Maintaining a consistent upwards trajectory within an environment that is becoming increasingly clogged and competitive is tricky business.
As wave after wave of new studios enter the space filled with lofty aspirations, those that boast deep roots are vying to reach, or remain at, the top of the space.
It is this latter point that is occupying a space in the mind of Relax Gaming, with Chief Product Officer, Tony O’Mahony, taking time out to speak to iGaming Expert regarding just how the group is plotting to remain at the forefront of iGaming.
In addition to revealing how the group is set to raise the bar when it comes to game development practices, he also touches on the next geographical targets, what themes will shape the year ahead and much more.
iGaming Expert: How do you plan to build on past momentum to maintain an upward trajectory through 2026?
Tony O’Mahony: Our process always begins with a clear roadmap. When you create high-quality content that resonates with players and release it at the right moment, momentum follows naturally.
We are genuinely excited about how Q1 is shaping up. The energy is already building on the back of a busy Q4, during which we launched Snake Arena 2 and Iron Bank 2. These two titles generated significant buzz in the market, and this momentum is carrying into the new year, providing us with a strong foundation to build upon.
Looking ahead, we have plenty more in store. Each release is the result of careful planning, thorough testing, and, importantly, valuable feedback.
This approach allows us to consistently deliver content that truly resonates with our audience and helps Relax stand out in the industry. It is all part of our mission to continue driving differentiation.
iGX: What do you expect to be the major concepts that shape the iGaming ecosystem through the next 12 months?
TOM: The iGaming ecosystem is fast-paced, flexible, and constantly evolving. This is precisely why it’s crucial to keep a close watch on emerging trends, and why we strive to stay ahead in product development.
From a market perspective, we anticipate continued growth across Europe, while regions such as the US and Latin America are expected to gain momentum through 2026.
In terms of gameplay trends, adaptive mechanics are definitely worth monitoring. Features that adjust volatility, bonus frequency, or even visual themes based on a player’s individual style are becoming increasingly central.
This shift allows for new ways to retain players through emotional engagement rather than just mathematical elements. We are focused on delivering a sense of achievement, personal challenge, and community connection, rather than solely on return to player.
Another noteworthy trend is the evolution of affiliates into full media brands. This evolution is changing how studios approach promotional tools, especially in creating games that are not only enjoyable to play but also engaging to stream and share.
iGX: How much will Relax Gaming take advantage of these to help heighten the overall quality of its development pipeline?
TOM: We’re feeling very optimistic. There is a strong sense of ambition within our team, and we have the roadmap, the right people, and valuable partnerships in place to achieve our goals.
We will continue to grow our portfolio and expand into both existing and new markets. This will involve collaborating with the amazing studios we already work with and bringing in new partners to expand our reach further.
Ultimately, our focus is on staying true to our identity, prioritising players, fostering creativity, and striving to improve with every release.
iGX: Although it may be early, could you give us a sneak peek into what major titles will shape the Relax Gaming portfolio through 2026?
TOM: We have an exciting year ahead, and a lot of hard work has gone into developing this roadmap. Our upcoming lineup features a great mix of variety, ambitious projects, and crowd-pleasers, and we can’t wait to see how players respond.
You can expect even more Dream Drop titles, along with several sequels and the return of some familiar characters. One title, in particular, has the potential to be a serious game of the year contender and is set to release this summer, so be sure to keep an eye out for it.
To kick things off, we have Bill & Coin 2 launching in January, followed by Beast Gains and Treasure Tumble in March. This is just the beginning of what’s coming!
iGX: Can we expect Relax Gaming to target any new jurisdictions through the next year, or will the priority be in strengthening your presence across those already occupied?
TOM: It’s a bit of both, really. While we’re always on the lookout for innovative ways to expand globally, it’s just as essential for us to keep delivering strong results in the markets where we’re already established.
Europe will remain a key focus, and we expect to see some movement in the US and Latin America as we head deeper into 2026. We’re in a strong position, and our goal is to continue building on that thoughtfully and sustainably.
