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2024 Milestones and Momentum with 3 Oaks Gaming—An Insightful Exchange

Slotsjudge team had a chance to talk with Yuliia Muratova, Head of Marketing at 3 Oaks Gaming, to discuss the key 2024 milestones. We also touched on the studio's creative process behind top titles such as Storm of Olympus, Grab More Gold!, and China Festival. Additionally, Yuliia guided us through the exciting new challenges and 3 Oaks’ plans for 2025, providing new industry insights.

Updated: 16.12.2024
Reviewed by: Jekaterina Dubnicka

Yuliia Muratova, Head of Marketing at 3 Oaks Gaming

1. It’s been a while since we last spoke! A lot must have happened at 3 Oaks Gaming—how has the past year treated you and your team?

In 2024, 3 Oaks Gaming achieved several significant milestones in its expansion and compliance efforts within the iGaming industry:

  • UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) License: In February 2024, 3 Oaks Gaming secured a remote operating license from the UKGC. This accreditation allows the company to distribute its games to licensed operators in the UK, marking a crucial step in accessing one of the world's most prominent regulated markets
  • Certification in Portugal: Our successfully certified games according to the technical requirements of Portugal 's gambling regulator, Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos (SRIJ). This development opened the door for Portuguese operators to feature 3 Oaks' gaming portfolio, expanding its reach in Southern Europe
  • Romanian License: 3 Oaks Gaming also obtained a Class 2 license from Romania’s National Gaming Office (ONJN), enabling it to provide its gaming content to operators in this rapidly growing European market

These achievements underscore 3 Oaks Gaming's commitment to broadening its footprint in regulated markets while ensuring its offerings meet stringent compliance standards.

In 2024, 3 Oaks Gaming significantly enhanced its games portfolio and promotional tools, solidifying its presence in the iGaming industry. 3 Oaks released numerous engaging slot titles featuring innovative mechanics and captivating visuals. Notable new releases include: "Coin Up: Lightning", "3 Clover Pots", "Super Hot Chilli", "3 Pots of Egypt".

To support operators and enhance player engagement, 3 Oaks Gaming introduced advanced promotional tools and features like: Turbo Spin, Hot Period and Opt Out. Flip to Win Promo Tool offers guaranteed rewards for players, which extends gaming sessions and creates a more immersive experience.

2. 2024 has been packed with exciting releases like China Festival, Storm of Olympus, and Grab More Gold!. What’s been the most rewarding moment for your team this year?

Besides a lot of successful game releases, in 2024, 3 Oaks Gaming garnered several prestigious nominations that highlighted its growing influence and innovation in the iGaming industry:

  • EGR B2B Awards: The company was nominated in the "Slot Supplier Rising Star" category, recognizing its rapid ascent and creative excellence in slot development
  • CasinoBeats Game Developer Awards: 3 Oaks Gaming was shortlisted for multiple categories, including "Best Game Release" and "Best Slot Developer" showcasing its ability to deliver high-quality and engaging content
  • European iGaming Awards: The team earned nominations for "Best Supplier" and "Slot Game of the Year," underlining its achievements in game production and partnership support within the European market
  • SBC Awards: Our company was shortlisted for “Slot Developer of the Year” nomination

These nominations reflect 3 Oaks Gaming's dedication to pushing the boundaries of slot game design and strengthening its role as a prominent content provider.

3. Challenges often come hand-in-hand with innovation. What was the biggest obstacle 3 Oaks Gaming faced this year, and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges 3 Oaks Gaming faced in 2024 was navigating the stringent regulatory landscapes in various new markets, particularly in obtaining certifications and licenses in highly competitive and strictly regulated regions like the UK and Portugal. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) license acquisition was especially challenging due to its rigorous compliance requirements and the complexity of adapting their offerings to meet local standards.

3 Oaks Gaming invested significantly in compliance, ensuring that their operational practices and game designs met the legal and technical standards set by regulators like the UKGC and SRIJ (Portugal).  While managing these challenges, 3 Oaks Gaming kept its focus on developing high-quality games and promotional tools, which ensured strong demand from operators, justifying the effort spent on obtaining licenses.

4. Let’s talk creativity. The Firecracker metres in China Festival, Zeus’ lightning strikes in Storm of Olympus, and the Miner’s dynamic features in Grab More Gold! are all so unique. What inspired these concepts and mechanics?

The unique mechanics in China Festival, Storm of Olympus, and Grab More Gold! reflect 3 Oaks Gaming's commitment to innovative and engaging gameplay, inspired by thematic storytelling and dynamic interaction.

The concept of "China Festival" is rooted in the vibrant and celebratory nature of Chinese festivals, where firecrackers symbolize luck and joy. The meters add an interactive layer to the game, tying gameplay progression to the festival theme.

