Can crash games really beat slot machines?
Since the arrival of Aviator in 2019, the “crash” game genre has enjoyed a meteoric rise. According to David Natroshvili, CEO of Spribe, the studio that developed the game, this immersive, interactive format could soon eclipse slot machines in online casinos.
Indeed, with over 42 million players per month and up to 350,000 bets placed per minute on Aviator (directly inspired by JetX), the success of these games continues to grow, especially as numerous variants inspired by this title are now appearing on the market…
Crash games: an interactive and social experience
Unlike slot machines, where the gaming experience is often solitary or even passiveCrash games involve active participation on the part of the players. They decide for themselves when to cash in their winnings, creating a palpable tension in every game. This direct interaction strengthens player commitment and promotes a social dimension through features such as real-time leaderboards, bet sharing and live chat.
Furthermore, although crash games initially found their popularity in the crypto casino world, their audience quickly expanded. Contrary to the conventional wisdom that they primarily target younger generations such as “Millennials” and “Gen Z”, Spribe’s data shows that these games appeal to a much wider audience. Regular slot machine and table game players are gradually adopting them, making them both an acquisition tool for attract new usersand a retention mechanism, since Aviator, for example, encourages prolonged game sessions.
Marketing to compete with slot machines…
Despite their rise to prominence crash games do not yet dominate online casino lobbies to the same extent as slot machines. To accelerate this transition, suppliers and operators need to work together to promote these games and educate players about how they work. Thus, Spribe has developed several marketing strategies for Aviator. One of these has been to offer free spins to players as a way of introducing them to the risk-free game. In addition, promotional campaigns highlighting crash games on partner casino platforms are regularly launched, explains David Natroshvili.
Good positioning in the lobbies and attractive offers can generate a 10% increase in gross revenue from crash games.
Strategic partnerships to boost visibility
At the same time, Spribe is multiplying prestigious partnerships, such as with the UFC and Inter Milan soccer club, to propel Aviator into the limelight. By collaborating with influential personalities such as Alex Pereira and Merab Dvalishvili, as well as famous streakers, the company increases awareness of the game and the crash format in international markets.
While slot machines still retain their hegemony, the meteoric growth of crash games suggests a future in which they may well establish themselves as the new benchmark for online casinos. The scale of their adoption in recent years suggests that it may not be long before they take first place in the online casino lobby. To be continued.
