the company’s culture and leadership gets diluted. At Zitro our challenge is to maintain a firm and clearly defined path, with a solid leadership that allows us to keep growing without the distortion that a lot of companies, victims of a consolidation, are suffering.

The gaming industry is the second fastest adopter of new technology, how do you keep ahead of the curve in terms of the advances that are being made and that are available?
As a manufacturer it is part of our obligation to be always on top of the latest and identify the best to make our products stand out from the rest. That includes technology of course. Nothing however can replace the science or the art I mentioned earlier to create a great game. However, a great game can be an extraordinary experience thanks to the technology we have available nowadays.

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Would you say that delivering choice and variety represent the cornerstones of your game development strategy and if so what are the key demographics that you design for?
Offering a variety of options provides our customers the certainty that his or her investment is secure. But more than the variety, what really matters is the quality and if the products and that the content is adapted to the end user, or player, if you will. For example, whether it’s a product for a local player or for casinos with a higher component of occasional visitors.

How difficult is it to engage with Generation Z?  
The casinos face the challenge of being accepted by Generation Z as an attractive option for entertainment and not to be considered only a place for mature people. We as manufacturers have the obligation to help the casinos during this transformation by designing products that connect emotionally with the younger generations. At Zitro this is something that we always have in mind when creating products.

You put a lot of emphasis on customer service and attention – how does a growing international company deliver this on a consistent basis?
For an international company to be successful it needs to work as a local company in each country where it is present. This doesn’t mean necessarily that a physical office is needed in each country, but that you connect on a cultural level with your customers and speak their language. In addition, putting the necessary technical and human resource available to be able to attend the needs of the customers.


Source: European Gaming Media
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: Zitro: Combining science and art to achieve gaming synergy

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Innovations Redefining iGaming: What Operators Need to Know

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The iGaming industry is advancing at breakneck speed, driven by technological innovation and evolving player expectations. Itai Zak, Executive Director of iGaming at Digicode, emphasizes the importance of bridging client aspirations with customized business solutions. Key trends shaping the future of iGaming include live dealer games, blockchain integration, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), enhanced personalization, and shifting regulatory environments. Let’s delve into how these trends influence the industry, presenting new opportunities while paving the way for future growth.

A Closer Look at Emerging Trends

  • Live Dealer Games

Live dealer games are revolutionizing the online gaming experience, blending the best aspects of land-based casinos with the convenience of virtual gaming. Players can now engage with real-life dealers via high-definition video streams, enhancing the social component of online gambling. This bridge between physical and virtual casinos introduces interactive features like live chat and immersive gameplay. Industry leaders like Evolution Gaming and NetEnt are setting new standards in player engagement with innovative game formats and top-tier studio setups, redefining the realism and appeal of live gaming.

  • Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Integration

Blockchain technology is transforming iGaming by offering unparalleled transparency and security. With blockchain’s ability to enable provably fair gaming, players can verify that each round is fair via an immutable ledger. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum facilitate faster, more secure transactions, catering to tech-savvy players who value privacy. Platforms like Bitcasino.io are leading the way, leveraging blockchain to ensure fairness and seamless payments. However, the rise of blockchain also attracts regulatory attention, requiring operators to balance innovation with compliance as governments navigate this new technology.

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI and ML are instrumental in enhancing player experience and operational efficiency. AI algorithms analyze player behavior in real-time, offering personalized game recommendations and promotions. Additionally, AI-powered chatbots provide instant customer support, improving user satisfaction. AI-driven predictive analytics also help operators fine-tune marketing strategies based on player preferences. Companies like Bet365 are already using these technologies to stay ahead of the competition, offering more personalized and efficient gaming experiences.

  • Richer Personalization and Engagement

Personalization has become crucial for iGaming operators looking to boost player satisfaction and retention. By leveraging data analytics, companies can offer tailored game recommendations, dynamic bonuses, and individualized promotional offers. This level of engagement enhances the player experience and strengthens loyalty. Industry pioneers like DraftKings and FanDuel push the envelope by offering highly customized features, such as personalized fantasy sports leagues and bespoke betting options.

  • Regulatory Changes and Market Expansion

The constantly evolving regulatory landscape offers both challenges and opportunities for iGaming operators. As more regions legalize various forms of online gambling, companies gain access to new markets. With their large populations and increasing internet penetration, emerging markets like Brazil and Nigeria represent lucrative opportunities. However, navigating the diverse regulations in these markets requires agility and strict compliance with local laws to succeed.

