Interview with Toni Karapetrov from Habanero Gaming
Toni Karapetrov, Habanero’s Head of Corporate Communications, discusses the studio’s game development approach and business plans in this interview.
Could you introduce yourself, explain your role at Habanero, and share what you were doing before you joined?
I’m Toni Karapetrov, and I lead Corporate Communications at Habanero.
How does Habanero’s game-making process work, from the first ideas to a finished title?
We start by bringing the team together to compare ideas and discuss how to put them into practice. Habanero gives its staff plenty of creative freedom, with each person contributing their own strengths.
Detailed market research also informs how we develop content. Knowing what players want helps us tailor products to the regions where they are set to launch. Our flexible RTP options, for example, let partners choose an approach suited to local players’ preferences around risk.
Which considerations guide you when you’re developing a game?
We bring experimentation and fresh concepts together with approaches that have already worked well. Our goal is to pair original features and ideas with proven elements whose value has stood the test of time.
Habanero games combine eye-catching visuals and engaging sound, with themes and mathematical models that can be adapted for their intended audiences.
We believe strong games can appeal across borders, while recognising that regional adaptations can help our partners grow their businesses.
Against the worldwide challenges of 2020, how did Habanero’s own 2020 unfold?
2020 was a challenging year for businesses and individuals around the world, including people in gaming. Lockdowns hurt land-based venues and retail betting, while the online sector did not feel the impact to the same extent.
Habanero had a strong year, signing agreements with companies including LeoVegas, Bet365 and Lottomatica. The studio was also busy releasing games for players worldwide. I’m especially fond of Scopa, our slot take on the traditional Italian card game, though players have many other titles to choose from.
What does Habanero have planned for 2021?
We’ve already launched several successful titles this year and plan to keep releasing new games. Our latest, Before Time Runs Out, takes daring players on an action-packed journey through the Middle East. Its Duel Feature offers prizes of up to x1,000,000.
Earlier this year, we launched Orbs of Atlantis , an underwater slot with a distinctive reel layout built around our Big Reels feature.
More lively games are in development. We’ll continue introducing players to the polished graphics, immersive audio and carefully crafted mathematics that define our titles.
Habanero is expanding in markets such as Italy and Romania. Where is the company looking next?
In recent weeks, we’ve been extending our commercial reach internationally. A Critical Gaming Supply licence from the Malta Gaming Authority now gives us a path to agreements with tier one operators, which we look forward to announcing.
We’ve also secured a supplier licence from Romania’s national regulator, ONJN. This allows us to bring games such as Egyptian Dreams Deluxe and 5 Lucky Lions to players in that market.
Greece and Holland are also on our agenda for the coming period, subject to further regulatory developments. We’re preparing for a full schedule in 2021, in Europe and beyond.
Evan Carrington brings more than 12 years of experience in the iGaming industry, specializing in online casino reviews, slot game analysis, and player safety assessments. Their expertise includes casino licensing, RTP, volatility, bonus terms, and withdrawal policies. Combining hands-on reviews with independent research, Evan provides clear, evidence-based coverage to help players understand gambling platforms, their features, and possible risks.
