Interview with Sebastian Perrier, Founder & Director at Neko Games

What is your vision at Neko Games and how has it evolved since the company’s foundation?

Our vision has always been to reinvent bingo-style games for modern online players through high-quality, engaging experiences. Over time, we’ve evolved by blending bingo with innovative slots mechanics, always guided by data and player feedback.

Is there some special story behind the feline theme, or should we just accept that you are a team of cat lovers?

The word “Neko” means cat in Japanese. Our brand is based on ManekiNeko lucky cat from the Japanese mythology, which also reflects our playful, curious, and independent spirit. Like cats, we like to do things our own way - especially in a slots-dominated world.

How would you describe Neko Games’ approach to game development, both creatively and technically?

We are redefining the Instant Bingo category. We combine creative storytelling and visual excellence with deep technical design and math precision to create unique, replayable bingo experiences. It’s all about striking the right balance between familiarity of the world known bingo mechanics and innovation.

What does the development process typically look like, from the initial concept to release?

It begins with market research and concept ideation, always thinking of a specific player in mind. Followed by prototyping, testing, and close collaboration between design, dev, and math teams. After certifications and fine-tuning, we launch with strong marketing support from Games Global, our exclusive distributor, to ensure operator and player traction.

What made you decide to focus on a bingo-style format rather than follow the crowd into traditional online slot development?

We saw an underserved niche with huge potential and wanted to bring something fresh to the table into a very known category as Bingo games, which was underdeveloped. Bingo gave us the canvas to innovate, engage, and differentiate ourselves in a saturated slots market.

With such a niche focus, how do you ensure your games remain relevant and competitive in the broader iGaming landscape?

We stay close to player data, explore new mechanics, and tailor games to regional preferences, particularly in Latin America. By continuously evolving our math and features, we keep our titles exciting and commercially effective.

Some of your latest releases, Hot Fireballs and Carnaval, integrate the famous Link&Win mechanic. What was the inspiration behind this innovation?

We wanted to combine the thrill of hold-and-win features with the community vibe of bingo. Link&Win offered a way to modernize our games while tapping into mechanics players already love; it is the first time ever a bingo has incorporated such mechanics

Do you see Link&Win and other slot mechanics becoming recurring features in future Video Bingo titles?

Absolutely. We believe hybridization is key, and we’re committed to integrating proven slot mechanics into our bingo DNA in ways that feel natural and fun. So we turn a game like Bingo, known and loved all over the world, with new exciting features.

Beyond Link&Win, are there any features you are currently exploring or considering integrating into your games?

Yes - we’re exploring jackpots, cascading wins, and eventually multiplayer enhancements. Our goal is to keep pushing the boundaries of what a bingo game can be.

Let’s talk about the concept you call Instant Bingo. How does it differ from traditional Video Bingo and what led to its creation?

Instant Bingo removes the classic number-call rhythm of the traditional multiplayer bingo, and delivers a faster, on-demand experience more aligned with modern play styles. It was born from the need to offer quicker sessions with high-impact features and better mobile UX.

What are some of the key innovations of Instant Bingo and how does the format improve player engagement and session longevity?

Its simplicity, speed, and rewarding bonus structure make it easy to pick up and hard to put down. By reducing friction and increasing reward frequency, Instant Bingo keeps players engaged longer and more frequently.

How have you adapted the design and math model to better suit modern player preferences and habits?

We’ve shifted to shorter, more dynamic sessions, mobile-first design, and increased hit frequency without sacrificing volatility. It’s all about making every spin (or daub!) feel meaningful and exciting.

Do you see Instant Bingo games as a way to attract a new generation of players or is it more about giving existing bingo fans a fresh experience?

It’s both - a modern gateway for newcomers and a revitalized format for long-time bingo fans. Instant Bingo bridges generations by merging familiar gameplay with modern pacing and visuals.

You’ve secured certifications for your games in Brazil. How important is that to your overall distribution and expansion strategy?

Brazil is a key market for us - it’s where bingo is culturally relevant and massively popular. Being certified there is central to our LatAm growth strategy and helps us build trust with operators and regulators alike.

Neko Games had a strong presence at major industry events like ICE London and SBC Rio. What role do these functions play in your growth and visibility?

These events are vital for building partnerships, showcasing innovation, and staying ahead of industry trends. They help us amplify our voice in a competitive landscape and connect face-to-face with the people behind the platforms.

Do you find that coming events like BIS SiGMA and SBC Miami help open new doors for genres like Video Bingo and Instant Bingo, which are still growing and catching up with traditional online slots?

Absolutely - these events create space for fresh formats like ours to shine and get noticed. They also allow us to educate the market and show how Instant Bingo games can drive engagement and increase revenue.

What’s next for Neko Games? Can players and operators expect even more innovations in bingo formats?

Yes - expect new mechanics, richer features, and some genre-blending surprises. We’re always experimenting with new ways to evolve the bingo experience into gameplay experiences never seen in the bingo category before.

Are you exploring new directions as well or are you going to stick with bingo?

Bingo is our core, but we’re open to crossing into adjacent genres if the concept feels right. Our DNA is innovation - we just happen to love expressing it through bingo.

Where do you see Neko Games and the bingo genre as a whole in the next five years?

We see bingo becoming a mainstream genre again, especially as it evolves with faster formats and modern mechanics. Neko aims to be at the forefront of that evolution, setting trends rather than following them.

Finally, if Neko Games were a cat, what kind of cat would that be?:)

If Neko Games were a cat, we’d definitely be a Manekineko - the lucky beckoning cat. Symbol of good fortune, charm, and playful energy… just like our games! ?✨