Xmas in Everything: Christmas Guide 2024 from Onlyplay
In honor of the winter holidays, our partners from Onlyplay have prepared a special festive guide for players. The guide covers holiday-related topics, highlights the studio's notable 2024 achievements, and introduces their latest groundbreaking release, Coin Flynn. Read along and discover how Onlyplay is celebrating the season with innovative games, global traditions, and exciting tournaments.
The magic of Christmas 2024 - why planning helps you enjoy the season
The Christmas season is a time of joy, warmth, and togetherness - a time when the world slows down to savor the magic of the holidays. But with so much happening, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of events, traditions, and celebrations. At Onlyplay, we understand this better than anyone. That’s why we not only prepare early but also take time to help you navigate the festivities with ease.
In this guide, we’ll share how we embrace the holiday spirit at Onlyplay, the exciting plans we’ve lined up for Christmas 2024, and insights into traditions worldwide. Whether it’s through our festive-themed games or a deep dive into cultural customs, let’s celebrate the season together.
Christmas at Onlyplay starts long before the first snowflakes fall. Our preparations for the season begin six months in advance, ensuring that every game, tournament, and event resonates with the festive cheer. It’s not just about decorating our games - it’s about creating an immersive experience for our players that reflects the joy and excitement of the holidays.
One of the most delightful traditions at Onlyplay is dressing up Piggy, our beloved mascot, in her Christmas outfit. Piggy has become synonymous with fun and celebration, and her holiday transformations are eagerly anticipated. This year, Piggy Tap™ received a festive reskin, complete with winter landscapes and New Year’s decorations. But it’s not just Piggy who gets into the holiday spirit - our top slots, including Cherry Boom, Glamour Crocodile, and Piggy Bonanza, also feature special Christmas editions, bringing the magic of the season to every spin.
A Festive Global Tournament
This year, the excitement reaches new heights with the Piggy Tap™ New Year's Tournament, an event that has become a cornerstone of our holiday celebrations. With a staggering prize pool of €35,000, this tournament brings together players from across the globe. More than 300 of our partners are participating, making it a truly international affair. The competition is tough, but the fellowship and festive spirit that surrounds the event make it one of the highlights of the year.
A surprise for our partners
At Onlyplay, we value our partners as much as our players. That’s why we’ve planned something special this holiday season: custom New Year’s gifts for our most cherished collaborators. While the details remain a closely guarded secret, rest assured that these gifts will be as innovative and memorable as our games. Whether it’s a nod to our shared successes or a token of appreciation, these surprises are designed to bring joy and strengthen our partnerships.
A groundbreaking new release: Coin Flynn
No holiday season would be complete without something new, and this year, we’re thrilled to introduce Coin Flynn. This innovative 2-reel slot is a game-changer, featuring mechanics that allow coin values to accumulate on a separate reel. Players can trigger features like the Reel of Fortune or jackpots, adding layers of excitement to every spin. Coin Flynn is a demonstration of Onlyplay's commitment to pushing the boundaries and delivering an outstanding experience.
Cherishing togetherness - family traditions and modern twists
While our games bring joy to millions, the Onlyplay team takes this time to recharge and reconnect with loved ones. The beauty of the holiday season lies in its diversity - each team member celebrates in their unique way. Some of us will stay home, relishing quiet moments with family, while others will seek adventure, skiing in snow-capped mountains or basking on exotic beaches.
This blend of traditions and modern twists mirrors the world’s approach to the holidays. From cozy dinners to thrilling escapades, the season offers something for everyone. For us, it’s not just about relaxation - it’s about returning in 2025 with renewed energy and motivation, ready to embark on ambitious projects.
The best Christmas destinations - must-see winter trips to a wonderland
As the world gears up for Christmas, certain destinations stand out for their festive charm. Our new office in Lisbon, for instance, has introduced us to the rich traditions of Portugal. The city comes alive during the holidays, with streets illuminated by dazzling lights, markets brimming with handcrafted goods, and the irresistible aroma of roasted chestnuts filling the air. Lisbon’s unique blend of historical and modern celebrations makes it a must-visit during the festive season.
Christmas markets around the world
Beyond Lisbon, Europe is renowned for its Christmas markets, each offering a unique slice of festive magic:
- Germany
The birthplace of Christmas markets, Germany dazzles with its traditional stalls, mulled wine, and gingerbread treats. Cities like Nuremberg and Cologne are famous for their picturesque markets that attract millions of visitors annually.
- Austria
Vienna’s markets combine old-world charm with a cozy atmosphere, offering everything from handcrafted ornaments to delicious pastries.
- France
Strasbourg, often called the "Capital of Christmas," transforms into a winter wonderland with its enchanting market and festive lights.
Exotic celebrations
For those seeking something different, tropical destinations offer their own take on Christmas. Imagine celebrating under palm trees, with the ocean breeze replacing the winter chill. In places like Thailand and the Caribbean, the holidays are marked by vibrant decorations and unique traditions, proving that Christmas joy knows no bounds.
Celebrating Christmas and New Year across cultures
The beauty of the holiday season lies in its universality. While traditions vary from country to country, the underlying themes of joy, togetherness, and gratitude remain constant. Here are some fascinating customs from around the world:
Scandinavia: hygge and warmth
In Nordic countries, the concept of hygge - a feeling of comfort and satisfaction - defines the holiday season. Families gather around roaring fires, sip on glögg (spiced wine), and enjoy hearty feasts. Christmas in Scandinavia is a time for reflection and togetherness, often celebrated with simple yet meaningful traditions.
Japan: a unique twist
In Japan, Christmas is less about religion and more about spreading happiness. A fascinating tradition is the custom of eating fried chicken on Christmas Day, popularized by a successful marketing campaign. Couples also celebrate the holiday as a romantic occasion, akin to Valentine’s Day.
Latin America: vibrant and festive
In Latin American countries, Christmas is a lively affair filled with music, dance, and community gatherings. Traditions like Las Posadas in Mexico re-enact Mary and Joseph's journey, while fireworks light up the skies in countries like Colombia and Brazil.
The United States: extravagance and fun
From elaborate light displays to oversized Christmas trees, the United States takes holiday celebrations to the next level. Traditions like caroling, baking cookies, and watching holiday movies are staples of the season, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
As we reflect on 2024, it’s clear that this has been a landmark year for Onlyplay. Here are some of the achievements that defined our journey:
- Game releases
Expanding our portfolio to over 100 games, including slots, crash games, instant win and Tap Games. We launched over 40 new games, including the innovative crash games CosmoX, ScoreX, GoalX, and CricX, as well as the groundbreaking slot Coin Flynn.
- Partnerships
2000 partners reached. From joining forces with Stake and BC.Game to collaborating with Betpawa and Bombastic, we’ve expanded our reach and enhanced our offerings.
- New ventures
Opening our new office in Lisbon has brought us closer to key markets and enriched our understanding of regional traditions. Our team now includes 60+ talented professionals from around the world.
- Global recognition
Piggy Tap™ achieved trademark status. Also recently, Onlyplay secured a trademark for TapGame™.
Shaping the future
At the SBC Summit Lisbon, we presented an exciting lineup of new Tap Games, set to launch in 2025. With our innovative mechanics these games are poised to revolutionize the market.
Looking ahead, 2025 promises even greater things. With ambitious plans and a relentless drive for innovation, Onlyplay is ready to surprise and delight players and partners alike. As the year draws to a close, we invite you to celebrate with us. Whether it’s through our games, tournaments, or shared traditions, let’s make this holiday season one to remember. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Onlyplay!