Lord Merlin & The Lady of the Lake – Play’n Go 

The 5×3, 10-payline video slot that focuses on an earlier time in the great wizard Merlin’s life, specifically the start of his relationship with Vivian, the Lady of the Lake, and includes Excalibur spins along with a wild scatter symbol and gamble mode.

During the base game of the follow-up to 2019’s Rise of Merlin, the chosen expanding symbol can form winning combinations across non-adjacent reels. If the high value symbol is selected at least two of those symbols land and expand. Furthermore, if the royal symbol is selected at least three of them will land on and expand.

Once the player activates the free spins round, the scatter will transform into a wild scatter symbol. This acts like a Wild and substitutes for all symbols.

Moreover, in the free spins feature, when two or more wild scatters land it will trigger the Excalibur spins. Each wild scatter awards an additional Excalibur spin. The chosen special Expanding symbol locks in and can expand on all Excalibur spins.

The game also features an optional gamble round that provides an opportunity to multiply the total prize on any spin in the main game by correctly guessing the colour or suit of a hidden card. The gamble round can be played up to five times in a row.

“Our ‘families’ link games together under a recognisable umbrella; players see this and know that they are going to get the same great entertainment as a game they have enjoyed previously.

“However, familiarity alone will not keep players engaged; each game has to bring something different to the table, otherwise what’s the point?” – Martin Zettergren, Play’n Go CPO.

Cosmic Voyager – Thunderkick

Cosmic Voyager, which invites players on a galactic adventure, is a five-reel, 10-payline video slot that features an expanding symbol and bonus game with free spins.

If the player lands three stacked symbols on the first reel it will trigger the expanding symbols feature. During this mode, any symbol identical to the stacked will become an expanding symbol growing to cover the entire reel it lands on.

Furthermore, if three or more cosmic voyager symbols land during the base game, it will trigger the bonus game, awarding 10 free spins, depending on the amount of symbols that land, with players gaining an additional 10 spin if they land another three voyager symbols during the round.

Star Settler – BF Games

Continuing on the same theme, BF Games has globally launched Star Settler following a three-month exclusivity period with Kindred Group.

The title vows to take players on an intergalactic journey, with the reels featuring all the cosmic symbols one could expect such as planets astronauts, spaceships, probes, artefacts, and meteors.

The 5-reel, 3-row video slot strives to increase engagement levels via a number of features which include expanding hot and cold wilds, free spins and a bonus round where players can pick a win multiplier of up to x50 from six hidden options.

The game is certified in numerous jurisdictions and is immediately available to operators in the UK, Romania and under an MGA licence.

“Star Settler is a thrilling feature-packed title that is sure to have players coming back for more. The game has already proven successful with Kindred’s customers and we are excited about this global launch and offering even more players astronomical entertainment coupled with meteoric win opportunity.” – Piotr Szpoton, CEO at BF Games.

Captain Venture: Treasures of the Sea – Greentube

Captain Venture: Treasures of the Sea is a five-reel video slot with 10-paylines, with the title hyped as encapsulating ‘more features’, ‘more action’ and ‘more treasure’ as compared to the original.

The game comes with a feature titled sea change. After a spin, the reels may sink into the sea and rise again with different symbols, and any new spin that appears are paid.

The anchor drop re-spins feature may occur during an anchor symbol win. Once this happens, some reels then re-spin. The wild symbol does not replace the anchor symbol during this feature.

Additionally, chest symbol wins may add extra gem symbols to the reels during the treasure chest bounty.

During a spin, the treasure map may appear. If this happens, the captain venture symbol triggers the X marks the slot re-spins feature. Within this round, the captain venture symbol will float around the reels and highlight positions. These will add to the overall multiplier.

If the player lands three or more scatter symbols, the mystery multiplier free spins is awarded. After each spin, the wheel will apply a win multiplier and all wins are added.

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The collaboration sees Thunderkick offer a selection of its proprietary slot titles to the Dutch operator, with the provider hailing the nation as a ‘key target’ for expansion this year. 

Fredrik Ekholm, Head of Sales at Thunderkick, stated: “Enhancing our presence in the Netherlands was a major target of Thunderkick’s coming into 2024, and the partnership with 711.nl marks a huge step towards achieving that goal.

