CasinosHunter asking Almir Kudić, Head of R&D and Strategic Operations at GameArt, about his own path in iGaming, the company’s path and achievements, and other interesting aspects of online casino software provider creative work. Take advantage of learning more about an innovative studio and its best games in the new Q&A below.
About GameArt
GameArt was founded in 2014 and by now, the company has over 150 high-quality, mobile-first games that are compatible with all device types. In addition, it develops games for land-based casino houses. The games support multiple languages and 65 currencies, and new games are added on a monthly basis so no player gets bored.
The studio partners with more than 90 online casinos and holds two licenses - the MGA one and the one by Curacao. GameArt partners with SoftSwiss, iSoftBet, SoftGamings, Every Matrix, etc. Today, the team has 70 professional employees that can take pride in the company’s stunning graphics, well-paying games, and advanced marketing methods like tournaments.
Online slots by GameArt include different features and mechanics, like Megaways, Multi level jackpots, etc. The games are certified by Gaming Labs and Quinel and licensed in 12+ countries, making them safe and reliable for real-money gambling in numerous jurisdictions.
However, diving into details of games and creative work by GameArt is even more exciting, so check the new interview out to learn more.
Q&A Session With Almir Kudić, Head of R&D and Strategic Operations
Hello and thank you for finding time to participate in our Q&A! Could you please start by telling us more about your own experience in the iGaming industry, and what you do now for GameArt?
I've had the privilege of being part of this dynamic and innovative field for a significant duration. I started out as a poker dealer in a local casino here in Slovenia and I was always fascinated by games, especially ones involving cards. At that time, I was not familiar with slot machines, but when I joined GameArt, I saw that the slot industry is much bigger, and has way more potential.
My current role as the Head of the R&D department at GameArt is truly fulfilling. Throughout my career, I've strived to lead by example, driven by a vision to consistently enhance the landscape of gaming technology. My leadership approach is grounded in inspiration and motivation, values that I believe are crucial to fostering a collaborative and productive work environment. The remarkable success of various GameArt projects is a testament to the dedication of our team and our shared commitment to excellence.
In my capacity as the head of R&D, I've been fortunate to work with a team of talented individuals who consistently challenge the boundaries of innovation. We're committed to integrating cutting-edge advancements into our products and services, ensuring that GameArt remains at the forefront of the industry. The GameArt Game Portfolio, a culmination of our collective efforts, has resonated with operators and players globally, and
I take immense pride in our team's accomplishments. I'm excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible in gaming technology and contributing to an industry that I'm deeply passionate about.
When was the company founded, exactly? How would you assess the path that has already been taken?
GameArt was founded in 2014. Since its inception the company has produced over 150 games, gained over 90 clients, employed 70 professional employees, and obtained two licences: Malta Gaming Authority and Cuaraco.
The competition is tough in this industry. What are GameArt’s key strengths that make it different from every other studio?
At GameArt, our distinctiveness arises from a fusion of strengths that elevate us in the industry.
We thrive on crafting original game concepts that transport players into immersive experiences, enriched by popular culture references, historical narratives, and fantasy realms. Our commitment to cutting-edge technology results in high-quality slot games boasting stunning graphics, engaging characters, and seamless animations.
A standout feature is our gameplay innovation, offering diverse volatility levels, intuitive features like bonus wilds, multiplier symbols, and free spin retriggers. This caters to both experienced and casual players. Our mobile-first approach ensures seamless gaming across devices, while our adaptability tailors games to market trends and preferences.
We engage players through exciting tournaments like Yeet&Sweet 2023, reflecting a €1,000,000 budget for rewards. Moreover, our flexible sales policies account for market specifics.
GameArt acts as a bridge between online and land-based gaming, yielding a synergistic partnership for clients.
These combined strengths define us, shaping GameArt as an inventive studio that continually reshapes gaming industry standards.
There are over 150 games available. Are there any signature features, in terms of designs or mechanics, that are instantly recognizable and show this is a GameArt product?
Our hallmark at GameArt lies in our stunning graphics.
Crafted meticulously by our art department, each game displays high-quality designs, which not only captivate with their aesthetics but also tell immersive stories, drawing players into rich narratives.
We know that some of the top-performing games so far are Money Farm Megaways™, Pirate’s Pearl Megaways™, Lunar Rabbit, and Rosh Immortality Cube Megaways™. What is so special about these games in particular that makes them so popular with players/casinos?
The Megaways mechanic is very popular among players. This feature offers players up to 117,649 ways to win, diverging from traditional fixed paylines. The dynamic gameplay mechanics, including cascading symbols and the potential for numerous winning combinations, create an engaging and immersive experience that appeals to both players and casinos seeking unique and rewarding gameplay.
