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Movers and Shakers: Silverback Gaming: taking slot design beyond the traditional with character-led narratives

“Movers and Shakers” is a dynamic monthly column dedicated to exploring the latest trends, developments, and influential voices in the iGaming industry. Powered by GameOn and supported by HIPTHER, this op-ed series delves into the key players, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes shaping the future of online gaming. Each month, industry experts offer their insights and perspectives, providing readers with in-depth analysis and thought-provoking commentary on what’s driving the iGaming world forward. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the scene, “Movers and Shakers” is your go-to source for staying ahead in the rapidly evolving iGaming landscape.
In this first edition Katya Machuganova (Катя Мачуганова), Gaming Product & Partnership Manager at Silverback Gaming, discusses all things game design, as she highlights the role that character-led titles can have on player engagement.
Game design is an integral part of launching any new slot title. In fact, game design is responsible for creating that first impression that can determine whether someone is going to play your game or not.
But designing a new slot isn’t as simple as it sounds. There are so many factors that you must consider: do you stick with an already-popular theme? Do you design a wholly new concept? What music will engage players? These are just some of the many questions a game design team must answer before embarking on the development process.
Themes that have typically resonated with players have often drawn inspiration from popular culture, mythology, and history, but we’re also seeing a rise in themes that focus on personal empowerment and adventure.
For example, themes like ancient civilisations, fantasy worlds, and modern-day heists are particularly popular, as they offer a sense of both escapism and adventure – taking the slot experience beyond the boundaries of playing on your mobile phone.
You also have to keep the shifting trends of the industry in mind. What players might enjoy today might not be the case tomorrow. So, as you can imagine, this makes the ideation process quite difficult.
One of the most prominent trends that I’ve noticed over the last few months is the integration of narrative-driven content. Players are increasingly looking for immersive experiences that go beyond the typical spin-and-win mechanics; they want stories that captivate them, characters they can relate to, and worlds that they can explore.
Another growing trend is the incorporation of advanced graphics and sound design. High-quality visuals and engaging soundtracks significantly enhance the gaming experience, making it more appealing to players and emulating that sense of excitement that they may get from other forms of entertainment, such as cinema and video games.
Social interaction is also becoming a key element, with multiplayer options and community-driven features gaining popularity. Players enjoy competing with friends or collaborating in quests, adding a social dimension to what was traditionally a solitary activity.
And discussions taking part at industry events have shown that both customisation and personalisation are gaining traction, as players seek games that reflect their preferences and offer personalised rewards. This trend reflects a broader move towards making gaming experiences much more user centric.
Designed by women, for women
A combination of these trends and shifting industry dynamics have all been contributing factors towards the development of our Wild & Free series – a new series of titles from Silverback Gaming that promises to wow the industry in terms of features, mechanics and narratives.
Now, titles that are narrative-driven aren’t a particularly new concept for the iGaming industry, we know that. But what sets this series apart from the crowd is that it’s been designed by women, for women.
We understood that there is a growing number of women who are enjoying the occasional flutter. But what we also realised was that there were very few products that were specifically tailored towards the female demographic of players. That, in my view, needed to change.
When carrying out our research, we found that women tended to prefer solitary gambling activities – with the majority favouring mobile gaming over desktop. We learned that women have a particular preference for customisation and storytelling within the games they play, often having a fondness for games that allowed them to be immersed in the characters and narrative. Slots therefore seemed like the ideal choice.
Silverback’s extensive experience in designing new, innovative slot titles put us in the perfect position to cater to female players. We came up with the idea of introducing three characters to the series, otherwise known as the Moto Girls.
Creating a series of slots that centres around the development of both characters and narratives has allowed us to create something that reflects what women want from their gaming experience.
No pink-washing, please
Silverback Gaming has always prioritised experimentation, innovation and diversity within our company. These are three values that have also transcended the four walls of our office and are evident in the games that we create too.
The raison d’être for this series was to create a product that blended the world of video games with the excitement of slots. All the while, we wanted to make sure that we took a thoughtful approach to the design too; we didn’t want to go down the line of “pink washing” or inappropriate characterisations.
I truly believe that by taking a considered, holistic approach to the series’ design, combined with the features of slots that we all know and love, we can really create an experience that is not only engaging but memorable for all players – male and female.
Character-led titles: the future for slots?
Following our extensive research into player trends and how this differs across different demographics, we strongly believe that the Wild & Free series of games will absolutely change the game for bettors, particularly for those women who have previously felt disenfranchised by the products that have been available to them in the past.
I think a large part of that success will be due to the character-led narratives that we have run throughout the entire series.
When it comes to the wider industry, I do think that there is a significant opportunity to further explore character-led titles, and we may indeed be overlooking their potential.
Characters serve as the heart of a narrative-driven game, and when players can connect with these characters on a personal level, it transforms their gaming experience into something truly memorable.
Character-led titles offer an emotional depth that standard slot games often lack. By developing rich backstories, unique personalities, and compelling journeys, we can create games that resonate more deeply with players. This engagement leads to increased player retention and loyalty, as gamers become invested in the outcomes and adventures of the characters they grow to love.
Moreover, character-led games allow for a more immersive experience. When players step into a world where they can follow a character’s story, make decisions that impact the narrative, and explore various paths and outcomes, it elevates their involvement and creates a sense of ownership and agency.
The industry has seen success with character-driven stories in other gaming genres, such as role-playing games (RPGs) and adventure games, and there’s a clear appetite for similar experiences within the iGaming sector. By embracing character-led narratives, we can tap into new player demographics and offer something fresh and exciting that stands out in a crowded market.
However, it’s crucial to approach character creation thoughtfully and avoid falling into stereotypes or shallow representations. Characters should be multidimensional and reflect the diversity of our player base, offering authentic portrayals that players can relate to and care about.
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CT Gaming with First installations in Guatemala