“711.nl has showcased a desire to put players at the centre of what they do, and the inclusion of Thunderkick slots in its portfolio will no doubt improve the customer experience.”

As a result of the deal, 711 players based in the Netherlands will gain access to Thunderkick slot releases such as Pink Elephants, Midas Golden Touch 2 and Xterminate.

Gilles De Backer, Chief Operating Officer at 711.nl, added: “Thunderkick creates games that capture players’ attention, and we can’t wait to incorporate these into 711.nl’s ever-expanding catalogue.

“Its games not only look great, but are also packed with exciting mechanics and features which we’re sure will resonate with our player base.”

The deal adds to a busy period of European expansion for Thunderkick as the studio extended its supplier licence for the Danish market to 2029 last week. 

The recent move follows recent regulatory developments in Denmark as the country’s regulator announced that all online casino suppliers would require an official supplier licence from the beginning of next year. 

Wan Kim, Chief Compliance Officer at Thunderkick, commented: “Thunderkick continually strives to amplify its position in Europe, partnering with leading operators across target markets to enhance brand visibility and increase our player base.”

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In this role, Backlund will use her 20 years of industry experience, including almost two years with Thunderkick, to lead the slots studio’s marketing strategy and elevate the brand’s awareness in markets across the globe to help drive new business.

“January 2025 will mark my second anniversary with Thunderkick, and I am incredibly excited to kick off the new year as Head of Marketing,” commented Backlund on her new role with Thunderkick.

“It has been a pleasure to work with such a talented and motivated group of colleagues, and I look forward to facilitating the company’s future success.”

During her time at Thunderkick so far, Backlund has assisted with the development and implementation of the slots studio’s company-wide marketing strategy.

Svante Sahlström, Chief Commercial Officer at Thunderkick, added: “Johanna is an integral part of Thunderkick’s operations, planning and executing campaigns with ruthless efficiency. 

“Having her step into the role of Head of Marketing was a natural progression, and we have no doubt she will continue to deliver exceptional results.”

Earlier this month, Thunderkick announced that it had received its B2B supplier licence in Denmark from the country’s gambling authority, Spillemyndigheden.

As a result, the slots studio can continue distributing its games to operators in the Danish gambling market until 2029.

Wan Kim, Chief Compliance Officer at Thunderkick, stated: “Obtaining a B2B licence has been a focus since the Danish Gambling Authority announced the new regulations earlier this year, and our application’s success emphasises the quality of Thunderkick products and our unwavering commitment to adhering to consistently updating regulations.

“The licence will facilitate our continued growth in Denmark, where some of the country’s biggest operators offer our unique content to local players.”

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Valid from 1 January, the licence from the Danish Gambling Authority, Spillemyndigheden, will enable Thunderkick to continue distributing its games to Danish operators until 2029.

Wan Kim, Chief Compliance Officer at Thunderkick, commented: “Thunderkick continually strives to amplify its position in Europe, partnering with leading operators across target markets to enhance brand visibility and increase our player base.”

The move follows recent regulatory developments in Denmark as the country’s regulator announced that all online casino suppliers would require an official supplier licence from the beginning of next year. 

Thunderkick is amongst one of the first online casino suppliers to secure a licence from the Danish Gambling Authority as a result of the new regulations. 

Kim added: “Obtaining a B2B licence has been a focus since the Danish Gambling Authority announced the new regulations earlier this year, and our application’s success emphasises the quality of Thunderkick products and our unwavering commitment to adhering to consistently updating regulations.

“The licence will facilitate our continued growth in Denmark, where some of the country’s biggest operators offer our unique content to local players.”

Thunderkick continues to focus on European growth in recent moves, securing a deal with CasinoMania last month to bolster the position of its slot content in the Italian market.  

On that deal, Andrea Brioschi, Key Account Manager at Thunderkick, commented: “While there has been a lot of focus on the Ontario and US sweepstake launches, Thunderkick remains committed to fortifying its brand on the European igaming scene.

“CasinoMania is a respected operator in Italy that has cultivated a catalogue of entertaining games from industry leaders. We are sure the addition of Thunderkick’s unique, cutting-edge titles will only strengthen this offering further.”

