20+ years in the gambling industry including 13+ years playing and reviewing slots.
OLBG’s Chris Taylor spoke to Shelley Hannah, Chief Product Officer at Relax Gaming, for a general Questions and Answers interview.
Established in 2010, Relax Gaming is known for the Money Train series and Dream Drop jackpots network in particular but have a huge range of high-quality slot games such as Dead Riders Trail and Ancient Tumble. With over 120 slot games to play, you can enjoy their full range across desktop, mobile and tablet devices at the majority of online slot sites in the UK.
OLBG’s Q&A with Relax Gaming highlights how 2024 has fared, what the process for created new games is, their most popular titles, the Dream Drop jackpot network, the Money Train series, sequels and what to expect in future.
Q: How was 2024 gone for Relax Gaming so far?
SH: “I’m delighted to report that 2024 has been a remarkable year for the company.
This success can be attributed to a multitude of factors, but first and foremost I have to give props to top performing games such as Bill & Coin and Ancient Tumble, both of which have been huge hits in their own right this year.
Of course, no studio is built on just two standout releases, we are fortunate to have enjoyed a string of hugely impressive games throughout the year. What’s more, we have a strong lineup of innovative titles and strategic initiatives in the pipeline as we move into 2025.”
Q: How are new slot games created? Can you describe the ideation process?
SH: “Every single slot we develop starts with a room full of creative minds. These talented individuals come together to share and foster their collective ideas, hashing out new concepts that provide differentiation to what’s currently out there on the market.
We bring together developers, designers, artists, animators, project managers, testers and compliance to ensure that every facet of a game is up to par before it makes its way online. The team focuses on creating a balanced and engaging gameplay experience, and each role plays a key part in the experience.
We have built an amazing culture at Relax that provides positive energy for these teams to flourish. That, coupled with the fact we’re home to some of the best minds in the industry means we’re able to be creative and try new things.
We’re aware that not every game is going to be a hit, but we’re not afraid to take a risk or two in pursuit of greatness.”
Q: What are Relax Gaming’ most popular slot games? Are there any that are particularly popular only in the UK?
SH: “Whilst our portfolio boasts a number of slot games that are popular around the world, we are lucky to have a number of titles that excel in the UK, especially considering it has been a key focus market for us this year.
Bill & Coin, Snake Arena and Iron Bank are all games that have long-been favoured by players in this market, as have the Tumble games. Temple Tumble, Temple Tumble 2 Dream Drop and Ancient Tumble are our biggest success stories from this series.
With the restrictions in the UK, players and operators tend to gravitate towards feature-filled games with lower volatility and lower maximum wins, so developing highly entertaining games with lots of frequent action is key.”
Q: How has Dream Drop jackpots gone since the introduction? Is there a plan to add Dream Drop versions of more Relax Gaming slots?
SH: “Dream Drop jackpot slots have been a huge success for Relax Gaming and have been pivotal in boosting the popularity of our slots and increasing player engagement.
We are continuously investigating new methods to elevate the Dream Drop experience, including the development of cutting-edge Dream Drop games and advancing the jackpot system. Our goal is to maintain a captivating gaming experience, thereby promoting sustained player loyalty.
The future looks bright for Dream Drop jackpots, it offers achievable wins and stands out from competitors, making it one of the best jackpot products, despite not being the largest.”
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Q: How has Money Train 4 been received compared to previous games in the series?
SH: “The Money Train series as a whole has been a leading force in the gaming industry thanks to its standout gameplay, each instalment in the series has thrilled players for a different reason.
Money Train 4 has been received extremely well, mainly due to the fact that it offers unique, fast-paced features that are second-to-none. It has attracted a large audience of loyal players who have been able to provide us with some really positive feedback.
The fact that a significant number of players are still playing and talking about Money Train 4 a year after its release tells me that we’ve done something right and that it’s secured its place in iGaming history.”
Q: Will there be a Money Train 5 or any spin-offs featuring some of the characters?
SH: “While Money Train 4 marked the conclusion of the series, I can say that we might possibly see more of Money Train in the future. It’s not off the table, and I don’t think it’s the end for these cherished characters.”
Q: What % of players play on mobile vs desktop/ tablet devices?
SH: “Mobile gaming has seen exponential growth in the last few years, and the percentage of slots players that are playing on the go has far surpassed those playing on a desktop. Whilst it varies across casinos, it’s not unusual to see an 80/20 split.
The convenience of being able to play anytime and anywhere just can’t be matched. But that’s not to say that there aren’t players out there that much prefer the immersive experience on a much larger screen.”
Q: Why should slot players play Relax Gaming slots rather than others?
SH: “Our slots blend cutting-edge design, excellent graphics and features that are built with players in mind. We have a solid standing in the industry and a dedication to delivering quality.
Ultimately, we have positioned ourselves as the premier choice for slot enthusiasts seeking engaging and rewarding gameplay. Whether you’re an experienced player or new to online slots, Relax will always have something that keeps you returning time and again.”
Q: Have you seen a trend in slot sequels and can we expect sequels to some of your existing slots?
SH: “The practice of creating sequels in our world is hardly new, but it has gained significant traction in recent years. There’s clear value in leveraging the popularity of successful games, bringing back the same audience for a taste of something new, but recognisable.
The trend of slot sequels are definitely here to stay, and we are well positioned to take advantage of this by building on the success of popular titles, introducing new features and enhancements to keep players entertained.”
Q: Have you seen players’ needs change over the years? If so, how?
SH: “Absolutely, the needs of slot enthusiasts have changed significantly over the years, driven by technological advancements, changing preferences and a greater emphasis on responsible gaming. Players want more than just spinning the reels and registering a winning combination, they’re after a much more immersive, fast-paced experience that can keep them entertained for longer periods.
We know that we need to continue to innovate and adapt to meet these evolving needs and ensure that players have access to engaging and safe gaming experiences.”
Q: What challenges does Relax Gaming face with regards to regulation in the UK?
SH: “As is the case with other providers, we face a complex and ever-changing regulatory environment within the UK that puts a number of challenges our way.
We must comply with evolving regulatory changes and adapt quickly to stay within the law, as well as ensure that our games meet the required standards. Of course this is incredibly time consuming and can involve a significant amount of development work.
What’s more, these adjustments must often be made promptly to avoid disruptions in the market and ensure continued compliance for player protection purposes. Naturally everyone at Relax Gaming takes this responsibility very seriously.”
Q: What other slot games from other providers do you like/play?
SH: “As someone who spends their time playing new games day-in-day-out, it’s difficult to pinpoint a single game or provider. Personally, I enjoy playing games that offer a high level of engagement, as well as collection games. In my position as an aggregator, I wouldn’t want to name any names, purely because we have so many talented studios within our ecosystem.
Q: What can we expect from Relax Gaming for the rest of the year and beyond?
SH: “We are constantly exploring new technologies, gameplay mechanics and features that can enhance the overall player experience.
In terms of the year ahead, I’m extremely excited! We have a strong line-up of games in the pipeline, ground-breaking Dream Drop product additions and so much more. Stay tuned for an exciting journey ahead with Relax Gaming!”
Q: What Relax Gaming slot is your favourite and why?
SH: “Bill & Coin, without a doubt! This game has me engaged from the moment it loads up. It appeals to a wide audience thanks to its fun characters and multiplier ladder bonus feature. What’s not to love?”