GMB - What is your assessment of your company's performance and growth in 2023 in general? Was it as expected or did it exceed your expectations?
Stefani Jacques - 2023 has been an excellent year for Neko Games by all accounts. We introduced several new instant bingo games which really pushed the boundaries of our studio’s capabilities in terms of creativity, graphics, mechanics and themes, resulting in some of our best performing titles that significantly enhanced our player retention rates.
Our first release of the year, American Gold Fever, secured a top 12 ranking across all game categories in its first month, as per SlotCatalog, so we really hit the ground running. Our latest releases, Catrina and Mae do Ouro, have surpassed our initial expectations, capping off an exceptional year of growth for Neko Games.
What is your assessment of your company's performance and growth in the Brazilian market in 2023?
Brazil has always been a key player for us. Our focused strategy, seen in some of our earliest titles like Pachinkio and Super Showball, has really taken off. An increasing number of Brazilian operators are not only incorporating them into their lineup but also strategically placing them in prominent positions, including within the sportsbook areas of their sites, reflecting their importance in the market.
Our latest release, Mae Do Ouro, is the first game we've launched with a Portuguese title, and themed on a captivating local legend, and although it’s too early to comment on the overall success of the game, the initial response has been really encouraging. We plan to produce more localised games and make the most of the exponential growth of the Brazilian gaming market.
Could you list the main achievements or objectives achieved?
We achieved a number of significant milestones over the last 12 months. We expanded our team, enhancing our capacity to release more innovative games. Focused on delivering exceptional player experiences, we introduced engaging themes, high-quality graphics, and innovative features, reinventing the perception of bingo. Our games received award nominations in multiple categories, including Bingo & Lottery Supplier of the Year, Rising Star in Casino, and Industry Innovation of the Year at prestigious industry events like the SBC Awards Latinoamerica 2023 and the EGR Global B2B Awards 2023.
In your industry, what technological advances do you think will dominate the market in 2024? What will be the future trends?
In our specific industry, we anticipate the continued dominance of mobile gaming as more and more players are recognising the convenience and accessibility it offers, along with the increasing capabilities of modern devices which are no longer a limiting factor in creating immersive and innovative gaming experiences. We’ve always adopted a mobile-first approach, so this aligns perfectly with our strategy. Aside from that, the thing that everybody is talking about, AI, is poised to play an integral role, not just in our industry but across the entire tech landscape. For us, it means leveraging the power of AI to redefine and elevate the gaming experience.
What is your general opinion on the regulation of the sports betting and online gaming market in Brazil?
The ongoing discussions by policymakers regarding the regulation of the sports betting and online gaming market in Brazil are positive indicators of the country's maturity in handling the industry, and the various challenges and opportunities it presents. Clear regulations provide a stable framework for the iGaming sector, allowing innovation to flourish in Brazil. It’s a big positive.
What are your company's main goals/objectives for 2024 in the Brazilian market? And on a global level?
In 2024, our focus in Brazil extends beyond our recent releases. We plan to surprise the Brazilian market with innovative games that also possess international appeal. Globally, our objectives include introducing multiple new features and creating games with localised themes and with universal appeal to cater to a broader audience. The goal is to maintain a commitment to innovation and deliver exceptional content for Brazil and beyond, and as always, transform simple game mechanics into thrilling, rewarding and fun adventures that people can trust.
Source: Exclusive GMB
