“We craft games today for the players of tomorrow”
In our inspiring interview with Onlyplay’s CEO Christina Muratkina, we discuss how the company follows the recent industry trend of a player in control of their gaming experience, look closer at its current games and plans for the future, learn about the secrets of resilience and creativity of Christina and her team, and more.
Q: Thank you for sitting down with us! Our readers are eager to get acquainted with Onlyplay. So, could you please tell us more about your team and what drives you to success?
Onlyplay is a team of devoted game enthusiasts. Crafting games since 2020, we've already brought over 40 games to life. Our expertise spans various mechanics, offering a range that includes classic slots, crash, instant win, infinity play, and more.
Remaining attuned to industry shifts and catalyzing change is our passion. We craft games today for the players of tomorrow. And that's not all.
We stride hand in hand with technology, ensuring our games are crypto-friendly and optimized for mobile-first experiences. In addition, we harness the power of AI to elevate our creative process.
Our journey is one of innovation, driven by a love for games and a vision for their future.
Q: Onlyplay began its path in this highly competitive industry in times of big challenges (first the Covid-19 pandemic, then the war in Ukraine). How do you find inspiration for creativity and innovation under such stressful conditions?
In the words of Winston Churchill, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” And that's precisely what we did. In challenging times, our job transformed into heaven, a place where the team could retreat and shield themselves from the chaos that surrounded us. Some might perceive this as a way of evading reality or downplaying it, but trust me, it was far from that.
Navigating through adversity is, in fact, a strategic coping mechanism, and our entire team found solace in this approach. Moreover, if you delve into it, solving problems, crafting intricate gaming worlds, and making progress day by day turned out to be exceptionally therapeutic. It bestows a sense of control, a foothold in a tumultuous period, and that's invaluable amidst turbulence.
As a leader, upholding stable workspaces and fostering a sense of equilibrium became my priority. I ardently believe in aligning priorities. Once you are attuned to what truly matters and demands attention, you find the vigor needed to accomplish the task at hand. Strangely enough, we managed to excel even amidst the pandemic and the ravages of war, expanding our team beyond these challenging factors.
It's interesting to reflect that one of our games, a name that now rings with success - "Chervona Kalyna", was born in a bomb shelter. The thought conjures a complex blend of emotions about life, its enigmatic twists, and how fortunes ebb and flow without warning.
Life's unpredictability is a constant, and yet, our ability to navigate it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Q: The number of software developers that give players more control over their gaming experience grows steadily. How does your company follow this recent trend in video slots?
On one hand, most players enjoy straightforward gameplay, nothing extra to “burden” the experience of playing. However, from our observations, adding the possibility to slightly influence the game's outcome engages the player even further into the game. Even in moments of "bad luck," this gives them a sense of assurance that they can make an impact and make decisions in their favor.
Furthermore, it's crucial to consider that the new gambling audience is growing through social gaming. Therefore, transferring familiar mechanics and features can significantly boost retention rates and session lengths.
Q: Crash games series is becoming an up-and-coming part of your portfolio. Could you please tell us more about Onlyplay’s style in this casino genre?
We've always been drawn to creating multiplayer games because bringing players into the same room adds an intriguing dynamic to the game. You never know how people are going to react to the other player’s moves, except one thing. Fostering a sense of competition always simplifies game promotion, rendering it more viral and making it more likable for others to play it.
We have our classic crashes and a more advanced version called Infinity Play. In F777 Fighter, we introduced the refueling feature, where a bonus can drop for all players during flight. Additionally, we implemented a collective jackpot that's distributed among players who don't bail out. This way, the boldest players secure a part of the jackpot, while those who jumped earlier witness others winning it, creating the familiar sense of victory for a thrill-seeking gamer.
In our Infinity Play games like QuantumX and Need for X, we've eliminated the notion of a gaming round as such. Players can join and commence a game at any moment, bypassing the wait for a round to conclude. This theoretically allows for an endless gaming experience.
Q: Will we see one more new crash game by Onlyplay soon?
Absolutely, get ready for some excitement! We're currently cooking up an amazing crash game featuring a truly unique mechanic. But that's not everything – we're also rolling out three super lightweight games tailored specifically for players experiencing low internet connectivity and using less powerful devices. This summer is about to get a lot more thrilling, and we can't wait to share these experiences with you. Stay tuned for more updates!
Q: Your games are already available to players from many countries, but we are sure your company is not going to stop on the achieved. What are your plans for the future? Any upcoming partnerships or expansions to new markets?
Our strategy right now is focused on delving deep into understanding our player base while concurrently embarking on a deliberate and progressive expansion across various geographical areas. This approach allows us to adapt effectively to the evolving gaming landscape and understand different cultures and their liking better.
Regarding our future plans, I find it important to maintain a degree of flexibility. This gives us the freedom to strategically pivot based on the dynamic nature of the industry. Therefore, I am inclined to retain the discretion to refrain from disclosing our immediate plans. However, be assured that when these plans materialize, I'll be excited to illuminate them for all to see.
Stay engaged with us for the unfolding chapters of our journey.