Expanse Studios Aims to Double Operator Base as Crash Games Drive Growth
Event summary
- Expanse Studios featured in Gaming International Online's January 2026 issue, highlighting its 1,300+ B2B operator partnerships and proprietary IP ownership model.
- CEO Damjan Stamenkovic emphasizes scaling without proportional cost growth due to full IP ownership, avoiding licensing fees and headcount increases.
- Super Heli, Expanse's flagship crash game, is driving engagement and retention metrics above category norms.
- Expanse targets doubling its operator base to 2,500-3,000 partnerships by year-end, with 10+ new game titles launching in Q1 2026.
- Geographic expansion includes Brazil, Romania, and Sweden, with at least 15 new countries targeted in 2026.
The big picture
Expanse Studios is capitalizing on the strategic advantage of owning its IP, allowing it to scale without the proportional cost growth faced by competitors. The focus on crash games, particularly Super Heli, highlights a shift in player engagement dynamics, driving longer session lengths and higher retention. As the company targets aggressive expansion in 2026, its ability to navigate regulatory hurdles and secure new operator partnerships will be critical to its success in the competitive iGaming landscape.
What we're watching
- IP Ownership Advantage
- How Expanse's full IP ownership model will affect its ability to scale efficiently compared to competitors reliant on licensing.
- Crash Game Growth
- Whether the crash game segment, led by Super Heli, can sustain its rapid growth in the casual and social casino markets.
- US Market Penetration
- The pace at which Expanse can secure regulatory approvals and expand its operator base in the US social casino market.
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