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As a result of the partnership, Thunderkick’s range of proprietary slot releases will become available on CasinoMania’s Italian online casino platform, adding to the operator’s range of live casino, table games and slots. 

Andrea Brioschi, Key Account Manager at Thunderkick, commented: “While there has been a lot of focus on the Ontario and US sweepstake launches, Thunderkick remains committed to fortifying its brand on the European igaming scene.

“CasinoMania is a respected operator in Italy that has cultivated a catalogue of entertaining games from industry leaders. We are sure the addition of Thunderkick’s unique, cutting-edge titles will only strengthen this offering further.”

Citing an aim to “unlock a new collection of players” in the Italian market, Thunderkick will take Midas Golden Touch 2, King of the Party, Sword of Arthur, Xterminate and Hot Potato! live on CasinoMania’s website. 

Calvi Lorenzo, Member of the Board of Directors at Cristaltec, added: “We are excited to announce the new partnership with Thunderkick, which will allow us to expand our offering of high-quality games in CasinoMania’s online casino, part of the Cristaltec Group.

“This partnership will enable us to provide our customers with a wide selection of excellent games, demonstrating our continuous commitment to exceeding expectations in the igaming sector.”

The deal adds to a busy period for the slot supplier after it recently secured a significant market entry in North America, reaching players in Ontario for the first time via PokerStars and LeoVegas.

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In the concluding edition of a two-part roundtable, Johannes Polbring, Product Owner at Thunderkick, Marcin Trafiałek, Promo Tools Specialist at Wazdan, Kajal Verma, Chief Creative Officer at Push Gaming, Amy Brewis, Account Manager at Realistic Games, Javier Sacristán Franco, International Business Director at R Franco Digital, Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, and Iryna Dragulina, Game Tribe Leader at Playson, continue the conversation.

CasinoBeats: Does a recognisable theme have a better chance of becoming an instant hit, compared to an original concept that might require more time to gain traction?

Johannes Polbring: Games with recognisable themes have an instant head-start due to pre-existing player preferences and established fanbases. For example, our recently released Eager Beavers has a familiar and whimsical animal theme, allowing it to gain instant traction with a certain type of player. It is more difficult for players to align with an unconventional theme, such as Thunderkick’s anarchistic Xterminate. 

However, as highlighted in Xterminate, if these unique themes are coupled with state-of-the-art design and fast-paced, engaging gameplay, they can gain traction and generate a cult following of players who are then more likely to try new genres in the future.

Marcin Trafiałek: A recognisable theme has a better chance in the market due to a larger potential audience it can reach. However, it is still just one component of a product’s success. Basing a game 100% on its theme will never be the key to creating a hit.

A certain large company creating video games about assassins moves its games from setting to setting, introducing very few mechanical changes and maintaining storytelling at a very low level. The player community’s reception to this can vary but is rare.

This example highlights that whether a game has a chance of becoming a hit depends more on who produces it than on the theme itself. And I emphasise chance because the product still has to prove itself in the end.

Kajal Verma: In my opinion there is less risk involved when you rely on a recognisable theme but that is not to say it will be a bigger hit over an original idea. Our most successful games often balance these two elements, using familiarity to pique the interest of players while offering innovative experiences to sustain their gameplay sessions.

For example, Jammin Jars uses a classic fruit theme which draws on familiarity but coupled with disco Jam Jars, we subverted expectations and added an innovative twist. If you get the balance right you can have an instant hit.

Amy Brewis: A recognisable theme often has a better chance of becoming an instant hit because it feels familiar and may remind players of similar games where they’ve enjoyed a positive experience. This familiarity reduces the perceived risk of trying something new and can quickly draw players in. However, while recognisable themes attract players initially, it’s the mechanics present within a title and the user experience that keep them engaged.

An original concept might take longer to gain traction due to unfamiliarity, but it has the potential to stand out and appeal to players seeking something different. Balancing familiar themes with innovative features can help capture both immediate and long-term interest.

Javier Sacristán Franco: While a recognisable theme can boost a game’s visibility, it doesn’t always guarantee an instant hit. Familiar themes may attract an initial audience due to their built-in appeal, but in today’s fast-paced digital world, original concepts can gain traction just as quickly. 

