“Gamers can feel when developers are passionate about their games. They can smell it like a dog smells fear. Don’t be afraid to hold onto your unique vision”
Scott Rogers, Level Up!: The Guide to Great Video Game Design
The gambling industry stands as one of the most lucrative markets globally, projected to reach a market volume of US$138.10 billion by 2028. Within this forecast, online casinos are anticipated to contribute US$48.04 billion, reflecting their significant growth and prominence in the industry.
So this begs the question…
In an industry that is so heavily reliant on a constant influx of innovative, eye-catching games and highly replayable game mechanics, why can it feel at times, that game studios, developers, and providers, lack the attention they so rightly deserve?
There is no denying that operators and affiliates are quite rightly the heroes of this dynamic and constantly evolving industry. They bring these innovative games to the masses, speak directly to the consumer, and most importantly, bring in the $$$.
But, as a white-haired Witcher once said:
”This World Doesn’t Need A Hero; It Needs A Professional.”
Geralt, The Witcher 3, 2015
The upcoming CasinoBeats Summit is catering to just that, with a plethora of dedicated panels to appease the demands of game-creating professionals, whether that be game-developing rogues, technical wizards, or studio leaders.
After all, CasinoBeats Summit is ‘The Future of Play: iGaming Strategy, Innovation and Development’ for a reason.
So sit back and relax as we show you TEN REASONS WHY CASINOBEATS SUMMIT IS THE EVENT FOR GAME STUDIOS (all operators, affiliates and suppliers are OF COURSE still more than welcome, but today the spotlight is on the studios).
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1. JOHN ROMERO KEYNOTE
What better place is there to start, than with the ‘Father of first-person shooters’ himself?
John Romero, award-winning game programmer, game designer, and level designer on iconic video games ‘Doom’, ‘Wolfenstein 3D’, and ‘Quake’ (to name just a few) will be gracing the stage at CasinoBeats Summit 2024 for an exclusive keynote presentation.
During his keynote “Bridging Worlds: Nostalgia, Innovation, and the Future – A Journey with John Romero,” Romero will offer insights drawn from his extensive experience in video gaming, tailored to inspire and advance the mindset of the online casino sector.
When talking to SBC about his upcoming appearance, John Romero had this to say:
“The beauty of game design is that its core principles go beyond video games — you can use them in any industry where creating a positive experience for people is key.
“I’m really excited to present to an audience of casino experts and to share my own journey in creating some of the most successful video game titles out there. My keynote is all about inspiring casino developers to push boundaries, get creative, and build the kind of immersive experiences that really reel in players in new and exciting ways.”
Make sure to mark your calendar for Wednesday, 22nd May at 9.45 am!
Want to know more about John Romero? Check out the blog post below to discover the ways John Romero revolutionised the gaming industry.
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2. TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION
There is no questioning the imperative role technology has in the gaming sphere. With each new innovation in technology, we are able to push the boundaries of what was done before and create new, exciting ways to interact and engage with games.
Whether it is ‘Cascading Reels’ or Cluster Pays™, the industry is consistently reinventing how to play the game, and there is no better setting to discuss these innovations than at CasinoBeats Summit!
The panel titled ‘Tomorrow’s Jackpot: The Future Trends of Game/Slot Design’ will delve into cutting-edge slot game innovations. Featuring a roster of industry experts, the panel will explore topics such as the ways tech innovations are transforming slot gaming experiences, how these innovations are impacting the future of casino entertainment, and the potential downsides to embracing such a wealth of technology.
Additionally, the panel ‘Innovations From Tech to Revolutionise iGaming’ will bring together leading figures in game development to discuss the latest hardware and software disrupting the industry, whilst also examining technology outside of the industry to assess its potential application within our own field.
Discover the full scope of game-focused panels on the ‘It’s All Casino’ conference track by clicking here.
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3. STREAMING TOURNAMENT/STREAMER PRESENCE
Whether you like it or not, society is fully embedded in the so-called ‘digital age’.
With this new age of digital innovation, has come a stream (see what we did there) of new forms of entertainment, marketing channels and ideas of what a celebrity is.
Streamers, both industry-related and further afield, embody all of the above, generating a new form of entertainment by showcasing new games to millions of spectators online. This is why the upcoming CasinoBeats Summit will shine a light on this increasingly popular form of affiliate marketing with its very own STREAMER TOURNAMENT.
The tournament will take place on a dedicated streamer stage, located by the network lounge on the exhibition floor. It will run across the two main Summit days (May 22-23) and will feature 6 streaming slots per day (12 in total), meaning 12 new game releases will be hosted at the Summit. The game studios running an exclusive launch at the Summit will get the opportunity to pitch their game to the streamers and the audience for a duration of 5 minutes. The remaining time (from the allocated 1-hour slot) will be given to the streamers who will be playing the slot.