CT Gaming has announced its debut installations in Guatemala, marking a significant milestone in the expansion across Latin America. Following this year’s successful installations in Mexico and Perú, CT Gaming’s presence in the region continues to grow at full speed.
“We are proud of the established partnerships and see these installations as the foundation for a long-term collaboration. We believe this is just the beginning of our journey toward becoming a leading provider in Guatemala,” said Georgi Koprinarov, General Manager LatAm at CT Gaming.
Leading gaming venues in Guatemala, among which Fantastic – Majadas, Fantastic – Las Americas, Magic Bingo – Metro Norte and Magic Bingo – Capitol, are now equipped with EZ Modulo 32/32/32 slot cabinet and the newest addition to the Diamond King family – Diamond King 4. Among the 40 games in the pack, players will experience a unique blend of classic titles and brand-new games such as Zet Fruits,Clovers on Fire and others. Additionally, half of the games are linked to the progressive jackpot Diamond Tree Deluxe, which concept is offering exciting rewards and enhanced gameplay. Another new feature that premiers within Diamond King 4, is the “Buy Bonus” game which brings additional excitement and better chances of winning.
“We are thrilled to partner with CT Gaming and introduce their cutting-edge products to Guatemala. The installation of the EZ Modulo cabinets in combination with the latest multigame – Diamond King 4 has already sparked interest among our players. We look forward to a long and successful collaboration with CT Gaming, bringing top-tier entertainment to our customers,” said Edgar Paz Ravines, director of Desarrollos Providencia.
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Spintec Expands its US Presence

Spintec returns to IGA with its exclusive US distributor, Dynamic Gaming, and a shared booth with Gaming Arts.
Spintec’s return to the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) Conference & Tradeshow this year is marked by the significant success the company has achieved since the last show. Their partnership with their exclusive distributor, Dynamic Gaming, has expanded their presence across the US by leaps and bounds.
They are currently licensed and approved for their latest product and games, in California, Michigan, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Washington, with approvals in Arkansas, Wyoming, Idaho, and Florida waiting in the wings. This highlights their ongoing commitment to the US market and their growing footprint across North America, emphasized further by their imminent entry into Ontario, Canada.
To celebrate their unwavering success in North America, Spintec will be showcasing the best parts of their latest Charisma product line at this year’s IGA. Charisma is a brand-new line of products, which has already won awards and has become an instant global bestseller. In an exclusive introduction, the visitors at IGA will be shown its brand-new Craps solution. It comes with super innovative elements such as the shooter button, 7-out function, and a rotating dealer feature. Additionally, they will also be unveiling their virtual/video Charisma Blackjack machine. Both of these exceptional new solutions are designed to elevate the gaming experience and include a variety of side bets on both games.
But that’s not all – visitors will also have the chance to try out their proprietary new Galactic Spin Roulette game. It offers an enhanced roulette experience with integrated Mega, Major, and Minor Jackpots, bet multipliers of up to 300, and the exciting possibility of winning free spins. This game revolutionizes the roulette experience by eliminating breaks, making the wait for the ball to drop the most thrilling part of the game.
Their booth will also include a variety of compact, multi-station solutions, giving the visitors the opportunity to explore and experience the breadth of their latest product portfolio.
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TheLotter US Expands its Lottery Courier Service to Arizona

TheLotter US has expanded its trusted lottery courier service to Arizona, following successful launches in New Jersey and New York just last year. With this latest addition, TheLotter US now operates in five states, including Oregon, and Minnesota.
Yael Hertz, CEO of TheLotter Group, said: “We’re thrilled to expand our service to yet another state. Now, Arizona residents can enjoy the convenience of entering their favorite lottery draws without having to go out and buy a ticket.”
TheLotter US fulfills lottery ticket orders on customers’ behalf at licensed retailers, scans them, and uploads them to their personal accounts before the draw. From there, they can view their ticket and track their numbers with ease.
With years of experience in the industry, TheLotter US is making lottery play more convenient than ever. Their dedicated 24/7 customer support ensures players always receive prompt and reliable assistance whenever they need it.
Over time, TheLotter US has built a loyal customer base by consistently proving itself as a trusted and reliable service.
Creating an account takes just minutes. After verifying their info, users can choose their favorite lottery game, pick their lucky numbers or use Quick Pick, select the number of lines to be added, and confirm their order. TheLotter US will take it from there.
With years of experience and a solid reputation, TheLotter US uses top-tier security measures like GeoTrust 128-bit SSL encryption to protect all transactions. Plus, ticket scans will be viewable in customers’ accounts before the draw for total transparency, and their 24/7 customer support is always there to assist with any and all queries.
Arizona has seen some incredible jackpot wins, including a $108 million Mega Millions prize in Lake Havasu City just four years ago. More recently, in January 2025, a lucky player in Tempe became the sole winner of a $112 million jackpot.
This win has special significance, as the winner purchased their ticket through an online lottery courier service. This incredible win highlights how ticket courier services make it easier than ever for players to enter their favorite draws—and seize life-changing opportunities.
Now that TheLotter US is live in Arizona, Arizona residents have the same opportunity to play for the biggest prizes and create their own “jackpot moment”.
Whether it is a big or small win, customers will be notified by email right away by TheLotter US. Smaller prizes (under $600) are deposited directly into a players’ account. Should a player win a larger prize, TheLotter US will assist them in claiming their prize in person at the official lottery office.
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