Anastasios Ioannidis: "It’s all about delivering player-favourite games consistently and at pace”

In this conversation with Anastasios Ioannidis, Head of Affiliate Marketing at ARRISE, Casino Guru takes a look at some of the most significant milestones achieved by the company, and specifically the reimagination of a popular online slot - Gates of Olympus - into a new vertical. Through Gates of Olypus Roulette, the company brings a flagship slots brand into the live casino space, offering multipliers and bonus gameplay , and the key to staying competitive - building player-favorite games at a consistent pace.

Q: Pragmatic Play has had a busy year already, expanding its portfolio across slots, arcade titles, and live gaming experiences. How has the production pace evolved this year, and what’s changed in the way games are developed?

Yes, it’s been a very exciting time for Pragmatic Play. There haven’t been any major changes to the way titles are developed – it’s still all about delivering player-favourite games consistently and at pace. The entire process is well optimised, which it has to be when you’re releasing so many high-quality products across multiple verticals.

Just look at some of the titles released by Pragmatic Play over the last few months. Fortune of Olympus, Money Time, Spire+, Sugar Rush Super Scatter, Free Bet Blackjack – the portfolio is incredibly varied, combining all-new experiences, twists on existing titles, supercharged sequels, and more. Pragmatic Play is firing on all cylinders as it continues to bring exciting new gaming experiences to players.

Q: We’re approaching two major releases: Jelly Express and Gates of Olympus Roulette. Why are these titles important milestones on Pragmatic Play’s roadmap?

A: Jelly Express and Gates of Olympus Roulette are two very exciting games, each one a standout release for different reasons. Jelly Express takes the ever-popular candy theme, adding a railway twist along with wild multipliers, multiple bonus game options, and a slew of special bets. Matching symbols pay out anywhere on the 6x5 grid, boosted by random multipliers of up to 100x, and Super Free Spins can be triggered in the bonus game, which sees a progressive multiplier boost for wins whenever wilds hit during the feature.

Meanwhile, Gates of Olympus Roulette takes one of Pragmatic Play’s most iconic characters, Zeus, and transports him to a live casino. Built on a foundation of classic European roulette gameplay, the action is taken to the next level with Lucky Numbers, Super Boosters, and a slots-style bonus game which offers the chance to win a huge 10,000x.

Q: Could you tell us a little more about Jelly Express? Why was it built around the Candy Land visual identity and theme, and what sets the game apart from other titles in the genre?

Sugary slots are some of the most popular with players, not just from Pragmatic Play but across the entire industry, so firstly, it’s about delivering on what players already love. Jelly Express stands out with its train twist, featuring all kinds of characters that give the game its own charm.

In terms of gameplay, wilds can carry multipliers of up to 100x, which, combined with the pays-anywhere mechanic, means plenty of opportunity for big wins. Landing three scatters triggers the bonus game, where players have six options to choose from – do they go for 25 free spins with 2x-10x multipliers, 5 free spins with 15x-100x multipliers, or the mystery selection, which offers a random number of free spins and maximum multipliers?

Q: Do you expect Jelly Express to be an immediate hit with players, and how does it fit within the existing lineup of games?

Jelly Express is a milestone release for Pragmatic Play, taking a popular theme, blistering action, and an entire range of exciting features. I think players are really going to enjoy it. And, ultimately, that’s the main measure of success – whether a game delivers fun and rewarding experiences.

Q: Another notable release is Gates of Olympus Roulette, a reimagining of one of Pragmatic Play’s popular franchises into a live casino format. Why should players be excited about this game?

Gates of Olympus Roulette takes classic live roulette gameplay and amps it up with Lucky Numbers that can multiply wins by up to 250x, a Super Booster that further increases win potential, and a Bonus Number that unlocks entry to the striking slots bonus game, where players can win up to 10,000x.

Q: What makes the Gates of Olympus franchise uniquely positioned to succeed in the live casino space?

Other than the epic theme, a globally recognised slots brand, classic live roulette action, slots bonus game, and amped up win potential? I would say the incredible fantasy setting – this is a game show with an unrivalled production quality. Every detail of the studio, both physical and digital, has been meticulously crafted to enhance the experience for players.

Q: How will Pragmatic Play gauge the success of Jelly Express and Gates of Olympus Roulette?

If players love the games, they will be considered a success. Pragmatic Play is all about creating player favourites, so all eyes will be on engagement, retention, and industry feedback.

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