Lunar Rabbit was designed in the popular 7x7 cluster format. It is a thrilling game as it contains endless exciting features, including random gifts, super-sized symbols, and a charge metre with total win multipliers, giving the player the opportunity to win big.
40 Super Blazing Sevens game is a new release that has already shown great results. Could you please tell us more about this game?
40 Super Blazing Sevens is the sequel to our classic Super Heated Sevens with the addition of more ways to win. It is a 6x4-reel slot game with 40 paylines and features including Wilds and Scatter pays, giving players the chance to win up to 3,000x their bet. The game also includes a Gamble Feature where the player must select a red or black card to get the chance to double their win or select a suite to get the chance to multiply their win by four.
Classic fruit games are very popular among players that are familiar with traditional land-based machines, and their timeless allure inspires us to create our own take on these games.
What is the company’s biggest achievement this year?
Our most significant accomplishment this year has been securing the Critical Gaming Supply Licence (B2B Licence) issued by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). This achievement opens the door to substantial opportunities for GameArt.
The licence empowers us to extend the availability of our captivating slot games within Malta's jurisdiction, a market renowned for its prominence in the gaming industry.
Furthermore, the acquisition of this licence enhances our credibility and partnerships on a global scale. It instills greater confidence and trust in our existing and potential collaborators, solidifying GameArt's position as a reliable and innovative force in the industry.
What are the company’s next releases? What should online casino players expect?
GameArt has just released its September to October 2023 Games Roadmap which includes an exciting lineup of new releases that promise to captivate online casino players throughout the initial two months of autumn.
Players can expect to enjoy the following games: Raiders of the Lost Book, an adventure game launching on September 12; Greek Pantheon Megaways™, our third Megaways game of the year, which will go live on September 26; Halloween Farm, which is a seasonal adaptation of our popular Money Farm Series, launching on October 3, and Fate's Fury, which is a slot game featuring an epic battle between two sorceresses, going live on October 24.
What is the biggest win possible in GameArt’s games, if you can share? Has anyone already hit that win?
It depends on how big the exposure of each casino site is. We set the max bet for each slot based on their max exposure which could be €1 million or €100,000. We have games that can pay 100,000x so when playing at casinos with an unlimited budget, a player can win €10 million when placing a bet of €100.
We have had some big wins though, and in 2019 a player won $2,458,064 on our slot game Azrabah Wishes.
Can you tell us more about the studio’s partnerships?
We are constantly adding more games to our portfolio and partnerships help us to do this. We work with studios that can provide us with completed games, delivered to us according to our preferences.
Additionally, we collaborate with specialised studios to provide certain aspects such as art, animations, mathematics, sounds, and quality assurance. We engage these studios to develop particular components of the slots as per our requirements.
It is very important to stay on track with market requirements and produce many interesting titles, which we can achieve with some external help from outsourced studios.
You have been in the industry for a while. What interesting trends have you been noticing recently?
Indeed, it changed a lot from many perspectives and the main one is connected to the generation and technology used nowadays for playing games. With over 90% of our traffic coming from mobile devices, a stark contrast from its almost negligible presence a decade ago, our game development efforts are now primarily concentrated on catering to this dynamic segment.
The generational shift is evident, with a growing number of players using social media to promote games. This marks a significant departure from previous years when gambling was often concealed due to societal judgments. Mobile phones have revolutionised accessibility, ensuring consistent traffic throughout the day, unlike the past when peak hours were more pronounced due to the need to be at home and use a PC for gaming.
In your opinion, what is currently the best innovation in iGaming?
I believe that in the rapidly evolving landscape of iGaming, two standout innovations are at the forefront: DeFi Mechanisms and Non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
DeFi Mechanisms, short for Decentralized Finance, have injected a new level of transparency, security, and autonomy into iGaming. By utilising blockchain technology, DeFi mechanisms redefine traditional financial models, enabling players to access games and transactions without intermediaries. This revolutionary approach has not only increased player trust but also streamlined processes, making transactions more efficient and secure.
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have also revolutionised iGaming by introducing digital ownership and rarity. These unique digital assets offer players ownership over in-game items, characters, and experiences. This innovation has ignited a new level of engagement and interaction, as players now hold digital assets that hold real value within and beyond the gaming ecosystem.
Both DeFi Mechanisms and NFTs are pushing the boundaries of iGaming by transforming how players interact with games and the underlying ecosystem. These innovations showcase the industry's forward-thinking nature and its commitment to offering players innovative and immersive experiences.
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