Technology. Trends. Innovation.

These words resonate across every industry. In a world flooded with products and a perpetually hungry audience demanding the latest, staying on trend is not just a choice but a necessity.

The casino industry is no stranger to this narrative. Especially when it comes to game developers.

What’s currently trending?

What technologies can we incorporate?

How can we push the boundaries of innovation?

The 2024 edition of CasinoBeats Summit tackles these questions head-on, ensuring that attendees leave with actionable insights.

Let’s take a look at the education sessions set to unfold at the InterContinental Hotel on the 24th and the 25th of May, the two core conference and exhibition days.

Panel 1: Tomorrow’s Jackpot: the Future Trends of Slot Design

22 May at 10:00-10:45 (Conference Room 1)

Tech discussions can often be broad strokes, but this panel is set to change that. The featured experts will be zeroing in on the pulse of slot design’s future trends, dissecting the role of specific technologies currently fueling innovation in the field. Here are the questions you can expect to receive answers to:

• What are the tech innovations that have successfully integrated into slot design and how do they impact player behaviour?
• How have recent technological innovations enhanced the overall slot gaming experience providing players with new and immersive experiences?
• What are the key challenges or downsides that the industry may need to address when it comes to tech innovations and how can they be mitigated?
• What are the anticipated trends and developments in slot gaming technology, and how might they continue to redefine the boundaries of casino entertainment in the coming years?

A word from the producer

Q (Maria Tsnompilantze, Content Marketing Manager, SBC): Natalie, this is a topic that keeps resurfacing in one way or another. Do you think things have changed in the past year? Why is it important to discuss?

Natalie Lees, Senior Conference Producer, SBC: “The constant production of numerous slots prompts a common concern within the industry — the quest to provide a distinctive gaming experience while maintaining a delicate equilibrium with player expectations. The challenge lies in not only meeting the ever-growing demand for fresh content but also in addressing the evolving preferences of players. A notable trend gaining traction is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in slot design, offering studios a potential means to stay abreast of the continuous demand for new slots and games.

However, the application of AI primarily addresses the quantity aspect of player demands. The pivotal question now centers on the pursuit of the next groundbreaking innovation. Are we on the brink of a paradigm shift, and could augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) be the catalysts for transformative advancements in the gaming landscape? As the industry grapples with these considerations, the spotlight is shifting towards not just meeting the demand for more slots but also delivering a qualitatively enhanced and immersive gaming experience. The intersection of technology and player expectations is at the forefront of this ongoing exploration into the future of slot design.”

Joining the panel discussions will be representatives from leading game studios, tasked with the daily challenge of crafting slot games that not only captivate a discerning audience but also ensure commercial success.

Sneek Peek

Q (MT): Danny, having engaged with numerous game studios over the past years, the theme of innovation consistently takes center stage. Can you provide a glimpse into the potential trends that will be prevalent in this discussion based on your conversations?

Danny Lee, Business Journalist, CasinoBeats: “I think a big talking point in this discussion has to be AI, and the ways that it is, or isn’t, aiding studios in their slot design, as we often find mixed opinions on how effectively it can be used. The slot space still needs to find its way into multiplayer gaming, which, if cracked, could see a wave of innovation enter the industry, so we may see this discussion turn to the ways in which we can bring players closer together, whether that’s using social elements or technological advancements like VR or the Metaverse.” 

Panel 2: Navigating Niche – Mainstream Opinion On Alternative Games

22 May at 15:00 – 15:45 (Conference Room 1) 

With a myriad of slot games dominating the online market, competition for player interest has never been more rife. This panel will see expert speakers analysing the pivotal factors to why niche gaming formats are emerging as compelling alternatives to traditional slot games, whilst also exploring strategies for their growth. Here are the questions set to be answered:

• Are niche game formats like crash, mine, plinko, and dice games gaining traction as credible alternatives to traditional slot games in the online casino space?
• What are the distinguishing features of these niche games that attract players, and how do they compare in terms of player engagement and retention against slot games?
• What potential barriers or challenges do these niche games face in reaching broader popularity and acceptance among both players and operators?
• How seriously do online casino operators consider these niche games in their gaming portfolios, and what strategies or approaches could be adopted to enhance their visibility and marketability?
• In what ways can the popularity of these niche games be elevated to rival or even surpass the dominance of slot games, and what innovative measures or industry collaborations might contribute to achieving this goal?

