Interview with DEGEN Studios

Interview with Danny Gordon

DEGEN Studios is the new kid on the block, having launched in 2025 – and one thing's immediately clear: they're not here to play it safe.

As an independent games studio built by industry veterans, they're all about pushing the boundaries on what can be done with slots, with highly volatile gameplay and provocative themes at the heart of their player experience. 

They are now four games deep, with Hacker's Haven, Raider Riches, Wild Gangs, and Rave Riot under their belts, it's clear that the days of traditional cherries and lucky 7s are long gone, as each title is “built different” with that signature DEGEN flair to challenge convention with chaos.

Today, we've sat down with Danny Gordon, Head of Studio at DEGEN Studios, to pick his brain and get little extra insight into the studio's philosophy, slots, and their roadmap for the year ahead.

Hacker's Haven Base Game

Mark: DEGEN has arrived with a bang. Can you tell us why the industry needs DEGEN right now? 

Danny: Players are cycling through the same themes, the same mechanics, and the same predictable experiences. DEGEN is here to course-correct. Our slots are built with energy and intention, designed to stand out rather than blend in. 

We’re a reminder that this space can be more ambitious. Players want pace, personality, and volatility, and we’re bringing that back into the spotlight. 

Mark: You described your games as being ‘By Gamers, for Gamers’. Can you elaborate on this?  

Danny: Everything we create starts from a player’s perspective. Our team has grown up in gaming, so we understand what makes a slot feel engaging, fair, and worth returning to. 

This mindset shapes every release, from the themes we choose to the mechanics we build and the math models that power the action. Gamers drive this industry, and our games reflect that. They’re crafted with the same passion we bring as players ourselves. 

Mark: Do you worry about alienating players or businesses with your bold themes?  

Danny: Bold doesn’t mean reckless. Our themes are designed with purpose, not shock value. We want to attract players who appreciate something fresh and meaningful, those who enjoy taking a step outside the usual formula. 

We’re fully committed to our vision: elevating creativity, pushing boundaries responsibly, and showing there’s a more dynamic way to experience slots. 

Mark: What are the key trends you believe are going to shape iGaming in the coming years?  

Danny: Community. Players are tired of being treated like sheep. They want fresh experiences, and they want to feel a part of something. At DEGEN, we build games that excite them and get them talking. We are not just a studio, we are a movement.  

Companies that fail to understand what players truly want are likely to fall by the wayside. Engagement, community, and disruption are the way forward.  

Mark: What does the DEGEN roadmap look like for 2026? 

Danny: We’ve seen a series of warning shots in 2025. In 2026, we up the ante. More noise. More chaos. More innovation. We want to keep exploring themes other slot developers avoid.  

Our team has carefully mapped out our journey to the top, and those plans are already in motion. Strap up, and get ready for even more DEGEN in 2026.