OnlyPlay Instant Win Games - Interview with Artem Klymenko
When this interview appeared, OnlyPlay was a relatively new name in the instant games sector. Its portfolio paired polished visuals and carefully considered sound with distinctive game features, designed to appeal to a wide range of players. We spoke with Artem Klymenko, the company’s CBDO, about OnlyPlay’s business, products and upcoming projects, among other topics.
Q1: Could you introduce yourself and explain what you do at OnlyPlay?
I’m Artem Klymenko, CBDO at Onlyplay. My team and I work on a range of areas, from entering new markets and building aggregator relationships to developing games and other products with varied mechanics. We aim to create distinctive offerings that resonate with current players and reach wider audiences. We come from a social gaming background and carry some of those ideas into our games. Lucky Punch is one example of an unconventional approach to gambling games.
Q2: What is it like to work at OnlyPlay?
We work at a fast pace while competing against much larger companies. Joining Onlyplay takes confidence in your ability to get things done. We entered the market boldly in 2021 and planned to maintain that momentum. The workplace also encourages people to bring their ideas and perspectives. Everyone has clear responsibilities, but suggestions from outside those areas are welcome if they can make the work better.
Business development is my primary role, though I’m also involved in game development. I was product owner for Lucky Punch and F777 Fighter.
Q3: What types of games does OnlyPlay offer?
Our focus is instant-win entertainment. Our lineup includes crash games, probabilistic lottery and slottery games, and traditional slots. We also create slot variations that incorporate features developed by our own team.
We build games with different audience preferences in mind. Crypto players may prefer a clean, understated look, while men may be attracted to combat, tanks and military themes. Other casino audiences enjoy familiar motifs such as Egypt, Jokers, fruit, clovers, cats and books. Our catalogue includes these themes.
Our development team has experience in social gambling, which informs features such as skill-based play, saved progress, level and total-multiplier growth, metagames and boosters. We combine these with established casino mechanics, including bonus rounds, bonus buys, jackpots and re-spins.
Q4: What makes your games stand out?
We accept cryptocurrency and fiat currencies. We partnered with a crypto stock exchange to launch the first version of Lucky Clover there. The game attracted close to 2 million bets during its first two days after release.
We can develop branded games and customized products. We also offer a portfolio of distinctive mechanics and gamification features.
Juicy Crush is one example: a fruit-themed cascading slot with skill-based features. Progress affects the extra bonuses players can receive, while a specially designed booster clears all symbols.
Lucky Punch brings several activities together in one game. Players join a boxing match and play a 1-line slot while competing in an ongoing tournament. A dynamic leaderboard displays progress and includes all players, who can interact through the game.
Q5: Do you have a favorite game, and what do you like about it?
F777 Fighter, our crash game, is one of my favorites.
I was involved in developing it, so I know the game inside and out.
Klymenko discussed a crash game that aims to distinguish itself from the familiar format with a storyline and added features. It begins aboard a naval aircraft carrier, where shooters launch and dance around the aircraft. The aircraft then reaches an air-fuel station, activating a bonus that can raise the multiplier to 60%. An enemy aircraft represents the growing jackpot. Rockets strike and destroy the target to show a win, and the jackpot is divided among the players still on board at that point.
The shared players’ table lets participants see each other and interact with built-in emoji. Everyone can choose their own strategy.
Q6: What are OnlyPlay’s main strengths?
We welcome cryptocurrency and can adapt games or build custom solutions. Our titles feature social gaming and gamification elements, along with detailed graphics and animation. We also aim to preserve high visual quality in locations with weaker internet connections.
At the time of the interview, we were continuing to work under wartime conditions, with half the team in Kyiv and unable to relocate elsewhere. Our people are certainly among the company’s greatest strengths.
Q7: Where do you operate most, and why?
We’re interested in the global market, are working toward a UKGC licence and were then active in Curacao markets. Game preferences vary by GEO, and our catalogue spans 4 instant-win subsegments. Onlyplay was receiving game requests from regulated European markets and planned to pursue those after the UK and MGA markets. The company was also focusing on Asia, where several discussions with major platforms were underway. Research into player preferences was intended to guide products for those markets.
Q8: What are you planning to work on next?
We’re excited to bring out more games, features and OnlyPlay products, of course! :)
Q9: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Our core team was based in Kyiv. Like many businesses, we supported Ukrainians by directing a portion of our income to humanitarian and medical aid for civilians affected by Russian aggression and military crimes. We’re grateful to everyone and every organization that supported our country directly or through partnership during this terrible period.
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.
