We’re always adding new game providers here at Demoslot and enjoy getting to know the people behind the brands. Today, we’re joined by Andres Troelsen, Belatra Games’ Commercial Director for the LatAm region.
Hi Andres, could you provide us with some insight and more background on Belatra Games itself? For example, could you explain how the company was formed and give a brief timeline of events up until the present day?
Belatra Games was founded in 1993 to create high-quality casino games for the European market. The company began modestly by assembling our first slot machine in the home of one of our founders. Since then, Belatra has grown into a significant player in the gaming industry, boasting a substantial team of professionals. In the early 2000s, we established our production facility, allowing for complete in-house development of slot machines from initial sketches to final assembly. Over the years, we expanded our reach to diverse markets, including CIS countries and Latin America, with each game tailored to regional preferences.
The mid-2010s marked a pivotal period for Belatra as the industry shifted towards online gaming. In 2015, we launched our first online game, leading to a robust portfolio of over 100 games, including classic slots, roulette, bingo, Plinko, scratch games, and more. Throughout its 31-year history, Belatra Games has maintained a strong presence at international fairs and continues to invest in innovative game development, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the gaming industry.
It’s fair to say that you cover a broad genre of gambling games in your portfolio, including slots, bingo, and lotto, to name just a few. Which area was it that you first found success? And what made the company decide to branch out further into different niches?
Belatra Games boasts a broad portfolio of over 100 titles covering various genres in the gambling world. Our journey began with slot games, a staple of the gambling industry since the days of the “one-armed bandits” in the late 19th century. These games remain popular due to their vibrant graphics, intuitive gameplay, and the ability to incorporate a wide range of bonus features and options. Slot games were where Belatra first found success, with notable titles such as The Elusive Gonzales, Piggy Bank, and An Escape from Alcatraz gaining recognition in the gaming community.
However, as times have changed, so have player preferences. While traditional slots remain beloved, today’s players seek variety and innovation. This shift in demand prompted us to expand our portfolio to include new types of games that cater to a broader audience. We now offer various games, including roulette, sic bo, lotto, bingo, and scratch card games. One of our recent releases even introduced players to the Plinko game.
This variety allows us to attract a larger audience and ensures every player can find a game that suits their tastes. By continually evolving and broadening our game selection, we are committed to meeting the dynamic needs of the gaming market and providing engaging experiences for all types of players. Our adaptability is a key strength that reassures our clients and partners.
We also see that you manufacture terminals for land-based gambling premises. Is this a big part of Belatra’s business? Or has the main focus now shifted more towards the online sector?
Belatra Games, with a history of 31 years, began its journey with the manufacture of terminals for land-based casinos. We continue to develop and produce these terminals today, but we have adapted to the changing landscape of the gaming world. However, since the mid-2010s, the industry has shifted online, a trend that accelerated significantly in 2020 due to the pandemic. This shift led many players to prefer the convenience of online casinos, where they can enjoy their favourite games from the comfort of their homes. Recognising this trend, we have strongly emphasised developing our online and mobile games, showcasing our adaptability to meet the evolving needs of the gaming industry.
Despite the growing popularity of online gaming, a substantial number of players return to land-based casinos. These players seek the thrill of the games and the unique atmosphere, social interaction, and emotional experience that physical casinos offer. Land-based casinos will continue to thrive as long as players value these aspects.
Belatra Games remains steadfast in its commitment to creating high-quality slot machines for land-based casinos. We ensure that these machines feature modern games that rival our online offerings. While we have significantly expanded our focus on the online sector, developing and producing terminals for land-based gambling premises remains essential to our business. This dual focus allows us to cater to a diverse audience and meet the evolving needs of the gaming industry, ensuring that we are not just adapting to change but leading it.
The recent launch of Lucky Barrel Tavern has gone very well for the team at Belatra. Please tell us more about the development side of the game. For example, how long does it take from the initial idea of the slot before you begin to create it, and after that development process is underway, how long before it’s available to play at an online casino?
The development of Lucky Barrel Tavern was a meticulous process that spanned approximately six months from concept inception to its successful launch. This timeline encompassed initial market research and brainstorming sessions to refine the game’s theme and mechanics. Our design phase involved creating detailed storyboards and visual concepts while development focused on coding, integrating animations, and perfecting sound design to enhance player immersion.
