Amidst the global surge in regulatory requirements and competition, designing games that meet responsible benchmarks and stand out, offering consumers something unique, is becoming increasingly challenging. One studio that continually rises to this challenge is Champion.
With a rich history dating back to 2008, Champion has been a key player in regulated markets in Europe for over a decade. The studio focuses on beating the competition by providing best-in-class gaming experiences, and with more than 16 years of experience in creating both land-based and online games, their expertise is invaluable.
Stay tuned as our in-house expert, Curtis Roach and Anton Chumel, CEO of Champion, discuss overcoming regulatory challenges in game design, expanding into new markets, and conquering competitive advantage.
As Champion continues to expand into new territories and gain more licenses, how does being able to satisfy these regulatory requirements impact game development? Do you see it as a limitation or an opportunity to innovate?
“At Champion, we already hold three key licenses—ONJN in Romania, KRAIL in Ukraine, and Curacao—and we’re working towards securing additional ones, such as in Malta.
“Rather than viewing regulatory requirements as limitations, we see them as opportunities for innovation. Navigating different regulations pushes us to develop more versatile and compliant games.
“Each jurisdiction has its own set of standards, and meeting those drives us to be more creative, whether through implementing responsible gaming features or tailoring our content to fit local cultural expectations. In the end, these challenges lead to better games that appeal to a broader and more diverse audience.”
The iGaming market has grown increasingly competitive and crowded. How do Champion games stand out from the rest, and what innovative, exciting features can we expect from your games in the future?
“Champion stands out by delivering games with diverse themes and engaging gameplay that resonate with all kinds of players. From the fiery excitement of Sevens on Fire and Fire Rage to the vibrant appeal of Fruit Party, we have built a strong foundation by appealing to a wide range of tastes.
“This October, we’ll release our newest game, Anubis Spell, which explores the mysterious world of Ancient Egypt, adding yet another dimension to our growing portfolio. We also offer Kong, a jungle-themed game, highlighting our ability to shift between vastly different settings.
“Whether a player is drawn to ancient history, natural environments, or classic themes, we believe there is no player in the world who won’t connect with at least one Champion game. This diversity in themes, characters, and mechanics ensures our portfolio remains fresh, unique, and engaging for every type of player.”
The iGaming market is renowned for being fast-moving and constantly changing. How do you plan to adjust to these evolving market conditions going forward? What is your long-term vision for Champion?
“Champion stays agile by constantly adapting to market trends and expanding into new territories. Our long-term vision includes maintaining a steady pace of game releases, with one new game every month and an ambition to eventually release two games monthly.
“This keeps our content fresh and consistently gives players something new to look forward to. Additionally, we’re working hard to finish developing our first crash game, which aligns with the latest player preferences and emerging trends.
“By staying ahead of the curve, entering new markets like Romania, and continuously innovating our game offerings, we are confident in Champion’s ability to remain a significant player in the iGaming industry for years to come.”
The industry conference and events schedule is brimming with activity throughout the year. How do you decide which ones are most worth attending, and what events will Champion attend for the rest of this year?
“At Champion, our approach to selecting events is driven by one key factor: numbers. Big numbers mean big reach, and that reach allows us to be seen by larger and more diverse audiences. Our participation in EAE Bucharest 2024 wasn’t just about entering the Romanian market but also about strengthening our presence across the Eastern European region.
“We’re proud that people consistently recognise us at these events and expect our presence, reinforcing our relationships within the industry. It’s always a pleasure to reconnect with old partners, and we also make sure to bring something new to the table at each event to keep our offerings fresh and prove that we are constantly innovating.
“For the rest of the year, we’ll be at the SBC Summit in Lisbon, where we’ll showcase Safari Ways, and at SIGMA Europe in Malta, where Anubis Spell will debut. These events give us the perfect platform to demonstrate that our games and ideas are always evolving, keeping our brand exciting and relevant to global audiences.”
Editor’s Note:
Champion views regulatory requirements not as restrictions but as opportunities to innovate, push the boundaries and get creative. According to Anton, each market has unique demands, which drives Champion to create compliant and versatile games, resulting in titles that exceed regulatory standards and resonate with global audiences.
To stand out from the competition, Champion focuses on staying ahead of the curve, incorporating the latest trends and delivering a variety of engaging themes and exciting gameplay, which ensures the studio is current and that every type of player can find a title they connect with.
Looking forward, Champion’s proactive strategy to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving iGaming ecosystem involves regular new releases—one or two a month—venturing into new game genres, like crash titles, and expanding into new markets.
Moreover, the provider keeps its visibility high by participating in the most prominent industry conferences and showcasing its latest products.
