Wazdan 2023. CCO Andrzej Hyla About Wazdan Innovations

Hello Andrzej, it's great to have you back! Last time we spoke, you were the Head of Sales at Wazdan. Congratulations on your new role as Chief Commercial Officer. How has the transition been for you, and what are your main goals and responsibilities in this new position?

It’s great to talk again! I’ve worked my way up through the ranks and was made Chief Commercial Officer in February 2021. It was a big transition, but I’ve embraced and enjoyed it since day one. Under this new role, I’m responsible for key commercial growth in major targeted regulated markets across the globe as we look to continue our notion of aggressive expansion. We go above and beyond for our partners and players to create memorable products that can be enjoyed anywhere, and this is reflected in all our content.

How has Wazdan grown since you first joined, and what are some of the most significant milestones you've seen the company achieve?

When I first joined Wazdan in 2008, I was greeted by a passionate team of individuals who wanted to make a real impact in the iGaming industry. I became part of a company that possesses the knowledge, experience, and drive to challenge the product portfolios of the industry’s leaders, and it has been a very rewarding process so far.

In 2018, we introduced the game-changing Volatility Levels™ and were honoured to win the Startup of the Year award at the prestigious MIGEA Awards. The following year, in 2019, we expanded our presence to four markets, obtained the ONJN License, and proudly received two more accolades at the MIGEA Awards.

Then, in 2020, we attained the ISO/IEC 27001 certification, demonstrating our commitment to security, and introduced the Cash Drop promo tool. 2021 was monumental as we ventured into the US, entering markets in New Jersey, West Virginia, and Michigan. We also unveiled the exciting Hold the Jackpot™ game series, expanded to four new markets, supported 20 languages, and secured an HGC license.

In 2022, we made our mark in Canada, specifically Ontario, and introduced innovative features like Collect to Infinity™ and Cash Infinity™. Fast forward to 2023, we've continued our innovation journey with the introduction of ground-breaking features like Chance Level™ and Cash Out. Our new promo tools, including the award-winning Mystery Drop™ and innovative Jackpot Rain™, have also been making waves. To top it off, we've run Network Promotions worth €4,000,000 and expanded our presence to over 25 regulated markets, partnering with more than 1,500 casinos.

How does Wazdan differentiate itself from other gaming companies, and what sets it apart regarding game development and innovation?

Freedom of Choice™, our Advanced Customisation Suite, is immensely popular amongst players for its empowering features. It gives them unprecedented control over their gaming experience, putting them in the driver’s seat. We recognise the importance of evolving with our players’ preferences, which is why we’re committed to developing innovative features like Chance Level™, offering even more choices to enhance their gameplay.

We’re also thrilled to be rolling out our Extremely Light series — a revamped version of our top-performing titles with elegant graphics and animations. What sets this series apart is its focus on sustainability; it reduces energy consumption and ensures lightning-fast loading, catering to players even in areas with weaker internet connections. It's not just about innovation; it's about creating a gaming experience that aligns with the diverse needs and desires of our players.

We at SlotCatalog are curious about Wazdan’s network promotions! Can you tell us more about them and how players can get involved?

Our Network Promotions present players with opportunities to win additional prizes while playing the standard game. The promotions utilise our innovative and award-winning Mystery Drop™ promo tool, through which players can choose one of nine boxes containing a share of the whopping prize pool. When visiting a casino that takes part in the promotion, players simply need to choose their favourite Wazdan game and choose to join the promotion. In 2023 alone, our promotions offered players a share of a total €4,000,000 prize pool.

What exciting new game releases or projects can we look forward to from Wazdan in the near future?

We’re constantly innovating in order to elevate player engagement, ensuring our operator partners' portfolios are brimming with captivating games. It’s a challenge, but our passionate team is dedicated to delivering best-in-class experiences for players.

The spotlight is on our ground-breaking Extremely Light series, exemplified by the enhanced Burning Sun™, boasting elegant graphics and faster loading speed. We’re building anticipation for the upcoming Book of Faith™, a fusion of player-favourite elements from Book Bonus and Collector symbols within an adventurous theme. Additionally, we're revamping an all-time classic with the Black Horse™ Cash Out Edition, leveraging the highly engaging Cash Out feature to redefine the player experience.