In fact, many players actively seek out novel experiences, and a creative, well-executed game with strong visuals or compelling gameplay can generate significant buzz. So, while a recognisable theme may enhance early sales, the quality, innovation, and marketing of a game are equally crucial to its potential for immediate success.

Ivan Kravchuk: On the surface, recognisable themes might seem more likely to become instant hits, as classic slots with familiar elements still tend to be more popular. New and innovative themes can quickly become hits, sometimes even more so than traditional ones.

However, they also come with a higher risk of failure. So, while recognisable themes might not always go viral, they tend to resonate on a deeper level, offering a better chance for sustained success over time.

Iryna Dragulina: To secure an instant hit, a complex approach to game development is required with theme focus, albeit crucial, still just one element of the creative process. Recognisable themes have the potential to resonate on a broader scale due to catchy elements or recognisable characters and symbols, but if the game lacks win potential and storytelling, it will not captivate its player base.

At Playson, we always ask ourselves what our players will be expecting from the game, how we can create an unforgettable experience for them and how can we gain their trust in the product.    

CB: In a competitive market where certain themes are ubiquitous, what can make a familiar theme feel fresh and appealing to players? 

KV: In a crowded market where certain themes are overly familiar, game designers must find ways to rejuvenate themes while retaining their core appeal. This can be obtained through various methods such as mashing up established genres, combining elements from different familiar themes to create something entirely new. For example, mixing pirate and futuristic sci-fi elements or fusing a detective theme with steampunk aesthetics. These combinations can reinvigorate familiar themes and surprise players.

Additionally evolving the art style used in creating titles aids in updating overall visuals making a familiar theme feel fresh. For instance, shifting from traditional art styles to more stylized, hyper-realistic, or even cartoonish versions of a known theme can breathe new life into the experience.

MT: Mechanics, quality, and trust in the developer. If a player knows they won’t be disappointed, and that their expectations will be met, then the theme itself becomes secondary.

ID: To refresh a familiar theme effectively, introducing subtle changes that pay testament to the original whilst adding new twists is essential. When working with characters that resonate strongly with your player base and themes that have become popular, sequels are an optimum way to retain demand. Experimenting with art styles and graphics can bring fresh perspective without alienating a player base. 

Our upcoming release 3 Pirate Barrells: Hold and Win has been designed meticulously to ensure it is a memorable addition to our renowned ‘3 Pots’ collection. An example of how gameplay has been elevated is through the bonus game where new features have been incorporated to keep players engaged and captivated by unfamiliar experiences posing the potential for high returns.   

AB: In a competitive market where certain themes are common, creativity is key to making a familiar theme feel fresh and appealing. This involves reimagining established aesthetics by adding new elements that captivate players quickly, ensuring that the theme and features work together harmoniously. Enhancing the player’s experience with innovative gameplay mechanics, visual effects, or unique storytelling can revitalise well-known themes.

It’s also important to immerse the player from the start, blending established elements with unexpected twists. By balancing innovation and familiarity, a game can stand out even in a crowded market, offering something comforting yet exciting to players.

CB: Conversely, how can suppliers ensure a game with an unconventional theme attracts players?

JP: Optimised marketing can be pivotal in communicating the narrative of a game with potential players. Social media campaigns are particularly important in reaching the target audience, giving them early access to game information and trailers to build anticipation. 

It goes without saying that gameplay is equally crucial to a game’s success. A player might load up the slot for the theme, but if gameplay is substandard, game sessions are likely to be short. Attracting an individual to a slot is the first step. Gameplay and mechanics must then deliver anticipation and immersion, and it is this experience that will keep them returning for more.

IK: To ensure a game with an unconventional theme attracts players, two key factors come into play. Firstly, the game itself must be straightforward and easy to understand. Secondly, effective presentation is crucial, involving impactful marketing campaigns and promotional tools to capture interest and boost player engagement.

Our internal data shows that tools like tournaments and quests are particularly effective. To sustain player interest and drive engagement, creating just a few promotional tools isn’t sufficient, so our team continually develops new ones. For instance, Evoplay’s recent introduction of the Wheel of Fortune looks promising and is expected to further enhance player participation. By focusing on both game quality and innovative marketing, we aim to maximise player attraction and involvement.

