IGT is making some significant changes to its free-to-play gambling app, DoubleDown Casino. The gaming designer has appointed former Zynga executive Jim Veevaert as DoubleDown’s new Vice President of Games. The news of the appointment comes shortly after DoubleDown’s founders left the company in January 2014.

Founders Greg Enell and Cooper DuBois have been attributed with the vast success of DoubleDown Casino, and their departure could certainly hurt the app’s reputation. In fact, IGT saw a decline in stock price by 14% shortly after the announcement of their departure was made. Now, it seems that IGT hopes to make up for the loss by appointing Veevaert to the position of Vice President of Games.

Veevaert has worked in the gaming world for over 20 years, earning a stellar reputation as an innovator and game-changer. He is well-known for his work in the core gaming market as the Vice President of the Half-Life and Counter-Strike series and the Executive Producer of Halo 3. In his most recent position, Veevaert worked as the General Manager of Zynga in Seattle, Washington.

There, he oversaw the operation of various popular Zynga titles, ensuring their success in the social gaming world. This experience is what will make him the best person for the job at DoubleDown Casino, as he knows how to ensure titles will thrive in the social games market.

"We look forward to propelling DoubleDown's ascent, fueled by Jim's leadership and ingenious vision, as we deliver best-in-class gaming content and player experiences,” says John Vandermore of IGT. Be on the lookout for some new innovations from DoubleDown Casino. Although the app is in iTunes’ Top 5 list of casino games, there is a great deal of emerging competition.

DoubleDown will have to relevant, and Veevaert can help the company compete with newer social gambling apps.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.