GMB - What did you think of the SBC Summit Rio?
Stefani Jacques - Honestly, an incredible event. To be honest, it’s my first time here in Rio, my first time in the city and at the event, and I’m finding it amazing. I’ve talked to many people who have commented on how much the event has grown from one year to the next.
You can see that expectations for Brazil and Latin America are growing more and more. This is reflected in the size and importance of the event. I’m very happy to be here with Neko Games, representing and talking with all our clients and future clients.
Especially since in March you will be launching a new game. Could you tell us about this Neko Games release?
This March 17, we are launching Hot Fireballs, an instant bingo or video bingo. It’s a game inspired by Brazilian bingo halls from the late '90s. We took this theme, which is familiar to the Brazilian audience, and created a much more modern and updated version, designed for today’s player profile. We want to provide a fun and engaging experience for players while they bet.
With Neko Games’ strong dedication to the Brazilian market, how do you evaluate the current regulatory moment in the country?
For us, this is a great moment. Our games are already certified, and since January 1st, we have seen an increase in the number of players. Previously, not all available games were certified. Now, with this certification, Brazilian players have access to reliable, modern games focused on the local market.
We have titles such as Mãe do Ouro, Carnaval, and now the new Hot Fireballs. We also offer Pachinko, which is one of our most popular games in Brazil. There are many options for the Brazilian market, and with certified games available in online casinos, we are achieving greater success.
What are Neko Games’ plans for Brazil?
Our plan is to continue focusing on Brazil and launching more games. I can’t reveal the roadmap for this year and next year, but I can guarantee that we will have amazing new releases and more titles that connect with the Brazilian audience.
Regulation in Brazil requires strict criteria. How are you handling issues such as Responsible Gaming?
We follow all necessary rules for game certification, which already ensures that they are random and reliable. Certification guarantees that the game has been tested and approved, eliminating doubts about possible alterations or fraud. This gives us peace of mind regarding Responsible Gaming concerns.
How does Neko develop games focused on Brazil? Do you have a local team to better understand Brazilian culture?
We have a team that is growing more and more due to demand. Everything starts with our CPO, Juan Córdoba, who comes up with the theme. Then, the development team, designers, and animators work together to create the game. That’s where the magic begins. In the commercial area, my role is to oversee the finished product and ensure it reaches the market.
As the head of the commercial area, do you see great business prospects in Brazil? And who do you work with directly, operators or aggregators?
We work directly with operators, but our games can also be accessed through aggregators like Games Global. Operators can acquire them through Games Global if they are connected to it, but they can also be integrated through other aggregators.
Events like this are also very important for establishing connections and helping operators obtain our products more easily. We want all operators to have our product because, unlike other game studios, we create content specifically tailored for Brazil.
Will you be at BiS SiGMA in April?
Yes, we will be there. The entire Neko Games team will be present, including our CPO, marketing directors, and management team. We consider BiS SiGMA the most important event in Latin America at the moment.
Source: Exclusive GMB
