Our vision is based on being flexible and ambitious - an interview with Alexandr Kosohov, CEO at IGaming development studio Gamzix

Welcome to the SlotCatalog interview series! To start off, please, introduce yourself and Gamzix to our readers.

My name is Alexandr Kosohov and I’m a CEO at IGaming development studio Gamzix. I’ve been working in this industry for 8 years. In 2020 my dream came true, and I established my own company. I believed I could create a fresh and flexible brand that would succeed. After 2,5 years of our work, the results testify that we are following the right direction. And I’m extremely happy about it!

You’ve chosen quite turbulent times for a launch, just before the pandemic started. How did the quarantine affect your business?

I could not even imagine that Gamzix would go through such tough times. Of course, COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions affected every part of the business world, but also it taught us something absolutely different and new. Specifically because of the pandemic, the IGaming industry reached a new level. And it made a wrong time — a good time for growth and development. So, we used our flexibility and motivation as a chance to show our strength. And this is how we have succeeded.

Now, with the breakout of war, Gamzix faced yet another challenge. How does your Kyiv office operate during wartime?

Unfortunately, the last few years were the most difficult for Ukraine. And, as a part of the team was located in Kyiv, we had to take urgent measures to save our people’s lives. So relocating to a safe place became a first step. Then we provided necessary equipment for everyone and continued to work as possible. I understood that difficult times show a real face of the company’s management. So, no matter how much our people worked during this time of settling down in a new place, they have always been supported and got their salaries as usual.

Also, Gamzix donated more than €40,000 to charity after the first weeks of the war. Personally, half of my salary also went to donations to Ukrainian citizens in need.

The studio is still new to the iGaming world, but your portfolio already counts over 35 slot games, which is really impressive. What’s the studio’s vision and how does the team keep being so productive?

Actually, there are already 40 games! :) And I’m proud of the fact that this number increases so fast. Our vision is based on being flexible and ambitious. I started my professional journey keeping this idea in my head and continue to surround myself with people, who share the same values. And it’s not something impossible, as you can see, when absolutely every specialist in the team is thinking like this. Also, Gamzix is growing fast. Now we have offices and teams in 4 countries. Of course, this helps to do more and reach higher results thanks to our whole team!

Tell us about your products. What do you think sets Gamzix apart from other slot developers and why should players choose your games?

I think what makes us special, of course, is the product, games with unique mechanics, marketing tools, features through which we can attract a player and conduct various promotional activities. We like variability, so every player will find something specific in our portfolio.

Do you like classic slots? Try 3x3: Hold the Spin. Looking for a popular topic? We are suggesting Buffalo Coin or Sunny Coin. Need some thematic stories? We have a lot of reskins which are dedicated to different holidays, for instance: Bonanza Donut Xmas, Buffalo Ice, 3X3: Hell Spin, etc.

Also, we have solutions that stand out:

- Tournaments. Gamzix has implemented additional bonuses for players in the form of local and network tournaments with Money prizes and Free Spins. Operator doesn’t need this tool built in, because we provide all from our side.

- Achievements. It is a unique Gamzix’s feature. When a player unlocks an achievement, free spins or free rounds are awarded. Achievements are fully customizable and have different mechanics.

- Branded games. Gamzix offers customized branding of games for casinos.

What game release makes you extra proud?

You are asking a CEO what games he likes the most. As a proud “father” I'll say all of them. Because we don’t release bad quality slots, and each deserves to be in the hall of fame. But I want to be more specific and add some examples:

Pilot. Our first Crash game with the ability to change different skins. Simple rules, well-known mechanics and relevant plot for different audiences: all these attracted attention to it.

3x3 is a classic fruit slot and this says it all. After 1 week of release, our players bring it on top. Of course, classic plot, fresh and juicy design, Bonus Game leave no one indifferent.

Bonanza Donut is one of our latest games which includes so many cool mechanics. During the game, a player can win Free Spins. The Bonus Game gives a special reward: from the multiplier to Free Spins. And a Hot Bet button raises chances to get Free Spins by 25%. And a design choice, mmm, extremely delicious.

Are there any plans for the upcoming winter festive season?

Every holiday is an amazing opportunity for our team to make something special for the players. Because these are just a few weeks in a whole year when you can feel everything differently. And Christmas — perfect time for seasonal choices, so here what we have:

Bonanza Donut Xmas is a festive reskin of the main Bonanza version. I’ve talked more about its characteristics in a previous question, so now I would like to pay more attention to the game’s picture. The main idea of every reskin brings fresh vision to the already popular game. Original Bonanza is tasty by itself. But the Xmas version with gingerbread men, colorful candies, red and green cupcakes give the game a real taste of the upcoming holiday.

Buffalo Ice Hold the Spin is a 5-reel slot with 3 types of jackpot: Mini, Major and Mega. Bonus game triggered by a special symbol and gives the opportunity to increase the win from x5 to x200. In design, we focused on adding specific colors and elements to make the atmosphere of the winter wild forest even more realistic. Of course, we are suggesting to play with the sound on to get as much as possible from this experience.

Let’s take a look further down your roadmap. What should we expect from Gamzix in the future?

In 2023, we are planning to enlarge our portfolio with various games. Not only slots, but crash-games and mini-games too. The quality, mechanics, design, plots: everything will work to provide the best experience for our players. And talking about marketing, we have a goal to become more recognizable among the players by reaching new markets, partners and global community.

Could you give an insight into how you see our industry in the coming years?

Technologies like augmented reality, virtual reality are still in the early stages of implementation. Game engines will be lighter, technologically advanced and more unique. This will help players to enjoy their favorite games on a smartphone, which means, almost every time and everywhere with a stable internet connection. Also, cryptocurrencies are expected to contribute to the easing of payments.

Technologies are getting wild and developing from day to day. The only wish I have in this case — to be able to follow all these changes.

Gamzix expanded pretty fast over CIS and Europe. Are there any other specific markets you are interested in?

Reaching new markets is an idea that I always keep in my mind. Because it’s about expanding and entering a new level of company’s development. Of course, our biggest goal is to be available for all the countries and continents. So, the nearest future is about getting access to markets of Latin America, Asia and Africa.

We know you have been actively participating in major iGaming festivals. How important is this for a young studio like you are to attend such events?

Participating in different festivals is a big part of our promotion plan. As a new brand, we have not only demonstrated the product, but also show what people are standing behind the name Gamzix. The upcoming event we are very excited about is ICE London in February. There we will present our new games, which come out at the end of this year and at the beginning of the new one. Don’t miss it!

What does it mean for you to be nominated for the Rising Industry Star SiGMA Award?

Gamzix not only was nominated, but also became a winner! Winning in this category just in a moment helped Gamzix to reach a new level. Our first award and I can’t be more proud of my team, who has made it real. Being recognizable in the IGaming community — this is the idea we are following from day to day. Please welcome Gamzix – the Industry Rising Star of 2022!

Thanks for the chat! Any final message before we wrap this up?

Thank you for the invitation. I hope your readers enjoyed this interview. I’m grateful and proud for everything my company and team goes through. Despite hard times and tons of challenges, we diligently and confidently move towards our dreams. I’m sure you’ll hear about Gamzix many times next year!