Dimitar Nikolov, CT Interactive: “We wanted 20 Mega Star to stand out by focusing on the fundamentals of rewarding gameplay rather than relying on layered bonus features”
Dimitar Nikolov, CPO at CT Interactive, shares details about 20 Mega Star, one of the company’s major releases this year.
Interview.- In April, CT Interactive released 20 Mega Star, a new hit slot title designed to extend the thrill of the game for longer play sessions and deliver a well-balanced, rewarding experience
In the following interview, Dimitar Nikolov, CPO at CT Interactive, provided details about the launch, the strategy behind it, and explained why the company decided not to include free spins or multipliers in the game.
How does 20 Mega Star reflect CT Interactive’s broader product strategy and values as a developer?
20 Mega Star embodies our vision of delivering globally scalable and locally resonant content. It highlights our commitment to creating games that seamlessly combine visual sophistication with high-performing mechanics. 20 Mega Star is a classic fruit-themed slot that blends traditional gameplay with modern visuals. The game was designed to extend the thrill for a longer time, thus making it enjoyable and playable. It offers frequent winning opportunities, making it an excellent choice for casual players seeking steady payouts over a prolonged duration. From a strategic perspective, the game supports our goal of expanding our footprint across regulated markets by offering a reliable, easy-to-integrate product that appeals to a wide player demographic. Its stability and appealing visuals reflect our consistency, innovation, and user-centric design values.
You’ve described 20 Mega Star as both modern and classic. How did you find that balance?
Striking the right balance between modernity and tradition was a deliberate process. We extensively researched what makes classic fruit slots enduringly popular—the recognizable symbols, the straightforward mechanics, and the nostalgic sound design. We preserved these core elements but layered them with contemporary visuals, smooth reel transitions, and a highly polished interface. The result is a game that honors the past while embracing today’s digital experience standards, offering a familiar yet fresh encounter for players.
Many would expect a new release to include free spins or multipliers. Why did you intentionally avoid them?
We wanted 20 Mega Star to stand out by focusing on the fundamentals of rewarding gameplay rather than relying on layered bonus features. The decision to omit free spins and multipliers was grounded in a desire to create a clean, engaging experience that thrives on frequency, pace, and balance. Our design philosophy was to prove that a slot can deliver sustained excitement through smart math and rhythm rather than overtly gamified elements. This approach resonates particularly well with players who prefer consistent, uninterrupted action.
How would you define the player profile that 20 Mega Star is built for?
The game is designed for a broad yet defined audience. On one hand, it caters to casual players who appreciate intuitive mechanics and quick onboarding. On the other, it appeals to experienced players who value session longevity, reliability, and polished design. The high-frequency win cycle and medium volatility make it attractive for users who enjoy steady progression. It’s also an ideal fit for markets where classic slots have a strong cultural presence.
From a gameplay perspective, what makes every spin in 20 Mega Star feel rewarding?
We’ve achieved a dynamic gameplay experience by combining a tight mathematical model with fluid visual execution. Wins are timed to occur with enough frequency to maintain engagement, while the scatter and wild mechanics introduce moments of unpredictability and reward. Each spin delivers a sense of momentum, and even when a bonus feature is absent, players feel that their progress is meaningful and their session is active. That rhythm is essential to perceived value.
What’s the significance of the star scatter and the seven wild in shaping the player’s experience?
Both elements are central to the game’s identity. The star scatter provides an accessible, non-payline-based objective, excitingly punctuating the base game. Its simplicity adds tension without disrupting the flow. The Seven Wild, meanwhile, operates as a dynamic connector that enhances potential wins and keeps players engaged. These mechanics work in tandem to create an engaging loop that’s easy to understand yet satisfying in its impact.
How would you summarise the essence of 20 Mega Star as part of CT Interactive’s growing portfolio?
20 Mega Star is a cornerstone release in our evolving portfolio—representing our mission to innovate without alienating. It captures the essence of what we aim to achieve as a developer: high-quality, market-compliant games that are instantly recognizable, reliable in performance, and globally adaptable. It’s a versatile product that supports our growth strategy and strengthens our position as a supplier of content that speaks equally to traditionalists and modern audiences.
“20 Mega Star is a cornerstone release in our evolving portfolio—representing our mission to innovate without alienating.”
Dimitar Nikolov, CPO at CT Interactive.
Can we expect to see this design philosophy carry over into future CT Interactive releases?
Yes, without a doubt. The success of 20 Mega Star reinforces the value of developing content that bridges timeless slot principles with forward-looking design. We’re already applying this blueprint to upcoming releases—whether through sequels that build on its mechanics, enhanced RTP models, or versions customized for local markets. Thus, we will continue to shape how we develop and position our content across global jurisdictions.
