Vitaly Zalevsky, CEO & Founder of Ebaka Games

Publication date: 18 November 2025

How did experience and many years of development in the gaming and gambling industry contribute to growing into the role of CEO? Which technologies and trends will shape the future of iGaming? How was the company founded and where did such a bright name come from?

In the new episode of 3S.INFO iGaming Heroes, meet Vitaly Zalevsky, CEO of Ebaka Games.

What is Ebaka Games? It is a game development studio that consciously challenges the trend of cloning by creating unique products filled with emotion, innovative mechanics, and bold gaming experiments.

— You’ve got over 15 years of experience in the gaming and gambling industries. Where did it all begin, and how did you arrive at the role of CEO?

What’s more important: something new or perfecting what’s already there?
Iterative improvement. I’m a proponent of Game-as-a-Service.

Games have always fascinated me, starting as a gamer myself (over 30 years now) and later transitioning into someone who develops them (more than 15 years). I’ve worked in mobile gaming, AAA, AR, VR, and spent roughly six years in the gambling sector, albeit with breaks in between. Currently, I’m the CEO of Ebaka Games, previously holding positions as CPO in other gambling studios. Before entering the iGaming industry, I worked at Embracer Holding (DECA Games) and Snapchat, heading their AR Gaming Studio.

Over time, I realized that focusing solely on product wasn’t enough for me anymore. So, I returned to education (enrolled in an Executive MBA program) and during this process, it became evident that I needed to take on greater responsibility. The position of CEO emerged naturally as my next step.

— How do strong ideas emerge in iGaming — through analysis, experience, or intuition?

Strong ideas arise at the intersection of three elements: objective data, past experiences, and intuition shaped by these two factors. You generate hypotheses, test them, adapt accordingly. It’s an endless cycle.

— What matters most to you when building a team?

The most important thing is cultural fit with Ebaka’s values: soul and chaos.

Talented people attract talented people — many join us through referrals. Job candidates undergo rigorous selection because we’re looking not just for skills but also for the desire to be part of Ebaka Games.

Just like any startup, it’s crucial for us to expand mindfully and assemble a team that embraces the studio’s philosophy and is committed to scaling it alongside the business.

What trait do you value most in others?
Honesty. It’s the foundation for lasting relationships.

— Are there any unwritten rules within the team? Systematic approach or freedom?

First and foremost, discipline. It allows us to develop strategies and stick to them. Inspiration arises when you’re disciplined but flexible in executing your plans.

— What technologies will change the market in the coming years?

Crypto casinos are gradually becoming mainstream. AI continues to penetrate deeper into processes, eliminating routine tasks. The new generation of gamers will bring demand for instant games, meta layers, and mechanics borrowed from mobile gaming. Deep analytics of player actions and personalization will become the norm.

— What is your brightest success and your most painful failure?

Success: Implementing the GaaS approach in one of the top crash games. The concept of continuous product improvement resonates deeply with me, and I’m proud that we were able to introduce fresh perspectives to the industry.

What principle do you never violate?
Keeping one’s word.

Failure: Shutting down a studio with an excellent team when it became apparent that AR games couldn’t compete with classic 2D/3D products and failed to find a product-market fit.

Lesson learned: Business is always about dealing with uncertainty. Comfort zones don’t exist here. But the higher the risk, the greater the reward.

Your most unexpected successful decision?
Moving to another country and restarting life from scratch.

— How do you envision iGaming in 5 years?

Regulations will continue to tighten. It’s inevitable.

Games will become even more diverse: thousands of clones, active utilization of AI, enhanced gamification, growth of instant-play games. Meta layers, loot boxes, new mechanics — all of these will become the norm.

And, of course, the flourishing of Ebaka and the emergence of a new trend: ‘Ebaka mode’ in instant games.

If not games, what else would you do?
I’d teach at university (I hold a PhD in History).

— What helps you stay in tune?

Clear schedule, emotional control, physical activity.

Sport-wise, boxing keeps me sharp. I read professional literature on business and psychology regularly. Sometimes play guitar. Spending quality time walking with family recharges me.

Learning is a big part of my life: earned a PhD, currently pursuing an MBA, and constantly applying new knowledge in practice.

— Tell us about Ebaka Games. What makes your project unique? And where did the name come from?

What helps you make tough decisions?
Seeing and evaluating consequences.

We’re not afraid to experiment. We’re trying to create synergy between passion and chaos and succeeding at it. We’re against copy-pasting and generic solutions flooding the market.

Our portfolio features a wide range of games and mechanics: in everything, we strive to deliver something extra — the Ebaka mode (enhanced multipliers, volatility, thrill, and new features).

And we also have a vibrant brand and a memorable mascot — the Ebaka dog.

Do you feel like a fish in water in the world of iGaming? It’s time to take it to the next level. Share your finds, tactics, and insights—we value every idea. Write to us!

Want to stay on top of all the trends and be the first to get exclusive information? Then your next step is to subscribe to our 3SNET Telegram channel.