Inside MEGAFAIR’s 2026 Expansion Plans

Image for an interview with Yan Shif, a CEO of MEGAFAIR
Sofia Danilson

We sat down with Yan Shif, MEGAFAIR’s CEO and Co-founder, to go behind the titles and discuss how the provider is navigating its most ambitious year yet. 

In this interview, he shares expansion plans, the principles behind their "two-track" portfolio, and the vision that’s driving the transition from a niche skill pioneer studio to a recognized industry brand.

MEGAFAIR often talks about the "two-track" portfolio. Please explain the philosophy behind balancing skill games with RNG titles. Specifically, how does this mix help operators manage a player’s journey from their first click to long-term loyalty?

The "two-track" strategy is our answer to the shifting demographics and industry demand. It shows that you can’t treat every player with a "one size fits all" approach.

The first track (Skill and Instant games) is our "top-of-funnel" engine. In an era of record-high acquisition costs, these games are the perfect tool for lowering CPAs. They appeal to a younger or more casual audience not familiar with traditional slots. These players want to control the outcome, they want to feel like their decisions matter. It’s the perfect "first click" because it feels familiar and engaging right away.

The second track (High-Volatility RNG titles) is meant to build long-term loyalty and retention. Once a player is comfortable within the MEGAVERSE, we provide a bridge to these more traditional titles.

Image of Megafair Balancing Skill

For online casinos this mix is a massive advantage for managing the player lifecycle. You use the skill games to bring them in the door at a lower cost, and then you use the RNG titles to provide the depth and volatility that keeps them coming back. It’s about creating a complete ecosystem where there is a "next step" for every type of player.

In your RNG track you’re developing hybrid and classic slots. In a market full of copycats, how do you decide which popular mechanics to combine to create a "memorable brand identity" rather than just another clone of a proven hit?

We started with skill games, but our partners kept coming and asking for slots. So in many cases, our roadmap is a direct response to operators' demands. They have the stats, they know which mechanics are more popular.

Hold&Win is one of the massive hits now and our latest title Atlantis Coins Hold&Win proves it. Our job isn't to reinvent the wheel or slot reel, but to give it a fresh, premium angle. We create a unique blend through a mix of math, UI, design and our vision. Music is one of the important elements. Our slots have a simple and intuitive UI, but the game logic is more complex to keep the anticipation. For instance, we use specific visual and auditory cues that intensify when a player is just one symbol away from a Bonus round. It’s a proven psychological trigger that boosts engagement and naturally extends session length. When you combine operator data with that level of sensory detail, you get a game that feels familiar but plays like something entirely new.

MEGAFAIR’s game Crazy Zeus Run was shortlisted for its innovative design and narrative. How much does the "story" or "theme" influence the choice of mechanics?

Crazy Zeus Run is a perfect example of how the "story" can breathe new life into classic slot mechanics. We took a legendary setting of Olympus overthrown by Hades and turned it into a high-stakes mission where players help Zeus reclaim his throne.

Megafair's Selection: Story or Theme

The story dictated the design: instead of a static background, we built the game on a board representing the top of Olympus, with a fiery Hades physically observing Zeus throughout the journey. What makes it truly immersive is that players can enlarge the field or move it around to see the action better. This alignment between story and play is why the engagement is so high. It’s a slot at its core, with free rolls and multipliers, but the dice feature and the sense of momentum make it feel like an adventure or a quest. It’s one of the favorites among VIPs, on average players make 350 spins per session. And I think Zeus won’t stop running this year.

We’re seeing new mascots like Frogsters appearing in your titles alongside classic themes. Are these heroes the key to building a brand identity that players actually recognize and follow across different platforms?

We’ve already got feedback on this point and it’s been clear: players don’t just recognize these heroes, they actively look for them. When a player starts a new game, it’s always a leap of faith, so seeing a familiar face acts as a crucial first hook.

It’s the difference between “another new slot” and the next chapter of a story they already enjoy. That’s why many studios use a pool of legendary heroes like Zeus and Hades with proven engagement. Talking about Wild Frogsters the frogs were so charismatic that the team started giving them names and personalities. Now we can’t even imagine them as “just frogs”. It’s a similar story with Moonie the cat. He’s already starred in two titles, and because the player connection is strong, we’re currently planning a third game for him this year. For us these aren't just mascots - they are the faces of the MEGAVERSE.

Atlantis Coins is currently your standout performer due to the Hold&Win mechanic. What have you learned from its success that you are applying to your upcoming 2026 titles?

We are flexible with our roadmap because we value being responsive to what operators currently need. If the market demands proven mechanics, we provide them but in our own style. It reminds me of haute cuisine: everyone knows what a poached egg is, but a chef prepares that familiar recipe perfectly and serves it with a wow effect. That’s our approach to slots.

Hold&Win Mechanic in MegaFair Games

So, 2026 is going to be a big slot year for us. We’re deep-diving into our own expertise and using new analytical tools to detect exactly what resonates most with players. It’s about taking those proven mechanics like Hold & Win and finding the right narrative or visual highlight to make them stand out in a crowded lobby. I hope we’ll get even better at this with each new title.

MEGAFAIR’s founders come from a heavy tech and affiliate marketing background. How does that operator-first perspective actually show up in the game’s math or the UI? What are you doing differently because of that experience?

We understand the ecosystem: affiliates give us visibility, operators give us revenue. And both are struggling with CPA costs and player attraction. It would be great to craft games that solve both problems at once, and some titles like Crazy Zeus Run are proving that’s possible.

The combined expertise allows us to take calculated risks and invest more resources into the development than the average studio. We take the technical side seriously: our skill games took months to go live because of the complex math and the matchmaking system at their core. While our RNG games are GLI-certified, we aren't trying to be mavericks just for the sake of it. We are building a brand. And for a brand to truly last, it shouldn't rely on a single personality, it needs a dedicated, inspired team behind it. That’s what makes the MEGAVERSE different. It's built by people who have lived every side of this industry.

You’ve got a busy roadmap and big plans to scale the library this year. Without giving too much away, what surprises people should be watching for from the MEGAVERSE in the coming months?

As I mentioned, we have a big slot year ahead. What will surprise people most is our speed, we’re moving into a phase where we’ll be launching significantly more games, thanks to a professional and capable team.

One thing everyone is excited about is finalizing our Moonie franchise. We’re a team of cat lovers here, so completing his story is a bit of a passion project for us. But beyond the portfolio, there is a lot happening behind the scenes with our network. We’ll soon be announcing new partnerships with industry leaders. There’s a massive amount of integration work being done, and I can't wait to see it all come to light.

The MEGAVERSE keeps expanding and picking up pace every day. Who knows? Maybe 2026 will be the year we bring home some awards.