  • Enhanced Payment Solutions

With digital transactions becoming the norm, the demand for fast, secure, and flexible payment methods is skyrocketing. From digital wallets to instant banking and cryptocurrencies, players expect payment solutions that offer convenience and security. This growing demand is driving innovation in payment processing, giving operators more opportunities to streamline the transaction process while building trust with users.

Future Implications

The Expanding Role of AI and Blockchain

AI and blockchain are not just current trends, but they are poised to play an even more significant role in iGaming’s future. As AI technology evolves, more sophisticated algorithms will emerge, enabling real-time adaptation to player behavior and preferences. Blockchain’s application may extend beyond transparency and security, transforming game mechanics and player interactions potentially redefining how games are designed and played.

Shifting Player Preferences

Player expectations will continue to evolve toward immersive, interactive experiences. As Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) become more mainstream, they will significantly influence the future of iGaming. Players will demand more engaging, lifelike environments, pushing the industry to create innovative game formats and features that offer deeper immersion and entertainment value.

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Regulatory Developments

The regulatory environment will continue to evolve, and iGaming operators must stay agile to navigate future changes. New regulations may increasingly emphasize responsible gaming and player protection, influencing platform design and operational practices. A more harmonized regulatory framework across jurisdictions could provide stability while requiring operators to prioritize compliance.

Integrating Emerging Technologies

Technologies like 5G and edge computing are set to revolutionize iGaming by enabling faster, more reliable connectivity. This will allow for more complex game designs and real-time player interactions, opening new avenues for innovative gaming experiences. As these technologies mature, operators will have greater opportunities to differentiate their offerings. The potential of these emerging technologies to revolutionize iGaming is truly exciting and promising for the industry’s future.

Final Thoughts

The iGaming industry is on the cusp of significant transformations, driven by technological advancements and shifting player demands. Innovations like live dealer games, blockchain integration, AI, ML, and enhanced personalization are just the beginning. As the industry evolves, staying ahead of these trends will be critical for operators looking to thrive in an increasingly dynamic environment.

At Digicode, we are constantly exploring new technologies and refining our solutions to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Our focus on adaptability and foresight ensures that our clients are not just keeping pace with the industry—they’re leading it.

The post Innovations Redefining iGaming: What Operators Need to Know appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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What makes Turbo Games’ provably fair games so special?

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A partnership between game developer Turbo Games and iGaming solution provider and aggregator Slotegrator began in November 2022 via the APIgrator game integration solution. Since then, the collaboration has been developing successfully — and now it’s time to analyze what made it successful.

Turbo Games has noticed how the new technologies spreading throughout the industry can work for the good of brand transparency and player loyalty: “We can already see how blockchain technology has made it possible to make betting checks more accessible to players. All you need is a blockchain-hash and a decoder service. We think we will continue to move in this direction. Many traditional online casinos do not offer the possibility to check the bet. Sooner or later we all have to come to this. Perhaps the development of artificial intelligence will help here, because we are already seeing its involvement in all spheres of human life.”

Turbo Games specializes in provably fair games. Provable fairness is a concept where players can verify their wins or losses using blockchain technology — the outcome of the game is dictated by a smart contract and is absolutely random, barring the possibility of any human involvement. Using cryptographic hashing algorithms, the gambling site and the player’s device both generate seeds (random strings of numbers). Players receive a key that allows them to check the results; if the results are the same as the game round they witnessed, it proves that there was no foul play.

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According to statistics from Turbo Games, the audience for provably fair games is mostly between 18 and 25 years old. However, there are also players aged 35-40 who prefer traditional games but would like to try something new, and have turned their attention to provably fair games.

There are good odds that the technology of provably fair games will become more popular, if not even commonplace, because it gives players a feeling of transparency and proves that the business is trustworthy without the need to search through dozens of reviews. Whereas many innovations in iGaming simply add entertainment, provable fairness addresses security concerns and reassures players that they’re not being exploited, which is invaluable.

Provably fair games are beneficial for both players and online casinos. Vadim Potapenko, Head of Sales at Turbo Games, comments: “It often happens that the users are not satisfied with the result, because gambling is not only about big wins, but also possible losses. By allowing them to check the fairness of a bet, we make life easier for platforms and players. Of course, this allows us to communicate with partners and users that we work honestly and that’s why they should trust our games.”

