Damjan Stamenković, CEO of Expanse Studios, who leads the team of developers and designers, plots the company’s strategy, and communicates with partners, has agreed to raise the curtain over the creation of online casino games in this new Q&A. Learn more about Expanse Studios and the games it has to offer!
About Expanse Studios
A comparatively new player in the industry, Expanse Studios seems unstoppable. Founded in 2017, it immediately started making all kinds of online casino games instead of focusing only on slots as many new providers do. In fact, despite the company’s young age, its founders’ experiences in the niche served it well, and today, Expanse provides some cutting-edge gaming designs and features.
The range of games is jaw-dropping and includes online slots, online roulettes, other table games, Turn-Based strategies, casual games, lotteries, Jackpot slots, and other types. All games are licensed and created using HTML5 technology for flawless mobile gambling. At the time of this Q&A, there are 42 games in the portfolio and the company releases 1-2 new games per month.
The studio is proud of its partnerships and already has several important awards in the industry. There are dozens of operators and aggregators in the list of partners and the list continues to grow. However, despite the fact that Expanse Studios is happy with its partners, the most valuable response is from its players.
Online casino players have a reason to be happy with Expanse Studios games. The games support over 20 widely spoken languages, allow payments in several currencies and cryptocurrencies, and are available in online casinos for many markets including Canada. Most games have RTP rates higher than 97% and the medium volatility level makes them affordable to players with different budgets. Expanse Studios is focused on innovative promotional tools like Free Spins, Progressive Jackpots, and tournaments, to keep players engaged and entertained.
If you are already excited about the benefits of Expanse Studios, please find out more in the Q&A below!
Q&A Session With Damjan Stamenković
Hello and thank you for participating in our Q&A! Expanse Studios is still a comparatively new company in the industry, established in 2017. How would you assess the path already taken?
Thank you for having us! Looking back at our journey since 2017, I'd say it's been an exciting and fulfilling ride. Sure, we're relatively new, but we've been able to carve out a space for ourselves in this industry, and that's something we're really proud of.
Being shortlisted for several industry awards is a huge milestone, but what truly excites us is the response from our players.
For example, our take on video poker with games like Diamond Joker Poker and Multihand Titan Poker has been well-received, and that's been a huge win for us. Of course, our historic successes like Titan Roulette Deluxe, Wild Icy Fruits, or Diamond Blackjack are something we are proud of, these games have so far become part of our brand identity now.
Of course, we've faced our share of challenges. This industry is always changing and fiercely competitive. But we see every challenge as an opportunity to learn, grow, and innovate.
And we've done just that, whether it's through our partnerships with gaming and media platforms or our constant push to improve our technology and design strategies.
What's next for us? We've got a few exciting things in the pipeline, like our upcoming project, Pinata Loca. But really, we're just getting started. We're excited about the future and can't wait to see where this journey takes us.
What is your own experience in the online gambling niche? What do you do for the studio now?
Before taking the helm at Expanse Studios, I was deeply involved in the online gambling industry as a marketing and CSR executive at Meridianbet. It was an eye-opening experience, and I learned the nuts and bolts of the business, as well as the importance of creating engaging games, promoting responsible gaming, and understanding our customers.
Now at Expanse, I've got my hands in pretty much everything. I lead our awesome team of developers and designers, and I'm the guy who helps plot our overall strategy. But it's not just about high-level stuff — I work closely with the team to make sure our games are top-notch, and I also communicate regularly with our partners to understand their needs and get their feedback.
My role is to make sure Expanse Studios is always pushing the envelope and creating innovative games while keeping a sharp focus on the players' experience and customer preferences. I wouldn't have it any other way.
On Instagram, Expanse announced visiting Sigma Asia. Has it gone well?
It was an incredible ride for the Expanse Studios team. Showcasing our games, we got to interact with numerous people from different sectors of the gaming industry.
What really thrilled us was the enthusiastic response our 42 games received. It confirmed that our dedication to innovative game design is being noticed and appreciated. But it wasn't just about showcasing - we were also there to build connections and expand our footprint.
I'm excited to share that we concluded several promising deals during the event. This not only indicates a growing interest in our games but also opens up fantastic opportunities for our business development. We came back with more than just good memories; we returned with partnerships that hold potential for exciting collaborations in the future.
So yes, I'd say SiGMA Asia 2023 went really well for us. It's been an excellent platform to connect, grow, and anticipate the promising future of the gaming industry, particularly in the evolving Asian markets.
The studio is literally surrounded by hundreds of competitors. What makes it stand out for players and casino operators?
Sure, we're surrounded by a myriad of competitors, but that's the greatest part, to be frank, and what makes the industry so vibrant and dynamic. What sets us apart, we believe, is our commitment to both players and future B2B partners.
For players, our diverse portfolio of games is a key differentiator. We offer a wide range of slot, table, and lottery-style games, each with its unique themes and features. Our games are not only entertaining but also innovative - for instance, Evoji, a unique turn-based strategy game with player-adjustable RTP, or Clown Fever, which provides a real-time arcade hall feel. We aim to keep things fresh, engaging, and continually surprising for our players.
