PROFILE
Who’s who: Daniel Hansen This month: Videoslots’ Head of Games
When did you first get involved with the gaming industry?
I’ve been in the gaming industry for over three years now after moving to Malta for a sales role. Having arrived, I fortunately saw a position at Videoslots which made me realise I was in the wrong career, and that a role in gaming is a perfect fit for my passion and knowledge.
What attracted you to this sector?
Gaming has been my life since I was young, having always enjoyed consoles and the likes of World of Warcraft. It was this experience that made me realise the similarities between video games and casino gaming. They both have the potential to immerse you into a different world with their gameplay and graphics, and it is this which appealed to me.
Favourite…
Movie: The Green Mile Music: Dada Life Pastime: Full-time gamer Book: Addiction by Design Item of clothing: Mankini Pizza topping: Ham & pineapple
What were you doing prior to the gaming industry?
Before Videoslots, I was a full-time salesman, trying to find a margin on anything and everything I could. This took me across various countries and into different roles, and ultimately made me who I am today. At certain levels, it’s a very difficult industry to be a success in, but it has taught me so many tricks of the trade that are useful to my current role, and because of this I would happily do it all over again.
What are you responsible for in your current position?
As Head of Games, I ensure Videoslots has the biggest and best range of games on the market, and recently reaching our 2,000th game proves we’re on the right track. One of the positives of doing this is that I can unearth rising stars of the games development world as I look for the latest trends in casino gaming. Following the trajectory of a small developer that you’ve championed and seen go on to bigger and better things is a great perk.
What have been the biggest industry changes you’ve seen in your time?
The most notable change I’ve seen in gaming has been with the supplier-operator relationship. Operators who committed to exclusive deals with suppliers have struggled over recent years, as the demand of customers to have a greater range of games in one place has required a strategy rethink. This has kept both suppliers and operators on their toes as the industry becomes ever more competitive. In my opinion, this is great for the industry as this
can only bring about innovation and a better product for players in the long term.
What are the biggest positive factors for your sector right now?
I’m encouraged by the pace of sensible regulation within Europe and further afield over recent years. Key decision makers have really taken notice of the benefits of a successful, well-taxed gaming industry and this can only benefit players in the long run. Players are our number one priority, and with better regulation comes better player protection. This can only be a good thing.
And what are the negatives ones – the obstacles to growth?
I feel that the health of the industry is as good as it has ever been, but it’s also as important as ever for operators and developers alike to keep innovating and pushing the boundaries. Videoslots has succeeded because it leads the way with product development as opposed to other firms who have piggybacked on the general success of the industry. Keeping players engaged is key and we must not rest on our laurels.
Looking at your entire career, what do you think was your smartest move?
It has to be moving to Malta; this provided me with the opportunity to enter the gaming industry with a leading, progressive casino operator in Videoslots.
And dumbest one?
I have sold a wide range of products in my time but selling subscription detergent door-to-door maybe wasn’t the most successful idea I had!
Where do you hope you’ll be, professionally, in ten years’ time?
I’d love to have a greater say over slots creation. I get the opportunity to work with the most creative developers at our suppliers and I often
envy the process of building up a game from scratch and seeing its journey to the final product. As Videoslots continues to develop, maybe I can have more of an influence within the area as we shape industry trends to give our players the best experience possible.
If you’d never embarked on this career, what other line of work would you have liked to pursue?
I would have loved to have been a pizza chef. Maybe it’s something I can re-visit in my retirement!
OCTOBER 2017 73
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