The iGaming industry thrives on collaboration, and the partnership between Timeless Tech and Habanero is a prime example of how two innovators can come together to drive growth and deliver unparalleled value. By combining Habanero's world-class game portfolio with Timeless Tech's robust network of operators and gamification tools, this collaboration has opened doors to new markets, enhanced player engagement, and solidified both companies' positions as industry leaders. In this article, we explore the story behind the partnership, its achievements, and how it continues to shape the future of iGaming.
INTERVIEW
The Beginning of the Partnership
- Can you share the story behind the collaboration between Habanero and Timeless Tech?
Like all good partnerships, we wanted something that Timeless Tech offered, and they wanted something we offered – so we teamed up! By being able to grow our reach, and give Timeless Tech the chance to promote our game portfolio across its partner network, we were able to come to terms on a really positive partnership that works for both sides.
- What were the initial expectations for this partnership, and how have they evolved as the collaboration has developed?
Our partnership has allowed us to really boost our presence worldwide, in both Latin America and European, and ultimately introduce more and more players to our fantastic games. It’s a partnership that we thought would go well, and we haven’t been surprised at the success of it.
- What role does collaboration play in Habanero’s overall growth, and how do you think partnerships like this contribute to your success?
Every partnership needs to work well for both sides – hence the term – and collaborations such as ours allow us to swiftly deploy content to previously unreachable operators. In return, Timeless Tech’s offering has been enhanced through our high-quality offering, ensuring that both parties benefit from a really strong relationship that works.
Future Expectations
- With rapid technological advances, such as AI and blockchain, how do you see these developments influencing game development at Habanero and the industry as a whole?
Across the industry, AI and blockchain have been buzzwords for the best part of half a decade now. AI in particular is part of the whole world around us now, and will inevitably play a role in business operations. However, when it comes to game development, it hasn’t become an integral part of our plans yet. We still believe in the creative power of our team to produce unique math models, engaging graphics, and ultimately, fantastic games. It is such an incredibly fast-moving part of the industry, that I’m sure there will be plenty of developments to come!
- The iGaming industry is seeing increasing competition and regulation. How is Habanero preparing to navigate these challenges while continuing to deliver top-tier gaming experiences?
Regulation is only a positive thing, with player protection rightfully at the heart of the intentions. While it may require us to revisit some math models to ensure our RTP remains within regulations, or reroute our roadmap so it remains compliant. While increasing regulation will tighten or alter approaches to innovation, it’s absolutely the right thing, and we welcome it.
- How does Habanero plan to continue evolving its portfolio of games to meet the changing tastes of players, and what innovations can we expect to see in the near future?
Understanding what games resonate with our players is crucial to shaping our future performance. We carefully analyse the mechanics, themes, and overall design of every game. For instance, if a slot game with the classic Hold and Win mechanic shows strong results, we'll explore incorporating that into future releases. However, these won't simply replicate past games. We continuously make subtle adjustments and look for ways to enhance the current offering, a strategy that has proven successful for all suppliers.
- What role do you think player engagement and gamification will play in the future of iGaming?
Both have played a key role in the development of iGaming so far. Gamification has been a focal point for studios for the last 10 years, and we’re continuing to see it be a real key differentiator when it is done well. I think it will move closer towards personalisation and segmentation, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, but gamification features are almost as important as the games themselves when it comes to keeping players happy and engaged.
Habanero’s Approach and Success
- Can you tell us more about Habanero’s unique approach to game development, and how the focus on strong mathematics and immersive player experience has been a key to your success?
Every slot we launch is unique, as it absolutely should be. From math model to theme, all our games are different in their own right. Our fans know that when they enjoy a new slot, it will be a fresh experience, rather than just a lazy reskin. This means that we can create games that stand out, rather than blur the lines across a product portfolio.
- With so many games on the market, how does Habanero ensure its titles stand out while staying true to its core values?
It sounds cliché, but by staying true to our values we have had success by creating engaging games with unique math models that appeal to a broad collection of players, and we try and keep these USPs as our reference point. Every game has a bespoke math model, players know they’ll get a Habanero experience but with a new feel every time, and it is an approach that has allowed us to flourish.
- How does Habanero balance innovation with player preferences across different regions? Can you share how regional adaptations play into your game development strategy?
Ultimately there becomes two schools of thought across the industry. Is a good game a good game? Therefore, will it perform regardless of the region, or are desires across different markets so dramatic that even proven content might flop elsewhere? We believe that not only is every game we produce a good game, but also that regional differences are key to appeal too, even just to get a foot in the door for players to end up enjoying our products. There are certain themes that may appeal to players in Italy that don’t resonate quite as well in South Africa, despite the core gameplay being very similar. It’s about trying to find a common ground between regionally bespoke content and trusting your development team to create fantastic products.
- The Latin American market has been particularly successful for Habanero. What do you think contributed to this success, and how do you plan to build on it?
Latin America as a region is incredibly exciting for the industry, and Habanero as a company. We have taken our proven approach across Europe and South Africa, and delivered games that players want to play. We’re in the process of applying for a number of licences, and of course, everyone is focused on Brazil at the moment. There’s a lot of opportunity out there, and we’re very much looking forward to seeing what we can achieve in LatAm.
