CasinoLove recently had the opportunity to interview Tanya Wang, the Chief Art Director of WOW Gaming. WOW Gaming is a fairly new company in the gaming industry, best known for their games. The video is also available on YouTube.
Tanya Wang, the Chief Art Director at WOW Gaming Group, plays a pivotal role in crafting the creative vision for the company's diverse gaming portfolio. Specializing in the development of slot games, table games, and bingo, WOW Gaming aims to deliver engaging and innovative experiences to its players. During the recent SIGMA Asia 2024 event in Manila, Tanya shed light on her journey into the gaming industry and the creative processes behind WOW Gaming's success.
Tanya’s foray into the gaming world was sparked by her younger brother's involvement in the industry in Taiwan. With both siblings having studied art, they were naturally inclined toward careers that involved creative design. Encouraged by her brother, who highlighted the dynamic and rewarding nature of the gaming industry, Tanya decided to explore this field. She was particularly drawn to the rapid development cycles of slot games, which typically take only 2 to 3 months to complete, compared to the longer timelines of traditional mobile and PC games. This quick turnaround allowed her to experiment with various styles and animations, constantly challenging her artistic abilities and enhancing her skills.
Among the numerous games developed by WOW Gaming, Kitty Bingo stands out as a personal favorite for Tanya. The inspiration for this game came during a team-building trip to Macau. Tanya noticed a seemingly unattractive slot machine in a casino's dark corner that nonetheless attracted a long line of players. The game's theme featured a cat, and despite its poor art design, people were eager to play because they found the cat cute. This observation led Tanya to propose a simple, universally appealing game centered around a lovable theme. The result was Kitty Bingo, a game with charming cat animations and straightforward gameplay, which quickly became popular in the market.
Another notable game in WOW Gaming’s lineup is Bahu Bali, designed specifically for the Indian market. Inspired by the blockbuster movie Bahu Bali, the game integrates characters and scenes from the film, creating a compelling and immersive experience. Unique features such as extending WILDS that mimic the dramatic moments of the movie add an extra layer of excitement. The game’s successful reception among Indian players showcases WOW Gaming’s ability to align its products with cultural trends and player preferences.
Targeting the Malaysian market, Hang Tuah is based on the legendary pirate hero of the same name. The game features pirate-themed assets, including ocean battles and war scenarios, which resonate with players familiar with the tale. The bonus game allows players to attack pirate ships, earning various rewards and creating a narrative-driven experience. This thematic consistency has made Hang Tuah a hit among Malaysian players, demonstrating WOW Gaming’s skill in adapting its games to different cultural contexts.
Looking ahead, Tanya is excited about exploring new directions in game design. She is particularly interested in combining 3D animation with folklore and myths from various cultures, aiming to create fresh and immersive gaming experiences. While this idea is still in the research phase, Tanya remains committed to developing innovative slot games that reflect diverse stories and aesthetics, enriching WOW Gaming’s portfolio and attracting a broader audience.
Tanya’s journey from a traditional art background to a leading role in game design at WOW Gaming highlights the potential for creative professionals to thrive in the dynamic world of gaming. Her work continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in game design, offering players around the world new and exciting ways to enjoy their favorite games.