Market saturation is fuelling product innovation at an unprecedented rate. Suppliers are under intense pressure to stand out, resulting in a surge of new trends emerging across the industry. From the rise of crash games to a surging demand for sequels and social-first experiences, the future of product development is being shaped by a fusion of familiarity and community-driven gameplay.
Following the launch of BetGames’ crash sequel, Skyward Deluxe, we spoke exclusively with Head of Product, Adam Lahouiri, to explore the strategies being implemented by studios to remain relevant in the fast-evolving sector.
As competition intensifies, studios are increasingly opting to evolve proven concepts into game franchises. What is driving this strategy?
All our decisions are driven by data. When the numbers on a proven concept look as strong as they do with the original Skyward, it would be a mistake not to build on that success. Iterating on proven titles is nothing new to the industry – what’s changed is the precision we now have with data segmentation. While we often group players by play style, the truth is that every player is unique. Sequels enable us to expand on the original experience with features that resonate differently with various audiences. One version may appeal to risk-takers, another to social players – but the important point is that no one misses out on the fun.
Why is it important to maintain a balance between sequel familiarity and gameplay upgrades, and how do you ensure you give players sufficient reason to move away from the original?
Familiarity is the gateway, the easy entry to the game for players who have played other versions of the same title. It’s an easy way to get understanding and know-how of certain features from a big group of players straight away. Skyward Deluxe offers the same gameplay and max multiplier as the original. The new features, such as our Community Jackpot, will appear at random times, and our Sky Drops, which are free bets that drop for players to claim, will also occur randomly while playing. The game’s Leaderboard tool is very easy to understand, and points are accumulated for each multiplier that is cashed out. So again, users just have to play the familiar game as normal, but get a whole host of extra features without breaking up that familiar gameplay.
In the digital age, more players than ever before are seeking social-first experiences. What social elements are the most successful when it comes to driving engagement?
Social features are no longer a nice-to-have – they’re becoming central to the player journey. Our Community Jackpot builds a sense of shared success by rewarding all participating players equally when it hits. The Leaderboard drives competition, while the Live Chat gives players a platform to celebrate, share strategies, or simply gloat about a big win. These mechanics turn what could be a solitary game into a shared experience, and that sense of community is what keeps players coming back.
Gamification elements are blurring the lines between iGaming and traditional video games. How and why do features such as leaderboards boost game interaction?
Leaderboards tap into the universal desire for achievement and recognition, giving players a reason to chase bigger multipliers and bragging rights – not just wins. But that’s only part of the picture. With our Hero tool, which is a separate tool but also integrates with Skyward Deluxe, we expand gamification through challenges, tournaments, and a shop where players can redeem prizes. Together, these features create ongoing goals and progression, keeping players engaged far beyond a single session.
Crash games continue to soar in popularity. Why do you think this is, and what is the next step in the evolution of the genre?
Crash games are fast, simple, and community-driven – the perfect blend for today’s digital audience. They offer quick thrills, autonomy in decision-making, and strong social hooks. The genre is still in its infancy, which means there’s a huge runway for innovation ahead. At BetGames, our ambition is to lead that evolution, taking crash beyond its current boundaries. Put simply: the sky isn’t the limit.
