Videoslots CEO Discusses Acquisition of PKR’s Technology Assets

Back in May of this year, PKR ceased operations after serving in the online poker industry for over a decade. A couple of months later, PokerStars acquired some of PKR’s assets and promised to pay back the 60,000 users of the site with outstanding balances owed to them.

This month, online casino giant Videoslots purchased PKR’s technology assets, giving the company access to the unique, 3D engine that made the former cardroom so intriguing. Unlike normal online poker sites, PKR placed emphasis on the social aspect of the game with 3D-modelled characters that allowed players to exhibit specific body language, expressions, chip tricks and tells at the virtual poker table.

Speaking in an interview earlier this month, CEO of Videoslots Alexander Stevendahl discussed his intentions of using this PKR technology to implement a new online poker experience under his own company’s banner. He clarified this plan in the following statement:

"We have simply purchased the PKR technology in order to launch our own 3D product. The PKR brand is not owned by us and we have no access to its customer databases".

Given that Alexander’s company has a primary focus on casino gaming, it is expected that this poker experience they are planning will incorporate gamification elements that make it distinguishable from the PKR of old, whilst retaining the social feel that it sought to promote. He expands:

"Our unique Videoslots proposition has disrupted the slots industry over recent years with its social elements and gamification, originally inspired by online poker. We now hope to turn the tide and bring what we’ve learnt from our casino customers to the poker world."

Stevendahl has a positive vision for the potential of this project, driven by the fact that the technology assets which he has acquired are ‘proven and scalable’. He also affirms that their plans to enter the poker industry are motivated by the mantra, ‘for the players, by the players’. Given some of the recent changes that have been made by online cardrooms to the detriment of their customers, let’s hope that Alexander and his company follow through on their word.