“This Is the Year for Vivo Gaming and We Are Excited About It”

Live Software Expert Shares Plans for 2019 and New Releases

We caught the team of Vivo Gaming in the middle of their preparation for ICE Totally gaming 2019 in London. “We have plenty of surprises”, - the marketing project manager Faruq Salomon told us regarding the upcoming event, as we were wrapping up the interview. Taking into consideration 15 years of live casino experience this company has, with its global network of offices and over a dozen of different studios, we have no doubt the brand is ready to step into 2019 as one of industry’s headliners.

We are grateful to Faruq and the team for finding time during this hectic period of preparation for ICE to sit down with us for a chat and to share insights on the live dealer industry.  

We would like to start by saying that it is a pleasure to e-meet you! We are curious to learn more about the company’s history. How did it all start for you, and what would you say were the first significant accomplishments that put Vivo Gaming on the map as a major brand?

Due to the long-lasting tenure as one of the most reputable providers in the industry, Vivo has evolved from a small company with a small studio in Costa Rica to become a flagship among competitors. A few years ago, Vivo began operations with a studio in Colombia, the main asset during those days were the ladies. The software was stable but not prominent, the Backoffice and additional tools helped to create a safe environment, but it was not until the most recent years that we gained the capability to enhance the software, improve the UI and incorporate additional tables and more. Accomplishments there are many, but all came as a result of work and dedication over the years, like a growing child. We are a major brand because we earned it and we are proud to be capable to deliver what the player wants; the operator needs and more.  

The software was stable but not prominent, the Backoffice and additional tools helped to create a safe environment, but it was not until the most recent years that we gained the capability to enhance the software, improve the UI and incorporate additional tables and more

Which of your games turned out to be the biggest success among players, and what would you say is the reason behind the popularity?

Live Roulette, featuring immersive and floating User Interfaces. Its popularity comes as a result of study and analysis. Over the years we have measured what the players like, different languages, different approach, different scenarios, colors, attitude, studios, lights… and the list goes on. It is all about learning from the players and putting their taste first.

It is challenging to alter and innovate table games. The process is much easier with slots. How do you do you conduct research before rolling out new, improved releases? What are the factors that you prioritize? 

Client feedback, player behavior, market research and industry standards. It is a combination of multiple aspects, learning from players, learning from operators, trying, studying, there is no formula for success, otherwise everyone would replicate it.

What were the biggest challenges for the Vivo Gaming team when developing mobile adaptations for live games?

Technical limitations, stream quality must be good but light enough to be supported in a 3g connection environment while both video and action are fully sync so the player experience is not limited. 

It seems like live dealer content has been gaining in popularity within the industry over the past few years, and more and more companies either launch their live studios or partner with developers of live software. How would you explain the phenomenon of such popularity?

Players know nothing beats actual physical random. Live dealer is real, you provide a real experience, there is no way to predict the result, there is no way to fake it when you shuffle the cards live in front of players. When they see you dealing the cards or throwing the ball, they know for sure there is no way to fix the game and players like to know the games they play are trustworthy. This is not a phenomenon per se, it is how the industry has developed itself. 

Players know nothing beats actual physical random. Live dealer is real, you provide a real experience, there is no way to predict the result, there is no way to fake it when you shuffle the cards live in front of players.

Your strategic alliances allow you to deliver RNG releases (Vivo Gaming partners with companies like BetSoft, SB Tech and Tom Horn to distribute  3rd  party gaming content). Are there plans to produce in-house RNG content?  Slots, for instance.

It is always a possibility, but right now we have partners that are just too good at it. We are live dealer professionals. We are aiming to be the best in our field and that’s what matters to us. We have solid relationships with the best RNG providers, why would we compete against them if we coexist and grow together?

Are there any new games coming soon? If so, we would love to hear more about the details, features, and teasers.

You got to see our new studios, immersive roulettes, HTML5 Blackjack, our upgraded Baccarat and the recently released roulettes. We have now a Portomaso Roulette and this is just what we are releasing now. We are getting licenses, more studios, more games. This is the year for Vivo Gaming and we are excited about it.

You got to see our new studios, immersive roulettes, HTML5 Blackjack, our upgraded Baccarat and the recently released roulettes.

The industry evolves so quickly. Would you say modern players are a tough crowd to surprise? What is the recipe for a successful business today?

Reputation, experience and quality.

The team of KeyToCasino would like to sincerely thank you for accepting our interview invitation and sharing your thoughts with us and our readers!