A word from the experts 

Speaking at the recent CasinoBeats Summit 2023, Vadim Potapenko, Head of Sales at Turbo Stars acknowledged this recent interest in niche games. He stated: 

“For us, it’s about the trend. We see crypto games are appealing to the younger generation, younger people. We understand everyone is stuck with the slots, so we have decided to bring something more to the industry.”

The panel will showcase a roster of elite game design experts entrusted with identifying innovative ways of diversifying their gaming portfolio, whilst still encapsulating the commercial appeal of tried and tested gaming formats.

A word from the Producer

Q (Ellis Davis, Junior Marketing Content Writer): Online slot games are the bread and butter of the iGaming industry and have proved extremely successful. Why do you think there is now a sudden interest in niche formats? How do you think this will change the gaming landscape? 

Jack Richards, Senior Conference Producer, SBC: “I think the pandemic opened people’s eyes to new ways of being entertained, and these niche games are an extension of that. They’ll never stray too far from the tried and tested format of slot games, using them as direct influence. If we’re calling slots ‘bread and butter’ then think of niche games as truffle butter on sourdough – aware of their inspiration.”

PANEL 3: Innovations From Tech to Revolutionise iGaming

22 May at 15:00 14:00 – 14:45 (Conference Room 1) 

2023 has provided a plethora of exciting, innovative technology both inside and outside of the industry, and the momentum is set to continue in 2024. Featured guest speakers will delve into the array of innovative technologies effectively employed in other industries and will evaluate their potential for seamless integration into our own. Questions raised during the panel are set to include:

• How might cutting-edge advancements in hardware and software, reshape the future landscape of iGaming?
• What general trends in technology across various industries could potentially be adapted to elevate the user experience and interaction within iGaming platforms?
• In what ways can the principles of innovative tech development from unrelated fields inspire and drive creative evolution within the iGaming sector?
• Are there overarching technological shifts or paradigms that could fundamentally alter the way iGaming operates, beyond singular hardware or software advancements?
• How can the iGaming industry anticipate and prepare for the broader societal impact of technological progress, ensuring responsible and ethical implementation?

A word from the producer

Q (ED): In recent years the iGaming industry has been a hub for innovative technology and game mechanics. What benefits do you feel game developers can gain from looking outside of the industry? 

Jack Richards: “We see drawing on inspiration from the technology industry as one of the most important ways to drive change within a business. They embody innovation and their chief concern is problem-solving. Embracing the tech industry will foster progress within the audience’s own organisations, so we’ll aim to provide relevant takeaways from the content.”

Sneek Peek

Q (ED): There is no denying the successful launch of a game is reliant on a variety of factors. So why do you believe many are looking at technology as the answer to game innovation? And from your discussions, what is the general consensus on incorporating technology from outside the industry? 

Danny Lee: “Providers are often looking for ways to make their production line more efficient and stream-lined, and recent innovations in automated technology aim to do just that. 

“Many are beginning to utilise these technologies in various ways, with tools like generative AI making the initial design process a little easier, but the general consensus remains that a human touch is always going to be needed to make games endearing to players. 

“It’s all about finding the balance between that human feel and the technology to innovate and streamline content production.”

Final Thoughts:

Delving into the intricacies of emerging technologies, and niche gaming formats and hypothesising the future trajectory of the industry, the CasinoBeats Summit 2024 conference agenda is ideal for those aiming to revolutionise and expand their online offerings.

While the industry has no fixed rules, the extensive pool of wisdom from over 150 experts promises attendees a diverse array of valuable insights.

If you are a game studio looking to showcase your titles and innovations to an audience of 4,500 senior decision-makers at CasinoBeats Summit 2024, consider reaching out to our sales team at [email protected] to get yourself a 2×2 booth at this year’s Game Innovation Zone or establish yourself as a thought leader by scoring a speaker placement on our industry-leading conference agenda alongside other game studios looking to leave their mark on the inner workings of the industry.

Are you an operator looking to meet game studios? Apply for your free event pass.