Delivering on player demand: Champion’s easy win for operators

What can you tell us about Champion and its offering to operators? How do you differ to your competitors?

“At Champion, we specialise in delivering a diverse portfolio of licensed games tailored for operators looking to provide an exceptional gaming experience. Our platform supports multiple languages and currencies, including cryptocurrency payments, making it ideal for operators targeting global audiences. Whether accessed via laptop, smartphone, or tablet, Champion ensures seamless multiplatform compatibility, enabling operators to engage players wherever they are.”

Putting the power back into operators’ hands is what sets Champion aside from other suppliers, with its low budget, cost-effective set-up that still delivers on quality.

“What sets us apart from the competition is our commitment to cost-effectiveness and innovation. We offer a no set-up fee model, allowing operators to get started without upfront costs. Additionally, our platform continuously evolves, with new games and exciting features released every month, designed to captivate players and enhance engagement.

“A major differentiator for Champion is our player-centric approach. We place a strong emphasis on satisfying even the most discerning players by offering cutting-edge game features and an intuitive, accessible platform. This focus not only boosts player retention but also drives increased revenue for operators, making Champion the ideal partner in today’s competitive gaming market.”

As a games supplier, how do you strategise effectively to always bring out games that really ‘land’ with players? What market research do you do ahead of release per market?

“At Champion, our strategy for developing games that truly resonate with players begins with comprehensive market research and a deep understanding of player preferences. We recognise that each market has its unique characteristics, and to effectively capture the interest of players, it’s essential to tailor our offerings accordingly.”

For Chumel, Champion’s ethos of putting players at the heart of its game development is key to their success. Building features and mechanics based on in-depth market analysis and player behaviours turns standard game development on its head.

“Our approach starts with in-depth market analysis, where we assess current trends, player behaviour, and cultural nuances across different regions. This research allows us to identify what players are looking for in their gaming experiences, from game mechanics to thematic elements. We also pay close attention to the competitive landscape to ensure that our games stand out by offering something superior.

“Equally important is the feedback we receive from existing players. We believe that listening to player feedback is crucial because it provides direct insights into what players enjoy and what they feel is missing. By integrating this feedback into our development process, we can create games that not only meet but exceed player expectations. This player-centric approach ensures that our games are not just well-received but also foster long-term engagement.”

Unlike some other game developers, Champion doesn’t rest on its laurels after a games launch.

“In addition to this, we continuously monitor the performance of our games post-launch, using analytics to refine and enhance the gaming experience further. This iterative process of research, feedback integration, and continuous improvement is what allows Champion to consistently deliver games that ‘land’ with players, no matter the market.”

How important is strong and unique storytelling in Champion’s games?

“We understand that strong and unique storytelling is a vital component of creating games that resonate deeply with players. A compelling narrative not only enhances the overall gaming experience but also helps establish a connection with players, whether through nostalgia or innovative, modern design.

“The story behind each game plays a crucial role, especially when selecting the main avatar, who serves as the face and personality of the game. This avatar must be representative and relatable, capturing the essence of the game’s theme while appealing to the target audience. The integration of the avatar with the game’s background, music, and animations further enriches the narrative, creating an immersive experience that keeps players engaged.

“Take, for example, our games KONG OF THE JUNGLE and Safari Ways Deluxe. These two titles showcase the diversity in our storytelling approach. KONG OF THE JUNGLE immerses players in a vibrant, life-filled jungle, where the powerful and charismatic Kong leads the adventure. The lush backgrounds, lively animations, and dynamic soundtrack all work together to create a thrilling, immersive experience that resonates with players who enjoy action-packed narratives.

“On the other hand, Safari Ways Deluxe transports players to the vast, serene deserts of Africa. The game’s narrative is centered around exploration and survival, with the main avatar navigating the expansive desert landscape. The minimalist design, paired with atmospheric music and carefully crafted animations, creates a stark contrast to the vibrant jungle of KONG OF THE JUNGLE, offering players a completely different yet equally engaging experience.”

Champion has a presence in 24 countries across the globe, where are you planning to expand to next and why?

“Champion is proud to have a strong presence in 24 countries across the globe, and our strategy moving forward is twofold: consolidating our position in existing regions while continuously expanding into new markets. A key milestone in our expansion plan is the acquisition of the Malta Gaming License (MGL), which will significantly streamline our entry into additional markets by enhancing our credibility and simplifying the regulatory process.”

