Crash games arrived on the scene around a decade ago, bringing a unique, fast-paced format of betting to the igaming world. With innovation at its core, the genre has continuously evolved, adopting fresh themes and fusing engaging features with the classic increasing multiplier to breed new and exciting gaming experiences.
BGaming co-CPO, Yulia Alekseeva, and Evoplay CEO, Ivan Kravchuk, gave us their thoughts on the latest crash game trends, as well as how the genre can be adapted to ensure its longevity.
What are the biggest trends you’re noticing in the crash game space and how do you see them evolving?
Yulia Alekseeva: There are a number of exciting trends emerging in the crash game genre. There is a big focus on player engagement and fast-paced, high-risk gameplay. People love the thrill of watching multipliers rise in real time, making it quite the adrenaline rush. We’re also seeing more social features, like leaderboards and chat options, which create a community feel and encourage competition among players.
A great example is BGaming’s Top Eagle, where players navigate a unique bird’s-eye view while trying to open parachutes before the plane crashes. As developers continue introducing fresh themes and engaging stories, I anticipate these games will attract a wider range of players.
Ivan Kravchuk: Globally, I’ve identified two major trends in the crash game space that will shape its future. The first is the growing variety in themes and settings, while the second is the accumulation of various side mechanics that enhance multiplayer experiences.
What began a decade ago as simple gameplay – just a moving graph and a crash – has transformed into immersive, story-driven experiences with refined visuals and interactive features.
A great example from Evoplay is Goblin Run, where players can customise their characters and explore various settings, showcasing this shift in gameplay.
In addition, Adrenaline Rush: XCrash builds on these trends with a high-energy racing theme, an engaging plot, and enhanced player interaction through an in-game chat, leaderboards, and customisable options – elements that significantly elevate player engagement.
How are crash games being adapted to appeal to different demographics, including a younger generation of gamers?
YA: I believe crash games are naturally suited for a younger audience because they’re fast-paced, thrilling, and can deliver big rewards in a short time. To appeal even more to younger gamers, developers are adding features like leaderboards and achievements, which create a competitive edge and enhance engagement.
It’s also crucial that crash games are mobile-friendly, as many young players prefer gaming on their phones. By streamlining user interfaces and ensuring easy-to-understand gameplay, these games become more accessible and enjoyable for casual players, making them a hit with the younger generation.
IK: When crash games first emerged, they introduced something fresh and exciting in igaming, attracting younger players seeking fresh and dynamic gameplay. Their quick social interactions, low stakes, and engaging experiences have resonated with modern players. To reach a wider audience, we continuously infuse our games with innovations that appeal to everyone who values quality.
We adapt by focusing on themes, visuals, and UX/UI design. While some players enjoy sports, others prefer cars, monsters, or animals – our portfolio reflects these diverse interests.
For example, football-themed games like Long Ball show strong retention rates, above 25%, indicating that players particularly appreciate the sports themes incorporated in crash games. Given this positive response, we plan to further develop these themes in our upcoming titles.
What innovations are you working on that will ensure the genre has longevity?
YA: From my experience with BGaming and other providers, it’s clear that crash games are growing in popularity each year. To ensure our games have longevity, we focus on creating unique features that set them apart. This includes gamification and retention strategies to keep players engaged.
Before developing a new crash game, we prioritise adding dynamic, interactive elements that go beyond traditional mechanics. Additionally, we use data analytics and player feedback to tailor our games to regional preferences and player behaviour, ensuring the content stays fresh and relevant for everyone.
IK: We’re continuously refining game mechanics to keep the experience fresh and engaging. Our latest release, Adrenaline Rush: XCrash, offers an exciting racing experience with dynamic gameplay that reflects real-life racing.
Players can engage in the in-game chat, while the leaderboard enhances the competitive atmosphere. With dual-betting options, they enjoy more control and excitement, making each race feel immersive.
To sustain long-term interest, we also focus on promotional tools such as tournaments, quests, and other new initiatives across our portfolio. Together with ongoing enhancements in UX/UI, 3D graphics, and immersive design, these efforts ensure our games continue evolving and keeping the genre vibrant.
Could we eventually see crash games integrate elements from other popular casino genres, like slots or table games, to create hybrid formats?
YA: Blending crash games with features from slots or table games could enhance the overall gaming experience. This appeals to a variety of player tastes and ensures the gameplay stays dynamic.
Hybrid formats that combine features from multiple genres could be part of the future for crash games. Our industry sometimes surprises even the most pragmatic analysts.
I would not be surprised if, by the time my responses are published, a new hit with crash mechanics appears on the market. Time will tell.
IK: It’s certainly possible in our industry, as integration can take many forms. However, the key question is whether it would genuinely resonate with players and provide value to providers.
For instance, while there is potential in blending slot mechanics with skill-based elements, as we’ve done in our flagship games with manual control like Star Guardians and Adrenaline Rush, I don’t see a strong reason for hybridisation with crash games at this time.
They remain relatively new to the casino audience, have adapted well to the igaming market, and still have significant growth opportunities without merging with other genres.
