In October 2025, former executives from Relax Gaming and Evolution announced the creation of Big Daddy Gaming, a new slots development studio poised to make waves in the igaming industry. Simon Hammon, who previously served as CEO of Relax, has teamed up with Daniel Eskola, the former chief product officer at Relax, and Erland Hellstrom, with over seven years of experience at Evolution, to bring this venture to life.
The foundation of Big Daddy Gaming was made possible through an investment from the gaming-centric fund Castech, ensuring the new studio is financially equipped to innovate and compete. Toni Kolehmainen will bolster the initiative as a board member, lending strategic guidance.
Big Daddy Gaming is set to challenge traditional slots paradigms with what it describes as a “disruptive model” that combines tried-and-true gaming mechanics with a unique blend of humor and edge. Several significant industry brands have already collaborated with the studio during its pre-launch phase, with a full market entry scheduled before the close of 2025.
Simon Hammon expressed confidence in Big Daddy Gaming’s potential to emerge as a “reliable” and “highly profitable asset” for its partners. Reflecting on his tenure at Relax, where he was at the helm for two and a half years following his stint at NetEnt, Hammon emphasized the studio’s commitment to crafting engaging, robust, and enjoyable content. He noted that having been part of some of the industry’s landmark successes, the team was approaching the market with humility and a clear intent to deliver measurable value to operators.
Leadership at Big Daddy Gaming sees Hellstrom taking on the role of CEO. At Evolution, Hellstrom played key roles in commercial management, and his extensive experience is expected to guide the studio in addressing the practical challenges faced by operators. He highlighted the team’s combined expertise in game development and operator relations as critical to engineering top-performing titles tailored to operators’ needs. The studio, he affirmed, is dedicated to converting their focus and experience into unparalleled value for partners.
Eskola, who brings over six and a half years of experience from Relax, including leadership in research and development as well as a period as deputy CEO, echoed the sentiment of partnership being central to Big Daddy Gaming’s ethos. He outlined the studio’s commitment to tackling fundamental operator challenges through the provision of consistent, high-quality content designed to foster long-term player engagement and loyalty.
The market context for Big Daddy Gaming’s launch is both challenging and ripe with opportunity. The igaming industry continues to be a dynamic environment marked by rapid technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences. As competition intensifies, studios are under increasing pressure to innovate and deliver exceptional gaming experiences. Big Daddy Gaming’s strategy of blending humor and proven game mechanics is tailored to stand out in such a saturated market.
However, the igaming sector also faces regulatory scrutiny and shifts in consumer behavior, which require adaptability and foresight. Big Daddy Gaming’s leadership appears intent on navigating these complexities by leveraging their collective industry insights and strategic partnerships.
From another perspective, the entry of yet another new studio led by industry veterans can be seen as both a blessing and a challenge. While Big Daddy Gaming’s leadership team boasts an impressive pedigree, critics might argue that the market is already crowded with established players who have a strong foothold and loyal customer bases. The new studio will need to carve out a distinct niche and demonstrate its value proposition quickly to compete effectively.
Despite these challenges, the optimism surrounding Big Daddy Gaming’s launch is palpable. The studio’s foundation on principles of collaboration, technical maturity, and creative innovation positions it well to navigate the complexities and tap into the lucrative opportunities within the igaming market.
As the year draws to a close, industry observers will be keenly watching Big Daddy Gaming’s next moves, particularly how it plans to execute its disruptive model and build sustainable relationships with operators. With an experienced leadership team at the helm, there is a strong belief that Big Daddy Gaming is well-equipped to deliver on its promise of unmatched value creation, setting a new standard in the world of slots.
4/5
