Inside 3 Oaks Gaming: A Q&A with CCO Yurii Muratov on Innovation, Player Appeal, and the Future of iGaming

In this exclusive Mr. Gamble Q&A, we sit down withYurii Muratov, Chief Commercial Officer at 3 Oaks Gaming, to explore the company’s impressive trajectory in the iGaming world. Known for its engaging and innovative casino games, 3 Oaks Gaming has quickly established itself as a major player, delighting audiences and forging partnerships across the globe.

First of all, thanks for taking the time to chat with us! To start, in your experience, what is it about bonus rounds that makes them such a key part of the excitement in slot games?"

Bonus rounds are crucial because they elevate the gameplay beyond the base game, adding excitement and variety, as well as increased win potential. These features are often where the rewards lie, creating a sense of anticipation for players. From a game design perspective, bonus rounds offer an opportunity to introduce innovative mechanics, special visuals and unique rewards, all of which significantly enhance player engagement.

The added layer of interactivity during these rounds provides players with a break from the more routine spinning, offering high potential payouts and immersive experiences that keep them coming back for more.

Could you walk us through what Bonus Buy features are and how you see them enhancing the player’s experience?

The Bonus Buy feature allows players to skip straight to this part of the game by purchasing direct access to it for a fixed amount. For players who are eager for instant action or who prefer the volatility and reward potential of bonus rounds, this feature can be incredibly appealing.

It enhances gameplay by offering a sense of control and flexibility; instead of waiting for a bonus round to trigger organically, players can dive straight in, experiencing the heightened excitement and potentially larger rewards. This mechanic has become a popular addition in modern slots as it caters to players looking for more tailored gaming experiences.

With the popularity of online slot streaming on the rise, how has this trend influenced game development at 3 Oaks Gaming?

The popularity of slot streaming has undeniably influenced our approach to game development. Streamers have become tastemakers, driving interest in particular games by showcasing them to large audiences. As a result, we’re more mindful of how our games will appear and perform in front of an audience.

Features like engaging bonus rounds, highly volatile gameplay, and visually striking moments have become essential for captivating both streamers and their viewers. The ability to create shareable, memorable moments within a game, such as big wins or exciting feature triggers, is a key part of our design strategy. Streamers amplify these moments, providing organic marketing and driving new player acquisition.

What is the ‘3 pots’ mechanic, and how does it add to the variety of bonus activation methods in your games?

The ‘3 pots’ mechanic enhances the variety of bonus activation methods by offering multiple different features. Above the reels, you’ll find three pots that correspond to different colours. As symbols land on the reels during the base game, they fill the pots based on their colour, each unlocking a specific bonus feature when full. For instance, in our game 3 China Pots, the coins unlock features such as Extra (granting additional respins), Multi (applying multipliers to bonus symbols), and Double (unlocking a second board with the chance for two Grand Jackpots).

This mechanic adds depth and variety to the traditional bonus structure by allowing players to unlock multiple features simultaneously. For example, in our 3 Pots of Egypt release, the pots offer features like Collect (which gathers current values), Boost (adding random values to all symbols), and Multi (multiplying all values by up to 5x). Players can activate one or more pots at the same time, creating a gaming experience that keeps them engaged.

How does 3 Oaks Gaming ensure that its slots appeal to a diverse range of player preferences?

To appeal to a broad audience, we’ve developed a portfolio that offers something for every type of player. Some players prefer simple, straightforward games, such as classic 777 slots, which are easy to understand and feature minimal complexity. Others are drawn to more intricate games with engaging bonus features, multipliers, and evolving gameplay. For instance, our Hit the Bonus series is designed specifically for those who thrive on bonus round excitement. By offering a mix of traditional and feature-rich slots, we ensure that we cater to a wide spectrum of preferences, from casual players to those seeking deeper, more immersive experiences.

What themes and visual styles can players expect to see in 3 Oaks Gaming’s slot titles?

We pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of themes and visual styles. Our portfolio spans everything from the timeless appeal such as Egypt or Greece, to modern, quirky themes that push the boundaries of conventional slot design. We pair these themes with high-quality graphics and immersive audio design to create a captivating experience. Each game is designed to offer something unique, ensuring that players can enjoy varied visual and thematic experiences while remaining engaged during sessions.

3 Oaks Gaming has seen remarkable growth since launching in 2021. What would you say has been the biggest factor behind this rapid success?

We’ve focused on delivering high-quality slot games that resonate with players, ensuring engaging gameplay and mechanics. Additionally, we complement our game releases with cutting-edge promotional tools that enhance player engagement. Consistency has also been a major factor; we provide a constant stream of new content for our partners. This approach has allowed us to build strong relationships with operators and maintain momentum in a highly competitive market. Above all else we have a deep passion for what we do. Every member of our team shares a unified vision for 3 Oaks Gaming, and it’s this collective dedication that has fuelled our success.

What can players look forward to in future releases from 3 Oaks Gaming?

Players can expect an exciting lineup of titles to close out the year and beyond. We’re continuing to expand our portfolio with a strong focus on innovative mechanics, unique bonus features, and fresh themes that will appeal to both new and loyal players. While we’ll continue refining and evolving our successful formats, we’re also pushing boundaries with new concepts that will keep players on the edge of their seats.

How does 3 Oaks Gaming balance innovation in bonus features with traditional slot gameplay elements?

Balancing innovation with tradition is at the core of our development philosophy. While we’re always looking to introduce new and exciting bonus mechanics, we recognise the importance of preserving the elements that make slot games accessible and enjoyable.

Traditional gameplay elements like straightforward paylines and simple wilds appeal to a wide range of players, whilst features like our ‘3 pots’ mechanic or Bonus Buy options add depth for those seeking something more.

What role do mobile-friendly designs play in 3 Oaks Gaming’s approach to slot development?

Mobile-friendly design is absolutely essential in today’s gaming environment. Players expect seamless gameplay across devices, and mobile slots have become the dominant platform for many users. Our approach prioritises optimising performance for mobile play, ensuring that games look and function perfectly on smaller screens without compromising quality. Whether players are at home or on the go, they can enjoy our games anytime, anywhere—an essential factor in maintaining engagement in a fast-paced world.

As we wrap up, how does 3 Oaks Gaming balance the need to meet regulatory requirements in various markets with the goal of keeping gameplay exciting and innovative?

Navigating the regulatory landscape across different markets is a key part of our development process. Each market has its own rules and regulations, and we stay adaptable to ensure compliance without sacrificing the excitement of the game.

Our titles are rigorously tested and certified to meet the highest standards, ensuring they are RNG-compliant and adhere to local industry requirements. By embedding regulatory considerations into the design process, we ensure that our games are not only compliant but also optimised for each specific market, making them accessible and enjoyable for a global audience.