Crazy Time has just launched in the US and has been available globally since 2020. How did you develop the idea for this online live game show?
Innovation is in Evolution’s DNA; we constantly push the boundaries of what we and others think is possible. By 2017, we had over a decade of experience in online casino games, both live casino games aired 24/7 from our studios and first person random number generator (RNG) technology titles. We wanted to appeal to online gamers who are not necessarily casino fans, so we launched Dream Catcher, a money-wheel game with a live host, and the Game Show genre was born. Due to a fruitful partnership with Hasbro, we created monopoly live in 2019, an online live game show in an augmented reality setting with a human host alongside the virtual Mr Monopoly We stuck to the money wheel and, as a novelty, introduced the concept of bonus games - when the wheel stops on a bonus game segment, players progress to a world of multiplied payouts.
Players absolutely loved the bonus game, so we decided to expand on this aspect. In 2020, we launched Crazy Time, building on the success of Dream Catcher’s money wheel, embellished with four exciting bonus games for an elevated gaming experience. Game shows are essential for Evolution, and year after year, we create new innovative games, appealing to players’ preferences to mature this unique genre further.
How do Crazy Time’s bonus games work?
Each of Crazy Time’s four bonus games is a unique gaming experience. In Cash Hunt, players arrive at a digital shooting gallery of 108 random multipliers, selected by our certified RNG technology. In Pachinko, a glowing puck bounces down between the pegs of a giant luminous wall until it falls into one of the multiplier pockets. In Coin Flip, a blue and a red-sided coin is assigned a random multiplier on each side, boosting the original bet when it lands. And then, the namesake Crazy Time bonus game opens the iconic red door, granting players entry to a whimsical world of a gigantic virtual money wheel for an increased multiplier potential.
We aim to improve player experiences and create entertaining games that players will love. Competition fuels this approach as it keeps us on our toes and helps us stay ahead of the curve with innovations
Evolution was the first company to launch an online Live Craps game. Do you expect you will have to adapt much as the market perhaps catches on and produces similar games?
At Evolution, we never stand still; we never settle. We work to do more and do better every day, an ethos that harmonizes with market competition. We aim to improve player experiences and create entertaining games that players will love. Competition fuels this approach as it keeps us on our toes and helps us stay ahead of the curve with innovations.
I look forward to seeing our competitors produce innovative live casino games for two reasons. Firstly, it will challenge us to develop better games. Secondly, it will raise awareness of the genre in the US, where iGaming is still in an early stage, and players are learning about the endless possibilities technology presents to their online entertainment.
What challenges have you faced in your expansion plans throughout the US?
Expansion is always challenging, especially in a fast-paced and highly competitive market. We opened online live casino studios in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, and Connecticut in fewer than five years. Establishing a new location is always challenging. We need to understand the local context, and it is impossible to know certain things - such as recruitment processes, local player preferences, and specific regulations - before entering a market. We need agility and the ability to respond fast. Most US regulators we work with have long-standing experience overseeing land-based casinos, which is excellent as they have set expectations. It is also challenging, especially when introducing new games to the market.
How popular do you expect Crazy Time to be in New Jersey compared to Evolution’s other titles?
We are optimistic about Crazy Time becoming a favorite online game show in the US as we have seen it perform exceptionally well globally. For example, in Europe, it has over 25,000 concurrent players during peak hours. Crazy Time has been our most popular title in the world, and I have every reason to believe it will succeed in New Jersey. Thanks to its intuitive gameplay, a player needs no previous knowledge about iGaming to enjoy playing Crazy Time instantly - no difficult decisions; just place a bet and enjoy the game show. I also believe the game will attract many players who have not tried live casino games before.
Expansion is always challenging, especially in a fast-paced and highly-competitive market
Do you see technological advances like AI bringing further opportunities to Evolution?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is ubiquitous, and we have already utilised this technology in our chat moderation and game development process, as well as our Smart Lobby, which curates games to individual player preferences. I believe companies should focus on developing technology to create excellent player experiences. Embracing new technologies, such as AI, helps, but players must always be at the core of technological advancement. Catering to player experiences always sparks the best technological solutions.
What can we expect from Evolution in the US in 2024?
We will continue to bring exciting new live casino titles, game shows, and online video slots to players in the US. In its early stages, iGaming has an immense potential to develop in the US - many players do not know they can play blackjack or baccarat with human dealers in real-time, online. As the industry matures, we must seize the opportunity to raise awareness about the endless entertainment experiences iGaming can offer players.
We are also excited about launching Evolution’s online video slot brand, Nolimit City, in early 2024 in the US, following a successful launch in Ontario, Canada, in 2023. Once that happens, our extensive online video slot portfolio will go live for players in the US, together with games by our NetEnt, Red Tiger, and Big Time Gaming developers.
