As G2E Asia kicks off in Singapore, Inside Asian Gaming speaks with Taras Kozovit, Business Development Manager of growing online games developer Spribe, to discuss its moves into the Asian market and the success of its unique crash game Aviator.
IAG: The industry is very focused on markets such as the US and Latin America, but what about the opportunity in Asia? Is it just as significant?
Taras Kozovit: Asia has the potential to become one of the biggest online gambling markets in the world. Right now, there are plenty of opportunities for operators and suppliers such as Spribe to explore. The speed at which the market is growing is unrivalled even by jurisdictions such as the US and Canada, and for us, it’s clear that our games will hit the mark with players across the region.
Our flagship crash game, Aviator, has become a global sensation thanks to it being super light – this means it can run on pretty much any device without devouring huge volumes of data – while providing lightning-fast gameplay that is multiplayer and interactive. Given the size of the Asia market and how well-matched Aviator is to player preferences, we have given the region high priority when it comes to our new market expansion strategy.
IAG: Why do you think some operators have been slow to embrace the opportunity in Asia?
TK: For some of the power players, it is undoubtedly due to the market being made up of regulated and regulating jurisdictions. Operators are fiercely protective over their licences and reputations, and making big moves in any grey market can negatively impact both. That said, some of the tier ones have already entered the fray in Asia and there are plenty of local brands that are leveraging the huge opportunities the region provides and especially for those that get the jump on their rivals by being there first. As more markets embrace regulation, more and more international operators will launch in jurisdictions across the continent as real momentum builds behind the region.
IAG: The words Asia and cryptocurrency often go hand in hand. Is this having a positive impact on the progress being made with regulated online gambling across the region or is it holding it back?
TK: I think gambling with fiat currencies will be the main driver of growth in Asia for the next few years at least, but crypto such as Bitcoin and Ether are entering the mainstream and more and more people will want to use them to play online casinos. Crypto adoption is much higher in the Eastern world than in the Western world, so it is on suppliers such as Spribe to adapt to this if we are to make our games appealing to operators and players across the region. Ultimately, iGaming and crypto will converge and this makes for a very exciting space in which we can provide gaming experiences to players in Asia and beyond. So, to loop back on the question, I think it’s having a positive impact on the progress being made with regulated online gambling in Asia.
IAG: What games do you see Asian players being drawn to? Is it traditional slots and table games or next-generation content?
TK: Slots and table games absolutely have their place in any online casino lobby, but non-traditional content is now a must for operators in Asia and elsewhere. This can be seen in the popularity of crash games such as Aviator, which recently hit 10 million monthly active players. Demand is also surging for other games in our Turbo portfolio including Mines, Goal, Plinko and HiLo. Players are drawn to these games because they are simple to play, offer social engagement, run perfectly on mobile and provide the potential to win big from small stakes. We have taken this same approach to our recently updated poker client, which now sets that standard for others to follow. It provides the interaction players are seeking, a range of tournaments, a loyalty scheme, the option to multi-table and quick seating. Again, this is the gaming experience that players in Asia are seeking.
IAG: Do non-traditional games allow operators to engage new audiences?
TK: Absolutely. Our games are tremendously popular with the lucrative but hard-to-reach Millennial and Generation Z demographics. Operators are keen to engage this player cohort but are struggling to cut through with the traditional slot, table and even live dealer games stocked in their lobbies. But non-traditional games do appeal to these players, allowing them to enjoy fast-paced, thrilling entertainment experiences from their smartphones while also competing with others and chatting throughout their session. When you compare this to the often-solitary experience of spinning the reels on a slot game, it’s clear to see why crash games and other non-traditional game formats have more appeal among the video game generations that operators want to reach.
IAG: Can you tell us more about Spribe’s plans for the Asian market?
TK: We are taking a considered approach to the market but do want to work with operators and help them use titles such as Aviator to grow their player base across the region, and also drive growth in the market as a whole. We have done this in other jurisdictions across the globe and it’s our belief that we can have the same impact in Asia. Of course, it’s not just Aviator that operators can add to their lobbies – our full portfolio covers Mines, Dice, Plinko, Keno, Goal, HiLo and Hotline. We’ve so much to offer the market in Asia, and we can’t wait to get started.
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