“Providers are being too cautious and ignoring player curiosity” – Interview with Bullshark Games’ Product Director
Madis Raus, Product Director at Bullshark Games, joined the editorial team. He discussed the key differences between large providers and smaller developers. The expert explained which slot mechanics work best and why you shouldn’t rely solely on trends. Readers will also find a selection of top slots from Bullshark Games, a great place to start getting to know the provider.
- You’ve been in the iGaming industry for over 15 years and have worked at Playtech and OneTouch. Tell us, how did you get started?
I actually entered the industry somewhat by chance, but stayed because I found it fascinating how many different disciplines come together in game development. Math, psychology, product thinking, creativity, player behavior, it’s all connected. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work across very different environments, from large corporate structures to more agile teams, and that perspective has been incredibly valuable.
- How does working at a large, established company like Playtech differ from working at a young provider like Bullshark Games?
The biggest difference is speed and ownership. At larger companies, processes are naturally more structured, and decisions often go through multiple layers. At Bullshark, we can move much faster. Ideas get tested quickly, feedback loops are shorter, and product decisions stay close to the people building the games. That flexibility gives us room to experiment while staying very focused on what players actually respond to.
- It’s hard to call Bullshark Games a newcomer. Tell us more about the company’s founding story.
Bullshark was built by people who genuinely play and understand slots, not just from a supplier perspective but also from the operator and player side. Andre brought strong experience from both poker and the casino industry, and from the beginning there was a very clear idea: create games we would actually want to play ourselves. That sounds simple, but in practice it changes how you approach almost every product decision.
- Bullshark Games’ slots are created “by players, for players”. What does that mean in practice within the team?
It means we test a lot, and we’re brutally honest internally. We don’t just ask whether a feature works mathematically. We ask whether it feels exciting, whether the pacing feels right, whether the game gives players a reason to stay. A mechanic can look great on paper and still not survive if it doesn’t feel good in real sessions.
- You currently use the OpenRGS platform from Hacksaw Gaming. How has slot development changed since entering into this partnership?
The partnership has allowed us to focus more energy on product and creativity. Because the technical infrastructure is handled through OpenRGS, we can spend more time refining gameplay, mechanics, pacing, and overall player experience. It also gives us a strong route to market while still allowing us to maintain our own identity as a studio.
- What do you borrow from Hacksaw Gaming’s approach, and what do you do fundamentally differently?
We respect a lot of what Hacksaw has achieved, particularly their clarity of product vision and willingness to take creative risks. At the same time, we try to approach things in our own way. Bullshark tends to focus heavily on progression and momentum, creating games that feel like they are constantly building toward something rather than relying purely on isolated moments.
- We often hear from various providers that the slot machine market has become monotonous. Do you agree with this statement?
To some extent, yes. There is a tendency in the industry to follow what worked six months ago. When one format performs well, many studios quickly move in the same direction. The challenge is that players notice repetition much faster than studios think. That’s why we try to ask ourselves what experience we’re actually creating rather than just which mechanics are trending.
- How is it that, despite developers’ desire to create something unique, the industry still tends toward uniformity?
Because creating something genuinely different is risky. When margins are tight and competition is high, it’s tempting to repeat proven formulas. Sometimes studios become overly cautious and start designing around market expectations instead of player curiosity. The irony is that players usually remember games that surprised them.
- What annoys you about most new slots?
Probably when games feel over-designed. Sometimes there are too many systems layered on top of each other, but none of them really matter. Players shouldn’t need ten minutes to understand why a game is exciting. The best mechanics explain themselves quickly and create momentum naturally.
- How is Bullshark Games seeking its own identity? Do you look to other providers for inspiration?
We definitely look at the market, everyone does, but mostly to understand where player expectations are moving. Our focus is on building a recognizable feeling across our games. Strong progression, visible momentum, and moments that feel earned rather than random. We don’t want players to open a Bullshark game and immediately know exactly what’s coming. But we do want them to recognize the way it feels.
- Unusual themes and high-quality design aren’t the only things Bullshark Games uses to attract and retain players. Tell us more about the progressive systems and other bonus features you add to your slots.
We spend a lot of time thinking about momentum. Many of our games use progression systems, growing multipliers, collections, or mechanics that evolve during a session because we want players to feel like something is building. The goal is not complexity for the sake of it. It’s about giving players a reason to care about the next spin and making progression feel visible and rewarding.
- Which mechanics engage your players the most? Why do you think that is?
Progressive systems generally perform very well for us. Players tend to respond strongly when they can clearly see momentum building on screen. Whether it’s a growing multiplier, collecting symbols, or unlocking stronger features, there’s something very intuitive about visible progression. Players understand it quickly, and it creates anticipation naturally.
- Pick your top 3 slot games fromBullsharkGames.
That’s always difficult, but I would probably say Age of Seth, Paper Biker, and Lemur Levels. Age of Seth because it really captures our identity as a studio. Paper Biker because it takes a very unusual visual concept and makes it work mechanically. And Lemur Levels because it experiments with progression in a way that feels different while still remaining very accessible.
- The Egyptian-themed slot Age of Seth became one of the most notable releases. Have other games managed to come close toitspopularity?
Age of Seth definitely became an important title for us, but we’ve seen strong responses from several releases since then. Different games resonate with different audiences. Some perform particularly well with high-volatility players, others with feature-buy audiences. What matters most to us is building a portfolio where each game has its own reason for existing rather than trying to repeat one success formula.
- In 2025,BullsharkGames was shortlisted for the SBC Awards Europe and won the “Bonus Buyer” category at the Slotsoo Game Provider Awards. Congratulations! Have you been nominated for industry awards before?
Thank you. Recognition is always appreciated, especially as a relatively young studio. Of course, awards are nice validation, but internally we probably pay more attention to how players respond and how games perform over time. Long-term engagement means more to us than a short-term headline.
- Why do you thinkBullsharkGames has received attention now?
I think players and operators can feel when a studio genuinely has a point of view. We’re not trying to release ten versions of the same game. We’ve focused on building games with a clear identity and mechanics that feel purposeful. That takes more risk, but it also helps you stand out.
- How do you feel about some players playing slots solely for Bonus Buy features?
It’s simply another way people enjoy games. Some players enjoy the full session experience, while others want direct access to volatility and features. As a studio, our job is to make sure the experience feels rewarding either way and that the feature itself stands up to repeated play.
- Most new slots are released with high volatility. Do players really enjoy this pace of play? Why do you think that is?
High volatility definitely has a strong audience today, especially among experienced players. Part of it comes from entertainment value. Players are often chasing moments they’ll remember rather than perfectly smooth sessions. But balance still matters, even high-volatility games need rhythm, pacing, and enough momentum to keep players engaged.
- How have streamers and content creators influenced the development of the gaming industry?
They’ve had a huge impact on visibility and player expectations. Streamers have helped educate players on mechanics and volatility, but they’ve also changed how games spread. A memorable moment can put a title in front of thousands of players very quickly. That said, we still believe games have to work for everyday players, not just for highlight clips.
- Is it possible today to create a successful slot without record payouts and viral moments from streams?
Absolutely. Big moments help, but they’re not everything. A successful slot still needs good pacing, clear identity, and a reason for players to return. Viral wins can get attention, but they don’t guarantee retention. Players stay because the experience feels worth coming back to.