"The rise of streamers has transformed the gaming industry, especially in recent years"

In recent years, the rise of live-streaming platforms has transformed not only how we consume video games but also how they’re created. Game developers are increasingly paying attention to streamers and their audiences, recognizing the power of live feedback and community engagement in shaping a game's features, aesthetics, and updates.

Streamers’ live reactions, viewer engagement, and direct communication with fans have become valuable insights for developers aiming to create games that resonate with their target audience. For that reason, brand-blogger partnerships have emerged as a major trend, proving a beneficial relationship for both parties.

Among the online gaming companies that have recognized the value of such partnerships is Belatra, with the developer deeply invested in building relationships with streaming communities. In this exclusive interview with Yogonet, Dmitry Voinich, Senior Sales Development Manager at Belatra, and online gaming streamer Laura Albertoni (better known as Albie), shed light on their partnership and how gamer feedback is a key asset for developers.

First of all, can you provide us with a brief overview of how you became a streamer, Albie? What led you to explore this fascinating world?

Albie: I’ve always loved gaming and connecting with others who share that passion. My journey into streaming began as a hobby, where I would upload videos of myself playing my favorite games just for fun. As I saw people responding and engaging, I realized I could create a real community.

Over time, what started as a pastime grew into a platform for sharing my passion with a broader audience and building relationships with both sides of the iGaming industry: players and developers.

What's being a streamer like? Can you provide us with some insights into your experience and the games you pick for streaming?

Albie: Streaming is both incredibly rewarding and challenging. You’re constantly engaging with a live audience, which means there’s always energy and excitement—but it also requires a lot of preparation and focus.

I should pick up games that not only appeal to me but also to my audience; they should be visually engaging and offer interesting features that allow for interaction and storytelling. Games that spark curiosity and excitement in my viewers are always at the top of my list.

What about you, Dmitry? Can you tell us a bit about what you do at Belatra?

Dmitry: At Belatra, we’re all about crafting unique gaming experiences. My role involves overseeing sales development, which includes building partnerships with content creators and expanding our market presence.

Belatra’s games are known for their innovative themes and interactive gameplay elements that draw players in. Our goal is to create games that are not only fun but also resonate with the audience, making them memorable experiences in the long run.

As a streamer and player, what makes Belatra's games stand out for you, Albie?

Albie: Belatra’s games stand out because of their creativity and the immersive experiences they offer. I mean, who in the iGaming community hasn’t heard of Mummyland Treasures? That was my introduction to their portfolio, and from there, I dove into their other games.

I found myself connecting with their unique themes and the clear effort they put into designing slots that feel fresh and interactive. The range is impressive—from different-themed slots to plinko and scratch games—it all works for me, as it helps keep my content lively and engaging for my audience.

It's well known that game developers take notes on the impact that their games have on the gaming community. Would you say that streamers, as a major part of that ecosystem, play a key role in shaping gaming offerings today?

Albie: Absolutely! Streamers act as a bridge between developers and players, offering immediate feedback and showcasing games in real time. We have the pulse of the community and can quickly relay what works and what doesn’t, which helps developers refine their products. This collaboration really does shape the future of gaming, as developers listen to our audience and use that input to create better experiences.

Belatra was born in the 90s, long before streamers emerged, so the company has seen the evolution of this phenomenon firsthand. Do you agree that content creators have had a major influence in the sector, Dmitry?

Dmitry: Definitely. The rise of streamers has transformed the gaming industry, especially in recent years. Content creators now serve as ambassadors for games, offering real-time feedback and helping to shape the public perception of our products.

Their influence extends far beyond just promoting games—they play a significant role in the development and refinement process by relaying community feedback that developers can act on.

Would you say Belatra takes into account streamers' reception to the games when developing new content, then?

Dmitry: Their feedback is invaluable to us. We actively seek it and observe how their audiences respond to our games. This feedback loop allows us to adapt our approach based on what resonates with players. Streamers have become key influencers, and their input has a direct impact on our development decisions, from adjusting features to creating new game themes.

How are Belatra's games adapted to the preferences of streamers?

Dmitry: Streamers often look for games that are visually captivating and offer exciting moments for their audience, whether that’s through big wins, unique bonus rounds, or creative themes.

Belatra’s games are designed with these elements in mind, from rich graphics to interactive features that engage viewers. We’ve adapted our offerings to include more dynamic gameplay elements and real-time features that enhance the streaming experience.

Sounds like the input of the streamer community plays a key role these days. Taking that into account, do you see partnerships in this space as a valuable asset for Belatra?

Dmitry: We’re deeply invested in building relationships with streaming communities, as they’re essential to reaching a broader, more engaged audience. These partnerships are beneficial because they offer genuine, in-depth insights into our games and create a more personal connection with our brand. Collaborating with streamers allows us to reach players in a native way, helping us grow our loyal audience and stay in tune with player preferences.

What about you, Albie?  What's your take on brand-blogger partnerships and the opportunities these open to both parties?

Albie: Partnerships with brands like Belatra are incredibly valuable. They allow streamers to bring exclusive content to their audiences while giving brands exposure to highly engaged viewers.

For me, it’s important that any partnership feels authentic; I want to have strong relationships only with companies that align with my interests and that I genuinely enjoy. When it is mutually beneficial and I know my audience will appreciate the content, that’s when the magic really happens.