Irakli Menabde, Chief Commercial Officer at Orbital Gaming, shares his perspective on how player behavior and expectations are reshaping the iGaming industry. As formats evolve beyond traditional RNG (Random Number Generator) mechanics, the lines between gambling, skill, and entertainment are becoming increasingly blurred.
In this conversation, Irakli and CasinoRank discuss the challenges of adapting to hybrid models, the future of casual competitive games, and how Orbital is approaching innovation within regulatory frameworks.
In this interview, Irakli Menabde discusses:
- The evolving role of players in iGaming
- Challenges for operators adapting to hybrid skill-based games
- The rise of casual competitive formats
- Balancing innovation with regulatory compliance
- Orbital Gaming’s approach to game design and growth
There’s growing momentum behind skill-influenced games in iGaming—where do you think the line lies between entertainment, skill, and gambling today?
Irakli Menabde: The line between entertainment, skill, and gambling is increasingly fluid—especially in hybrid formats. Players today aren’t just passive users; they’re evolving into decision-makers, creators, and even co-developers.
This shift reflects a broader trend where players want more agency, influence, and engagement in the experiences they invest time and money into. In many ways, the role of the player is becoming central to how games are designed, monetized, and even marketed.
Are operators adapting fast enough to support formats like card duels or PvP?
Irakli Menabde: Generally, no—most operators and platforms aren’t moving quickly enough to support emerging formats like card duels, arcade loops, or real-time PvP (Player vs Player) mechanics. There are a few outliers innovating in this space, but the industry remains heavily optimized around crash games, slots, and RNG table games—largely because these are easier to monetize, regulate, and scale.
To push the genre forward, I believe providers need to embrace hybrid models that combine RNG with perceived skill, create PvP structures around opt-in duels or asynchronous formats, and build gameplay loops that feel fresh yet remain GGR(Gross Gaming Revenue)-compliant.
Do you see a future where casual competitive games rival slots?
Irakli Menabde: Absolutely—casual competitive games have the potential to rival slots in both player volume and lifetime value. But it’s not a guarantee. It hinges on how effectively operators and platforms can adapt their retention mechanics and marketing strategies.
These games offer deeper engagement and often stronger community hooks, but they need to be positioned correctly within existing ecosystems. If supported by the right infrastructure and player incentives, they could reshape the entire monetization landscape.
Orbital Gaming has been exploring creative gameplay loops—how do you balance originality with regulation?
Irakli Menabde: At Orbital, our goal is to build games that feel fresh and distinctive—but never so unfamiliar that they alienate users or create friction with regulators. We’re mindful of jurisdictional flexibility from the ground up, designing gameplay loops that accommodate different regulatory environments while maintaining fun and fairness.
We also lean on proven mechanics like RNG and explore tech like on-chain transparency and provable fairness to build trust and ensure compliance.
Can you share something exciting coming from Orbital Gaming?
Irakli Menabde: We’re leveling up in a big way this year. Orbital is set to launch a new line of games inspired by classic board game mechanics—blending nostalgia, strategy, and modern gameplay loops in a format we think players will love.
At the same time, we’re entering the sweepstakes market with a bold, differentiated approach. It’s a major expansion in both creative and commercial direction—and just the beginning of what we have planned.
As CCO, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about the business side of games?
Irakli Menabde: That’s a powerful question. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that a good game doesn’t sell itself—but a great story does. Success isn’t just about gameplay quality; it’s about how well the product is positioned.
If your game doesn’t speak to an operator’s commercial goals or a player’s emotional needs, it won’t scale. Timing also matters—a 70% ready game launched at the right moment will often outperform a polished game that launches too late. Lastly, simplicity wins. If you can’t explain your game’s core value in under 15 seconds to an operator or streamer, you’re already behind.
What was your first exposure to games or gambling growing up?
Irakli Menabde: My earliest memories with games go back to late-night Monopoly sessions with family. It wasn’t about money—it was about strategy, tension, and the joy of a clever move.
That emotional blueprint—the blend of competition, chance, and connection—is the DNA of great iGaming experiences. When I later discovered online casino platforms, I didn’t just see spins and bets; I saw the intersection of psychology, design, and business. That early fascination still shapes how I approach game design and commercial strategy today.
If you weren’t in iGaming, what career path might have attracted you?
Irakli Menabde: Funny enough, as a kid I was completely obsessed with cars. My dream was to be a Top Gear-style presenter—think Jeremy Clarkson, but maybe with less sarcasm.
I loved the idea of storytelling mixed with performance and high-speed visuals. Who knows, maybe there’s still time for a crossover someday.
