In this exclusive Interview, our Chief Product Officer at SYNOT Games, Filip Hlaváček,  sat down with Mr. Gamble, to discuss the evolution of the company, the balance between familiarity and innovation in game design, and the exciting future of online gaming. From emerging technologies like AR and blockchain to the success of fan-favorite titles such as Respin Joker and Aztec Jaguar, Filip Hlaváček provides an insightful look into what makes SYNOT Games a leading force in the industry.

Can you please tell us your personal history and connection with SYNOT Games?

I was one of the first employees, and you could even say a co-founder of SYNOT Games, who had the opportunity to join SYNOT as it expanded into game development, delivering an omnichannel solution for slots. In the early days, with only a small team, I took on multiple roles based on the company’s needs, including product management, software analysis, and testing. As we grew, SYNOT Games quickly established itself as a leading online content provider, securing a strong position in the iGaming industry. Throughout this journey, I transitioned through several leadership roles, ultimately becoming the Chief Product Officer.

With over 150 titles, your portfolio blends classic slot themes with modern gameplay mechanics. What is your approach to balancing familiarity with innovation in game design?

We aim to cater to a broad audience, ensuring our games reach as many players as possible so that everyone can find something in our portfolio to enjoy. To achieve this, we gradually introduce new concepts and ideas in a subtle way. You won’t often see groundbreaking, revolutionary changes in our roadmap; instead, we prefer to build on the experiences that players have come to love. Our innovations often focus on underlying mechanics – sometimes not immediately obvious, but adding that extra pinch of flavor that enhances the experience once you dive in. A diverse selection of titles reflecting this approach is presented in the official SYNOT Games review.

Mobile gaming has become increasingly popular. How has SYNOT Games adapted to this trend, and what do you foresee as the next big technological shift in the industry?

To stay among the best in the industry, constant innovation and evolution are essential. With mobile gameplay now dominating the market, we continuously adapt our games to optimize the experience for mobile players. At the same time, we carefully balance the look and feel of our games for those who switch between mobile, desktop, and even land-based slots – ensuring the best experience for each platform while maintaining a sense of familiarity.

When it comes to innovation, the pace can be more challenging compared to other industries due to regulatory restrictions and rigid frameworks that often struggle to accommodate rapid change. Introducing new, especially more radical, innovations take time. However, recent trends show promising developments, such as blockchain-based provably fair gaming for enhanced transparency and AI-driven player monitoring to promote a safer gaming environment.

Personally, I’m a big fan of VR, but I believe AR will be the next major leap after mobile. That said, we’re still years away from the necessary hardware advancements that will make it a seamless part of our daily lives.

The SYNOT Games portfolio is available in more than 1800 casinos globally. What unique qualities of SYNOT games do you think resonate most with players worldwide?

We want players to feel comfortable when playing our games. Trust is essential – they should have a sense of what to expect while still discovering something new and exciting in each game, without hesitation or uncertainty.

We also build on tradition, incorporating classic concepts and mechanics that core players have enjoyed for decades. At the same time, we blend these familiar elements with innovative ideas, adapting them to suit the preferences of millennial and Gen Z players.

We recognize that every player is different – some prefer relaxed, entertaining sessions on a smaller budget, while others enjoy a more high-stakes gambling experience. Our goal is to create games that cater to both ends of the spectrum.

SYNOT Games has licenses in several regulated markets, including Malta and Romania. How does the regulatory landscape affect your game development and distribution strategies?

These are just two of the many markets we operate in, and I’d say the regulations here are a breeze compared to some other countries. One of our key strengths is that our products are designed to be highly configurable, allowing us to meet even the strictest regulatory criteria or quickly adapt to new requirements. Of course, there are times when certain game titles or features need to be disabled in specific markets, but thanks to our diverse and versatile portfolio, we can always deliver significant value to our customers.

Looking at your most popular games, such as Respin Joker and Aztec Jaguar. What do you think makes these titles so appealing to players, and how do they reflect the core values of the SYNOT brand?

Respin Joker has been a part of our portfolio since the very beginning, built on years of expertise from SYNOT’s professionals – and to this day, it remains a strong performer. Its sequels, Respin Joker 243 and Respin Joker 81, have also achieved great success. This game strikes the perfect balance between a classic slot experience and engaging mechanics, featuring wild-triggered sticky respins and full-reel multipliers, all wrapped in beautifully crafted, elegant aesthetics. It’s an enjoyable ride for both veteran players and newcomers alike.

Aztec Jaguar, one of the first titles with the Hold and Win mechanic in our portfolio, managed successfully to captivate players across both online as well as land-based operations with its Aztec Jaguar Magic Ball and Aztec Jaguar Magic Ball Link variations. Unlike Respin Joker’s simplicity, Aztec Jaguar is rich in theme and features, offering Hold and Win with multiple modifiers to boost multipliers, along with retriggerable Free Spins featuring massive central symbols—where players can even activate the Hold and Win feature.

Despite their differences, both titles deliver the thrill of winning in just a few short sessions

What are some future projects or goals for SYNOT Games? Are there any upcoming titles or features that you’re particularly excited to introduce to the market?

As with every year, new challenges await. Expanding into new markets, experimenting with fresh ideas and features, and fine-tuning our existing successful titles are our priorities. There’s certainly a lot to look forward to. For me, the most exciting part is seeing the global response to our upcoming releases and how players react in different markets. It’s hard to highlight just a few but be sure to follow our social media to stay updated on all the exciting titles coming your way!

Lastly, can you please tell me which is your own favorite game from the SYNOT Games collection?

At the moment, my favorite games from the SYNOT Games collection are Chilli Joker and Volcano Explosive. Chilli Joker offers a classic fruit slot experience with a spicy twist, featuring wild symbols, respins, and multipliers for extra excitement. Volcano Explosive immerses players in a dynamic, crystal-filled world with Hold and Win bonuses with expanded reels during the feature, and jackpot wins possible even in the base game. Both games showcase SYNOT Games‘ ability to blend traditional slot mechanics with innovative features. They deliver engaging gameplay that appeals to both casual players and high-stakes enthusiasts.