BGaming’s 7th anniversary: From a small game studio to a beyond game provider

Time flies! Seven years ago, BGaming started as a small game studio with big dreams. Looking back, it feels like the company has gone through several distinct phases, each shaping it into what it is now. What began as a passionate team creating fun games has grown into something much bigger: a company that goes beyond just making games, with celebrity-branded titles, publishing expertise, and collaborations that expand past iGaming.

This anniversary is not only a chance to reflect on the past but also to appreciate the progress made and look ahead to new opportunities. Let’s take a journey through BGaming’s incredible transformation!

The humble beginnings

BGaming’s story started within SOFTSWISS, where a small team of up to 10 people worked on game development. In February 2018, the team branched into an independent game studio, focusing on creating unique and engaging games.

Marina Ostrovtsova joined BGaming as Executive Director after four successful years at SOFTSWISS. Ivan Montik adds, “I wanted to give Marina the opportunity to take on a leadership role because she’s always been highly engaged and has a deep understanding of the business and its processes. I was confident she’d excel in this position.”

The first months were full of challenges and learning experiences. The team set out to build its own game engine, but the first version didn’t quite meet expectations. Adjustments had to be made, and new solutions had to be found. 

“What made those days special was the strong enthusiasm and determination of the small team. Everyone was driven by passion, working closely together, brainstorming game features, improving designs, and discussing every detail. The atmosphere was warm and collaborative, which became a defining part of BGaming’s culture,” shares Julia Alekseeva, CPO at BGaming. 

The first game developed under the BGaming name was Rocket Dice. As the studio gained experience, processes improved, and the team grew stronger. A major milestone came with the release of Elvis Frog in Vegas, a game that truly reflected the synergy and creativity within the team. 

“At that time, I had one goal: BGaming needed a true hit — one that embodied our expertise and pushed our limits. And that’s how Elvis Frog in Vegas was born!

“We’ve always aimed to showcase our team’s talents, creating a magnet for strong, creative minds — and we did it! With our synergy, anything is possible, and we’re moving toward new horizons!” adds Andrei Salikov, VP of Product Strategy at BGaming.

From there, BGaming continued to expand, releasing more standout titles like Burning Chilli, Aztec Clusters, Aviamasters, Merge Up, and Snoop Dogg Dollars and refining its approach.

From family to company: the evolution of the team

BGaming’s transformative journey has been driven by its people. What started as a close-knit group of 10 people has now grown into a company of nearly 270. With this growth came new expertise, stronger teams, and bigger achievements. But through all the changes, one thing has remained the same — the passion and dedication of the team.

“I joined a tiny studio where everyone was like family. Now, we’re a full-scale company with huge departments, big ambitions, and even bigger plans,” says Aleksandr Krivetsky, who grew from a Ruby on Rails Developer to CTO.

As the company expanded, new traditions emerged, but the sense of connection never faded. “Seven years ago, our daily stand-ups were followed by team tea breaks — a small ritual that strengthened our bond. As BGaming grew, the traditions evolved, but the core idea remained the same: a strong, supportive team where everyone has the opportunity to develop and grow,” recalls Andrei Makar, who grew from a QA Engineer to Head of Quality Assurance.

The ability to grow within the company is something many team members value. “Working with BGaming has given me the opportunity to express myself not only as a sound designer but also as a creator of games,”adds Sergey Khmelevsky, Sound Director.“Projects like the Johnny Cash series, Wild Cash, Chicken Rush, and others have allowed me to expand my creative role.”

Growth hasn’t changed the company’s core — teamwork, innovation, and a shared love for creating great games. Whether it was a few team members years ago or entire departments today, BGaming’s success has always been about its people. And as the company continues to evolve, so do the opportunities for those who build it.

The road to industry recognition

Over the past seven years, BGaming has developed in many ways: expanding its portfolio, strengthening partnerships, and earning industry recognition. However, one of the company’s most significant achievements has been balancing growth with continuity. Many of the original team members are still here, joined by new leaders who bring fresh ideas and innovation.

Despite its expansion, BGaming has kept the spirit of openness and opportunity. Employees are encouraged to grow alongside the company. “What I value most is that BGaming never limits growth. I started as a Business Account Manager, then became an analyst, and now I lead a team,” shares Polina Nikolaeva, Head of Data Analytics. “I had the chance to try different tasks, which helped me develop new skills.”

One major step was diversifying content. While BGaming started with slots, it later took on new challenges, like crash games. “Creating our first crash game, Space XY, was a whole new experience. It wasn’t like making slots; we had to learn everything from scratch. There were delays and unexpected challenges, but the team pushed through. Now, crash games are a solid part of our portfolio,” shares Julia Alekseeva, CPO at BGaming.

BGaming also strengthened its partnerships by developing exclusive and custom games for clients. With a network of over 2,000 partners, the company has built strong relationships across the industry. Creating a Business Account Management team played a key role in this. “We understand what true partnership means and how to take care of our clients. It took time to build, but now it significantly contributes to our success,” says Marina Ostrovtsova, CEO at BGaming.

Beyond game development, BGaming expanded into gaming publishing, reinforcing its role as more than just a game provider. Hackathons became integral to the company culture, encouraging employees to solve challenges and bring innovative ideas to life.

“Before BGaming, I wasn’t a big fan of team-building events. Seven years in, that’s completely changed. Now, I enjoy them because they’re not just about bonding with colleagues. They’re a space to collaborate, share ideas, and even turn them into something big,” says Vasily Kostin, a Front-end Developer. 

The studio also stepped outside the iGaming industry with the “When Art Meets Gaming” initiative, proving that gaming can be more than entertainment. It can be a platform for creativity and social impact.

The industry has noticed BGaming’s transformation. Through continuous growth, innovation, and a commitment to quality, the company has earned recognition from partners and peers. In 2024, this progress was celebrated with major industry awards, including the CasinoBeats Game Developer Awards, SBC Awards, and the SiGMA Europe B2B Award for Best Game Studio, among others.

The bottom line

BGaming’s journey has been one of growth, transformation, and a constant drive for excellence. From launching its first games with a small team to becoming a global player, every step has been fueled by passion, innovation, and a commitment to providing the best experiences for players.

“Our goal is to go beyond entertainment — creating games that resonate with players on a deeper level,” says Marina Ostrovtsova, CEO at BGaming. “We always aim to challenge the norm and raise the bar with every project.”

Today, BGaming continues to innovate with unique features and localized content, always aiming to make every interaction with the product intuitive, engaging, and memorable. The company isn’t just growing; it’s building an ecosystem where players discover more than just entertainment.

“Reflecting on how far we’ve come, I can’t help but feel immense gratitude for the people who made it possible — our dedicated team and trusted partners. Happy birthday, dear BGaming! We’ve achieved so much together, and the best is still ahead!” says Marina Ostrovtsova.