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Evoplay: Harmony at the heart of effective game design

Evolplay’s Chief Commerical Officer, Ihor Zarechnyi, speaks with Gambling Insider about market entry, the changing face of game design, new promotional tools and the company’s plans for the rest of the year.  

ihor

Last year Evoplay underwent a phase of expansion in Europe. How do you reflect on this period and in what way has it informed your strategy for 2025? 

It was a strong year – we entered new markets like the Czech Republic, Brazil and Peru and initial indicators are showing a positive response to our content across these diverse regions, so we’re very pleased. For 2025, we’re focused on expanding further in Europe and are looking ahead to launches planned in the Netherlands and Spain – as well as growing our presence in other key regions. We can hardly mention last year – and indeed this year – without mentioning Brazil! But also, aside from launching there, we’ve entered the Canadian market, a new chapter for us which, we hope, has moved us one step closer to entering the US market.  

To make collaboration with our partners even smoother, we’re continuing to improve the Client Area. It helps them access the information they need easily, save time, and stay informed about key updates.

In the modern iGaming market, what does Evoplay class as the key non-negotiable game design aspects for effective player acquisition and retention? 

At the heart of effective game design is balance

We consider this one of the key non-negotiable elements in developing a good game. Blending gameplay mechanics, user experience, visuals, and interactivity is certainly key as – if done successfully – it creates a harmony within the overall experience that truly resonates with players. Another key factor is a well-designed reward system. Engaging visuals and smooth gameplay are important, but it’s the sense of achievement and timely rewards that help maintain player interest and make the experience more enjoyable.  

At the beginning of the year, Evoplay introduced a new promotional tool – Races – to its partners. What inspired the company to create the tool, and how does it differ from more traditional promotional tools such as tournaments or quests? 

With the iGaming landscape becoming increasingly competitive, and player churn remaining a significant challenge, operators need fresh ways to attract and retain their audiences. In response, Evoplay developed the Races promo tool – designed to help partners boost engagement and build stronger player loyalty.

At its core, Races looks to combine competitive gameplay with goal-oriented challenges and, unlike traditional promotional tools like tournaments or quests, Races incorporates a fast-paced, energetic format where players can jump from one game to the next, racing to reach the finish line first.  

What do you feel is the best approach to ensuring improved player engagement and retention in the modern industry when releasing a new promotional tool like this one? 

The key is to create promo tools that are both flexible for operators and genuinely enjoyable for players

The best approaches always combine simplicity, a sense of familiarity with something new and emotionally impactful. Players should feel excited, challenged, and rewarded – without needing time to figure things out. Easy-to-grasp mechanics, clear goals and real-time feedback all help keep momentum high. 

However, it is also just as important to let operators tailor each campaign. Whether it’s game selection or timing, personalisation makes the experience feel relevant. And if everything is done right, there’s a much greater chance the game will resonate beyond the promo – and stay top of mind the next time players are looking for entertainment. 

Overall, how do you reflect on the initial phase of the year and what can you tell us about your upcoming plans for the next 12 months and beyond? 

The year began on a positive note with our official entry into the Canadian iGaming market. One of our main goals now is to grow our partner network and strengthen our connection with the local audience. To achieve this, our teams – from game producers to marketers – are working hard on research and development to better understand player preferences and boost engagement. 

Our ambition is to become one of the top game providers in Canada, while continuing to expand our presence across North and South America, and beyond. These are long-term goals that extend well beyond the next 12 months, especially in the iGaming industry, where progress can involve complex steps and take time. But it’s worth the effort! 

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