What do you think sets SBC Summit Barcelona 2023 apart from previous years, and what are your impressions of the event?

SBC Summit Barcelona 2023 was a marvellous experience. We had a great time, being able to meet all of you while sharing our ideas and devotion to the industry. We presented our new Jackpot Rain™ promo tool and our upcoming titles, with Book of Faith™ being at the centre of attention.

SBC Summit 2023 was bigger than previous years and we were certainly even more prepared for our clients than ever. The summit was one of the greatest industry events we had the pleasure of attending up until now. We hope that everyone who attended our booth had a blast as well, and we cannot wait to come back next year.

What are some key challenges facing the online gaming industry, and how is Wazdan addressing these challenges?

Navigating the complexities of the online gaming industry presents a range of challenges, from a saturated market and ever-evolving regulations to the constant need for player engagement amid a flood of new releases. At Wazdan, we tackle these challenges head-on by placing compliance at the forefront, ensuring our operations align with regulatory standards. Our secret weapon lies in the development of innovative and captivating games and series like 9 Coins™, Hot Slot™, and Mighty Symbols™, designed to stand out in the crowded landscape. Our strategic expansion into emerging markets also solidifies our position as a competitive player in an industry that demands adaptability.

How do you envision Wazdan’s growth and evolution in the next few years, and what new markets or technologies are you excited to explore?

Recently, we entered Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and we strive to enter more new markets in the near future. We are constantly creating new innovative features in games and new promo tools (Jackpot Rain™), and at ICE 2024, we will present even more. We keep raising the bar for ourselves and have no intention of resting on our laurels.

It has been over two years since you shared your predictions with us on the future of the slot industry. Looking back at your previous statements, how has Wazdan continued to innovate and meet the evolving demands of players in terms of game development and customization? Have there been any unexpected trends or changes in player preferences that have influenced your approach?

According to our predictions, customisation is the key to success. That's why we are expanding our Freedom of Choice™ package. This year, we added Chance Level™ to it, which we are continuously developing. Over the years, we have developed our own way of engaging players through innovative yet easy-to-understand solutions. However, the iGaming market is dynamic and never ceases to surprise us, so we cannot afford to stagnate. We constantly monitor new trends and player preferences to meet their needs because players are our top priority. Although we anticipated that games would become more advanced graphically, and that has indeed happened, this year we decided to give players something new – elegant Extremely Light games that don't overwhelm them and allow them to focus on the game and their favourite features.

As the industry is constantly evolving, how is Wazdan keeping up with the latest trends and advancements in the market? What new innovations do you foresee emerging, and how is Wazdan adapting to stay at the forefront of the industry?

Staying at the forefront of the most popular game providers is not easy. We continually expand our team, release even more new games, develop innovative solutions, and offer more than just slots (promo tools, networks). We strive to set trends, not just follow them. We managed to achieve this thanks to a dedicated team full of passion and great ideas.

As someone who has spent considerable time in the gaming industry, what advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in game development or marketing?

Be bold, be creative, pursue your ideas, learn from the best, and have fun because it's ultimately the entertainment industry. And if you want to advance your career in iGaming, join our team!

As we near the end of our interview, we'd love to know more about you, Andrzej. When you're not leading the team at Wazdan, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy in your free time?

In my free time, I'm a huge volleyball fan, especially of the Polish scene and the national team. Also, I enjoy attending concerts, as music plays a big role in my life. These activities help me relax and unwind from the demands of my role at Wazdan.

As we wrap up our conversation, is there a message you would like to share with our readers, Andrzej? Perhaps something about your personal journey in the industry, or a message of inspiration to those who are aspiring to join the gaming industry?

When I started my career at Wazdan, I didn't think that as a company, we would be where we are today. I have learned a lot over the years, made many interesting connections with experts in our industry, and constantly set new goals for myself. So don't be afraid to dream, set ambitious goals for yourself, and work towards them step by step. This industry offers incredible opportunities for development, and it's up to you whether you'll be in the same place a year from now or if you'll conquer the iGaming market with some innovation. Good luck!