Interview With Christina Muratkina, CEO of Onlyplay

We had the pleasure of speaking with Christina Muratkina, the CEO of Onlyplay. Christina has been instrumental in steering Onlyplay towards becoming a leader in the iGaming industry, renowned for its innovative approach to slots, crash games, and instant win experiences. In our conversation today, we’ll delve into the world of Onlyplay’s diverse game offerings, explore their unique mechanics and gamification features, and discuss the company’s future plans in the rapidly evolving gaming landscape.

Welcome, Christina! Thank you for taking the time to chat with us. Can you introduce yourself and Onlyplay to our readers?

“Absolutely! I’m Christina Muratkina, the CEO of Onlyplay, a pioneering game provider in the iGaming industry. We specialize in creating slots, crash games, instant wins, and unique TapGames that captivate players around the world. At Onlyplay, we’re passionate about creating games that captivate players with engaging mechanics, immersive themes, and rewarding experiences. This September, we’re excited to showcase our latest offerings at the SBC Summit in Lisbon, including our flagship game, Piggy Tap™, which has been a phenomenal success since its launch a year ago.”

Onlyplay specializes in instant win slots and crash games. Can you describe your approach to developing innovative game mechanics that set your titles apart from competitors?

“At Onlyplay, innovation is at the core of everything we do. Our approach to game development focuses on creating mechanics that not only entertain but also engage players in new and exciting ways. For instance, our patented TapGame mechanic is a game-changer in the industry, offering a highly interactive experience that encourages players to actively participate, resulting in significantly higher engagement and revenue. We’re always exploring new ideas and staying ahead of industry trends, which we’ll be highlighting at the SBC Summit in Lisbon, where we’ll introduce our latest titles, each featuring unique gameplay mechanics that push the boundaries of what’s possible in iGaming.”

Your website mentions creating games “for the players of tomorrow.” How do you anticipate and incorporate emerging trends in iGaming into your game design process?

“Creating games for the players of tomorrow means staying ahead of the curve and anticipating what will resonate with future audiences. We closely monitor trends in technology, player behavior, and entertainment to ensure our games remain relevant and exciting. For example, with the rise of short-form content like TikTok and Instagram Stories, we’ve developed fast-paced, rewarding experiences like Piggy Tap™. This game has been an unprecedented success, particularly due to its quick gameplay and engaging mechanics. We are going to release 2 more new games with TapGame mechanics soon – they will be presented at SBC Summit, and every visitor will be able to see, play and test them there for the first time!”

Onlyplay offers both crypto and fiat currency options. How has cryptocurrency integration impacted your business model and game development strategies?

“The integration of cryptocurrency has been a remarkable event for Onlyplay, allowing us to cater to a broader audience and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving iGaming landscape. Crypto options have not only expanded our player base but also enabled us to develop games that offer more flexible and secure payment methods. This aligns with our goal of creating games for the players of tomorrow. We’re excited to highlight how cryptocurrency integration is just one way we’re leading innovation in the industry.”

Your games feature various gamification and social elements. Can you provide some examples of how these features enhance player engagement and retention?

“Gamification and social elements are key to enhancing player engagement and retention in our games. For instance, in Piggy Tap™, players can see real-time interactions and achievements, which not only creates a sense of community but also encourages continuous play. The game’s leaderboard, rewards system, and social sharing options make the experience more immersive and competitive, driving higher engagement. We’ve incorporated similar features in our other titles as well.”

The Crash game category seems to be a significant part of your portfolio. What makes Crash games particularly appealing to players, and how do you innovate within this category?

“Crash games are appealing because they offer a blend of simplicity and thrill, making them highly engaging for players. At Onlyplay, we innovate within this category by incorporating unique features and mechanics that heighten the excitement. For example, we introduce variable multipliers, social interaction elements, and visually stunning graphics that keep players on the edge of their seats. Crash gambling has had a substantial impact on our business growth. It has not only broadened our portfolio but also attracted a new demographic of players. The excitement and quick gameplay of crash games have driven higher player acquisition and retention rates, contributing significantly to our revenue growth. Our games at the top. Such hits as F777 Fighter, Limbo Cat, Cricket Crash, Need for X, and others are quite popular in their niche.”

What inspired the retro theme in your new Retro Pedro slot? Can you describe some of the unique features or bonus rounds in Retro Pedro that set it apart from other retro-themed slots?