For operators, our commitment to quality and reliability makes us stand out. All our games are licensed and certified, which ensures a fair and safe gaming experience. We also provide full customization options to meet the demands of different markets and customers. And we aren't just about the games - our excellent after-sales service and dedicated customer support are also part of the package.
So, in striving to strike the perfect balance between entertainment, innovation, and reliability, that is where our added value and resilience is. It's a challenging pursuit, but one we love and are incredibly proud of.
Is there anything specific or innovative about Expanse that you are most proud of?
Couldn’t agree more - there are many innovative aspects of Expanse Studios that make us proud, but if we were to highlight one, it would undoubtedly be our approach to creating unique and engaging gaming experiences.
For example, our game Evoji stands out in our portfolio. It's a unique and typical turn-based strategy game tailor-made and transformed into the online casino environment. The aspect we are most proud of in Evoji is the player-adjustable RTP feature, something that makes us the only developer with this type of games. We feel that this type of innovation is key to keeping the online gaming experience fresh and exciting for our players.
Another feature that makes us proud is our dedication to creating games that offer various gaming experiences. Our game Clown Fever is a great example of this. It's an arcade-style game that offers huge multipliers and the possibility of big wins, with an innovative user interface that brings a sense of originality and a real-time arcade hall feel to the game.
And our commitment to keeping our games licensed and certified shows our dedication to fair play and not a cause for some kind of corporate “flexing”, This is a reflection of our commitment to our players, who are our number one priority.
The studio has over 40 games of different kinds in its portfolio and Pia is currently the most played game. What makes it so special that players love it?
Pia Premium is a standout game for sure. Players love it for its unique Native American theme and the attention to detail we've put into the graphics and gameplay. It's a 4x5 slot game with 40 lines and a solid RTP of 98%. And, you can start betting from as little as 0.40 EUR - it caters to everyone.
What gets players excited is the Progressive Jackpot. Each spin contributes to the jackpot, increasing the prize and the anticipation until one lucky person scoops it up. And there's more, like the gamble feature where players can double their winnings, and the wild symbol creates more winning opportunities.
But what makes Pia Premium so special? Well, it's hard to pick just one thing. I guess it's the combination of all these features, plus the rich cultural narrative that makes it such a hit. In truth though, all our games have something unique to offer. We love them all and so do our players. It's hard to pick a single "most popular" game – they each have their loyal fans!
What is the biggest possible win in Expanse Studios games, if you can share?
As much as we'd love to share specifics, it's not that simple! The thrill of our games lies in their unpredictability, and part of that is the potential for big wins. What we can share is that our games offer impressive win opportunities across the board, with features like progressive jackpots and high multipliers significantly boosting the potential winnings.
One of the unique aspects of Expanse Studios is our focus on creating a balanced and fair gaming experience. Our games have a wide range of RTP rates, giving different kinds of players different opportunities.
However, we believe that the real 'biggest win' is the entertainment and enjoyment our games provide. After all, playing should be fun, and we design all of our games with this principle in mind. We are firm believers that gaming should be a thrilling and enjoyable experience first and foremost, and our players seem to agree!
The three latest games released by Expanse are Veni Vidi Vici, Pia, and Zombie Apocalypse. Can you please tell us more about their features and specs?
Let's start with Veni Vidi Vici. This game is an homage to Julius Caesar and the Roman Empire. With 10 fixed lines, the game offers players a unique betting experience. Its standout feature is a three-stage bonus that could provide up to an x1000 multiplier. It also has a Progressive Jackpot system and a Bonus Buy option, which is like a fast pass to the bonus game. The game has an overall RTP of 96.28% for the main game and 96.24% for the bonus game.
Pia, on the other hand, takes players on a journey into Native American culture. It's a 40-fixed-line game with an RTP of 96.10%. Pia's Progressive Jackpot system is a significant attraction, as the jackpot grows with each spin until a lucky player wins. It also features a Gamble feature, where players can potentially double their winnings.
Lastly, Zombie Apocalypse is an entertaining horror-themed game. It introduces a bonus buy option, enabling players to unlock 15 free spins instantly. The wild symbols come with multipliers of x2 and x3, which can significantly increase winnings. And of course, like our other games, it also features a Progressive Jackpot system and a gamble bonus. The game also enhances the frequency of scatter appearances, further boosting the chances of big wins.
And what is their common trait? In essence, each of them brings a unique blend of fun, excitement, and potentially big wins to the table. And this is where Expanse Studios stands out.
Most new studios start from slot games, but not Expanse. You have many different types of games offered. How many games do you release per month or per year? Do you still focus on certain game types more than on others?
From day one, we have been all about diversity and innovation. We love exploring different game genres and giving our players a rich variety of experiences.
On average, we release about 1 to 2 games per month, and so far, we've developed 42 games. Our approach is not to stick to one type of game but to create a broad range of high-quality games that cater to different tastes and preferences.
