Pushing the boundaries, transforming the sector or simply innovation. However you dress up the terminology, the core definition remains the same, and is one that drives each studio within the space forward as they aim to hit new heights.
Evoplay is certainly no stranger to this concept, with the group’s latest flagship release, Adrenaline Rush, aiming to eclipse past successes enjoyed by a pair of titles, namely Dungeon: Immortal Evil and Star Guardians, in introducing players to fresh concepts within igaming.
Speaking to CasinoBeats, Ivan Kravchuk elaborates on the final details of the developer’s latest introduction, how a pair of accompanying release ensures that there’s something from everyone, what future updates we can expect to witness and much more.
CasinoBeats: Evoplay has recently pulled back the curtain on its flagship title. Could you talk our readers through the thoughts behind the overall make-up of the game?
Ivan Kravchuk: We kicked off the development of our third flagship game, Adrenaline Rush, with the goal of outdoing the success of our previous big hit, Star Guardians.
As sports-themed entertainment continues to gain traction, such products prove to be a valuable addition to a casino and sportsbook portfolio. Racing games hit the top 10 genres in 2023, resonating with players of all ages, including the next generation – 40 per cent of Zoomers, 45 per cent of those aged 25-34, and 41 per cent of 35-44-year-olds.
And that’s precisely why we chose the racing theme as the focal point for Adrenaline Rush. It perfectly aligns with our objective of engaging players across different generations, and tapping into the special interest of the next wave of igamers.
CB: Evoplay is known for going against the norm when it comes to development, and Adrenaline Rush is no different. What key features and design elements does the title comprise to ramp up the excitement factor for players?
IK: Our aim was to craft a game that would raise the bar and embrace the growing preference for skill-based gameplay with hands-on control. In the early planning phase, we wanted to make sure that the mix of skills and chance in our game felt just right.
After a lot of brainstorming, we settled on the idea of street racing, weaving in three characters with different storylines, a selection of cars for each of them, and three visually stunning maps.
Let’s not overlook the fact that Adrenaline Rush is a 3D racing game, ensuring an absolutely immersive experience.
What’s more, unlike classic slots where players simply click the ‘Spin’ button and rely on luck, in this title, igamers take the reins of dynamic gameplay, utilising their driving skills to out manoeuvre rivals and grab bonuses on their way to victory.
CB: Could you let us in on any initial feedback that you have received from partners?
IK: We were thrilled by the overwhelmingly positive response to our flagship game, Adrenaline Rush, along with its two classic additions, at this year’s ICE held in London. It has truly captivated the interest of both our current and potential partners.
The game taps into that nostalgic feeling from the golden era of Need for Speed, but with the added gambling element, it takes the experience to a whole new level. As a result, we are eagerly looking forward to an even greater level of enthusiasm from igamers.
The instant allure of our game has piqued the curiosity of visitors at our stand, prompting them to delve deeper into Evoplay’s diverse range of games considering potential collaborations. Adrenaline Rush has truly created a sensation, and now our team is actively engaged in negotiations with businesses eager to incorporate it into their offerings.
CB: Adrenaline Rush has also spawned two further sister titles. Could you elaborate on these? And the thought process behind the introductions?
IK: We wanted to expand beyond just one group of players and ensure there’s something for all igamers. So, we created two more titles to go along with our 3D flagship game. One’s for players who prefer classic slot games, and the other is for fans of crash games.
For more conservative casino players, we’ve rolled out the Adrenaline Rush: Super Boost slot. To keep things special, it comes with three wild boosters for free spins, the Racer feature with an increased multiplier, and a Turbo Respin feature.
Also, the pack includes Adrenaline Rush: XCrash, a crash game with an opportunity to select a high-speed car, a two-bet feature, the option to bet on two chosen cars simultaneously, in-game chat to connect with other players, and a top-100 leaderboard to spice up the competition.
CB: As previously alluded to, Evoplay has gone against the grain somewhat via a series of introductions over the past few years. How much did an aim of attracting new players to igaming play in this innovation strategy?
IK: To truly succeed in the igaming business, it’s crucial to recognise that, like any entertainment industry, it evolves alongside its audience.
As providers, our focus should be on adapting our offerings to cater to the preferences of emerging generations while also ensuring that we continue to provide for those who appreciate the timeless appeal of traditional online casino products.
At Evoplay, we’re really excited about our innovative games that show how dedicated we are to shaping the future of igaming.
As these trends continue to change, we’re always adding new features and trying out different game formats to keep things fresh. We experiment to create unique gaming experiences, and Adrenaline Rush stands as solid proof of this.
Summing up, we’re not confined to one approach; instead, we continuously diversify our game portfolio to cater to various preferences and stay attuned to the evolving tastes of the next generation.
CB: How can we expect Adrenaline Rush to be further developed throughout 2024?
IK: In 2024, Evoplay’s strategy for enhancing Adrenaline Rush is multifaceted. We’re working on some additional features to enrich the gameplay, which might be presented later in the year. Meanwhile, we’re diligently executing a comprehensive marketing strategy to ensure the game reaches its full potential.
We’ve launched our marketing campaign by unveiling Adrenaline Rush to our partners and friends at the invitation-only event, receiving a lot of interest in the game.
Building on that momentum, we officially presented the entire flagship pack to a broader audience at this year’s ICE. Visitors at our stand had a chance to experience the game firsthand on the interactive monitor, and we received an overwhelmingly positive initial feedback.
Our ongoing efforts now include targeted advertising, impactful social media content, strategic partnerships with influencers, and promotional campaigns.
The objective is to boost the visibility of the game. To achieve this, we intensify communication with business partners and actively work to strengthen our presence within the igaming community.
