NEXT.io Podcast Tom Wood: How Operators Should Think About Game Studios
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Nov 27, 2025 Tom Wood, CEO of RAW iGaming, sheds light on the innovative drive behind his studio, known for unique gaming products like Yahtzee. He discusses the challenges of standing out in a flooded market with 600 new games monthly. Tom emphasizes the importance of genuine innovation over copying, and shares insights into how AI could reshape game production. He explores the balance between game quality and market positioning, and predicts upcoming trends, including the rise of simple but unexpected hits in the iGaming landscape.
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Wheel As Core: Super Slice Test
- RAW launched Super Slice, a wheel used as a base-game mechanic rather than a bonus to test player acceptance.
- The experiment taught them players tolerate evolution but not constant radical departures from familiar formats.
Give Innovators Dedicated Real Estate
- Operators should reserve specific positions or categories for smaller, innovative suppliers to surface new hits.
- Create an innovation category or regular slots to test fresh mechanics without forcing rebate wars.
Arcade To Reach New Players
- Arcade and skill-like games target younger, social players neglected by traditional slots.
- Tom Wood sees arcade and board-like games as routes to new player cohorts and cross-sell opportunities.