Q&A with Belatra Games

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In our latest Q&A we spoke to Mikail Voinich, Head of Business Development at Belatra Games. Known for their straightforward and engaging gameplay, Belatra Games strives to ‘enliven the world together’ with their meticulously curated games. Established in 1993, Belatra embarked on a journey to innovate inspired by the glamourous Las Vegas. Belatra had humble beginnings, but their ambition was and still is much bigger.

Belatra Games has a rich history in the gambling industry. Can you tell us about the origins of the company and its journey?

Belatra Games, founded in 1993, started with the assembly of its first slot machine in a founder’s home. Since then, it has grown into a respected player in the gaming industry with a big professional team. In the early 2000s, the company established its production facility for in-house development of slot machines. Belatra expanded into diverse markets, including the CIS and Latin America, tailoring its games to regional preferences.

In the mid-2010s, as the industry shifted towards online gaming, Belatra launched its first online game in 2015. Now, the company has a portfolio of over 100 games, including slots, roulette, bingo, Plinko, instant, and scratch games. Throughout its 31-year history, Belatra has maintained a strong presence at international fairs and continues to invest in innovative game development to stay at the forefront of the gaming industry.

What sets Belatra Games apart from other online slot game developers?

As I see it, Belatra stands out from other online slot game developers for two main reasons.

First, our 30-year presence in the market reflects our ability to adapt to technological advances and changing player preferences. Starting with traditional slot games, we’ve successfully transitioned to online gaming as demand shifted, showing our flexibility and commitment to staying current.

Second, despite being an experienced slot provider, we continuously expand our portfolio to cater to a broader audience. We now offer a diverse range of games. This variety helps us attract a larger audience and ensures every player can find something they enjoy. By constantly evolving our game selection, we meet the dynamic needs of the gaming market and deliver engaging experiences for all types of players.

Can you highlight some of your most popular online slot games and what makes them unique?

Some of our most popular online slot games include Mummyland Treasures, Big Wild Buffalo, Richy Hog, Princess Suki, Rise of Zeus, and Dragon’s Bonanza. These titles are known for their engaging gameplay, innovative features, and appealing themes.

Mummyland Treasures stands out as Game of the Year for its ancient Egyptian theme, high-quality graphics, and unique gameplay. It features interactive bonus rounds, cumulative multipliers, and craft bonuses, offering dynamic and rewarding experiences. The game’s high-definition graphics and authentic sound effects create an immersive experience.

Mummyland Treasures has been consistently recognized on prestigious award shortlists, highlighting its innovation and quality. Its success is due to its compelling theme, advanced design, and engaging gameplay features that keep players entertained.

Belatra Games has a significant presence in both land-based and online casinos. What do you think the key differences are between land-based and online slots? And do you adapt any of your games to be viable for both markets?

As I mentioned, Belatra Games started 31 years ago with the manufacture of slots for land-based casinos, a market we still serve today. However, the mid-2010s saw a shift toward online gaming, a trend that accelerated in 2020 due to the pandemic. Many players now prefer the convenience of online casinos, where they can play from home. In response, we have prioritized developing online and mobile games.

Despite the growth of online gaming, many players still enjoy land-based casinos for their unique atmosphere, social interaction, and emotional experience. That is why producing slot machines for land-based casinos is still a crucial part of our business. This dual focus allows us to cater to a diverse audience and meet the evolving needs of the gaming industry.

Our portfolio boasts a wide range of games that we are excited to offer to both land-based casino enthusiasts and online gaming fans. Several slot games, which have been popular among casino players for many years, have successfully transitioned to the online space and found a new audience there. These include classics such as Lucky Drink, An Escape from Alcatraz, Piggy Bank, and others.

Recently, we have reversed this process: recognizing the popularity of new online slots, we have introduced them into the collections for land-based gaming machines. This has been the case with games like Book of Doom, 88 Dragons Bounty, Fortune Craft, and more. Adapting games across these two distinct platforms is a lengthy and challenging process, but our goal is to ensure that the games loved by players reach the widest possible audience.

Collaboration is crucial in the gaming industry. Can you tell us about your partnerships with online casinos?

Collaboration is crucial in the gaming industry, especially for entering new markets and game sectors. At Belatra Games, partnering with respected players is a strategic goal. These partnerships benefit both sides: we can introduce our innovative gaming solutions to a wider audience while our partners enhance their offerings with our high-end products, attracting more customers.

We ensure our games integrate seamlessly into our partners’ platforms, providing a smooth experience for players. This includes regular updates, dedicated support, and market-specific customization. Partnerships also allow us to gather valuable feedback, helping us refine our games and develop new features to meet market demands. Overall, our collaborations with online casinos are key to expanding our reach and maintaining our position as a leading game developer.

Working closely with casinos to understand their vision and needs also fosters stronger, long-term partnerships, which are crucial for sustained success in the competitive gaming market.

How does Belatra Games approach the development of new games? What is your creative process like?

The development of our latest launch, Lucky Barrel Tavern, took about six months from concept to launch. Our process begins with market research and brainstorming to refine the game’s theme and mechanics. In the design phase, we create detailed storyboards and visual concepts. The development phase involves coding, integrating animations, and perfecting sound design to enhance player immersion.

We conduct rigorous testing to ensure the game meets our quality standards and regulatory requirements. Finally, we collaborate with online casino platforms for seamless integration, culminating in a well-prepared launch that delivers an engaging gaming experience.

What can players and partners expect from Belatra Games in the future?

We are focused on expanding our game portfolio across various segments, including our popular slots and various instant games. The surge in online gaming has driven our growth, particularly in games that offer interactive and social elements, reflecting a broader trend towards more engaging gaming experiences.

Moving forward, we aim to enhance these interactive features to improve player interaction and satisfaction. Innovation remains central to our strategy as we continue to evolve and expand our range of casino offerings.

Is Belatra well-known in the streaming community and its audiences?

In recent times, our games have been gaining significant popularity among streamers. This rise in recognition is due to the engaging and innovative gameplay that our titles offer. One of our top-performing slots, Mummyland Treasures, has become a particular favorite within the streaming community. It is frequently streamed, attracting a growing audience of viewers who are captivated by its exciting features and immersive experience. This increased visibility through streaming platforms has helped solidify Belatra’s presence and reputation within the gaming community, allowing us to reach a wide and more diverse audience.