Date of posting: January 16, 2023. Most recent update: January 3, 2024.
MDr. Wyatt-Jones and Mr. Petkov, we’re thrilled to have you join us for this Q&A at Realgambling. We greatly appreciate your time to discuss GONG Gaming.
Could you provide us with some background about yourselves, your career paths, and how GONG Gaming came into existence?
Joe: After completing my degree in History and Politics, I found myself uncertain about my future career, so naturally, I gravitated towards sales. Following eight fruitful years of selling various products, I desired a shift. Given my passion for sports betting, I began working for a spread betting organization and later moved to Entain, focusing on US Sports. I truly enjoyed that role, and during my time in Gibraltar, I connected with many slot industry insiders and recognized the potential of the market. When the opportunity at GONG arose, I eagerly accepted and have been thriving as a Sales Manager, expanding my connections within the gaming sector over the past year.
What distinguishes GONG Gaming from other industry players in your opinion?
Joe: The people! Being located in Bulgaria allows us to assemble a remarkably talented and dedicated team, all of whom share a strong commitment to our industry and GONG’s achievements. When everyone collaborates effectively, supported by management that fosters creativity and personal development, it paves the way for success.
What aspirations does the company hold for its position in the iGaming sector?
Joe: Our aim is to develop exceptional and unique content that players from diverse regulated markets will enjoy. We aim to generate excitement around GONG's upcoming titles, as we have a track record of creating engaging games for players. While the competition is intense, we believe we are continuously learning and evolving.
With gambling innovations and advanced technologies emerging each year—such as cryptocurrency, AI, new payment methods, and virtual reality—do you view this as an obstacle or an opportunity for game developers?
Joe: The increasing interest in the iGaming market is encouraging; while some players appreciate traditional content, others are eager for innovative experiences. This influx can only benefit a progressive, customer-centered company like GONG. We remain committed to innovation while prioritizing the preferences and interests of our players.
What do you consider to be the essential elements in developing a successful slot game?
Emil: Consistency is crucial! Every aspect of a slot must harmonize – the artwork, gameplay mechanics, and sound design should seamlessly integrate, creating a captivating experience that transports players away from their daily lives. Games should provide an immersive escape and deliver top-notch entertainment. When everything aligns and players are enjoying themselves, success is likely.
In your opinion, which three slot machines have achieved the greatest success, and what do you think contributed to their popularity?
Emil: Starburst, Aftershock (for land-based venues), and Book Of Dead consistently resonate with players. They share one key element I particularly appreciate: the ability to create a calm atmosphere that builds up to exhilarating moments. These games excellently manage anticipation and reward players in exciting ways. Although many slots have that characteristic, these three succeed in amplifying the thrill remarkably well.
Can you share insights about your latest game releases?
Joe: Our most recent launch was a Halloween-themed slot called Witch Feature, which we released just before Halloween. We were thrilled about this and put in a significant effort to market this game as a special Halloween offering. It is a feature-rich game filled with excitement, offering triggers for features every few spins. Incorporating beloved elements like Free Spins and Respins, it presents a whimsical twist.
We always ask our guests this: which slot do you favor the most and why?
Joe: If I had to select one, my favorite slot would be Assassin Moon. It offers exhilarating gameplay, captivating music, and is immensely entertaining, which keeps me returning to it.
Which competitors do you find inspiring, and what aspects of their work do you admire?
Emil: I have a fondness for Play’nGo’s games inspired by rock and metal bands, likely due to my musical taste, haha. They skillfully weave essential elements of a band’s music into engaging mechanics and themes that I find delightful. As a musician myself, I appreciate how they successfully incorporate heavier music into their slots, making them stand out in the industry. It’s impressive to see how companies can borrow from other sectors and tailor it to appeal to their audience.
How was 2024 for GONG Gaming?
Emil: It’s been quite the journey. We transitioned to a new office, developed new procedures, and our organizational structure evolved several times. Additionally, we embarked on various projects, and we can't wait to unveil some of them in 2024.
What changes do you foresee that might influence the company’s objectives?
Emil: I'm particularly interested in the advancements in AI, which are continually enhancing capabilities in realistic design generation, animation, coding, and text creation. I foresee many companies soon embracing this technology and incorporating it into their operations. At GONG, we are enthusiastic about these developments and eager to see how they will transform our industry.
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