Rigorous testing followed to ensure the game met our quality and regulatory compliance standards. Collaboration with online casino platforms facilitated seamless integration, culminating in a well-prepared launch to deliver an engaging gaming experience to players.
Mummyland Treasures is another fantastic slot that we enjoyed here at Demoslot. Are we correct in saying that it was crowned your game of the year for 2023? And why do you think the game resonated so well with online players?
Mummyland Treasures was crowned Game of the Year for its captivating ancient Egyptian theme, top-tier graphics, and groundbreaking gameplay innovations. Key to its widespread acclaim were features like interactive bonus rounds, cumulative multipliers, craft bonuses, and other engaging additions that offered dynamic and rewarding experiences. The game’s high-definition graphics vividly brought ancient Egypt to life, enchanting players with intricate symbols and animations. Mummyland Treasures provided a truly atmospheric adventure with authentic music and immersive sound effects.
Consistent recognition on prestigious award shortlists underscored the game’s industry-wide acclaim, validating its innovation and quality. Overall, Mummyland Treasures’ success can be attributed to its ability to immerse and engage players through its compelling theme, cutting-edge design, and innovative gameplay features.
We mentioned earlier that you have also developed many other styles of casino games. Aside from slots, which of these has been the most successful to date? And are there any specific areas where you are seeing growth?
Apart from our acclaimed slot games, our roulette titles have also seen remarkable success, resonating well with players and contributing significantly to our portfolio’s performance. The surge in online gaming has been a pivotal factor driving our growth, particularly in games that integrate interactive and social elements. This trend reflects a broader industry shift towards more engaging and socially connected gaming experiences. Moving forward, we are focused on expanding these interactive features, aiming to enrich player interaction and satisfaction while continuing to innovate across our entire range of casino offerings.
With plenty of choices available for players in your game catalogue, which releases have proven to be the most popular to date?
Among the wide array of choices in our game catalogue, several releases have emerged as exceptionally popular with players. Titles such as Mummyland Treasures, Big Wild Buffalo, Lavish Joker, 20 Icy Fruits, and Dragon’s Bonanza stand out due to their widespread appeal and positive reception. These games have garnered acclaim for their engaging gameplay mechanics, innovative features, and thematic richness, which resonate deeply with our diverse player base. Big Wild Buffalo captivates players with its Wild West theme and lucrative features. At the same time, Lavish Joker offers a modern twist on classic slot machine mechanics with its vibrant design and rewarding gameplay. Dragon’s Bonanza transports players to a fantasy realm with its dragon-themed adventures and thrilling bonus rounds.
Each of these titles has contributed significantly to our catalogue’s success, illustrating our commitment to delivering high-quality, entertaining games that cater to various preferences and play styles in the dynamic world of online gaming.
Conversely, we know what the players enjoy, so how about you? What are your top 5 Belatra releases? And are there any games that stand out from a personal point of view and deserve special mention?
I am a big fan of Belatra’s portfolio and enjoy playing. My favourites are:
- Mummyland Treasures
- Big Wild Buffalo
- Lavish Joker
- 20 Icy Fruits
- X-mas Gifts
- Dragons Bonanza
And I am delighted and entertained with the release of Lucky Barrel Tavern.
We always love a teaser here at Demoslot, so please tell us about any upcoming games you have in the pipeline. Is there anything you are particularly excited about?
We’re deeply immersed in several exciting new developments aimed at elevating the player experience to new heights. One area of focus includes tailoring game themes to resonate more deeply with diverse global markets, such as our upcoming offerings explicitly designed for the vibrant gaming community in Brazil. These themed releases are meticulously crafted to immerse players in culturally relevant and engaging experiences, reflecting our commitment to catering to regional preferences and enhancing player enjoyment. Our ongoing developments underscore our dedication to pushing boundaries and delivering innovative gaming solutions that resonate with players worldwide.
It’s nice to end on something a little more personal, and the people we have the pleasure to talk with are often located in all parts of the world, so tastes usually differ widely. Could you tell us what your favourite musical artist/band is? And what was the last song that you listened to?
I like Coldplay and the positive message they convey. Locally, in Argentina, I like Diego Torres a lot. The last song I listened to was “Las Leyes de la Vida.”