Arman Kirakosyan, PopOK Gaming: “In this industry, it’s not about competition alone; it’s about helping each other make games accessible for players all around the world”

PopOK Gaming’s Business Development Executive, Arman Kirakosyan, shares the company’s vision ahead of SiGMA Central Europe, highlighting their commitment to responsible innovation, localised experiences, and meaningful partnerships that shape the brand’s global expansion.

Exclusive interview.- PopOK Gaming is heading to SiGMA Central Europe. In this exclusive interview with Focus Gaming News, Arman Kirakosyan, business development executive at PopOK Gaming, discusses the evolution of the brand’s popular Rico Series, the balance between creativity and compliance, and how local insight and collaboration drive their roadmap for 2026. With a player-first philosophy, PopOK Gaming focuses on innovation that entertains responsibly and connects authentically with audiences worldwide.

What new games or features are you presenting at SiGMA Central Europe?

We’re really excited to continue our Rico Series – it’s one of our signature lines with cute and memorable characters that players already love. The idea is to keep that fun and emotional connection while adding fresh twists. We also focus on improving the player experience with smoother interfaces and extra bonus features, so there’s always something new to discover.

How do you ensure your games meet regulatory standards in Central Europe?

We take compliance very seriously. We’ve got a dedicated team that works closely with local governing organisations to make sure we meet every regulation and licensing requirement. It’s not just about ticking boxes – it’s about understanding the market and the players.

How do you balance innovation with responsible game design?

That’s a great question. For us, innovation is about creating something new without losing balance. We want our games to be fun, but also fair and safe. For example, we always make sure our RNGs are certified and transparent, and we design our bonus mechanics so players stay entertained, not overwhelmed. Responsible gaming is part of innovation for us – it’s about building trust.

“For us, innovation is about creating something new without losing balance. Responsible gaming is part of innovation for us – it’s about building trust.”

Arman Kirakosyan, business development executive at PopOK Gaming.

What’s your strategy for entering regulated markets?

Our strategy is simple – respect and adapt. We believe every market deserves attention to its own culture, regulations, and players. That’s why we work side by side with local authorities and partners to make sure everything’s done right. We also bring in local experts to help with translations and cultural references, so players feel that the games were made for them, not just imported.

Are you planning on collaborating with aggregators or platforms for wider distribution?

Yes, actually, we already work with some big names in the industry. Aggregators and platforms are our close partners – we believe collaboration is key. In this industry, it’s not about competition alone; it’s about helping each other make games accessible for players all around the world. We grow together, and that’s what keeps the market dynamic.

How do you localise content for different cultural audiences?

Localisation is very important for us. Nowadays, with so many options in the market, players really value games that feel local, familiar, in their language, in their culture. We work with local people to make sure translations, symbols, and even humour fit right. We also love attending local expos, talking to people, and learning about their habits – it all helps us design more authentic games.

“Localisation is very important for us. We work with local people to make sure translations, symbols, and even humour fit right.”

Arman Kirakosyan, business development executive at PopOK Gaming.

What trends in player behaviour are shaping your roadmap for 2026?

Players today are much more aware – they want fair, certified, and data-driven games. We’re seeing a big interest in features like progressive jackpots and interactive bonuses. At the same time, personalisation and social aspects are becoming more important – people like to feel part of a story or a community. We use data-based decisions to understand what players enjoy most, and we’ll keep focusing on that.

And honestly, being a player myself helps a lot too – when you look from the other side, you see what really matters: fun, trust, and a good experience.