As the links between video games and online casino continue to be taken to new levels, the Game Play series discovers how key characters within the gambling industry embarked on their gaming journey.
In this week’s Game Play feature, we spoke to Eberhard Dürrschmid, CEO at Golden Whale Productions, to pinpoint the game that offered a “vast world to get lost in” and an interest in Egyptology that spans across video games and slots.
Are you a PC or console gamer and what was your first gaming experience?
I’m a PC gamer and this probably is because I started out years ago on the Commodore computers – which tells you something about my age! I had a VC20 and then progressed up to the C64 which was state-of-the-art back then.
Some of my friends had Spectrum computers and there was a real rivalry between us. But while Spectrums had a wider variety of games (in the beginning), the Commodore C64 had much better quality graphics and sound.
What is your favourite game of all time and why?
Elite, which was a game that saw you travel the galaxy in a spaceship, buying goods and selling them on a different planet. You had to use a map to get around the galaxy and work out which planets would give you the best price for whatever it was you bought.
Sometimes you could buy contraband and the police would chase you – or pirates would try and steal your cargo. It made you feel like Han Solo from Star Wars, and it had a vast world that you could get lost in. It’s one of the best games ever and has captivating 3D effects.
What mobile game have you spent the most time playing?
Pharaoh’s Way. This has eye-catching graphics, smooth animations, and atmospheric sounds that kept me coming back for more. I like a bit of Egyptology and the imagery and story of ancient Egypt makes for a great backdrop for a slot game. There are really good bonuses and journey development available too, which always makes it fun to play.
Last video game completed?
Doom II. This was a revelation when it came out because it was a first-person shooter that really made you feel like you were running through corridors, shooting at monsters. The original Doom was only available via mail order or shareware but Doom II could be bought in shops. It’s really addictive because the levels just keep getting tougher and need more tactics, so you are drawn into working out the best way to stay alive and kill those monsters!
Favourite video game character?
Sonic the Hedgehog is an icon, for me and many other people. There aren’t many video game characters who make the leap into mainstream culture – Super Mario being the other obvious one – and that just shows you how significant Sonic has become. You see him on t-shirts, hoodies, mugs and posters, in many different countries. He brings many people together through the common language of great gameplay and unforgettable digital adventures.
Favourite all time slot?
Tough one to choose, but I’ll go with Book of Ra. Again, it’s Egyptology which never fails to deliver mystery, a sense of adventure and gorgeous graphics. You travel through ancient Egypt via the game’s 10-lines and FIVE-reels. The further you go, the more exciting it gets.
This is definitely the slot that I’ve enjoyed playing the most over the years and I admire the persistence it still has in the market.