Greek mythology provides a rich backdrop for innovation. Zeus, known for his lightning-wielding prowess, inspired the lightning strikes feature, which delivers a powerful visual and gameplay impact. This mechanic likely resonates with players by giving them a sense of divine intervention and unpredictable rewards, enhancing the theme's immersive qualities in "Storm of Olympus" slot.

Mining themes have universal appeal due to their association with exploration and treasure. The dynamic features, such as cascading reels or bonus-triggering tools, are inspired by the thrill of discovery and the pursuit of hidden riches for "Grab More Gold!" game.

5. If Zeus himself were to critique Storm of Olympus, what do you think he’d say about the game’s portrayal of his legendary temper and lightning strikes?

If Zeus himself were to critique “Storm of Olympus”, he might bring his divine perspective with a mix of pride and stern judgment: "I must commend the creators for capturing my tempestuous spirit and unmatched power. The feature that mirrors my lightning is both a thrill and a reminder of my supremacy. However, I might suggest an even grander display - perhaps a thunderous roar or a celestial explosion to announce each strike. After all, mortals should tremble before my might. A fine tribute to my legacy, though it could reach greater heights. Seek inspiration in the grandeur of myth and the tales sung by mortals to truly capture the essence of Zeus, King of Olympus!"

6. The fireworks and festivities in China Festival create such a lively atmosphere. If this game were a real-life celebration, what’s the one attraction or event you’d include to match its energy?

China Festival slot gameplay Mystery Symbols can transform into Jackpots, Bonus symbols, or Firecracker features, boosting your winning potential.

If China Festival were brought to life as a real-world celebration, a "Sky Symphony Firecracker Show" would be the perfect attraction to match its vibrant energy.  Fireworks would be synchronized with traditional Chinese music, starting slow and building to a thunderous crescendo, mimicking the gameplay's excitement as players fill the Firecracker Meters. Integrating a procession of lanterns, lion dancers, and performers in traditional attire would add to the atmosphere, creating a feast for the eyes that complements the game's lively visuals. Offering traditional festival delicacies like dumplings, mooncakes, and tanghulu (candied fruits) would give attendees a taste of authentic Chinese celebrations.

This combination of cultural heritage, interactive fun, and cutting-edge visuals would capture the game's essence and leave attendees spellbound!

7. Your games stand out not only for their gameplay but also their immersive visuals and storytelling. What does the creative process look like at 3 Oaks Gaming, and how do you keep raising the bar?

The creative process at 3 Oaks Gaming is a harmonious blend of storytelling, cutting-edge technology, and player-centric design.

The team starts with in-depth research into the cultural, mythological, or conceptual theme they want to explore. Artists, game designers, and developers collaborate to create a cohesive vision. This involves storyboarding the game's narrative, sketching visual concepts, and discussing gameplay mechanics that align with the theme.

Immersive visuals are a hallmark of 3 Oaks Gaming. They employ high-quality 2D and 3D design tools to create vibrant environments and character animations that bring the theme to life. Gameplay innovation is a priority. Features like the Firecracker Meters in China Festival or Zeus’ lightning strikes in Storm of Olympus are developed to enhance engagement and tie directly into the game's narrative.

The team incorporates player feedback, market trends, and data analytics to refine their games.

By intertwining artistry, storytelling, and innovation, 3 Oaks Gaming consistently delivers games that captivate and inspire.

8. If you had to describe 2024 for 3 Oaks Gaming in one word or phrase, what would it be, and why?

If I had to describe 2024 for 3 Oaks Gaming in one word, it would be "Success". But 3 Oaks` slogan "Give the best to players!" describes us in the best way, because we always stay on top offering the premium games portfolio.

9. Looking ahead to 2025, what’s next for 3 Oaks Gaming? Can we expect new features, mechanics, or exciting releases on the horizon?

Expect new features and mechanics in the pipeline, as 3 Oaks Gaming plans to further refine its portfolio. Our dedication to evolving popular mechanics, like the Hold and Win format, will likely see fresh updates and creative twists to keep players engaged.

Additionally, 3 Oaks is working on enhancing its technology, aiming to stay ahead of regulatory changes and market shifts to ensure compliance and success. In 2025, fans can anticipate even more exciting game releases, along with tools and features that improve player engagement, especially in emerging markets where digital adoption is growing.

But we will keep the names of the new titles a secret in order to maintain the intrigue and stir up everyone's interest.

Conclusion

With approvals for licensing in new geos and multiple nominations for prestigious awards, 2024 marks an outstanding and achievement-filled year for 3 Oaks Gaming. Expanding into regulated markets like the UK, Portugal, and Romania, combined with new title releases, highlights the studio's dedication to growth. As we wrap up the extensive interview with Yuliia, we were pleased with the studio's continuous success, further cementing its confident position in the industry.
Jekaterina Dubnicka
Jekaterina Dubnicka
Expert in: News, Blog, Slot reviews
With 6 years in the iGaming industry, Jekaterina specialises in slots. At Slotsjudge, she champions collaborations with game providers and presents industry news to the audience, blending business with fun.
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