Ani Matevosyan, PopOK Gaming: “Entering a new market is about more than obtaining a certification”

PopOK Gaming’s Ani Matevosyan discusses international expansion, regulated market strategies, crash game development and the company’s priorities for 2027.

Key takeaways: 

• PopOK Gaming obtained certifications in Switzerland, Portugal and Argentina in 2026.
• The company combines regulatory compliance, local market insights, player preferences and strategic partnerships when entering regulated markets.
• PopOK Gaming was shortlisted at the Global Gaming Awards EMEA in the Product Launch and Crash Game of the Year categories.
• Ani Matevosyan identifies distinctive concepts, smooth gameplay and engaging mechanics as key elements of a successful crash game.
• PopOK Gaming’s priorities for 2027 include strengthening its international market positions, developing long-term partnerships and expanding its game portfolio.

Exclusive interview.- PopOK Gaming is focusing on strengthening its position across regulated markets while expanding its game portfolio and international partnerships in 2027. In an exclusive interview with Focus Gaming News, Ani Matevosyan, business development executive at PopOK Gaming, discusses the company’s recent certifications, its approach to local market entry, crash game development and its international growth strategy.

This was PopOK Gaming’s second appearance at SiGMA World in Rome. What was your takeaway from the experience, and what did you present this time? 

Our first experience in Rome showed us how much can happen when the right people, ideas, and ambitions come together. This time, we returned not just to showcase our games, but to open new doors, share fresh ideas, and turn promising conversations into long-term partnerships.

In 2026, you obtained certifications in Switzerland, Portugal and Argentina. How do you design your entry strategy for regulated markets? 

For us, entering a new regulated market is about more than obtaining a certification — it’s about understanding what makes that market unique. We combine compliance with local insights, player preferences, and the right partnerships to make sure our games don’t just enter a market, but have the potential to become part of it. 

You were shortlisted at the Global Gaming Awards EMEA for Product Launch and Crash Game of the Year. What defines a good crash game today? 

A great crash game creates excitement from the very first second and keeps players curious about what happens next. But today, simplicity alone isn’t enough — you need a distinctive concept, smooth gameplay, and that special element that makes players remember your game. 

What are PopOK Gaming’s priorities for 2027? 

In 2027, we want to turn our growing international presence into even stronger market positions, build partnerships that create long-term value, and bring more original ideas to our game portfolio. We’ll continue expanding across regulated markets while developing content that stands out, connects with different audiences, and gives our partners more reasons to choose PopOK Gaming.

“In 2027, we want to turn our growing international presence into even stronger market positions, build partnerships that create long-term value, and bring more original ideas to our game portfolio”.

Ani Matevosyan, business development executive at PopOK Gaming.