In the realm of gaming, the concept of multiplayer games has long intrigued industry giants. Yet, the journey to crafting such innovative content is riddled with complexities and hefty investments. Not all operators are willing to take the plunge, particularly without assurances of success.
However, amidst this landscape, companies like BeyondPlay and Black Cow Technology have stepped up to the challenge. BeyondPlay recently made waves with its acquisition of FanDuel from Flutter, while Black Cow Technology is pioneering the development and implementation of multiplayer games, boasting the only transactional multiplayer server in the market, Multiplayer RGS.
Tony Plaskow stands at the intersection of these ventures, serving as the founding director and advisor of BeyondPlay, and the commercial director of Black Cow. With over a quarter-century of experience in the iGaming industry, Plaskow is a seasoned expert in navigating its evolving landscape.
Curtis Roach, Head of Content at iGF, sat down with Tony to delve deeper into the realm of multiplayer servers and explore how multiplayer content is poised to revolutionize the gaming industry.
— Why has multiplayer gaming become such a hot topic in recent times?
— Multiplayer games are increasingly making their presence felt in the iGaming arena. However, the introduction of such games has also brought about significant technical challenges that companies are diligently addressing.
Operators are adopting varied strategies to tackle the technical hurdles associated with multiplayer games. Consequently, we're witnessing the emergence of intriguing products, such as Black Cow's multiplayer remote gaming server. This platform equips operators and providers with robust software, enabling the creation of truly immersive multiplayer experiences, complete with bonus rounds, tournaments, and jackpots.
The recent acquisition of FanDuel by BeyondPlay has further fueled excitement surrounding multiplayer gaming. However, it's important to note that BeyondPlay's approach differs drastically from that of Black Cow. While BeyondPlay's product revolves around pooled bets, Black Cow's technology allows multiple players to engage in the same game simultaneously.
The availability of this technology to operators and suppliers, following years of development, testing, and refinement, is what has propelled multiplayer gaming into the spotlight.
— As someone deeply involved in both BeyondPlay and Black Cow, pioneering multiplayer RGS development, what makes multiplayer games particularly promising and ripe with opportunities?
— Beyond the confines of iGaming, there's a noticeable shift among gamers and entertainment consumers towards social and interactive experiences. They crave online engagement with friends and teammates, seeking to share their experiences.
In the realm of gambling, this translates to replicating the communal atmosphere found in physical casinos. Whether it's sitting side by side at a blackjack table or sharing the excitement of a roulette wheel or dice roll with fellow players on electronic devices, traditional casino table games embody this social aspect. Unfortunately, the online casino space has lagged in delivering this immersive social experience. However, multiplayer games bridge this gap by offering the interactive engagement that players desire.
Regardless of their specific format, multiplayer games foster interaction and enable players to enjoy their favorite games together. This not only enhances player engagement but also broadens the audience base, particularly among millennials and Generation Z. I firmly believe that multiplayer games are poised to emerge as a distinct and highly popular category shortly.
Looking beyond our industry, multiplayer games dominate the landscape of mobile and video gaming, exemplified by titles like Fortnite and Roblox. Operators and providers have long sought community-focused gaming experiences akin to these, and multiplayer casino games present a fitting response to this demand.
— Could you elaborate on Black Cow's multiplayer RGS and its unique features compared to other multiplayer products available?
— Black Cow's multiplayer RGS stands out as the sole transactional multi-user server currently on the market. This innovative solution allows multiple players to engage in the same game simultaneously, whether they're sharing the same deck of cards, spinning the same slot reels, or simply gathering in a virtual room. What sets us apart is that our technology is readily accessible today.
Our client is adaptable to any game type, providing a robust framework for seamlessly integrating features like community jackpots, bonus rounds, and tournaments. Operators and suppliers can leverage our platform to craft bespoke multiplayer content that fosters player loyalty, enhances brand recognition, and delivers a more immersive gaming experience overall.
For instance, in our collaborative efforts with Pixiu Gaming, PlayJeux Studios, and Light and Wonder on multiplayer slots, each player within a group enjoys their base game experience. However, when one player triggers a bonus round, everyone in the group joins in to play together. This shared gaming experience is exemplified by our upcoming release, Raging Rhino Multiplayer Wonderverse, set to debut later this summer, promising players an entirely new gaming adventure.
In an era where players seek communal experiences and a sense of camaraderie, our multiplayer games cater to this demand, fostering a vibrant gaming community where players can play, experience, and triumph together. Additionally, our games are designed to tap into the lucrative jackpot market, offering operators the opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for jackpot content. Whether launching branded multiplayer games or revitalizing existing titles, our platform empowers operators and studios alike to innovate and thrive in the dynamic iGaming landscape.
What truly distinguishes Multiplayer RGS from other offerings is its status as the sole transactional multiplayer server available on the market today, making it the go-to solution for operators and providers seeking to enhance their multiplayer gaming offerings.
What makes multiplayer games technically challenging is the seemingly straightforward concept that belies the immense technical complexity required for implementation.
Over four years, we've dedicated substantial resources in terms of both finances and time to develop a robust and adaptable suite of technologies capable of supporting various types of multiplayer games.
MultiPlayer RGS serves as a dependable, versatile, and potent framework for game development, providing developers with the tools needed to create engaging multiplayer experiences.
Additionally, compliance considerations add another layer of complexity to the development process. This is why it has taken significant time for technology companies to refine multiplayer servers to meet regulatory standards. Consequently, there's palpable excitement surrounding their entry into the market for the first time.
— Have you noticed significant interest in your multiplayer RGS?
— Absolutely. We've witnessed considerable enthusiasm from some of the industry's leading vendors, who are eager to utilize our multiplayer RGS to launch their inaugural multiplayer games.
As mentioned, our debut offering, Raging Rhino Multiplayer Wonderverse, is slated for release in late summer, with two more prominent brands, Light and Wonder, set to follow suit by year's end. These titles are beloved by fans and have been enhanced with interactive and engaging bonus rounds tailored for multiplayer gameplay.
This approach holds immense promise for introducing multiplayer games, as it allows players to acclimate to the format within the familiar context of their favorite games. And this is just the beginning. Here at Black Cow, we remain committed to advancing the technologies necessary to provide gamers with enjoyable and socially interactive cooperative gaming experiences.
