Behind the scenes of Burning Flower: Dimitar Nikolov on creative vision and product strategy

Focus Gaming News speaks with Dimitar Nikolov, Chief Product Officer at CT Interactive, on the creative vision, design evolution and player-focused philosophy behind the studio’s newest release, Burning Flower.

Exclusive interview.- Dimitar Nikolov, chief product officer at CT Interactive, is a driving force behind the company’s innovative approach to game development. In this interview with Focus Gaming News, he discusses how thoughtful design and engaging gameplay mechanics build player loyalty, and shares the creative vision and inspiration behind CT Interactive’s latest release, Burning Flower.

Burning Flower has such a striking name — what story or idea sparked its creation?

Burning Flower has such a striking name because we wanted to create something truly different that immediately captures attention. The idea behind it was to evoke a sense of intensity and beauty at the same time — something delicate yet powerful, like a flower that burns with its own energy. We wanted the name to tell a story on its own, to spark curiosity and invite people to experience the uniqueness of what we created.

How did your team merge contrasting elements like fire and nature in this slot?

We wanted the flower and the symbols to really stand out, which is why we chose a red, fire-inspired background. The contrast between the delicate, natural beauty of the flower and the intense, dynamic energy of fire was central to our vision. By merging these elements, we aimed to create a sense of tension and excitement — something that feels alive and unpredictable. It was about balancing softness and power, nature and energy, so that each spin on the slot feels both visually striking and emotionally engaging.

The visuals look powerful and symbolic — what emotions do you want players to feel?

We want to keep the classic game feeling, but with an added layer of emotion and depth. The visuals are designed to be powerful and symbolic, evoking a sense of excitement, curiosity, and wonder. Players should feel both the nostalgia of a familiar, well-loved slot experience and the thrill of something fresh and dynamic. It’s about creating a balance between comfort and surprise, so that every spin feels meaningful and engaging, drawing players into the world we’ve created.

“We want to keep the classic game feeling, but with an added layer of emotion and depth.”

Dimitar Nikolov, chief product officer at CT Interactive.

Are there specific features or bonuses that tie into the theme of transformation or energy?

This is a classic slot game with an RTP of 96.40 per cent, so the core gameplay remains familiar and accessible. At the same time, the design and background help reinforce the theme of transformation and energy. The fiery visuals and dynamic symbols keep the ‘fire’ of engagement and fun going with every spin, creating a sense of momentum and excitement. While the mechanics are straightforward, the overall experience feels alive — players can sense the energy and movement, which ties the theme and gameplay together in a subtle yet powerful way, offering a Max Win of up to 2,000x the total bet.

What makes Burning Flower different from other visually driven CT Interactive titles?

What sets Burning Flower apart from other visually driven CT Interactive titles is how the central flower motif is seamlessly merged with the classic symbols. It’s not just about flashy visuals — the design integrates the theme directly into the gameplay, so the flower feels like a living part of the game rather than just decoration. This combination of traditional slot elements with a bold, symbolic centerpiece creates a distinctive look and feel, making the game visually striking while keeping the familiar gameplay that players love.

From an artistic standpoint, how do you ensure that visual intensity doesn’t compromise playability?

From an artistic standpoint, we tend to keep it simple and avoid overdoing the visuals. While we want the game to be visually striking and full of energy, clarity and playability are always our top priorities. We focus on highlighting the key elements — like the flower and the symbols — so they stand out against the background without overwhelming the player. It’s about striking a balance between intensity and usability, ensuring that the game feels vibrant and dynamic while remaining easy and enjoyable to play.

How does this release represent CT Interactive’s design evolution in 2025?

This game is part of our ‘heritage’ — it reflects the roots of what CT Interactive does best. We know we excel at creating classic slot experiences, and with Burning Flower, we continue to build on that expertise while subtly evolving our design approach. It shows how we can stay true to our core strengths, yet introduce fresh visual storytelling and thematic depth. In 2025, it represents a balance between honouring the classic gameplay our players love and pushing the visual and emotional boundaries of our titles, signaling our commitment to both tradition and innovation.

“We know we excel at creating classic slot experiences, and with Burning Flower, we continue to build on that expertise while subtly evolving our design approach.”

Dimitar Nikolov, chief product officer at CT Interactive.