This opportunity is part of a dedicated Games Studio Package that also includes a 2x2m space in the Game Studio Area powered by a 50-inch screen available for display and demos, as well as two Full-access passes to CasinoBeats Summit.
For the game studios exhibiting in the Game Studio Area who are not participating in the slot tournament, a time slot (10 am-11 am) is allocated each day to give them the opportunity to simply pitch their game to the audience.
Streamers already set to appear at CasinoBeats Summit include Chaz Psaila(Senior Streamer, Livespins), DiceGirl Egle (Slots Streamer & Gambling Content Creator, Ouroboros systems), Esraa Bouzanen (Streamer, Finixio ), Versaceoz Oguzhan Bicer, David Fall (Steamer & Influencer, David Plays Slots), Jason Good (Streamer, Gamducks), Casper Udden (Streamer, Gamducks), Alvin Sheldon (Streamer, Chipmonkz Slots ), Gav (Streamer, Jord Slots) and more still to be announced.
So how will this benefit game studios and developers?
- The GAME STUDIOS that are ready to launch their latest game with a real splash can do so by teaming up with these streamers. The streamers will introduce these cool new games to their followers and also catch the eye of operators looking to buy.
- In a market where multiple new slot games get released every month, standing out is key. The Slot Tournament at CasinoBeats Summit presents an opportunity for the studios to spotlight their latest creations. By debuting their games at the Summit, they can leverage top streamers to introduce these games not only to a wide audience but also to the attending operators, effectively doing the heavy lifting for them.
- For those in the gaming industry who are not exhibiting, this is a perfect opportunity to take inspiration and witness the latest game releases in the industry. Keep up with the competition and get first-hand insights from renowned streamers on the success and innovative features of upcoming games, in the aim enhance your own products.
Want to get involved?
For Game Studios: Game studios looking to launch their game/s at the summit and leverage the Slot Tournament for maximum exposure, can connect with our sales team at [email protected]. They’ll guide you through the additional benefits and available packages.
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4. DISCUSSIONS ON CREATIVE GAME DESIGN
Whether you are a leading game developer or just finding your feet as an independent studio, the main aim for everyone is to produce an innovative, creative, blockbuster game.
Therefore, anyone seeking actionable takeaways and engaging discussions around game design will be extremely interested in the panel ‘Building an Innovation Giant: Merge, Create, Dominate’.
The panel will feature gaming experts Alexander McLoughlin (Head of Casino Operations & Marketing, Bally’s), Anna Wallenstein (Head of Games, GIMO) and Aleksandra Andrishak (Editor in Chief, Slotsjudge) as they delve into the art of creating the ultimate blockbuster game.
Topics set to be discussed during the panel include:
- What factors contribute to studio creativity, whether it be from small independent studios or the industry giants producing hundreds of slots annually?
- Where might new avenues for innovation and success emerge, and how can studios effectively harness them?
- The potential downsides or compromises of artistic integrity versus sheer quantity of output?
The panel is set to take place on Wednesday, 22nd May, the first core day of the event, as part of the ‘It’s All Casino’ conference track.
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5. AN EXPLORATION OF NICHE GAMING FORMATS
Now, as mentioned in the point above, we all recognise the importance of creating a blockbuster game.
But is mainstream appeal the only way to produce gripping, compelling games?
The short answer is – absolutely not.
Niche gaming formats such as crash, mine, plinko and dice games are becoming ever more prevalent in the gaming world, providing players with alternatives and innovative ways to play.
And if this is an area of game design that you or your studio is interested in venturing into, well we have the panel for you!
‘Navigating niche – Mainstream Opinion on Alternative Games’ is a session panel that will take place as part of the ‘It’s All Casino’ conference track, on Wednesday 22nd of May, between 15:00 and 15:45.
The panel, which features C-level experts Christoffer Andersson (COO, 500 Casino), Mike Cini (Owner, ELA Games) and panel moderator Ross Parkhill (CEO, Rhino Entertainment), will look at niche game formats such as crash, mine, plinko and dice games and discuss the possibly of their potential to rival slot games.
Discussion points set to be explored during the panel include:
- Are these niche game formats credible challengers?
- What factors could potentially be holding these formats back from mainstream adoption?
- Do operators truly take these formats seriously?
- What could be done to drive their popularity to new heights?
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6. A DEDICATED GAME DESIGN HACKATHON
So, we have now established that the upcoming CasinoBeats Summit is bursting at the seams with educational and inspiring game-focused conference sessions.
But what about hackathons?
Since it’s a new format we’re introducing this year, we think we owe you a short description.
