Rethinking Crash Games: Andrei Buta on SkyControl’s Multiplayer and Skill-Driven Future

Gaming Eminence spoke with Andrei Buta, Co-Founder of SkyControl, to explore how real-time multiplayer and skill-based elements can reshape traditional Crash games. By introducing strategic gameplay and social features—like PvP battles, pool betting, and influencer-led engagement—SkyControl aims to move beyond purely chance-based mechanics. Buta shares insights on the platform’s low-latency architecture, extended session times, and how operators can leverage these innovations for long-term retention. The interview offers a considered perspective on evolving iGaming toward deeper interactivity and sustainable player engagement.

Gaming Eminence: Crash-style games have been around for several years, but you’re positioning SkyControl as a game-changer with multiplayer and skill-based elements. Can you walk us through the specific innovations—beyond the usual “crash” mechanic—that make your games truly distinct and valuable for both operators and players? AB) "While crash games have existed for years, they’ve remained largely one-dimensional, offering players limited interaction beyond cashing out at the right time.

SkyControl disrupts this model by introducing competitive, skill-driven multiplayer elements that shift the game from a passive experience into a real-time battle of strategy and psychology.

Instead of players betting against an automated multiplier, they are competing directly against each other in PvP battles, Pool Betting rooms, and high-stakes Tournaments. This introduces a dynamic skill element, where decision-making, timing, and risk assessment play a major role in determining the winner - something unheard of in traditional crash games.

For operators, this represents a fundamental shift in player engagement. SkyControl naturally extends session lengths by creating a game where every round is different, driven by real player behaviour rather than a predetermined algorithm. The competitive structure means higher retention rates, a higher volume of bets per session, and less reliance on bonuses to keep players engaged.

The game’s social mechanics - from live chat and leaderboards to influencer-driven Pool Betting rooms - also offer built-in viral growth potential, making it a powerful acquisition and retention tool."

Gaming Eminence: Many gaming operators are still working with older infrastructures that were designed for single-player or simpler multiplayer models. How have you architected SkyControl’s back-end systems to handle real-time multiplayer (including PVP mode and tournaments) and what unique challenges did you face in the process?

AB) "Building a real-time multiplayer game like SkyControl wasn’t easy, especially since we had to ensure smooth gameplay even in areas with unstable internet. Unlike traditional casino games, we needed low-latency systems for live player interactions.

We solved this by creating a hybrid server setup that keeps the game running smoothly, even if a player temporarily loses connection. In such cases, the system automatically cashes out at the last safe multiplier, ensuring fair play.

We also focused on scalability, optimising our servers to handle thousands of simultaneous PvP matches without any lag."

Gaming Eminence: You mention that your team largely came from outside the iGaming space, bringing fresh thinking to a stagnating industry. Can you share concrete examples of how this external perspective influenced your game design or tech stack decisions, and how operators have responded to these unconventional approaches?

AB) "Coming from game development and gamification rather than traditional iGaming, we approached SkyControl with a fundamentally different mindset: one that prioritises player experience, competition, and engagement rather than simply maximising bet volumes.

Most crash games are built on static mechanics, where the only variable is how long a player waits before cashing out. This model is effective but lacks depth. Because our team has built interactive multiplayer games, mobile engagement loops and skill-based mechanics in the past, we saw the potential for crash games to evolve into something much bigger.

For example, we integrated social multiplayer features, such as:

● PvP private rooms: Players can challenge a friend or even a group (up to 25) to a private match. The host sets the entry fee when creating the room, allowing for a customized and competitive experience among friends. This model emphasizes social interaction, making it perfect for friendly rivalries and private competitions.

● Stream-friendly Pool Betting: These are public rooms created by the operator, hosting up to 100-250 players at once. Streamers and influencers can play live with their audience, creating an interactive viewing and playing experience. Pool betting rooms come with a variety of entry fees, ranging from small amounts for casual players to high-stakes VIP rooms, catering to all player levels.

● Seasonal leaderboards & tournaments: Hosted by the operator, tournaments offer structured competition with prize pools that are split among the top players. Seasonal leaderboards encourage long-term engagement, fostering a competitive community as players aim to secure their place at the top. This mode keeps players coming back, driving retention and engagement.

On the tech side, we optimised SkyControl for real-time multiplayer rather than relying on traditional RNG-driven outcomes. This means players compete against each other, not the house, which opens up new revenue models for operators while delivering a more exciting, community-driven gameplay experience.

Operators have responded positively, recognising that SkyControl isn’t just another crash game - it’s an entirely new category of multiplayer casino gaming that keeps players engaged without requiring continuous bonus incentives."

Gaming Eminence: iGaming is often seen as purely chance-based. Why did you feel the need to incorporate more skill-based features into crash games, and how do these mechanics reshape player behaviour, engagement, and ultimately the operator’s bottom line?

AB) "The iGaming industry has been over-reliant on pure chance-based mechanics, where engagement is driven by rewards rather than gameplay itself. This creates a cycle of dependency on bonuses, which erodes profitability over time.

SkyControl breaks this cycle by adding real competition and strategy, making player decisions an integral part of the experience. This increases engagement naturally, reducing the need for excessive promotional incentives.

Here’s how it reshapes player behaviour:

● Instead of waiting for a high multiplier and cashing out passively, players are actively making decisions based on their opponents.

● The last player to eject wins - which introduces mind games, strategic bluffing, and risk assessment.

● Players return not just for potential wins, but for the thrill of competing against real people - similar to how poker sustains long-term engagement.

For operators, this translates to:

- Longer session times

- Higher bet volume per round

- Increased LTV with less reliance on bonus incentives

By incorporating skill-based multiplayer, SkyControl brings real esports-style engagement to the casino world - a first in the crash game segment."

Gaming Eminence: Operators can be cautious about adopting new technologies and game types, especially those that might not be immediately intuitive—like multiplier crash mechanics and PVP modes. What do you say to operators who are skeptical of the long-term ROI and player demand for these features, and can you share any early performance indicators or case studies that illustrate their potential success?

AB) "It’s natural for operators to be cautious when adopting a new game type - especially in an industry that has been slow to evolve beyond slots and table games. However, data and early adoption trends strongly indicate that player demand for competitive, skill-based iGaming experiences is growing rapidly.

We understand that proof of ROI is essential, so here’s what we’ve seen so far:

- Session length is significantly longer than traditional crash games, as players engage in back-to-back rounds to outplay their opponents.

- Re-bet rates are higher, with players doubling down to compete for the pot, rather than waiting for large multipliers.

- Influencer-led Pool Betting rooms create viral loops, where streamers bring in large audiences that organically convert into paying players.

- Lower bonus dependency, as players return for the competition rather than free money promotions.

Operators who position themselves early in this trend will be at the forefront of a new era of interactive, multiplayer casino gaming. SkyControl isn’t just a game- it’s a strategic shift toward social, skill-based gambling that fosters long-term retention and revenue stability."