Interview with Katarina Slaninova (Tom Horn Gaming)

We continue our series of game provider interviews with Tom Horn Gaming. Meet Katarina Slaninova, Head of Marketing and Communications at the company. In this interview we get a deep-dive into THG slot themes and features, along with some interesting market updates!

Participants

• Interviewer: Maria Johnsson, Slotsoo’s expert at slot games
• Interviewee:
  Katarina Slaninova, Head of Marketing and Communications at Tom Horn Gaming

1.Hello Katarina and thanks for taking your time to participate in this interview with Slotsoo. To start, could you introduce yourself and tell us what your role at Tom Horn Gaming is?

Hi, and thanks for having me! I’m Katarina, and I’m the Head of Marketing and Communications at Tom Horn Gaming. Basically, I’m the person behind the scenes making sure our games get the attention they deserve.

I work with our talented teams to create stories and experiences that resonate with our players. I also manage our brand presence and make sure we’re always ahead of the curve in this ever-evolving world of igaming and that players always know about our new games.

2. Tom Horn doesn’t seem to have any Wild West-themed slots despite the name. Could you walk us through how you decide which theme a new casino game will have?

That’s a great observation! Our name might suggest a Wild West theme, but we’re all about exploring a wide range of themes to keep things fresh and exciting. When it comes to deciding on a theme for a new game, it’s a mix of art and science.

We look at data and industry insights to understand what players are enjoying right now, what’s trending, and where we can introduce something new and exciting. Our creative game development team loves to push boundaries, exploring themes from classic fruit slots to mythology, and everything in between.

But for all Wild West enthusiasts out there, we have some exciting news! We’re about to release a new Wild West-themed slot called Bank Wagon Heist. This game is sure to hit the sweet spot for both Wild West lovers and bonus hunters, offering a thrilling ride through the world of outlaws and treasure.

It’s packed with action and engaging features that we think will resonate with fans of the genre. So, while we haven’t ventured into the Wild West yet, Bank Wagon Heist is set to bring some cowboy excitement to our lineup very soon!

3. You have developed your own bonus buy feature QuickX™ and this year you introduced the new feature BlastX with the slot Aarupolis. How do these two features work together?

QuickX™ and BlastX are two exciting features we’ve introduced to spice up the gameplay and provide our players with more exciting gaming experience. You can find them in our popular games like 243 Fire’n’Diamonds, 81 Crystal Fruits, Crystal Fruits Bonanza, or our upcoming game Zeus Divine Multipliers.

QuickX™ is our take on a popular bonus buy feature. Once activated, it takes players straight into bonus rounds whenever they want, skipping the wait and getting right into the action. It’s perfect for those who love instant gratification!

On the other hand, BlastX adds unexpected twists to the game, mixing popular mechanics like cascading wins and expanding multipliers, to increase the excitement levels and facilitate higher wins. When you combine these two features, you get a truly dynamic experience.

Players can quickly access bonuses with QuickX™ and then enjoy the extra layers of fun that BlastX brings, making every spin thrilling and packed with wins.

5. Congratulations for winning so many awards in 2024! What would you say were Tom Horn Gaming’s biggest innovations during the past year?

Thank you so much! We’re thrilled to have been recognised for our innovation. During the past 12 months, we’ve focused on introducing features that truly enhance the gaming experience. QuickX™ and BlastX are part of this innovation wave, offering new ways for players to engage with our games.

We’ve also been leveraging AI and data insights to tailor our games to different player preferences. Our focus on mobile gaming means our games can be enjoyed by players on the go. We have also fine-tuned our UI to make it more intuitive and constantly work on improving game maths and mechanics to ensure our games stick with as many players as possible – from rookies to seasoned gamblers. It’s all about making gaming more exciting, accessible, and sustainable.

6. Currently, Tom Horn has a MGA license, plus you are licensed by UKGC, and Romania. Do you have plans to apply for a Swedish license? Any other expansion plans in Europe and beyond?

We are always looking to expand and bring our casino games to new players. While we are not currently operating in Sweden, we carefully evaluate each market and remain committed to delivering exceptional gaming experiences worldwide.

Our focus is on strengthening our presence in existing markets, enhancing our games’ popularity, and ensuring our innovative offerings continue to resonate with players. We are excited about future opportunities for expansion and are always exploring new ways to bring our games to more players globally.

7. Since you are active in so many different markets, do you see different game tastes and behaviour from the markets you are active in? Are players from some countries particularly fond of your fruit slots or your bonus buy feature, for example?

Yes, it’s fascinating to see how different markets have their own unique tastes. We have found that some players are passionate about traditional fruit slots, while a growing demographic is drawn to more complex slots with parallels to video gaming.

Additionally, we’re witnessing a significant rise in the popularity of crypto gaming. We use data to understand player preferences in each region and implement these insights into our content, ensuring our casino games resonate with audiences globally.

Whether it’s the appeal of story-driven slots or engaging features like our bonus buy feature, QuickX™, we tailor our games to align with the diverse tastes and preferences of our players worldwide.

8. Let’s wrap up this interview with a final question. Which Tom Horn slot is your personal favourite, and why is that?

That’s a tough choice because we have so many fantastic games, but right now, I’d have to say my personal favourite is our recent release, Biggy Winnie feat. The Rich Guy. This slot stands out for its unique theme and engaging storyline that revolves around the hip-hop music scene.

Biggy Winnie feat. The Rich One invites players into a world filled with bling, beats, and big wins. It captures the essence of hip-hop culture with its vibrant visuals, catchy soundtracks, and intriguing characters. The game is centred around The Rich One, a music producer who embodies the glam and hustle of the music industry, and Biggy Winnie, a talented rapper who The Rich One takes under his wings.  The game is designed to resonate with both hip-hop fans and slot enthusiasts alike.

The gameplay is as exciting as the theme. Hold & win feature enhanced with respins and jackpots, together with a stake booster keep the action rolling. Players will love the adrenaline rush of trying to land those jackpots and hit the big wins while immersing themselves in the rich story that unfolds with each spin.

What I love most about Biggy Winnie feat The Rich One is how it combines storytelling with engaging gameplay mechanics, creating an experience that’s both entertaining and rewarding. It’s a great example of how we at Tom Horn Gaming strive to push the boundaries of traditional slots and deliver something fresh and engaging for our players. If you’re into vibrant themes and catchy beats, this game is definitely worth a spin!