A hackathon is an event that aims to get a high-quality solution through collaboration between experts. The keyword here is ‘problem-solving.’ And that’s the goal. Through real-life examples and speed training, our aim is to give our audience an exclusive peek into the inner workings of our experts. Let’s envision a concept and bring it to life together.
For all you gaming enthusiasts, we have a dedicated game-focused hackathon just for you in the form of the session titled:
Game Design Hackathon: Immerse yourself in the dynamic fusion of creativity and technology
During this hackathon, we’re inviting designers, developers, and gaming enthusiasts to collaborate and bring an innovative slot game concept to life – right at the event!
This session combines networking opportunities with access to well-guarded insights and serves as the ultimate platform for those who are eager to redefine the future of casino gaming. This is where creativity meets innovation, so why not be among those who get to shape the next wave of slot design?
The innovative session format will be kicking off the second day of the conference, Thursday 23rd May, at 10:00 in Workshop One!
Looking to be a part of this? Connect with our Senior Conference Producer, Natalie Lees, via email at [email protected]
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7. LAND-BASED GAME DESIGN
Look, we hear you.
“I work at a game studio, but I work in land-based gaming, what is there for me?”
Well, the beauty of the CasinoBeats Summit, is that there is something for everyone, and that includes sessions dedicated to land-based game development.
The panel titled ‘Land-based casino: enhancing the casino environment for memorable player experiences’ is set to explore the evolving gaming landscape for land-based casinos, and discuss how we can shape land-based games to create more memorable experiences for players.
Discussions will encompass how land-based game developers can effectively utilise omnichannel gaming, alongside psychological and architectural innovations, to offer unforgettable and immersive experiences for players. Additionally, the speakers will explore whether the future of land-based innovation lies in delivering unforgettable in-person gaming experiences.
The panel will feature on the ‘It’s All Casino’ conference track and will take place at 11:00 on Thursday, 23rd May, the second core day of the event.
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8. EXHIBITION FLOOR
We have said it before and we will say it again…
The exhibition floor is the heart and soul of every SBC event, and the upcoming CasinoBeats Summit is no different.
With over 50 global and regional brands set to exhibit during the summit, this is your chance to witness the latest technology, products and services and immerse yourself in the latest games from a myriad of leading game studios.
And if you are exhibiting?
The exhibition floor serves as a fantastic way to connect with the relevant stakeholders, check out the competition and establish yourself as a titan of industry, all whilst generating buzz around your own products.
So really, when you are not gleaning invaluable insights into the future of gaming development, the exhibition floor is THE place to be!
You can check out the full scope of exhibiting brands here.
Want to feature on the exhibition floor at the upcoming CasinoBeats Summit? Click here to apply!
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9. FORGE CONNECTIONS AND STRENGTHEN YOUR INDUSTRY PRESENCE
Whether on the exhibition floor or at one of the many networking events, this is your opportunity to strike meaningful connections with industry luminaries.
If you are exhibiting at the event, the show floor serves as an ideal platform to network with leading figures in the industry. With over 4,500 delegates in attendance, you will have the opportunity to seamlessly promote your latest products whilst establishing meaningful connections, without ever having to take a step away from the action.
For attendees seeking diverse networking opportunities, the exhibition floor boasts over 50 brands, featuring operators, suppliers, affiliates, payment providers, and aggregators. Make the exhibition floor your networking arena and expand your network; all you need to do is start with a friendly “hello”!
During the evenings, delegates of CasinoBeats Summit 2024, will have access to a plethora of lavish evening network events, situated in some of the most scenic and luxurious locations in all of Malta.
Get your name out there and expand your industry reach at one of the following evening Networking events:
- Pre-Registration Party (Tuesday 23rd May, SKYBeach, InterContinental Malta)
- The Official CBS Networking Party (Wednesday 24th May, location TBC)
- Official Closing Party (Thursday 24th May, location TBC)
- Game Developer Awards (Thursday 24th May, Hilton Hotel) (Separate Ticket required)
View the full list of networking opportunities here.
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10. IT’S IN MALTA
Sun, Sea, and all the amazing nightlife you could ask for.
Do we need to say anymore?
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FINAL THOUGHTS
Whether you’re an exhibiting company or an attendee, a top game developer or an independent studio, the upcoming CasinoBeats Summit caters to all.
With dedication session panels, workshops, hackathons and networking opportunities, the various teams behind the CasinoBeats Summit, have worked relentlessly and meticulously to ensure there are a plethora of opportunities and actionable insights to be gained, to help further strengthen your position in the industry.
Will all of it directly apply to you? Possibly.
Will all of it provide actionable takeaways that can be utilised across the game development industry? Absolutely.
So, get your tickets today and immerse yourself in the future of play.
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You can purchase your Early Bird ticket for the discounted price of €400 ( a discount of €200 off a standard ticket).
Operators – apply for a free pass!
Affiliates – apply for a free pass!