
🎙️ Onlyplay at 5: From Startup to iGaming Powerhouse – What’s the Real Story?
Celebrating its fifth year in the gambling industry, Onlyplay agreed to share some behind-the-scenes in the interview for Slotsjudge. Anna Serheieva, Head of Partnerships, will tell more about the team’s experience, different strategies they applied to retain clients, and innovations like social tournaments applied by the provider. Anna will share the company’s upcoming plans, including the new era of Top Games with new heroes, so stay tuned to learn more.
Q. You have extensive experience in developing slots and game mechanics – can you share the most successful case where you managed to attract and retain players? What exactly worked best?
A: At Onlyplay, we always start by asking one question – what do players really miss? And more often than not, the answer is something emotional, something they remember with warmth. Nostalgia is a powerful force. It’s what made Glamour Crocodile such a hit. The game was inspired by the famous Cuca Crocodile from the classic Brazilian TV show Sítio do Picapau Amarelo. For many players, it felt like meeting an old friend again – but this time, in a game. Another example is Caramelo Jackpot – it’s a lighthearted slot based on the popular caramelo dog meme. It made people smile. And we never forget the timeless appeal of fruit slots – they’re simple, but when you combine them with fresh features and emotional design, you get something magical. We always try to add that little extra – a surprise, a twist, a memory. That’s also why Coin Flynn stands out – it’s a bright and unusual 2-reel slot that breaks all the rules and gives players something fresh. In the end, what worked best for us is finding what players already love – and making it shine in a new way.
Q. Onlyplay is very active in the market, attending conferences and receiving nominations – what’s the secret behind maintaining such consistent visibility and recognition?
A: We believe that creativity should never stay hidden. That’s why we’re so active in the industry. Every conference we attend is not just a networking event – it’s a space where ideas grow, partnerships form, and trends are born. We share what we’re working on, we listen to feedback, and we stay open to what’s next. The same goes for awards – each nomination reminds us that innovation gets noticed when it’s done with heart. We don’t focus on visibility for its own sake. We focus on making games people talk about – games that stand out. The secret to staying in the spotlight is very simple: we keep creating. We stay curious, we explore new formats, and we’re not afraid to take risks. That spirit of discovery is what keeps Onlyplay moving forward – and makes the industry want to see what we’ll do next.
Q. Your games feature innovations like social tournaments and interactive bonuses. Why do you integrate these mechanics, and how do they impact player retention? Do you have any concrete metrics or numbers to back this up?
A: Today’s players don’t want to just spin and watch. They want to do something – to feel involved, to compete, to win in real time. That’s why we add interactive mechanics like social tournaments, instant bonus rounds, and other features. It gives players a reason to stay active. They aren’t waiting – they’re acting. In Piggy Tap, for example, players make over 800 taps per session. That’s eight times more actions than in traditional slots. And this matters – because more actions mean more connection. Our data shows that 64 percent of players return within the first month. That’s a huge number. And it’s because we create games that are alive – with progress bars, live feedback, and rewards that grow as you play. Players feel like they’re part of something, not just spinning reels. That feeling brings them back.
Q. Piggy Tap has become a standout title for Onlyplay – what do you think made it resonate so strongly with players?
A: Piggy Tap is joyful, fast, and full of surprises. From the very first tap, players feel like they’re doing something real. It’s not a passive experience – it’s playful, reactive, and full of energy. The piggy character is cute, but also expressive – people connect with him. We’ve built layers into the game – from simple tapping to advanced multipliers, progress bars, and bonus triggers. It always gives you something to look forward to. And most importantly, it feels good to play. It’s colorful, rewarding, and fun to return to. That emotional connection, combined with smooth mechanics and non-stop action, is what made it resonate. Piggy Tap isn’t just a game – it’s a mood, and that’s why people love it.
Q. Piggy Tap’s success has led to many copycats – how do you handle seeing other studios replicating your signature style?
A: We take it as a sign that we did something right. When a game is truly innovative, it inspires others. Of course, seeing copies can be frustrating – especially when the heart and originality of the idea are missing. But we don’t waste time looking back. Tap Games™ is our unique creation – and we’re always thinking ahead. While others are trying to replicate what we’ve already done, we’re building new experiences, new mechanics, and new surprises. We protect our ideas, but more importantly, we keep evolving. We believe that creativity has no finish line – so we never stop. That’s why we’re confident that no copy will ever replace the original. We’re already imagining what the next breakthrough will be – and we can’t wait to show it.
Q. How do you balance keeping gameplay in games like Piggy Tap simple and accessible, while still offering enough depth to keep players engaged long-term?
A: It’s all about giving players a world that grows with them. At first glance, Piggy Tap is easy to understand. Just tap and win. Anyone can start playing in seconds – that’s the beauty of simplicity. But as the game goes on, it reveals more – there are achievements, hidden bonuses, combo rewards, and a progress system that unlocks step by step. That layered design is what keeps long-term players excited. They discover new features the more they play. It’s like opening a box – at first, you see something fun, but the more you explore, the more treasures you find. We want players to feel rewarded not just by luck, but by effort and curiosity. That balance between easy and deep – that’s where the magic is.
Q. Your games often appear in streams and YouTube content – how much does this influence attracting new players? Is it mostly a marketing tactic, or do the numbers show real growth in engagement?
A: Streaming brings games to life in a way nothing else can. When a streamer taps, laughs, and wins – the audience feels it too. It creates real emotion. Viewers get curious and want to try the game for themselves. That’s why we support streaming – not just as a marketing tool, but as part of how we share experiences. The numbers prove it works. We’ve seen a 23 percent increase in engagement when a game is featured in streams. That means players aren’t just watching – they’re joining in. It helps us grow, and it also helps us improve. We watch how players react, what they talk about, and which moments go viral. This feedback shapes our next ideas. Streaming builds community – and games with a strong community always win.
Q. What are Onlyplay’s upcoming plans? In which direction do you plan to evolve, and what innovations can players expect?
A: We have big plans, and they all center around one thing – making games more fun, more social, and more accessible. We’re expanding our lightweight games – especially in places where fast internet isn’t guaranteed. Games like CosmoX and GoalX show that you can still have exciting experiences with ultra-light builds. We’re also creating more Tap Games™ – new themes, new heroes, and deeper mechanics. We want players to feel they’re part of something big, even in small moments. Another focus is social interaction – not just leaderboards, but real-time tournaments and shared victories. We want our games to feel like events, not just entertainment. And above all, we want to keep surprising people. We don’t follow trends – we set them. The next chapter will be brave, bright, and full of energy – just like Onlyplay has always been.
Conclusion
Onlyplay’s five-year journey in the gambling market has been a success, and the team is not slowing down. They enrolled with innovative products like Piggy Tap, avoiding boring themes and searching for fresh plots and mechanics. For sure, this approach translates into new ideas for the company’s further development, including lightweight games and social interaction, so players can expect even more exciting releases in the future.
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