JS: While there’s no guaranteed formula for success, suppliers can significantly increase the chances of an unconventional theme attracting players by taking a strategic approach. The first step is to clearly define the target audience, ensuring the theme aligns with their preferences and interests. From there, A/B testing, player surveys, and behaviour analysis are invaluable tools for gauging audience reactions and refining the game’s appeal.

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In part-one of our latest roundtable, we spoke to Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, Iryna Dragulina, Game Tribe Leader at Playson, Johannes Polbring, Product Owner at Thunderkick, Marcin Trafiałek, Promo Tools Specialist at Wazdan, Kajal Verma, Chief Creative Officer at Push Gaming, Amy Brewis, Account Manager at Realistic Games, and Javier Sacristán Franco, International Business Director at R Franco Digital, about familiar and distinct themes, what space they fill in the market, and the visual elements that make players gravitate towards a certain game.

CasinoBeats: How crucial is familiarity in game design? Do players prefer slots with recognisable themes or are they more attracted to innovative designs that offer something new? 

Ivan Kravchuk: Recognisable themes and mechanics offer a sense of comfort, especially for the conservative players who make up a large portion of slot fans. That’s why themes like gods, fruits, treasures, and sports continue to dominate, consistently ranking among the top five most popular games in online casinos.

Despite this, innovative game designs are steadily increasing their presence in the igaming landscape. These games tend to attract tech-savvy players or those who are bored with the classics and seeking new twists. For example, in our top games across all regions, classic slots like Hot Triple Sevens often share leading positions in key metrics with instant games like Penalty Shoot-out. Looking ahead, I expect this trend to intensify.

Iryna Dragulina: A combination of the two is vital to ensure strong player retention levels and an ever-growing player base. Whilst familiarity plays an important role in game design, especially for seasoned players who come with predefined expectations, innovation can be effectively implemented without becoming overbearing. 

Instead of bombarding new titles with complex descriptions or isolated game sections, we focus on creating intuitive and accessible products. Supercharged Clovers: Hold and Win and Piggy Power: Hit the Bonus, for example, have been designed with clear brand identity. The two titles pay homage to their predecessors but incorporate a wow factor with alterations to trusted mechanics that resonates with slot enthusiasts.

Johannes Polbring: Familiarity is a major factor when predicting the potential success of a game. Utilising themes that are proven to resonate with the target audience can provide a strong starting point for performance, with familiarity often evoking emotional connections which can encourage engagement with a new slot. Themes related to popular culture, such as games centred around TV shows, movies, and myths, are more likely to draw attention as the brand or genre is already established. 

Familiarity in theme is also often accompanied by similarities in gameplay, reducing the learning curve required for players to understand a title. The steeper the learning curve, the more likely players are to lose interest, resulting in shorter game sessions. However, there is always room for innovation with products, and new ideas can provide respite from overused themes.

Marcin Trafiałek: It’s extremely important for players to be at ease with a game thanks to familiar patterns and overall design. However, I wouldn’t say that the key factor is the theme itself, but rather the gameplay mechanics and interface.

If players feel comfortable in an environment shaped by these two factors, I believe they will adapt to gameplay that introduces further innovations. The main thing is the product’s consistency with the overall brand vision and achieving this through consistent development.

Kajal Verma: Recognisable and familiar themes often create a sense of comfort and nostalgia for the player. Already understanding a game’s thematic elements, they can focus more on gameplay mechanics rather than trying to figure out the context. This can also be said about themes based on popular IPs. Here aesthetics can capitalise on players’ existing emotional connections that they have with previous titles.

While familiarity draws in players, many seek out innovative designs that offer unique experiences. This includes fresh themes, or distinctive art styles. Players who are more experienced or adventurous may gravitate towards games that offer novelty and break away from typical patterns. This can also keep players more interested in playing.

Amy Brewis: Familiarity in game design is crucial because it can attract players by evoking comfort and recognition. Players often prefer slots with recognisable themes, as they know what to expect and are reassured by familiar elements, which can lead to steady engagement and revenue for suppliers.

However, innovative designs offer something new that can captivate players, especially those seeking fresh experiences in a crowded market. While these may take more time to gain traction, they can create unique market positions and attract new audiences. 

