Shlomi Zilbert: "Balancing risk and reward in Penguin Rush"

Following the recent release of its brand-new tap game, Penguin Rush, Shlomi Zilbert, Game Producer at BetGames, spoke exclusively with Casino Guru about the standout features of the new product and how each aspect has been meticulously engineered to enhance the user experience.

Q: BetGames recently announced the launch of its new slots vertical and confirmed its drive to create more experimental content. What factors influenced this decision to diversify?

For years, BetGames has been curating high-quality Live Casino experiences, and while this will continue, we truly believe we can deliver something entirely unique to the RNG market. This new vertical will diversify our offering to satisfy existing players and simultaneously expand our reach by appealing to a new audience.

This natural transition will see BetGames develop a portfolio of engaging, user-friendly slots and pave the way for us to engineer new products that align with industry trends. The growth in popularity of genres such as tap and crash games is undeniable, and Penguin Rush is our latest foray into more experimental content as we look to push creative boundaries.

Q: What are the standout features of Penguin Rush, BetGames’ first foray into the tap game genre?

Our priority with Penguin Rush is delivering the most user-friendly, easily navigable environment that appeals to recreational players without alienating more experienced gamers. Refining the graphics, animations and soundtracks has allowed us to optimise sensory immersion, which is supplemented by exciting gameplay.

Players are tasked with helping a penguin across a series of snowy Antarctic ice lanes while avoiding the oncoming sledges, with a larger prize awarded each time the penguin is safely moved to the following lane. The player must correctly decide whether to cash out or risk losing the accumulated winnings if the penguin collides with a sledge.

The game has four difficulty levels, introducing an element of player decision-making strategy into gameplay. The higher the difficulty level, the bigger the value of the multiplier and the greater the chance the player has of crashing and losing the prize that they have accumulated. We aimed to make each aspect of the experience – including why the player wins or loses and the maximum win potential – crystal clear for the user, with this synergy between elements ensuring the game stands out from similar products.

Q: How does the incorporation of crash-style multipliers improve the player experience?

Dynamic multipliers have been utilised in various ways across gaming product verticals. Still, the most effective expression has undoubtedly been through crash games, where players must make efficient decisions and react quickly as the multiplier increases. While this genre has inspired Penguin Rush, it is not a typical crash game in the true sense and is more of a fusion between a tap and a crash game.

One of the most engaging elements of the title is the contrast between the increasing multipliers, which enhance anticipation, and the relatively calm game speed. The latter enables the player to take their time, think carefully about their strategy, and decide on the optimal next course of action. This critical component differentiates Penguin Rush and makes it a unique and captivating gaming experience.

Q: Can you explain why BetGames implemented four difficulty levels with varying volatility?

Incorporating four difficulty levels ensures we are catering to a broad range of player preferences. Whether it is recreational players looking for something a little less volatile or experienced gamers chasing a game’s maximum win, we have a level to appeal to all types of player profiles. Every consumer has a preference regarding volatility, level of risk, and gameplay speed, and by integrating four separate rounds, the player can take control of their own experience. The resulting increase in interaction helps drive product value on behalf of BetGames’ partners.

Q: A big emphasis has been placed on the strategic element of Penguin Rush. How does revealing the level the penguin would have reached add another dimension to gameplay?

While revealing the maximum that would have been won aids in gameplay strategy development, it is equally important in delivering an additional layer of gameplay excitement. Not only does it provide that near-win thrill, but it can also reinforce a player’s decision if the next move would have seen them crash and lose their accumulated prize.

The cashout feature allows the player to take control and determine the risk and reward decision-making process that they would like to take for each game round. So, whilst the RNG will determine the outcome on each step of the game, the player is ultimately making the decision on whether to continue or risk a crash. All these factors work in tandem to create an intriguing psychological experience designed to encourage the player to think carefully about every step.

Q: How does the inclusion of bespoke operator branding elevate the performance of a new release?

BetGames’ end goal is always to satisfy the end user. Working closely with operators allows us to better understand the needs of their players, and curating branded game environments can increase the desirability of a product among players. Consumers have brands they trust and will return to time and time again, so by developing bespoke games, we can deliver products that provide familiarity to the player while simultaneously amplifying brand visibility for the operator.

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