Ayvar Gabidullin, Business Development Manager at Slotegrator, adds that “this type of game is now becoming more and more popular and has great potential for both players and game providers in the future. On the part of the player, the advantage is that the player can always be sure that his game is fair and he can independently check any of his bets. And for the game provider, this also simplifies the process of implementing casino games, since now it will not be necessary to obtain the appropriate certificates from independent laboratories before launching new games, they can immediately enter the market with these games and where anyone can check the result and make sure that that there is no cheating with players. Many game providers are starting to look towards this type of game. And as far as I see, many operators are starting to think about adding these games.”

What do players in 2023 need? The iGaming industry is all about reputation and trust. Players have a huge number of platforms to choose from, making them pickier and pickier. There’s an abundance of forums where players leave reviews, so if players view a brand as untrustworthy, there are plenty of places they can share their opinion. Provable fairness not only stops that from happening, it provides evidence to the contrary, giving players something else to talk about.

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Slotegrator also recommends investing time and effort into localization and creating an effective and detailed marketing strategy — before trying provably fair technology players need to get to the platform, and there is no acquisition without marketing.

 

 ABOUT SLOTEGRATOR

Since 2012, Slotegrator has been one of the iGaming industry’s leading software and business solution providers for online casino and sportsbook operators.

The company’s main focus is software development and support for online casino platforms, as well as the integration of game content and payment systems.

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The company works with licensed game developers and offers a vast portfolio of casino content: slots, live casino games, poker, virtual sports, table games, lotteries, casual games, and data feeds for betting.

Slotegrator also provides consulting services in gambling license acquisition and business incorporation.

More information: https://slotegrator.pro/

 

ABOUT TURBO GAMES

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Turbo Games — a provably fair games provider that belongs to Turbo Stars company — has an ambitious goal to establish widespread recognition throughout the iGaming world. Even though it is young, the company consists of professionals who have been working on the brand for over five years and are even planning to introduce a new brand for a wider audience soon.

Turbo Games also works in Europe, India, and South Africa, where the company sees the most potential and expects the same “hype” as in Brazil.

The portfolio of Turbo Games consists of 21 titles, including well-known games like Mines, Crash X, DoubleRoll, Hi-Lo, and Plinko. The studio releases a game every month. However, not all games are developed from scratch. Wicket Blast and Spin Strike, the last two releases, are based on cricket and the Indian Premier League. Crash X remains the most popular fast game in the Turbo Games portfolio, and the studio reports that crash games enjoy stable levels of popularity. Overall, the main focus of the brand is provably fair games.

More information: https://turbogames.io/

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Games Factory Talents has teamed up with Nordic Game to bring you Nordic Game Talents.

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Looking to take your career to the next level in the games industry? Then, Nordic Game Talents is the place to be! Games Factory Talents has teamed up with Nordic Game to bring you Nordic Game Talents.

From Oct 27-29, the online and interactive event is dedicated to recruitment and career building in the creative & games industry within the Nordic region. The event empowers participants to be part of a bigger community and motivates them to explore new paths in achieving their career goals.

Hiring creative & games studios – Supercell, Funcom, Panzerdog, Tactile Games, Gamecan, Fingersoft, Dazzle Rocks, Redhill Games to name a few from the Nordic region will be participating in the event. These studios will share information on their latest projects, work culture and what it takes to be part of their team. The individual games associations from Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Estonia will share insights through live sessions on the booming games industry in their respective countries. Career development topics pertinent to job seekers like – How to have a successful first interview, Creative Portfolio reviews will also be discussed.

Experienced game industry professionals and individuals beginning their careers from around the world are welcome to join the event. One-to-one interviews with the hiring studios can be scheduled through the event platform. A great opportunity to get to know the studios and network with game professionals from around the world.

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Participating in the event

As a job seeker attending Nordic Game Talents, take a few minutes to fill out a simple registration form. After filling the registration form you will receive a link to the online event platform – PINE, to join the event on 27th October. Participants joining Nordic Game Talents will also receive a free-of-charge pass to the Nordic Game Conference.

To view the complete agenda, please click here and to learn more about the event please visit Games Job Fair

About Games Factory Talents

A Helsinki-based talent attraction agency dedicated to the games & creative industry. Our services include direct recruitment, organizing game job fairs and managing a community of game industry professionals through our GameDev Talent Board.

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To learn more about Games Factory Talents visit – Games Factory Talents

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