Balancing familiarity with innovation is key to appealing to a wide range of players. For example, our latest release, Top Tenner, has a classic gaming theme but with a twist within its features, providing a unique experience through the dynamic Top 10 wins mechanic. Offsetting this new concept and gameplay style is the more understood aesthetics, preventing a barrier to entry for newer players.  

Javier Sacristán Franco: Familiarity in game design plays a critical role. Players often gravitate toward slots with recognisable themes because they evoke a sense of trust, nostalgia, or emotional connection, which can lead to stronger engagement.

Well-known themes, such as those based on popular movies, TV shows, mythology, or iconic slot symbols, help players feel more comfortable and confident when trying a new game. This familiarity can also reduce the learning curve, making it easier for players to understand the mechanics and features of the game without feeling overwhelmed.

However, while familiarity can help attract players initially, it doesn’t guarantee long-term success. Many players are also looking for innovative designs and fresh experiences that break away from the predictable. 

CasinoBeats: Do games with conventional themes appeal to a different demographic than those with more unique design, or is visual appeal a universal draw regardless of theme? 

ID: Separating theme performance from mechanics can be tricky as they often work in tandem to shape the player’s experience. Whilst certain themes may resonate more broadly and perform consistently across different markets, it’s the synergy between theme and mechanics that often captivates players. 

Our data shows themes which typically appeal to a wider audience such as fruit, Egyptian or animal-styled slots, still resonate with those who are a bit more niche with their preferences. This is down to the mechanics which are incorporated blending efficiently with popular themes but also adding an innovative approach to gameplay for those who favour more contemporary features, leading to an inclusive player experience.

JP: If a game looks stunning and performs well, it will undoubtedly have universal appeal. However, there are different attitudes towards game themes and mechanics, largely down to generational quirks. More traditional players will typically gravitate toward familiar themes, such as classic fruits and ancient Egypt, as well as predictable games with fewer paylines and less complex mechanics. 

In contrast, the younger generation of player tends to be more tech-savvy, and as a result, seeks out edgy themes and new mechanics. It is important for a studio to understand its commercial goals and target audience in order to tailor their approach accordingly. 

MT: Certain themes certainly appeal to different groups of players. This is a natural phenomenon commonly occurring. One person may prefer a series set in a fantasy world, while another may favour a science-fiction setting. Ultimately, the most important thing is that both forms deliver the highest possible quality. Only this can dictate a product’s success and meet the full spectrum of market demands.

KV: There will be certain players who will always lean more towards familiar themes, which offer a sense of comfort and are easy to pick up and play. These players value simplicity and recognition over complexity. 

Alternatively, there are players who seek variety and innovation. These players may enjoy immersing themselves in new themes that deviate from traditional designs.

Finally, there will be balanced players who like a mix of both—familiar themes with enough innovation to keep them feeling fresh and engaging.

Whether the game is a traditional theme or a unique one, the key is ensuring that the visuals elements work in sync with the game mechanics. With unique themes you need to work harder to ensure there is high visual appeal and intuitive gameplay, as the player is already thrown into unfamiliar terrain.

AB: Games with conventional themes often attract a broad demographic by using familiar imagery and narratives that many players recognise and feel comfortable with. These themes appeal to those who prefer traditional experiences or are new to gaming and are drawn to established elements.

In contrast, unique designs and innovative themes may attract a niche audience, particularly players seeking fresh and different experiences. While visual appeal is important to all players, the combination of visual appeal with the theme’s familiarity or uniqueness is what truly determines a game’s draw, balancing both elements is key to reaching diverse player groups.

JSR: Absolutely. The theme of a game plays a significant role in attracting different demographics, but it’s not just about the theme itself – it’s also about how that theme is executed. The style, tone, and overall presentation can resonate differently across various player groups.

For example, conventional themes like ancient civilisations, classic fruit slots, or mythology might appeal to more traditional or casual players who are familiar with those motifs. On the other hand, more unique or avant-garde themes, like sci-fi worlds, sweets or fantasy, might attract younger or more adventurous players looking for something novel.

IK: When creating games, we focus on different audiences, considering their cultural and generational preferences. Generally, classic casino games resonate with traditional players, while more innovative games attract a younger audience. However, player preferences are influenced by factors beyond just age or theme, such as market maturity and economic conditions.

