20 May, 2024 | Asia Focus 2024

Q&A with Imagine Live Armenia CEO Hakob Manukyan: Innovating the live experience

Gambling Insider speaks with Hakob Manukyan, CEO of Imagine Live Armenia, about the company’s offerings and how they are being catered for the Asian market

How important is the APAC region to Imagine Live? 

As the CEO of Imagine Live, I’m thrilled to discuss our presence and plans in the APAC region. The APAC region is extremely important for Imagine Live. It represents a significant portion of the global gaming market and is characterised by a growing appetite for innovative gaming experiences.

We recognise the diverse preferences and high demand for interactive gaming in this region, which motivates us to continuously enhance our presence and offerings to cater to the unique needs of APAC customers.

In general, how popular arelive dealer games in Asia? 

Live dealer games have soared in popularity across Asia in recent years. The immersive and social nature of these games resonates well with players, fostering a sense of excitement and authenticity.

Asia’s vibrant gaming culture has propelled the widespread adoption of live dealer games, making it a cornerstone of the region’s gaming landscape. We continuously strive to innovate and refine our baccarat and other Asian game offerings, to ensure they remain engaging and enjoyable for players across the region.

As you’ve already mentioned, baccarat is popular in Asia. Could you talk us through Imagine Live’s baccarat offerings? 

Baccarat holds a special place in Asian gaming culture, renowned for its simplicity and elegance. At Imagine Live, we try to provide exceptional baccarat offerings that captivate players with stunning visuals, seamless gameplay, and innovative features. We offer two types of baccarat: Gold Baccarat and Speed Baccarat.

What sets Gold Baccarat apart is the lavish visual appeal and captivating gameplay, thanks to our Robot Arm. Our Baccarat games are meticulously designed to provide an authentic experience, catering to the preferences of Asian players. 

Have you designed any other games specifically for the Asian market? 

In addition to baccarat, we have developed other games specifically tailored for the Asian market, such as Dragon Tiger and Sic Bo 102. These games are crafted with a deep understanding of Asian gaming preferences, incorporating cultural elements and gameplay mechanics that resonate with local players.

That’s why we recently opened our second Asian studio. Our goal is to offer a diverse portfolio of games that cater to the tastes and preferences of players across the APAC region.

Could you tell us about your new Asian-themed live casino studio, unveiled in January? 

Our new Asian-themed live casino studio represents a significant milestone in our commitment to the APAC market. This state-of-the-art studio with 12 tables is meticulously designed to immerse players in an authentic Asian gaming experience with stunning visuals, quality audio and culturally inspired aesthetics. It is a testament to our dedication to delivering innovative and captivating gaming experiences to regional players.

How much has your Robot Arm camera helped to elevate Imagine Live’s offerings? 

The Robot Arm camera has been instrumental in elevating Imagine Live’s offerings by revolutionising the way we capture and deliver live gaming content. Robot Arm brings a whole new level of player experience. 

We are truly passionate about the player’s experience. Our Robot Arm lifts the player experience to an entirely new level. Its advanced robotics technology allows it to move smoothly and seamlessly, giving players a clear view of all the actions at a table.

Its advanced capabilities enable us to deliver dynamic camera angles, providing players with a truly engaging experience. With our Robot Arm camera, players will feel right around the table, enjoying a real casino’s excitement and thrill.

What are Imagine Live’s plans for the next few months in Asia? 

Looking ahead, Imagine Live has ambitious plans. We are committed to expanding our presence in the region, forging strategic partnerships, and introducing exciting new offerings tailored to the preferences of Asian players.

Our goal is to continue innovating and delivering exceptional gaming experiences, which captivate and delight our partners and their players across the APAC region.