Interview with Christina Muratkina, CEO of Onlyplay

1. Hi Christina! It’s always a pleasure to chat with you, especially with the buzz around your latest game, Cherry Boom. Let’s dive right in - how did the name Cherry Boom come about, and what kind of vibe are you aiming to give players when they start spinning those reels?

Hi there! It’s great to be here, and I’m thrilled to talk about Cherry Boom! The name itself was like a burst of inspiration - just like biting into a ripe, juicy cherry that surprises you with a little explosion of flavour. We wanted something that’s instantly exciting, something that makes players think, “Wow, this is going to be fun!”. The word Boom adds that punch of energy, hinting at the explosive wins and fast-paced action waiting for them. When players hit that spin button, I want them to feel an adrenaline rush, a mix of excitement and anticipation, like they’re about to embark on a thrilling adventure!

2. That sounds exhilarating! The fruit symbols in Cherry Boom are so lively and detailed. If each one had its own personality, how would you describe them? How do these personalities shape the overall feel of the game?

I’m glad you noticed the details! We really poured a lot of personality into those fruits. The watermelon, for instance, is the big, bold party starter - it’s vibrant and always in the spotlight, ready to make a splash. The lemons have that sharp, zesty edge, keeping things fresh and adding a bit of unexpected fun. And the cherries, well, they’re the playful stars - sweet but with a hint of mischief, always teasing you with the promise of a big win. Each of these personalities adds a unique flavour to the game, making every spin feel like you’re interacting with a lively, colourful cast of characters who are just as eager as you are to hit the jackpots!

3. I love how the fruits come to life in your description! Cherry Boom combines this playful theme with some seriously exciting gameplay. What do you think are the key features that make this game stand out from other fruit-themed slots?

Cherry Boom is definitely more than just another fruit slot - it’s a whole experience! One of the standout features is the Bonus Game, where collecting '7' symbols leads you straight to one of four jackpots - Mini, Minor, Major, or Grand. The anticipation of watching those '7's line up is electrifying! And then there’s the Cherry Boom Game, where landing 'Coin' symbols gives you free spins and the chance to collect big rewards. These features, combined with the game’s high RTP and high volatility, ensure that Cherry Boom isn’t just fun - it’s incredibly rewarding too. It’s the perfect blend of classic charm and modern excitement!

Cherry Boom offers four jackpots to hit: Mini, Minor, Major, or Grand which is a great addition to the gameplay!

4. That’s quite the combination! The game is packed with high-energy spins and thrilling jackpots. How did your team approach balancing these elements to create a fun yet rewarding experience?

Balancing the excitement with the rewards was key for us. Our approach was to create a rhythm within the gameplay - a mix of fast-paced action and moments where the suspense builds, making every win feel that much more satisfying. We wanted to ensure that even the small wins keep the energy high and the momentum going. Behind the scenes, we focused on the game’s math to make sure the volatility and RTP offer a fair but thrilling experience. It’s all about giving players those “heart-pounding” moments where they feel the rush of excitement, whether they’re scoring a big jackpot or simply enjoying the ride.

5. If Cherry Boom were a movie, what genre would it fall under, and who would you cast as the main character? How does this cinematic vision reflect in the game’s design and gameplay?

Oh, I love this question! If Cherry Boom were a movie, it would be a high-octane action-comedy, full of vibrant colours, unexpected twists, and nonstop fun! I’d cast someone like Ryan Reynolds as the main character - he’s got that perfect mix of charm, wit, and energy that would bring the game’s lively spirit to life. This cinematic vision is really reflected in the game’s design and gameplay - the bright, bold visuals, the fast-paced action, and the little moments of humor and surprise. We wanted Cherry Boom to feel like an adventure, where every spin is a new scene in a thrilling, feel-good movie.

6. That’s such a fun way to envision the game! As Cherry Boom gets ready to launch, what else can players look forward to from Onlyplay in 2024, especially in terms of new games or features?

2024 is going to be an incredible year for us at Onlyplay! After Cherry Boom, we’ve got a lineup of games that are really going to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the iGaming world. We closely monitor trends in technology, player behaviour, and entertainment to ensure our games remain relevant and exciting. For example, with the rise of short-form content like TikTok and Instagram Stories, we’ve developed fast-paced, rewarding experiences like Piggy Tap™. This game has been an unprecedented success, particularly due to its quick gameplay and engaging mechanics.

We’re continuing to innovate with our TapGame mechanics, which have been a huge hit, and we’re exploring new themes and features that will surprise and delight our players. I can’t give away too much just yet, but I promise we’ve got some truly unique games on the way. We are going to release 2 more new games with TapGame mechanics soon - they will be presented at SBC Summit, and every visitor will be able to see, play and test them there for the first time! Whether you’re a fan of classic slots or looking for something completely different, there’s something exciting coming your way from Onlyplay this year!

7. It sounds like there’s so much to look forward to! Thank you so much for sharing all this, Christina. I’m sure players will be just as excited as we are to see what’s next. Best of luck with the launch of Cherry Boom and all your upcoming projects!

Thank you! It’s always a pleasure to chat with you. I’m excited about what’s ahead, and I can’t wait for players to dive into Cherry Boom. Here’s to an amazing year ahead - keep spinning and keep winning!