Mini‑games are rapidly gaining popularity in online gaming — they are fast, exciting, and tailored to the needs of today’s players. With the rise of gamification and shorter attention spans, it’s no surprise that this format is gaining significant momentum. To better understand what’s ahead for this segment, iGaming Expert spoke with Upgames CEO Tornike Tvauri. The brand was launched last summer with the support of Upgaming and is expanding quickly, with more than 20 titles already in its portfolio. But in a crowded market, the question remains: what makes Upgames unique?
– What inspired you to launch Upgames as a sub-brand of Upgaming, and how does it fit into the broader strategy of the company?
– “Mini-games have carved out a significant niche in iGaming, and Upgaming was one of the pioneers in this space. We actually began our journey into mini-game development back in 2018. Since then, our studio has grown from a specialized division into a full-scale creative force, with more than 30 titles developed and tested over the years.
However, we eventually realized this division needed more room to breathe and grow. To truly unlock its creativity and momentum, we decided to launch Upgames as an independent brand, which allows us to focus exclusively on the explosive potential of this genre.
Our background helps us deeply understand player motivations, allowing us to turn mini-games into personalized experiences that feel like they were made for each individual. Ultimately, our philosophy is simple: we create experiences, not just games. Every decision we make is rooted in what players truly enjoy.”
– What differentiates Upgames’ mini-games from other providers in the market? What sets you apart in terms of gameplay and design?
– “What sets us apart is our focus on personalization and deep player understanding. Our games are designed with clear, intuitive interfaces. Every game we create is meant to feel like it was made specifically for the player. Our goal is to give them a sense of ownership and excitement from the very first tap.
We continuously research and analyze player behavior, which helps us to innovate while staying aligned with what players actually want. We keep a pulse on the market, collaborate closely with operators, and make sure our games meet their needs and also stay fresh and exciting for players.”
– In your opinion, what are the most important factors that influence the success of a mini-game in the iGaming world?
– “I believe the most important factors for success are accessibility, engagement, and personalization. Mini-games must be easy to understand, fun to play, and immersive enough to keep players coming back. If we can make a game feel like it was designed specifically for the individual, we’ve succeeded.
We think mini-games are perfectly positioned to capitalize on the rise of mobile-first gaming and gamification, which we see as the future of iGaming. As players demand faster, more accessible experiences, these titles offer instant gratification while keeping energy high through rewards and challenges. This isn’t just a theory, but backed by recent industry data showing that crash games and instant-win titles already account for nearly 35% of all mobile casino sessions.
– With the competitive landscape of the iGaming industry growing, how do you ensure Upgames remains innovative and relevant to both operators and players?
– “We believe staying relevant starts with staying curious. We are constantly gathering player feedback and tracking global trends, which allows us to adapt quickly to what players actually want. Our goal is to keep the energy high not just through high-quality gameplay, but through innovative mechanics and engaging campaigns.
From an operator’s perspective, we see the relationship becoming much more collaborative. Operators are looking for new ways to engage and retain players, and we provide the specific tools to help them achieve that. These tools include a portfolio of games featuring popular, well-known mechanics that resonate globally, alongside dedicated content tailored for specific markets.
We even go a step further by developing exclusive games for specific operators, giving them a unique edge in their territory. Ultimately, we think partnerships between providers and operators will only grow stronger as we work together to deliver personalized, exciting content.”
– Lastly, is there anything exciting or new coming up for Upgames that you can share with us?
– “2025 was an incredible foundation for us. Our first year as an independent brand was all about proving our speed and creativity. Moving forward, however, our focus is shifting from simply delivering games to building complete engagement ecosystems.
The market is no longer just demanding better graphics; it’s demanding meaningful gamification that drives real-world results for our partners. To meet this, we are integrating advanced tools to move beyond the traditional ‘bet-and-win’ cycle. By adding layers of competition and community, we create a much more immersive experience.
Ultimately, we want to help our partners build ‘sticky’ environments where players feel a genuine sense of community and growth. It’s been a busy first year, but as we enter our first full year of operation, our goal is to redefine what a ‘mini-game’ can be. We’re moving away from fleeting sessions and toward habit-forming experiences that turn one-time users into a loyal, long-term player base.”
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