For instance, many of Evoplay’s classic and instant games are popular in Latin America, whereas our sports-themed instant games perform well in Europe, where players are traditionally more passionate about slots. With this in mind, at Evoplay, we prioritise quality, attractive design, and simple gameplay – elements that appeal to players of all types, regardless of age or location.

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Signalling Thunderkick’s third market entry in 2024 following moves into Canada and Colombia, the Swedish slot developer has taken its first steps in Hungary by making its slots available on LVC Diamond’s Vegas.hu platform. 

Fredrik Ekholm, Head of Sales at Thunderkick, explained: “We are dedicated to enhancing Thunderkick’s presence on our home continent, and the debut of our slots in Hungary reaffirms this.

“Since becoming the nation’s first regulated online casino, Vegas.hu has built a reputation as an industry leader, and we are excited to partner with the prestigious brand as we look to expand our European player base.”

The studio’s slot catalogue went live with the operator in early August, with Thunderkick stating that the games have already seen “early success” with “strong performance” on Vegas.hu. 

As a result of the collaboration, Vegas.hu players have been made the first in the country to gain access to Thunderkick slot releases such as Midas Golden Touch 2, Beat the Beast: Dragon’s Wrath and Gods of Rock! Reborn.

Brigitta Szenczy, Head of Gaming and Studio at Vegas.hu, added: “At Vegas.hu, we have a history of providing exciting gaming experiences to Hungarian players through a portfolio of best-in-class titles.

“Thunderkick’s cutting-edge slots are sure to resonate with Vegas.hu players as we continue diversifying our content offering.”

Entering Hungary comes shortly after Thunderkick delivered its slot catalogue to Luckia, ensuring the supplier’s first strides in the Colombian market to bolster its Latin American impact. 

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Joining the slots studio at their Stockholm office, Ölund brings marketing experience to Thunderkick, having previously worked as a PR Communications Manager and Marketing Communications Manager.

Born in Barcelona, Thunderkick has stated that Ölund’s Spanish language skills will help with the slot supplier’s global development. She will also be attending SBC Summit Lisbon later this month to build relationships and meet prospective clients face to face.

Commenting on her new role, Ölund said: “I am delighted to have joined such an innovative company in the industry and am looking forward to building relationships that allow Thunderkick to enhance its footprint on the global stage.”

Thunderkick has been present in Latin America since Q2 2023, going live with Rush Street Interactive-owned operator Rushbet in Mexico. 

Amplifying that presence since, Ölund will be tasked with forging relationships with brands in markets such as Mexico, Colombia and Paraguay.

“We are excited to welcome Ariadna to the Thunderkick team,” added Svante Sahlström, Chief Commercial Officer at Thunderkick.

“This region remains a focal point for commercial growth, and we have no doubt Ariadna will be pivotal in supporting our Latin American expansion.”

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Signalling Thunderkick’s second market entry in the region, the studio has bolstered its position in the Latin American market by leveraging Luckia’s wealth of experience in Colombia, where it launched in 2018. 

Mariam Dadosh, Account Manager at Thunderkick, stated: “Expansion across regulated Latin American markets remains a focal point of Thunderkick’s commercial plans, and the arrival in Colombia is evidence of our drive to diversify into new jurisdictions.

“Luckia is a trusted operator there, and we are delighted to provide them access to a range of our most popular games, aiding them in their mission to provide the optimal customer experience.”

As a result of the collaboration, Luckia players based in Colombia will be able to spin the reels on Thunderkick slots such as Xterminate, Midas Golden Touch 2 and 12 Bolts of Thunder.

The deal may also include Thunderkick’s latest release Eager Beavers, which claimed our latest Slot of the Week selection. 

Eloy Fernandez, Head of Product at Luckia, added: “Thunderkick has been creating unique, immersive games for over a decade, and we can’t wait to offer this portfolio to our players.

“Luckia prides itself on prioritising the player, and as a result, consistently updates its offering with state-of-the-art games from the industry’s most acclaimed providers. We are sure players will enjoy the innovation that goes hand-in-hand with Thunderkick titles.”

Elsewhere in the Americas, Thunderkick recently announced its entry into North America by partnering with LeoVegas and PokerStars in Ontario. Following the deal, CCO Svante Sahlström expanded on the studio’s plans for success on the continent. 

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