Evolution sets up US-focused slot studio Spinning Whale, first game due in November

Evolution has set up a new slot studio, Spinning Whale, aimed mainly at the North American market, Gaming Intelligence reported. Its first game is due on Evolution's wider North American network in November.

Operators that take Evolution content will get Spinning Whale titles only through the group's One Stop Shop (OSS).

What happened

Spinning Whale becomes the sixth slot studio in Evolution's portfolio. The other five are Sneaky Slots, Big Time Gaming, Red Tiger, NetEnt and Nolimit City.

Evolution said the studio brings a distinct content style to the group's portfolio. It also allows the company to build more games designed for the tastes and playing preferences of North American audiences.

The debut release will be 888 Dragon's Fortune Hold'n'Win. It is an Asian-themed slot inspired by the style of classic land-based games and reimagined for online players in the US. Further Spinning Whale titles are scheduled for 2027.

Evolution North America CEO Jacob Claesson said that "North America is a key market for Evolution" and that the company sees significant opportunity to keep growing its online slots business there. He added that US players can have different preferences on themes, volatility, mechanics and visual style, and that the studio will let Evolution release more games with the US player perspective in mind from the outset. He also said the company expects many of the games to resonate well beyond North America.

Malcolm Mizzi, head of commercial operations at Evolution RNG, said the group's strength lies in having several brands, each with its own identity, mechanics and approach to game development. In his words, Spinning Whale extends that range further. He added that, although the US is the initial focus, the company sees strong potential for the games across its global network.

Evolution AB (STO:EVO) shares traded at SEK788.80 in Stockholm in early trading.

Why it matters

Operators that already integrate Evolution's OSS will probably be the ones to check first how Spinning Whale titles are made available, because exclusive OSS distribution means there is no separate route to the studio's games. Operators that source slots elsewhere and want the content would need to look at how they connect to the OSS.

The studio also shows Evolution adding dedicated capacity for US-style content within its slots business. Competing suppliers that serve US-facing operators could face a larger Evolution slots catalogue built around North American preferences. Operators and affiliates comparing supplier lineups may need to factor in a further Evolution-owned brand with its own style.

The first title is an Asian-themed slot inspired by classic land-based games. That suggests the studio is starting with a recognisable style in the US market.

What's next

888 Dragon's Fortune Hold'n'Win is due on Evolution's wider North American network in November. Evolution says more Spinning Whale titles will follow in 2027.