Slotegrator interviewed Clawbuster about trends, player feedback, partnerships, and future plans

Slotegrator, a game aggregator and iGaming solutions provider, published an interview with Timofey Lipsky, the CEO of Clawbuster, a developer studio with a focus on rethinking classic claw machine games and providing innovative titles implementing AI, machine learning, and customization. Read about the company, its history and future, and the industry below.

What sparked the idea for Clawbuster, and how has the company grown since then?

The idea for Clawbuster originated when we met a team that was working on integrating physical claw machines into mobile apps. Their concept allowed users to control a real claw machine through an app and win physical prizes that were shipped to them. However, the business model wasn’t sustainable, as user acquisition was expensive and the concept didn’t have broad appeal. That’s when we realized there was potential to adapt the claw mechanic for the online casino space, which at the time was hungry for new and exciting features.

Our strategy has since evolved to integrate the claw mechanic into online slot games, giving players a unique experience and keeping them engaged. This combination of familiar slot mechanics with the added twist of the claw has allowed us to differentiate ourselves in the market and grow steadily. The company has come a long way, and now we're creating not just slots, but an entire category of claw-based games that are both innovative and engaging.

Which markets is Clawbuster currently active in, and how do you adjust your games to fit the preferences of players in different regions?

Clawbuster operates across various regions globally, with a strong presence in Curacao-regulated markets. We’re active in regions throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas. What we’ve learned is that players’ preferences can vary greatly depending on the region. For example, in Asia, where claw machines are already culturally popular, our games have naturally resonated with players. In contrast, in Tier 1 countries like the US, where players are more open to innovation, the claw mechanics bring an element of fun and engagement that stands out.

We also tailor games to specific markets by adjusting default bet sizes, volatility, and RTP percentages. Additionally, the themes of our games are customized to regional tastes. In the CIS region, for instance, classic fruit themes perform well, while in India, jungle-themed games are more appealing. This adaptability is key to our success in diverse markets.

Your titles like “Book of Claws” and “Hot Lucky Sevens Claw” have resonated well with players. What do you think made them so successful, and how do you plan to build on that success going forward?

The success of Book of Claws and Hot Lucky Sevens Claw lies in how we've integrated the claw mechanic in ways that enhance the gaming experience without disrupting familiar slot dynamics. With Hot Lucky Sevens Claw, we took a classic slot format and layered in a 3D claw mechanic, creating something both recognizable and fresh for players. The claw mechanic itself is not just a visual element, but a feature that introduces moments of intrigue — players know something exciting could happen at any moment, and this keeps them engaged longer.

In Book of Claws, we stepped things up by directly integrating the claw mechanic into the gameplay. One of the standout features is the ability for the claw to grab multiple scatters, offering players a much more volatile experience compared to traditional slots. This gives a sense of unpredictability and excitement, as players have the potential to pull off large wins by grabbing symbols at just the right moment.

Moreover, the visual integration of the claw helps reinforce our brand identity. In Hot Lucky Sevens Claw, the claw's ability to pull out massive wins (up to x5000) gives the game an extra layer of excitement, while the smooth combination of classic slot elements and 3D visuals offers something different in every session. Similarly, Book of Claws uses the claw to replace traditional mechanics like expanding wilds or respins with a new form of interaction.

Moving forward, we plan to keep refining these mechanics while experimenting with new ways to bring more control and interactivity to players without overwhelming them. Our focus will be on offering unique twists in familiar formats, ensuring that our games stay fresh while being easy to understand and play. This strategy has worked well so far, and we believe it will continue to drive our growth and success in the market.

Can you describe the collaborative process you follow with your partners? How does ClawBuster help its partners maximize the benefits of the partnership?

We take a data-driven approach to working with our partners. Besides providing them with unique content, we offer access to analytical tools for full transparency and tracking the game performance — this way partners follow how well games perform in various regions, which times are most profitable, and what player demographics are most engaged. This data helps operators tailor promotions and optimize the placement of games for maximum revenue.

We’re also open about which games will work best in certain regions and which might not be as effective. By sharing this level of detail, we help our partners make informed decisions that boost their profitability. It's all about building a partnership where both sides benefit and grow together.

You’ve expressed an openness to feedback and suggestions. How do you integrate client feedback into your game development process?

We actively engage with both players and operators to gather feedback. Every game we develop goes through several stages of testing where we collect player feedback at different points in the process — from early prototypes to the final product. This allows us to make adjustments and fine-tune the gaming experience before launch.

On the operator side, we take their input seriously when it comes to regional preferences, market trends, and even specific requests for features. We adapt our games accordingly to meet both player expectations and operator needs, creating a more dynamic and responsive development process.

Are there any particular player trends or industry developments you’re excited about?

One of the trends that excites us is the shift toward casual gaming experiences. As the demographic of casino players gets younger, there’s a noticeable demand for games that are not only engaging but also easy to understand and quick to play. This is where our games excel, as they blend simple mechanics with exciting, interactive elements that keep players coming back.

We’re also closely following advancements in AI and data analytics. By leveraging machine learning, we can better understand player behavior and predict which features will be most appealing. This allows us to create more personalized experiences and optimize game performance across different regions.

What can we expect from Clawbuster regarding future game development, and are there any new technologies or trends you plan to integrate into your games?

Moving forward, we plan to build on the success of our claw mechanic by integrating it even more deeply into our games. We’re experimenting with new technologies like AI-driven personalization, which will allow us to tailor the gaming experience to individual player preferences in real time. We’re also looking into expanding our range of interactive features, making our games more immersive and engaging.

You can expect to see more games that offer players a blend of classic slot gameplay and innovative, interactive mechanics. We’re committed to staying ahead of the curve by constantly evolving our game designs to meet the changing demands of the market.

Can you share your impression of working with Slotegrator?

Working with Slotegrator has been a fantastic experience. You’re an incredibly open and collaborative team, always willing to work closely with us to ensure the success of our games. Your network has provided us with access to some of the best operators in the industry, and your professionalism has made the entire process smooth and efficient.

We look forward to deepening our partnership with Slotegrator, not just in terms of game distribution, but also in areas like data analytics and performance optimization. Together, we see many exciting opportunities for growth in the future.