At SBC Summit Lisbon 2026, Nikita Gorshkov, CEO of Mancala Gaming, shares his views on creative experimentation, player preferences and the future of slot game development.
Innovation plays an important role in the evolving slot gaming industry. As studios explore new mechanics and gameplay formats, understanding player expectations and encouraging creative experimentation remain essential.
In this iGamity Talk, Nikita Gorshkov, CEO of Mancala Gaming, discusses how studios can develop distinctive games, why combining features requires careful planning and how changing player preferences may shape future slot development.
Understanding Player Preferences in Game Development
According to Nikita, successful game development begins with understanding the target audience. Different generations have different expectations, influencing how studios approach gameplay, mechanics and features.
Younger audiences may respond to faster gameplay and unconventional concepts, while other players may prefer familiar formats. Developers therefore need to adapt their portfolios to different player preferences rather than follow a single approach.
Why Slot Game Innovation Needs Experimentation
Nikita believes the industry needs fresh ideas and more creative experimentation. While new games continue to enter the market, there is still room for mechanics and concepts that offer genuinely different experiences.
He highlights the importance of giving development teams the freedom to explore unconventional ideas. He also suggests allocating around 20% of development efforts to experimentation, allowing studios to test new concepts and identify opportunities for future releases.
Allocating around 20% of development efforts to experimentation can help studios test new concepts and discover opportunities for innovation.
Not every idea will succeed, but experimentation can help developers discover new directions for slot game innovation.
Why More Features Do Not Always Mean Better Gameplay
Nikita uses a cooking analogy to explain why adding multiple features does not automatically create a better game. Like ingredients in a recipe, individual mechanics need the right balance to work together.
In slot development, every feature should serve a clear purpose and support the overall gameplay experience. A thoughtful combination of mechanics can create a more cohesive game than simply adding complexity.
A successful slot game is not simply about combining more features. Each mechanic needs to contribute to a balanced and cohesive gameplay experience.
How New Generations May Shape Slot Development
Changing player preferences will continue to influence the future of slot games. Nikita notes that younger audiences are becoming increasingly important, although their expectations and gaming preferences are still evolving.
For studios, this creates a need to remain open to new ideas, test different gameplay concepts and understand how audiences respond. Continuous experimentation can help developers adapt to changing expectations.
Final Thoughts
Nikita Gorshkov's perspective highlights the importance of understanding players, encouraging creative freedom and developing meaningful gameplay combinations.
Slot game innovation is not about adding more features, but about creating experiences where mechanics, creativity and player expectations work together.
Watch the full iGamity Talk with Nikita Gorshkov on YouTube to hear more about creative experimentation and the future of slot game development.
About iGamity Talks
iGamity Talks features conversations with professionals across the global iGaming industry, exploring game development, innovation, technology and player experience.
This interview with Nikita Gorshkov was recorded at SBC Summit Lisbon 2026 as part of an iGamity Talks series featuring professionals from six studios.
Sponsored by GameArt and aadrix.
GameArt
GameArt is a creative studio focused on immersive slot experiences through cinematic visuals, animations, sound design and engaging mechanics.
aadrix
aadrix provides game art, UI/UX, branding and product design solutions for gaming teams, combining visual creativity with usability and production-ready assets.
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