Absolutely, while the bread and butter of our portfolio is slot games, we've always made sure to provide variety for our players. That's why we've branched out to include other types of games as well, such as turn-based strategies and table games.
Turn-based strategy games bring an entirely different kind of thrill, demanding players to strategize and make calculated decisions to come out victorious. They also allow us to incorporate immersive storylines and complex character development, something we greatly enjoy.
As for the table games, they represent the classic charm of the casino world. The familiar mechanics and traditional style of these games make them a hit with players who appreciate the tried-and-true classics of the casino world.
Can you tell whether a game is going to be a hit or not before it is released?
As much as we'd love to predict future successes accurately, the truth is that determining whether a game will become a hit isn't an exact science. It's a blend of careful analysis, understanding our audience, and a bit of intuition.
We do our best to create games that we believe will resonate with players. That process involves a deep understanding of the market trends, player preferences, and the technical aspects of game development. We also listen closely to the feedback from our players and take it into consideration when designing new games.
Yet, the beauty of the gaming industry lies in its unpredictability, doesn’t it? Sometimes, a game you're confident about might not perform as expected, while another might surprise you with its popularity (of course, we witnessed this ourselves). It's this dynamism and the joy of creating something that players around the world can enjoy that drives us to keep innovating and pushing boundaries.
Has the iGaming niche changed a lot since Expanse entered the industry? What new trends have you been noticing lately?
Absolutely, the iGaming industry is in a state of constant evolution, which is one of the aspects that makes working in this field so exciting. Since Expanse entered the industry, there have been several noticeable changes and emerging trends.
Firstly, there's been a significant shift towards mobile gaming. More and more players are opting to play on their smartphones and tablets, and we've adapted to this by ensuring all our games are optimized for mobile play. The convenience of being able to play anytime, anywhere is something that resonates strongly with today's players and it is a must.
Secondly, we've seen an increasing demand for more immersive and interactive gaming experiences. Players now want games that not only offer the chance to win money, but also provide engaging storylines, high-quality graphics, and innovative features. In response, we've been focusing on creating games that offer rich, immersive experiences that captivate players and keep them coming back for more.
There has also been a rising interest in social and multiplayer features in online gaming. Players are seeking more community-driven experiences where they can interact with others and enjoy games together. This trend is pushing the industry towards more collaborative and socially-focused game designs. There is also a very rising trend of Twitch-styled online casino streaming trend, for which we are preparing some strong offer improvements as well.
What awards does the studio have?
While we're incredibly proud of the games we've created and the recognition we've received within the industry, we've actually taken a somewhat different approach when it comes to awards. Instead of focusing on collecting trophies, our primary goal has always been to create the highest quality games for our players and partners.
That said, we've been honored to have been nominated for several awards in the industry, and we're hugely grateful for that recognition. These nominations are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our fantastic team, and they certainly inspire us to keep pushing and innovating.
However, our real rewards come from the feedback we receive from our players and partners. When we hear that players are enjoying our games, or when we're able to help a casino operator boost their offering and achieve their goals, those are the moments we really cherish. Once awards come along the way, we'll certainly celebrate them. But our main focus will always be on the work we do and the value we provide to the iGaming community.
If you could change one major thing about the iGaming industry that would improve everything, what would you change?
It would be increased transparency. There's a common misconception that the online gaming world is a bit of a 'wild west', with hidden rules and murky practices. That's far from the truth. Reputable companies like ours are committed to responsible gaming, player protection, and fairness. But I believe the industry can do more to communicate that to our players and the wider public. Increased transparency could mean clearer information about how games work, how odds are calculated, what return to player (RTP) really means, and so on.
It could also involve more open dialogue about responsible gambling measures and how we as an industry can support players and ensure they're playing safely and within their means. This is our practice from day one. By making this information more accessible and more readily available, we could help dispel some of the myths about online gaming, build trust with players, and create a safer and more enjoyable environment for everyone.
Can you please tell us more about the studio’s plans for the rest of 2023?
Our primary focus will continue to be on creating new, innovative games that both our players and operators love. We've got some fantastic titles in the pipeline. One of our upcoming games is 'Piñata Loca', a lively and colorful adventure inspired by Mexican culture and traditions. We're really proud of how it's shaping up, and we believe players will appreciate the game's unique features, vibrant design, and immersive gameplay. We hope it will bring a bit of fiesta fun to the iGaming scene!
Beyond game development, we are also looking to expand our partnerships and collaborations with other industry players. We're aiming to increase our presence in the iGaming market and are particularly interested in exploring opportunities in emerging markets. We continue investing more in our team, providing them with opportunities for professional growth and development. Our team is the heart of Expanse Studios, and we want to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to continue producing excellent work.
The rest of 2023 will be about growth, innovation, and exciting new opportunities. We can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings!
Eva is the voice of online casino reviews at CasinosHunter. With over a decade of copywriting experience, she ensures all content is clear and accurate. Eva simplifies complex gambling concepts and rules, helping players make informed decisions based on casino facts.
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