LUN 17 DE JUNIO DE 2024 - 09:02hs.
Sebastian Perrier, Founder and CEO

“Neko Games is always exploring new ways to bring exciting features to our audience”

Sebastian Perrier, Founder and CEO of Neko Games, talked exclusively with GMB about the important achievement at recent BiS Awards when the company was recognized in the “Best Bingo Game” category. “It reaffirms that we're on the right track,” says Perrier, who also highlights the company background to succeed in the region: “Our deep roots in LatAm culture give us a unique perspective on what players in emerging markets are looking for.”

GMB - Sebastian, congratulations on winning as the Best Bingo Game at the BiS Awards this year! What does this achievement mean to Neko Games and your team?
Sebastian Perrier
- Thank you! Winning this award is a tremendous honour for us at Neko Games. It validates the hard work and dedication that our team puts into creating innovative and engaging instant bingo games. We take pride in our unique approach to game development, and this award reaffirms that we're on the right track. It's also a great motivation to keep pushing the boundaries of what instant bingo can be, ensuring our games are enjoyable, intuitive, and rewarding for players.

Can you share what makes Neko Games' approach to bingo stand out from other developers in the industry?
Absolutely. At Neko Games, we specialise in transforming simple bingo mechanics into thrilling casino experiences. We focus on combining classic elements with modern slot-like features, such as jackpots, bonus rounds, and engaging themes. Our goal is to offer players an exciting and unique bingo experience that bridges the gap between traditional bingo and contemporary casino games.

Additionally, our deep roots in Latin American culture give us a unique perspective on what players in emerging markets are looking for, allowing us to create games that resonate with both new and experienced players.

The game that won the award, Don Bingote, has a lot of unique features. What makes it a fan favourite among players, and what do you think contributed to its success at the BiS Awards?
Bingote offers a perfect blend of simplicity and excitement. It draws inspiration from the classic story of Don Quixote, giving it a familiar and engaging theme. The game allows players to journey through various bonus rounds, like the Armour Bonus, Windmills Monsters Bonus, and Diamantea’s Castle Bonus, touching on the classic story while offering unique gameplay and significant prizes. The 4-tier jackpot system, with prizes up to 5,000x the bet, adds an extra layer of anticipation.

The overall combination of intuitive gameplay, attractive visuals, and rewarding features has made Bingote a standout title, and I believe these factors contributed to its success at the BiS Awards.

How does winning this award at the BiS Awards influence Neko Games' plans for future bingo games?
Winning the Best Bingo Game award is both a milestone and an inspiration for us. It shows that there's a significant demand for innovative instant bingo experiences, and we're excited to continue exploring new themes and features.

This recognition encourages us to keep pushing our creative boundaries, focusing on enhancing the player experience while maintaining the simplicity and charm that make bingo so appealing. We have a few exciting releases in the pipeline, and we're eager to build on the success of Bingote to deliver even more memorable games to our players.

What role does the Latin American market play in Neko Games' strategy, and how does this award reflect your success in this region?
Latin America has always been a central focus for Neko Games. Our studio is based in Buenos Aires, and many of our games draw inspiration from Latin American culture and history. This region has a strong affinity for bingo, and we've worked hard to create games that resonate with players here.

Winning this award at the BiS Awards is a testament to our deep connection with the Latin American market and shows that our approach to video bingo is appreciated. It also reinforces our commitment to developing games that cater to the specific tastes and preferences of players in this region while appealing to a broader global audience.

How do you ensure your games connect with players, and what role does research play in that process?
Research is key to our approach. We study cultural themes, player preferences, and gaming habits in the markets we serve. By understanding what resonates with players, we can design games that feel familiar and engaging.

Take Don Bingote, for example, which draws from the classic Spanish novel "Don Quixote de La Mancha." This cultural connection helped the game become a top performer in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries because it resonated with local players while offering an exciting and enjoyable bingo experience.

Our goal is to create games that not only entertain but also connect with players on a deeper level. A game’s success is never guaranteed, but a deep understanding of the target audience helps maximise its potential.

What approach does Neko Games take to incorporate new features into its games while keeping them accessible and fun for players?
Our approach is all about bridging the gap between traditional bingo and the latest innovations in slots and other popular verticals, like live game shows. To do this, we closely watch what's trending in the broader casino industry, then adapt those successful elements into our games.

For example, free spins are a staple in slots, but integrating a similar mechanic into instant bingos was a significant challenge. With Amazing Pharaoh, we managed to introduce a free rounds bonus, a world first for instant bingo. This kind of innovation keeps our games fresh and appealing, ensuring that players can enjoy modern features without losing the simplicity and charm that make bingo so popular. We are always exploring new ways to evolve the gaming experience and bring exciting features to our audience.

Source: Exclusive GMB