Alena Tsuranova on MEGAFAIR’s Slots, Skill Games and SBC Lisbon Plans

Alena Tsuranova, CCO at MEGAFAIR, joins the conversation as the studio expands beyond its original skill-game proposition into a broader portfolio spanning slots, instant games, crash titles and hybrid formats. In 2026, that strategy has been reinforced by a growing lineup of retention-focused slots, experimental releases such as Crazy Zeus Run, new distribution partnerships and wider ambitions to position MEGAFAIR as a full-cycle game provider.

In this CasinoRank interview, Tsuranova discusses how MEGAFAIR is balancing proven mechanics with more experimental gameplay, what the company has learned from PvP skill games and hybrid formats, and how titles such as Atlantis Coins Hold&Win are shaping its slot strategy. She also explores the impact of partnerships including GR8 TECH, the role of high-retention content in the company’s growth, and what operators can expect from MEGAFAIR at SBC Summit Lisbon 2026.

MEGAFAIR has expanded from its original skill-game focus into a two-track portfolio of RNG and skill-based games. How has this strategy shaped your approach to game development, and what do you want players to experience across both?

Alena Tsuranova: We aim to build games for different operators’ needs and demands, to create content that will satisfy streamers and high-rollers, different segments of players. Our initial plan was to expand our portfolio from acquisition titles, like skill or instant games, to a strong retention lineup with top-notch slots. 

We are investing many resources in game development, and keep growing our team. And that step-up in production quality is getting noticed across the industry. This year we focused most of our firepower on high-performing slots, and our portfolio becomes more and more diverse, now including skill games, crash, and instant titles as well. Our goal is to be a full-cycle game provider that gives players a solid, engaging experience no matter what type of game they choose.

Your 2026 portfolio additions include Diner Bonanza, Atlantis Coins, Fortune Farm, Eye of Ra: Triple Win and Joker’s Gold. What player preferences are you targeting with this new wave of games? 

Alena Tsuranova: The slots you mentioned rely on cascade and hold & win mechanics, two very popular and high-performing formats. These are classic themes with proven revenue track records, and we focused on making them taste fresh and delicious, as our partners demand.

Eye of Ra: Triple Win, an Egyptian-themed slot, for instance, is our most popular game and a strong cross-regional title. Joker’s Gold seems to be a traditional fruit-themed product, but with a creepy-styled eccentric character, Joker’s backstage laughter is unforgettable.

 Each of the games has its own unique vibe, and we produce video trailers to properly present the concept behind all of them. Adding high-retention games like these to our portfolio has driven a significant rise in our GGR.

Crazy Zeus Run combines slot mechanics with dice-driven board-game progression and decision-making. What has this hybrid format taught you about creating more interactive casino experiences while keeping them accessible? 

Alena Tsuranova: Experimental games like Crazy Zeus Run require a lot of effort and resources to produce, but they have a strong ability to interest seasoned gamblers, especially high-rollers seeking new experiences. This title is also a perfect acquisition tool, as it doesn’t look like a standard slot— it’s a board game at first glance, so it can attract social gamers alongside traditional gamblers, helping casinos reach a much wider audience.

The key lesson from blending slot mechanics with a board game was learning how to build a genuinely interactive feel. This hybrid slot stands out, because the gameplay creates a whole new level of engagement. Even though players can’t influence the RNG outcome, it feels very different from a traditional slot and has a huge potential for gambling streamers. 

While our main focus remains on proven mechanics and formats, we will definitely continue developing experimental games.

MEGAFAIR’s skill games feature PvP tournaments and real-time leaderboards, with gameplay based on player ability rather than traditional RNG. What have you learned about what keeps players engaged with this format? 

Alena Tsuranova: First is the sense of competition. Let’s take Mega Solitaire, for example, since Solitaire is already one of the most familiar, widely played games in the world. When you introduce real-time PvP where players bet on their ability against an opponent, it transforms the entire psychological dynamic, even distinguished old ladies breathe the spirit of competition. 

Second, players stay logged in longer. Our average session times in skill games are higher than traditional slots because players aren’t just hitting a spin button, they’re actively trying to refine their strategy and polish their skills. That focus on personal progression turns casual gameplay into a long-term entertainment habit.

MEGAFAIR recently partnered with GR8 TECH, making its RNG and skill-game portfolio available through its global operator network. What does this partnership unlock for your market reach and growth? 

Alena Tsuranova: Partnering with global aggregators and big platforms is very important for a growing game provider like us. While it requires meeting a high bar for quality and stability, it gives direct access to a massive network of operators who are constantly searching for new interesting games. Our entire portfolio is available for quick, seamless integration across thousands of casinos worldwide. 

We are proud to collaborate with industry leaders like GR8_TECH, and also among our partners are other well known companies like SOFTSWISS, Alea, PIN-UP. We see the direct impact of these deals in our performance reports every day, and that’s the best motivation to keep pushing forward and develop new content. This year has truly been the year of partnerships for us.

Atlantis Coins Hold&Win has been nominated for Best Slot Game 2026 at the SiGMA World North America Awards. What do you think is resonating with players and industry judges about MEGAFAIR’s approach to slot design? 

Alena Tsuranova: Atlantis Coins Hold&Win takes a popular Atlantis thematic, and upgrades it with sharp, modern polish. The central Octopus character brings the game’s lore to life and gives the slot an instantly recognizable logo. We believe what truly resonates with both players and industry judges is the balance between familiar, intuitive gameplay and a high-volatility math model that creates genuine tension from the very first spin. 

Beyond the clean visual design and atmospheric underwater soundtrack, the core mechanic keeps players locked in. The Hold & Win bonus loop gives players clear, step-by-step goals with coin collection and jackpot hits. It’s easy to pick up immediately, it looks fantastic on mobile devices, and delivers the retention and volatility that operators expect from a top-tier slot.

MEGAFAIR is heading to SBC Summit Lisbon 2026, where you are teasing “new worlds, familiar characters” and something bigger behind the scenes. What can operators and players expect to discover in Lisbon?

Alena Tsuranova: First of all, SBC Lisbon is a fantastic and exceptional opportunity to connect in person with the partner teams we talk to online every day. 

For all operators interested in our games, it’s a chance to test our games firsthand, sit down with our CEO to discuss the roadmap, commercial terms and custom game configurations. 

Our visitors will be first to hear about our upcoming plans and product vision for next year, so we invite everyone to come and say hello to our booth B441.