The Next Wave of Exclusive Slots

Introducing a special interview with SlotCatalog:

We are happy to announce our partnership with SlotCatalog.
And it’s about more than just a listing. Our innovative games are featured on their platform, giving us the opportunity to showcase a new style of play to their dedicated audience.
 
SlotCatalog has been recognized as a top slots expert and a trusted media resource for the iGaming world. As a rapidly growing platform for players, casino operators, and game developers, they have a goal to be the most competent online Slots Game Catalog. And achieve this by providing objective, up-to-date analytics on every aspect of a game.
On their site, you can find the main types of exclusive slots that drive player engagement: high-stakes slots for VIP members, limited-edition games that create a sense of urgency, and branded slots. We believe it's time to add another specific and truly exclusive category: games that combine unique mechanics with a hybrid of the classic slot and the strategic board game.

So, we decided to grab the chance and chat with the SlotCatalog representative about the new types of slots, what players like, and general iGaming trends. The conversation was found to be very insightful, hope you enjoy it.

MEGAFAIR: Our game Crazy Zeus Run is a great example of the new hybrid slot style. From an analytical perspective, what potential do you see in games like this?

SlotCatalog: We definitely see strong potential in hybrid slots like Crazy Zeus Run, it’s a natural progression of where the market is heading. The data we collect shows a clear behavioral shift. While traditional slots and casino games remain dominant, there’s a rising demand for new types of experiences. Nowadays, players are moving toward titles that blend the familiar with new elements, something more interactive and strategic.

We know this firsthand because we’ve been tracking these shifts across our platform, and the trend is clear – players actively seek something fresh. A great example is the “cross the road” style of games, which has exploded in popularity. It’s also why we personally took the leap with our own project, CrossyRun. We wouldn’t have done that if we hadn’t seen solid evidence in the data that it’s not merely a passing interest, but players genuinely enjoy them and actually stick around.

So, when we look at Crazy Zeus Run, we recognize it as a similar response to player demand for innovation. Hybrid slots offer a bridge between classic slots and interactive experiences that appeal to younger audiences influenced by video and mobile gaming, and the potential for growth here is substantial.

MEGAFAIR: We believe that these hybrid games deserve to be classified as a new category of exclusive slots. Do you agree with this, and if so, how do you think it will impact player expectations?

SlotCatalog: Why not? Crazy Zeus Run stands out from the crowd and carves out its own niche. The format feels closer to a tabletop or casual mobile game experience – like the famous Monopoly Go, just with Zeus as the main character instead of the familiar distinguished gentleman, and the familiar houses and hotels switched to real rewards.

That’s unusual in the casino space and pretty much one of a kind. Creating a new category for these games makes sense because it sets the right expectations for players. If a player goes in thinking it’s a traditional slot, they might be confused. Again, it’s essential to position the game right.

Looking ahead, there’s a good chance this will be able to reshape player expectations in the long run, making them more open to trying innovative formats. Once they know there’s a dedicated space for these games, it legitimizes the genre and signals that hybrid slots are not just experiments but a legit new form of entertainment that exists as a standalone category and that players can expect to see more of these titles in the future.

MEGAFAIR: As a top media expert, what biggest trends you see in the iGaming industry now? Are players really getting tired of the same mechanics and old stuff?

SlotCatalog: I wouldn’t go as far as to say players are tired of the old stuff, because that is simply not true. Traditional slots remain the bread and butter of casinos. But the market evolves naturally, and with that, player preferences evolve too. New formats appear on a regular basis – some fade quickly, some manage to stick around.

At the same time, slots themselves also keep evolving. Players have always been open to trying fresh mechanics – just think of how Megaways changed the game, or how scatter jackpots took the world by storm, or the wave of combo-feature slots flooding the market now. There’s always something new catching attention, and players are eager to engage when it feels fresh or simply different.

At SlotCatalog, we have the unique ability to observe these shifts. With around 1.5 million monthly clicks across many geos, we can track player interest very clearly. What is hyping in particular nowadays is the chicken games format. And the data shows it’s not a random short-term spike – it’s a trend, and it’s getting bigger, and across multiple markets simultaneously. From here, we can come to a simple conclusion – classic formats remain strong as players still value familiar mechanics, but there’s always an appetite for something new, and when that something resonates, adoption can be massive.

MEGAFAIR: Your platform provides deep insights into what players are looking for. What do you believe players are truly demanding right now: innovation, bigger jackpots, or more engaging gameplay?

SlotCatalog: I’d say a little of everything. That strongly depends on the market and the category of players you want to appeal to. We always emphasize that making a great game is only half the battle. The other half is positioning it correctly and making sure it reaches and connects with the right audience.

Some players prefer traditional slots, some stick with classic casino games, and others enjoy instant formats. It’s all a matter of taste and preference. Meanwhile, it’s clear that the number of people demanding new experiences is growing. And that is global – we see it from the Americas to Asia. A big reason is the new generation of players entering the market. They grew up with mobile and video games, so they expect a different level of interaction and variety. That doesn’t mean jackpots or classic formats are going away, but it does mean the industry has to adapt and respond accordingly to these demands.

MEGAFAIR: How do you think our unique games will meet that demand and appeal to both traditional slot players and those looking for something new? Who do you think our new games will resonate with more: new players or more experienced ones?

SlotCatalog: Crazy Zeus Run is built in a way that can resonate with both sides of the spectrum. The 2D isometric style has instant appeal for players who enjoy board games or video game strategies. The visuals stand out in a gambling environment. People are used to seeing this kind of presentation outside of casinos, so it feels both familiar and new at the same time.

The gameplay is another aspect. In classic slots, you just hit spin and cross your fingers in hope for a payout. Here, players have a feeling of input, that they’re making decisions, choosing when to act, and ultimately determining their own strategy. That creates a layer of engagement that will attract players who are looking for interactive experiences. At the same time, it’s still a slot at its core, just hidden in a very different wrapping.
Who it will resonate with more really comes down to how open a person is to trying new things. Traditional slot fans who like to experiment will definitely give it a try, while newer players who grew up with casual mobile games might even find this easier to approach than classic reels. Speaking for myself, as someone who enjoys slots, I’d absolutely give Crazy Zeus Run a go if I stumbled across it in a casino – it just looks unique from the first sight, and it plays that way too.
This idea has every chance of taking off, and we can see it growing into a direction that gets more recognition over time.

Our collaboration is a perfect fit: SlotCatalog's expertise in game analytics will provide a perfect home for MEGAFAIR’s unique hybrids, offering players and operators something genuinely innovative and fresh among the range of other casino games. We are confident that this partnership will not only bring our unique games to a wider audience, but also will contribute to the category of an "exclusive slot”.