OnlyPlay Instant Win Games - Interview with Artem Klymenko
OnlyPlay was a comparatively recent entrant in the instant games sector when this interview was published. Its portfolio combines polished visuals and considered sound with distinctive game features, aimed at a broad range of players. We spoke with Artem Klymenko, the company’s CBDO, about OnlyPlay’s business, upcoming work and products, along with other topics.
Q1.: Could you introduce yourself and explain what you do at OnlyPlay?
I’m Artem Klymenko, CBDO at Onlyplay. My team and I work across several areas, from pursuing new markets and growing our aggregator relationships to creating games and other products built around different mechanics. We want to develop distinctive offerings that appeal to existing players and reach broader audiences. Our background includes social gaming, and we bring some of those ideas into our games. Lucky Punch is one example of an unusual approach to gambling games.
Q2.: What is it like to work at OnlyPlay?
We move quickly while competing with much larger businesses. Joining Onlyplay calls for confidence in your ability to deliver. We entered the market assertively in 2021, and intended to keep that pace. The workplace also gives people room to contribute their own ideas and perspectives. Everyone has defined responsibilities, but suggestions from outside those areas are welcome when they can improve the work.
Business development is my main responsibility, though I also take part in game development. I had a product-owner role on Lucky Punch and F777 Fighter.
Q3.: What kinds of games are in OnlyPlay’s portfolio?
Our focus is instant-win entertainment. That includes crash titles, probabilistic lottery and slottery games, as well as conventional slots. We also develop slot variations that incorporate features created by our own team.
We design games with different audience interests in mind. Crypto players may favour a clean, restrained look; men may be drawn to combat, tanks and military settings. Other gambling audiences enjoy familiar motifs such as Egypt, Jokers, fruit, clovers, cats and books. Our catalogue includes these themes.
Our development team draws on experience in social gambling. That informs features such as skill-based play, saved progress, level and total-multiplier growth, metagames and boosters. These are combined with established casino mechanics, including bonus rounds, bonus buys, jackpots and re-spins.
Q4.: What sets your games apart?
We accept cryptocurrency and fiat currencies. The company worked with a crypto stock exchange to launch the first version of Lucky Clover there. The game recorded close to 2 million bets in its first two days after release.
We can create branded games and tailored products. Alongside those services, our portfolio includes a range of distinctive mechanics and gamification features.
Juicy Crush is one example: a fruit-themed cascading slot that incorporates skill-based features. Progress affects the benefits players can receive as extra bonuses, and a purpose-built booster clears all the symbols.
Lucky Punch combines several activities in one game. Players take part in a boxing match and a 1-line slot, while also entering an ongoing competition. A dynamic tournament table shows their progress and includes all players, who can interact through the game.
Q5.: Is there a game you particularly like, and what makes it your favourite?
F777 Fighter, our crash game, is among my favourites.
I worked on its development, so I’m familiar with the game’s details.
Klymenko described a crash game designed to move beyond the familiar format by giving players a story and extra features. It opens on a naval aircraft carrier, where shooters launch the aircraft and dance. The aircraft then reaches an air-fuel station, which triggers a bonus and can lift the multiplier to 60%. An accumulating jackpot is represented by an enemy aircraft. The game shows a win with rockets reaching and destroying that target, while the jackpot is shared among players still on board at that moment.
The shared players’ table lets participants see one another and interact using built-in emoji. Each person can choose their own strategy for the game.
Q6.: What are OnlyPlay’s strongest qualities?
We are open to cryptocurrency and can adapt games or develop custom solutions. Our titles include social gaming and gamification features, alongside detailed graphics and animation. We also design them to maintain high visual quality in areas with weaker internet connections.
At the time of this interview, we were continuing to work in wartime conditions, with half of the team in Kyiv and unable to relocate elsewhere. Our people are certainly one of the company’s strongest assets.
Q7.: Where are you most active, and what drives that focus?
We are interested in the global market, are working towards a UKGC licence and were then operating in Curacao markets. Game preferences vary between GEOs, and our catalogue covers 4 instant-win subsegments. Onlyplay was receiving requests for games from regulated European markets and planned to pursue those after the UK and MGA areas. The company was also prioritising Asia, with several discussions underway with major platforms there. Research into player interests was intended to inform products suited to those markets.
Q8.: What are you planning to work on next?
We’re looking forward to adding more games, features and OnlyPlay products, of course! :)
Q9.: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Our core team was based in Kyiv. Like many businesses, we supported Ukrainians by directing part of our income to humanitarian and medical assistance for civilians affected by Russian aggression and military crimes. We are grateful to every person and organisation that supported our country directly or through partnership during this terrible period.
With 12+ years of experience in the iGaming industry, Evan specializes in reviewing online casinos, analyzing slot games, and evaluating player safety. Their expertise covers casino licensing, RTP, volatility, bonus conditions, and withdrawal policies. Through hands-on testing and independent research, Evan delivers transparent, fact-based reviews to help players better understand gambling platforms, their features, and potential risks.
