Keeping gameshows dynamic is key to achieving success and engagement with the new generation of players in the live casino space, according to Christian Stuart, Senior Vice President & Head of Interactive North America at MGM Resorts International.
Stuart spoke alongside Shimon Akad, Chief Operations Officer at Playtech, highlighting their ‘Live From Las Vegas’ offering partnership that has been in place for over a year, broadcasting casino games live from MGM Resorts casinos on the Las Vegas strip.
The collaboration has since expanded with the launch of Family Feud, a licensed adaptation of Fremantle’s classic gameshow, bringing even more eyes to the live casino product.
Speaking at SBC Summit, Stuart noted that having a dynamic gameshow offers something for everyone and can be a significant factor in a title’s success, elevating the experience for all types of online casino players.
“The game is very easy to jump in and out of, but it also has a lot of features to it, where there are bonus rounds, there’s jackpot rounds, there’s instant win opportunities. It’s very dynamic in that nature.
“You can be a slot player, you can be a table player, but I think gameshow bridges the gap between the two and you really can have a lot of fun with it, whether you’re young or an experienced gamer.”
Akad agreed with Stuart, spotlighting the engagement seen from players in these gameshow titles thanks to the quality of presentation in all aspects.
The Playtech COO said: “We can see it within the comments of the players that they truly appreciate the level of professionalism that they see in the dealers. They immediately recognise that this is an elevated experience in how they behave, how they present.
“When you put your time and effort into the details, the players feel something different. They don’t always necessarily know what it is, but they feel that it’s a much more refined experience and a much more enjoyable experience.”
With many people now using their phones in landscape mode for all sorts of reasons and ‘digital snacking’ by dipping into an iGaming offering for five or 10 minutes, operators and suppliers alike must make sure their products fit this preference.
Akad mentioned how Playtech is introducing ‘game on’ features and technology, a mini player in the corner of the device, into its product, so customers can continue playing while they navigate on their phone to another app, keeping them engaged.
Attention was also brought to the variety of offerings available in online casino lobbies by Stuart, such as blackjack, roulette, trivia and even live video of the sounds and experience of a Las Vegas casino floor to keep players entertained.
Stuart and Akad also spoke about why the Family Feud IP was chosen, as well as what’s next in the partnership between MGM Resorts and Playtech.
