Dimitar Nikolov, CT Interactive: “20 Chilli Fruits offers players another version of a proven product”
In an exclusive interview with Focus Gaming News, Dimitar Nikolov, Chief Product Officer at CT Interactive, discusses the inspiration, design philosophy, and development process behind 20 Chilli Fruits.
Exclusive interview.- Dimitar Nikolov, chief product officer at CT Interactive, is a recognised expert in product development and game innovation within the igaming industry. With extensive experience in creating engaging slot experiences for regulated markets worldwide, he plays a key role in shaping the company’s creative vision and product strategy. In this interview with Focus Gaming News, Nikolov discusses the inspiration behind 20 Chilli Fruits, sharing insights into the game’s concept, design philosophy, and development process.
What was the creative vision behind 20 Chilli Fruits, and what inspired the development of this particular title?
The creative vision behind 20 Chilli Fruits was not to reinvent the concept, but rather to naturally extend one of our already successful titles — the original 10-line Chilli Fruits. Instead of building something entirely new, our goal was to offer players another variation of a proven and well-received game, keeping the same identity and experience that already resonated with the audience. The inspiration came directly from the success of the original game and the desire to expand its reach with an additional format that feels familiar, yet offers a slightly different way to enjoy the same core experience.
How did CT Interactive approach the gameplay and overall structure of the game?
The approach was very straightforward because the foundation was already there. We didn’t redesign the game from scratch — the structure and core concept come directly from the original Chilli Fruits. Our focus was on preserving the same gameplay feel and adapting it into this additional version without changing what already worked. Essentially, we wanted to maintain continuity, so players who enjoyed the original game would immediately recognise and feel at home with this release as well.
Which gameplay elements were designed to keep players engaged throughout the experience?
The engagement comes from the same established mechanics that players already know from the original title. Since 20 Chilli Fruits is a continuation rather than a reinvention, we kept the proven features and gameplay flow intact. The idea was not to introduce complexity or new systems, but to preserve the familiar rhythm and entertainment value that made the original successful.
20 Chilli Fruits combines vibrant visuals with a dynamic atmosphere. What was the design philosophy behind the game’s visual identity?
The visual identity was not newly developed for this release. It originates from the original Chilli Fruits design, which already established the look and feel of the game. For 20 Chilli Fruits, we reused and carried over that same visual direction. The intention was consistency — to ensure players immediately recognise the brand and connect it with the experience they already know.
In what ways does 20 Chilli Fruits reflect CT Interactive’s broader approach to slot development and player-focused game design?
This title reflects a very practical part of our approach — building on successful games instead of constantly reinventing them. 20 Chilli Fruits is essentially a continuation of the original 10-line Chilli Fruits, offering players another version of a proven product. It demonstrates our focus on expanding existing successful concepts and giving players more ways to enjoy them, rather than changing what already works. The design, structure, and experience all come from the original game, ensuring consistency and familiarity.
