How was the recent period for Wazdan, including 2023 and first months of 2024?
In 2023, we had a remarkably strong year across the board. We released 53 new slots, significantly expanding our portfolio, and successfully integrated our content with over 450 casinos globally. This led to a remarkable 100% increase in bets on our titles, reflecting unprecedented player engagement. Additionally, we offered a total of €4m ($4.3m) in prize pools through network promotions, allowing our partners to significantly enhance their KPIs.
One of the most important highlights of 2023 was the remarkable development and overwhelming popularity achieved by our Coins™ series. The success of the series underscored our ability to anticipate and meet the evolving demands of players, while also solidifying our position as a leading provider of cutting-edge gaming experiences.
Alongside this, we participated in eight gaming summits across various countries, connecting with new and potential customers and showcasing our dynamic products. Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate attending more gaming summits in the coming year, gaining ground worldwide.
Were there any success stories in the last few months that took you by surprise?
We approach our achievements with a mindset that aligns perfectly with our motto: "We don’t bet on success – we engineer it." This ethos instils a sense of confidence in our abilities and the strategies we employ. Our success is not left to chance; rather, it is meticulously planned and executed.
We anticipated the rise of networks as a significant trend in the industry, and our foresight proved accurate. By staying ahead of the curve and consistently delivering high-quality products and services, we ensured that our company's growth trajectory remained steady and even saw an upward trend.
In essence, the absence of any surprising success stories reflects our proactive approach to business. We engineer our success through careful planning, innovation and a relentless pursuit of excellence in all that we do.
Were there any industry trends you thought would become more popular but didn’t, or haven’t yet?
Speculation around VR technology making a significant impact in the iGaming industry hasn't materialised as expected. Unlike the rapid development of AI, VR's influence remains limited, possibly due to accessibility issues with VR technology not being widespread in households.
While there was a sudden surge in interest in cryptocurrency within iGaming, it hasn't become a dominant force, and its exponential growth might not continue.
We engineer our success through careful planning, innovation and a relentless pursuit of excellence in all that we do
There appears to be untapped potential in social gaming, offering opportunities for first-movers. Despite being highlighted as an upcoming trend, many in the industry haven't fully embraced its potential. Social gaming could become a crucial factor in slot development and distribution in years to come, making it a trend worth watching.
What new industry trends do you think will be most important in the coming years?
AI played a crucial role in the last year, and the upcoming year promises further developments in this area. It's essential to closely monitor advancements not only from a technological perspective but also regarding regulatory considerations.
Regarding regulations, I anticipate the inclusion of more markets in regions like Latin America and Africa. This year is expected to be pivotal, and at Wazdan, we eagerly anticipate expanding as jurisdictions open their doors.
There will likely be an increased focus on accessibility in gameplay. While the industry has been mobile-first for some time, the shift of casinos into the digital space will drive companies to enhance the accessibility of their products. With our Extremely Light series, we are already positioned ahead of this trend.
What are your expectations for the future at Wazdan?
Certainly, there's no intention of slowing down at Wazdan. Expect a continuous stream of game releases, increased event participation, and a pursuit of further recognition through award nominations and wins.
The recent extensive rebrand introduces new opportunities and challenges, and despite the fresh look, the commitment remains steadfast in delivering top-notch products and services to customers.
Regarding Network Promotions, 2023 was just the start. Anticipate dominating the scene with new solutions, promo tools, and advanced software. We are also doubling the prize pool to €8m for this year.
We will also be attending many industry events, so make sure to keep an eye on this space for exciting developments.
