Amusnet and Stoichkov: A Winning Formula for Sports-Themed Slot Games

Capitalising on the football excitement around UEFA Euro 2024, Amusnet released a new game, Stoichkov #8. How extensive is the strategic partnership with Hristo Stoichkov? What does the agreement entail?

Building on the success of our slot game Diamond Plus: Stoichkov Edition, it was an incredible honour to develop another game celebrating one of football’s true legends, Hristo Stoichkov. Known for his fiery passion, unmatched skill, and status among the 100 greatest players of all time, Stoichkov left a lasting mark on the sport, including winning the Ballon d’Or in 1994. So, we were beyond proud to introduce Stoichkov #8, capturing the essence of his golden years on the field. As you can see, this is an ongoing partnership, and we are committed to bringing even more iconic moments of his career to life in future releases.

How did the design team encapsulate Stoichkov’s personality through the various design elements at its disposal?

Hristo Stoichkov has a unique personality and is known and admired worldwide. When designing the game, we aimed to capture his intense emotions and iconic expressions, crafting a realistic model representing his spirit. Our team developed a 3D version of Stoichkov, which allowed us to add dynamic movement and bring his passion to life, making it feel like he was back on the pitch during his glory days. To enhance this experience, we incorporated special symbols such as the golden ball and boot, his iconic number 8, and a referee whistle, each adding a layer of authenticity to the gameplay. Additionally, features like Free Spins, offering up to 7 spins with an Expanding Wild that sticks until the end of the feature, and a Buy Bonus option, which allows players to purchase Free Spins at any time, further immerse players in the excitement and intensity that defines this unique football celebrity slot.

How closely did Amusnet collaborate with Stoichkov during the design process? Was every detail subject to sign-off, or was there significant creative leeway?  

At Amusnet, we deeply value each team member’s input and champion their creativity. The game saw collaborative efforts from various departments – from game artists to developers. We took great care to secure Stoichkov’s approval, ensuring his legendary presence was authentically represented. This collaborative and creative environment enabled us to seamlessly integrate the world of football with our team’s innovative vision. The result is a slot delivering a highly immersive experience for players, reflecting the timeless legacy of Stoichkov and everyone involved’s creativity and hard work. 

What’s your standpoint on sports slots? How do you see the strategic convergence of sports and gaming? 

Sports-themed slot games have been gaining traction in the online gaming market, merging the excitement of traditional slots with elements of popular sports such as football, basketball, and horse racing. Football is the most loved sport, with over 4 billion fans worldwide and the highest number of followers on social media platforms compared to others. Choosing an iconic Bulgarian legend like Hristo Stoichkov for this slot adds significant value, enabling players to engage with a footballer admired worldwide. This strategy created a unique player experience, firmly establishing our reputation as a forward-thinking gaming provider in the competitive landscape of the iGaming industry.

How is Amusnet looking to build on the success of Stoichkov #8? 

As mentioned, we look forward to including Hristo Stoichkov in more upcoming releases. Additionally, as part of our ongoing collaboration, he will represent our company as a brand ambassador at one of the industry’s most prominent iGaming and casino expos early next year. Our future plans also involve creating more sports-themed games and partnering with sports teams and celebrities to bring even greater excitement to our audience!