“The retro theme in Retro Pedro was inspired by a deep respect for the vibrant culture and iconic aesthetics of the 1980s. We wanted to create a game that not only captures the essence of that era, but also gives players a sense of nostalgia and fun. From neon lights and boomboxes to classic cassette recorders, every element of Retro Pedro is designed to transport players back to a time when everything was bright, bold and full of energy.

Retro Pedro stands out with its thrilling gameplay and unique bonus features. One of the highlights is the ability to collect just one symbol on the line of reels, which gives players the chance to enter the Bonus Game. In this round, players can spin the Fortune Wheel, which not only offers a chance to win big but also multiplies winnings after the Free Spins mode. This dynamic bonus round adds an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability, setting Retro Pedro apart from other retro-themed slots and ensuring that every spin is packed with potential rewards.”

Regarding your newly released Texas Dragons slot, how do you incorporate elements of Texas culture and dragon mythology into the gameplay and visual design?

“Texas Dragons is a unique blend of the Wild West and mythical dragon lore, creating an exciting and visually captivating experience. We’ve incorporated elements of Texas culture, such as cowboy hats and saloon doors, alongside majestic dragons that bring a sense of fantasy and adventure to the game. The slot’s design features a classic 3×3 reel setup reminiscent of spaghetti westerns, while the gameplay offers thrilling bonus rounds.”

Can you describe the core gameplay mechanics of the Cherry Boom slot?

“Cherry Boom is a classic fruit-themed slot with an electrifying twist, designed to keep players engaged and excited with every spin. Cherry Boom is a 5-reel slot game featuring various fruit symbols like cherries, watermelons, grapes, lemons, and more. The objective is to spin the reels and match symbols to win prizes. The game’s high Return to Player (RTP) of 96.60%, 21.89% HIT rate, and high volatility offer players a dynamic and potentially rewarding experience.

The Wild symbol appears on all reels except the 1st and substitutes for other symbols (except ‘Coin,’ ‘Special,’ and ‘7’ in the Bonus Game) to help form winning combinations, boosting the chances of landing a win. Players can trigger one of four jackpots – Mini, Minor, Major, or Grand – by collecting 9, 12, or 15 “7” symbols on the playing field. The more “7” symbols collected, the higher the potential jackpot, making every spin thrilling and packed with anticipation.”

Looking ahead, what emerging technologies or trends do you believe will shape the future of online gambling, and how is Onlyplay preparing for these changes?

“AI is already transforming the online gambling landscape, particularly in areas like analytics and player behavior study. AI’s potential is huge, and we believe it will play a big role for companies that start adopting it now, providing them with a competitive edge in the years to come.

While blockchain also holds great promise, especially in terms of transparency and security, we feel the industry as a whole isn’t fully prepared for its widespread adoption just yet. We are closely monitoring its development and evaluating the right moment to integrate it effectively into our operations. At Onlyplay, we are committed to staying ahead of these technological shifts, ensuring that our games continue to provide the most engaging and secure experiences for players. This focus on future trends will be a key theme at the SBC Summit in Lisbon, where we’ll showcase how we’re integrating innovative technologies in our latest releases.

Thank you for your time, Christina. It was our pleasure to discuss such fascinating topics with you!

“Thank you! It was a pleasure to discuss these exciting aspects of our industry. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Onlyplay and the world of iGaming.”

About Christina

Christina Muratkina is a dynamic entrepreneur and the CEO of Onlyplay, a prominent figure in the gambling industry since 2011. Her journey began as a programmer, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the technical aspects of the field.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Christina is a passionate enthusiast of gaming culture. From her early days playing Need for Speed and World of Warcraft to her current fondness for mobile match-3 games, she has always had a keen interest in immersive digital experiences.

Despite her digital interests, Christina also enjoys the thrill of traditional gambling, particularly in land-based casinos. Her love for technology extends beyond gaming, encompassing interests in sports, cars, and even frisbee.

In her personal life, Christina finds joy in her role as a mother to her daughter and takes pleasure in the company of her pets. She owns two Italian greyhounds, which indicates her gambling nature.

With a blend of technical expertise, gaming passion, and a love for life’s various pursuits, Christina Muratkina continues to make waves in both the digital and gambling realms.