A Game Changing Interview with Robert Lee, Commercial Director at Realistic Games

This week we’ve met with Robert Lee, Commercial Director at Realistic Games to get a brief insight at their 18 years of experience in the industry, the unique style of Realistic Games and their latest game series and release, Game Changer.

25.02.2020
Robert

Robert Lee, Commercial Director at Realistic Games

Welcome Robert, we’re really glad to have you in this weeks SlotCatalog’s game provider interview series. Could you please give our readers a brief summary of Realistic Games long history in the industry?

Realistic Games was founded in 2002, drawing on decades of experience in the gaming industry to create content that recreates the familiar land-based feel of slot and table games for the online environment. Our team background ranges from operators to professional gaming designers but what brings us together is our mutual passion for casino games.

Ever since our early releases - Roulette, Blackjack, Hi Lo Gambler and La Boule - launched all those years ago we’ve been committed to delivering quality games for players all over the world, partnering with some of the industry’s leading operators including bet365, Bet Victor, GVC and Betfred.

Now, almost 18 years on from our first ever game, we are still at the forefront of innovation in the industry. Our latest smash-hit concept Game Changer - a ground-breaking new mechanic that can be integrated into any slot – is on track to challenge the current market and be the next big thing in casino entertainment.

18 years is a long time, what’s your strategy staying up top in the competitive industry?

To keep building on our portfolio with content that breaks new ground while delivering the signature Realistic Games style that players of our games know and love. From our 5 and 3-reel slot games right through to our instant win collection, our content always provides a gaming experience that is quintessentially Realistic and keeps abreast with the industry trends.

This year we have an incredibly strong and perse games roadmap which will help us continue to build our distributional reach – so watch this space!

Let’s dive into your games! Please tell our readers about your latest release Game Changer.

GameChangerOur latest release, Game Changer, is a 5-reel slot and features our innovative new mechanic of the same name. The aim is to form a feature board with any boxed symbols to trigger the bonus round, in which players move around a board game by rolling die for a chance to win up to 6000x their stake. Landing on a potential losing square risks ending their bonus round, but any accrued winnings are still awarded. There are 324 million potential board combinations, so the player should never get the same board twice!

We have also recently agreed an exciting deal with land-based supplier Electrocoin to adapt famous brands such as the Bar-X series for online casinos. Electrocoin has an iconic library that will translate perfectly to the Realistic retro style and we can’t wait to unveil versions of some of their most popular titles.

What is your personal favourite production that you’ve already released and why?

My two personal favourite games are the Hot Cross Bunnies duo, which tend to resonate with bingo players and those that prefer a softer style of play. For anybody else that is a fan of the series, watch out for two new additions coming this year just in time for Easter!

In terms of fan favourites, our most popular 3-reel game is Eighth Wonder, and Super Graphics Upside Down is our most popular 5 reel. As our most popular launch to date, Super Graphics Upside Down is our flagship title that has spawned multiple sequels featuring the slot’s popular female host, Satsuki.

Do you have any unique story behind the scenes of one of your productions?

Last year we released Funky Spin, our first ever progressive jackpot slot. We wanted to do something a bit different to mark the launch and reflect the game’s full-filled, unique gaming experience. The team and I starred in a satirical video giving players a behind-the-scenes snapshot of the game development process, whilst poking a bit of fun at the industry. It’s well worth a watch!

Speaking of development processes, the industry is becoming more and more competitive. What’re your personal thoughts about the gaming sector?

Competition in the gaming sector is at an all-time high, but that encourages us to keep innovating and stay on top of our game. We’re not short of talent in the industry, and I’m always amazed by the appetite to keep on developing as a sector. As an example, the Megaways concept has been a major influencer in the industry and shaped a whole new style of play. Similarly, our Game Changer concept is designed to shake up the status quo and deliver a new mechanic that we hope will do something similar.

What do you think are the most important aspects behind a game, to be able to rise above the noise?

The maths model, volatility, player engagement, UI and UX are all equally as vital for a game’s longevity and sustained impact. However, stylish graphics, animation and sound are also incredibly important as they drive a player’s first impression of a game. A great game requires a considered combination of all of the above; getting the balance wrong can turn a good game into an average one.

Why should we play your games?

Realistic titles are known for their unique maths models and classic style that always deliver on entertainment and playability.

What’s your predictions regarding the iGaming industry future?

I expect we’ll see some major concept developments in 2020, accelerated by advancing technology and evolving player preferences. For Realistic, we are most excited about launching our series of Game Changer titles following the instant success of the first game.

Enhanced multi-device functionality is giving developers greater freedom to be creative with both the gameplay and visual aesthetics and we are seeing new play formats emerge as a result.

Is there anything you would like to mention before we say goodbye?

We have a very busy 12 months ahead with multiple Game Changer launches and several branded games in the pipeline. Players should keep an eye out for us on more of their favourite casino brands as we’re in the process of finalising some major deals. We’re set for another exciting year at Realistic Games!

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