Relax Gaming is not averse to wowing the industry and players alike when the time comes for the annual release of the studio’s flagship title, and 2024 certainly proved to not be the exception to the rule.
Set against the backdrop of much internal fanfare, as well as a product showcase on the shores of the sun-drenched Mediterranean, Ancient Tumble surged onto the scene earlier in year, charged with following on the successes on its multi-award winning predecessors.
With a few months now under its belt, Head of Games Daniel Jonsson caught up with CasinoBeats to delve into the strategic criteria that shaped the slot’s development, as well as offering insights into the creative process and how potential success of a game is assessed.
When developing a brand-new slot, what are the key considerations you must make during the creative process?
As a game designer, the key considerations when developing a new slot like Ancient Tumble revolve around several critical aspects. First, we focus on the core mechanics; for this game, we built on the successful tumble mechanics of Temple Tumble, enhancing them with new features that complement it to keep gameplay exciting.
Production quality is also vital. We aimed for the highest visual and audio standards that immerse players in a Cambodian jungle adventure theme, ensuring that every detail—from vibrant artwork to engaging sound design—supports the overall experience.
Do you have a specific game-plan you follow for each and every new game, or do you approach with a fresh mind each time?
At Relax, we generally approach each new game with a fresh perspective, focusing on developing unique mechanics, art, and gameplay that align with those mechanics. However, Ancient Tumble was a unique case, as it built upon the established mechanics and theme of Temple Tumble. For this project, our game plan was to enhance and expand those elements, ensuring we delivered an improved experience while staying true to the original.
How do you measure a previous game’s success and decide it will receive a sequel?
To measure a game’s success and determine if it warrants a sequel, we rely on insights from our BI team. They analyse metrics such as player engagement, session length, and retention rates. Temple Tumble stands out as our most played game, leading to the creation of Temple Tumble 2: Dream Drop, which became our top-performing Dream Drop title.
However, since not all casinos and markets offer jackpot games, we recognised the opportunity to develop a sequel that would be accessible to all players. This approach ensures we can reach a wider audience while building on the success of the original.
What sparks the inspiration behind a hit game at Relax Gaming?
The inspiration behind a hit game at Relax Gaming comes from a deep understanding of player preferences, combined with creativity and innovation. We continuously analyse market trends and player data to identify themes and mechanics that resonate most.
However, it’s not just about following trends – we push boundaries by adding our own unique twists and delivering immersive experiences through high-quality visuals, engaging gameplay, and dynamic sound design.
What big decisions were taken when coming up with Ancient Tumble?
Developing Ancient Tumble, heavily based on our top-performing title Temple Tumble, came with significant challenges. We had to strike a balance between keeping the familiarity that players loved while introducing fresh, innovative elements to ensure it wasn’t just a copy but an improvement. The key was creating a game that players could recognise but also feel excited about exploring in new ways.
Several important decisions shaped Ancient Tumble. First, we maintained the popular ‘ancient civilisation’ theme, but we elevated it with a realistic art style and most design elements done with 3D models as a base. In terms of game mechanics, we decided to incorporate ‘Heavy Wilds’ on the cascading reels and to expand the options of free spin modes to intensify excitement and reward potential, which we knew would enhance player engagement and retention.
Additionally, we opted for medium-to-high volatility, aiming to satisfy both casual players and high-risk takers. This decision was data-driven, reflecting market trends and player behaviour to maximise appeal. Finally, we invested in high-quality graphics and an immersive soundtrack to transport players into the ancient world, ensuring long-term engagement and enjoyment.
These decisions, grounded in creativity, player preference, and market insights, gave us confidence that Ancient Tumble would not only meet but exceed the success of its predecessor.