Over the past 12 months, the industry has been focused on Latin America, pinpointing Brazil as an especially exciting market to penetrate. Champion has found early success in the region with its successful portfolio of games, with plans to expand further in Q4.

Do you see the Latin America market as a potential opportunity?

“Latin America is a region where we see tremendous potential. We have already established a presence in key markets such as Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico, recognising the vibrant opportunities these countries offer. These markets have shown a strong appetite for online gaming, driven by a large and growing base of enthusiastic players. The cultural diversity and rapidly expanding digital infrastructure in Latin America make it an exciting region for further investment and growth.

“Looking ahead, our focus will be on deepening our reach within Latin America, as well as exploring other emerging markets where we can replicate our success. By leveraging our strong portfolio of games, including the advantages of our upcoming Malta Gaming License, we aim to deliver exceptional gaming experiences to new audiences while solidifying our presence in the regions where we already operate.”

“Champion’s commitment to expansion is driven by our goal to be a global leader in the gaming industry, offering innovative and engaging games to players around the world.”

With an industry spotlight on personalisation and localisation aiming to increase player engagement and arguably most importantly retention rates, games developers are trying to get ahead of the curve by developing games specific to each region. For Chumel, understanding player preferences in each market is a key element of Champion’s master plan.

How does Champion deliver a seamless player experience? How important is a personalised and localised approach?

“Delivering a seamless player experience is at the heart of everything we do.

“We understand that in today’s global gaming landscape, players expect not just high-quality games but also an experience that feels personalised and relevant to their cultural context. That’s why our approach to localisation is a key factor in our success, enabling us to cater to diverse audiences across the world.

“One of the most important aspects of our localised approach is our robust multilingual support. Champion’s platform is available in over 52 languages, ensuring that players can enjoy our games in their preferred language. This level of customisation extends beyond just language—it’s about creating an environment where players feel comfortable and engaged, regardless of where they are in the world. By offering games in local languages, we reduce barriers to entry, making it easier for players to connect with the content.

“We tailor our games to reflect local tastes and preferences. We recognise that what resonates with players in one market might not have the same impact in another. Whether it’s incorporating culturally relevant themes, adapting game mechanics, or adjusting in-game features, our localised approach ensures that every player feels that the game was made with them in mind.

“This personalised and localised strategy is not just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for delivering the seamless experience that players expect. By paying attention to these details, Champion not only enhances player satisfaction but also builds a loyal player base that feels valued and understood.”

Has any of the countries you’ve recently expanded into surprised you?

“We pride ourselves on thorough market research and strategic planning, which means we rarely encounter surprises when expanding into new countries. Our approach is always data-driven and player-focused; we enter new markets with a clear understanding that our games will resonate with local players.

“When we set up our base in a new country, it’s because we have strong indicators that players there will appreciate our offerings. This careful preparation has allowed us to consistently meet or exceed our expectations in each new market. We understand the nuances of player preferences across different regions, and we tailor our games accordingly, ensuring that our expansion efforts align with what players are looking for.

“This meticulous strategy is why our recent expansions have gone as anticipated, with no significant surprises—just the successful reception of our games as planned.”

How do you gather player feedback from each market and how does that help your strategy for penetrating new markets?

“Player feedback is at the core of our business strategy and a critical factor in our success as we expand into new markets. We gather feedback through a combination of data analysis and direct communication with our operators, ensuring that we have a comprehensive understanding of what resonates with players in each region.

“One of the most effective indicators for us is the time players spend on our games and the number of players engaging with specific titles. These metrics give us valuable insights into which themes, features, and game mechanics are most popular in different markets.

“Additionally, we maintain close communication with our operators, who provide us with on-the-ground insights into what’s working well and what could be improved. This collaboration helps us fine-tune our offerings and tailor our games to meet the specific preferences of players in each market.

“For instance, we’ve observed that certain themes, like sea-themed games, tend to perform better during specific seasons, such as summer. This kind of nuanced understanding allows us to not only deliver content that players want but also to anticipate trends and adjust our strategy accordingly.

“By consistently gathering and analysing player feedback, we can make informed decisions when entering new markets, ensuring that our games are well-received and that we continue to offer experiences that players love.”