Franchises have become a staple of the modern iGaming landscape. The familiarity offered by introducing sequels to popular slots titles has proven to be a hit among players.
None are arguably more familiar with this concept than Relax Gaming. There are multiple examples that demonstrate this success, with Money Train being one particular stand-out. However, the studio has now deemed that this is the right to to resurrect a past success story.
In conversation with iGaming Expert, Game Product Owner, Gabe Pisani, dissects exactly why Iron Bank is making a return to the reels, the reasons behind the decision, why an ongoing CasinoGrounds collaboration continues to bear fruit and why sequels will be a mainstay for the company.
iGaming Expert: Over the years, Iron Bank has built a loyal following. What made now the right time to create a full sequel?
Gabe Pisani: It’s something that had been building for a long time. Iron Bank became quite a cult classic, especially within the streaming community and among CasinoGrounds’ audience.
We’d been receiving consistent feedback from players asking for a sequel, not just casually, but with genuine enthusiasm. When we sat down to plan our roadmap, it felt like the perfect moment to bring it back.
We knew we had the chance to reintroduce a fan favourite, but only if we could elevate it and make it truly worthwhile.
Ultimately, we aimed to honour Iron Bank’s legacy while crafting a richer, more immersive experience. We’re dedicated to delivering a sequel that not only meets expectations but exceeds them, offering our community the excitement they seek.
iGX: Player feedback can be a powerful tool. How much did that input shape the development of Iron Bank 2?
GP: Hugely. It was at the heart of the entire process. Working closely with CasinoGrounds gave us a direct line to what players honestly thought, not just through their team but also via the streamers and the broader community that supports their content.
That feedback helped us make some crucial decisions. We knew we had to preserve what players loved about the original while also identifying areas for improvement.
That’s where ideas like the dual base game modes and bonus reels originated; they weren’t just internal innovations, but responses to honest conversations happening within the community.
iGX: Sequels come with baggage, especially when the original is so well-loved. What was the most challenging part of getting this one right?
GP: Expectations were undoubtedly the biggest challenge. When a game has such a reputation, people don’t just want more of the same; they want something that builds on what they loved, without losing the magic.
That’s a difficult balance to achieve. We had to be very careful at the start, ensuring we didn’t remove anything players were emotionally attached to. At the same time, we didn’t want to be too cautious.
Features like the escalating free spins and bonus symbol boost added new layers of excitement. However, we kept checking to ensure that the core identity of Iron Bank remained clear. It was a careful balancing act from start to finish.
iGX: Relax have now worked with CasinoGrounds on five different titles. How did that relationship shape the creative process this time around?
GP: By now, there’s a real rhythm and trust between our teams. We understand each other’s ways of working, and that makes a significant difference when you’re aiming to create something that genuinely resonates with players.
From the early stages of this project, CasinoGrounds was actively involved, helping us test concepts and providing feedback on what truly appeals to players. This was about more than validation; it was a genuine co-creation process.
Their insights allowed us to refine our ideas quickly and ensure we always considered the player’s perspective, leading to a final product we believe hits the mark.
iGX: Iron Bank 2 gives players far more control over their gameplay. Why was that added layer of choice so important?
GP: We’ve observed that today’s players desire more than just passively spinning reels; they want to influence how the game develops. With Iron Bank 2, we aimed to capture that shift in player behaviour.
Whether it’s choosing between random mystery or random wilds in the base game, or selecting different levels of free spins, it all contributes to that sense of agency. Giving players more control not only makes the game more engaging but also more personal, encouraging them to keep coming back.
iGX: Can we expect to see more sequels or revivals from Relax Gaming in 2026?
GP: It’s definitely something we’re open to, but only when it makes sense. We don’t pursue sequels just for the sake of it. There needs to be genuine demand and a clear opportunity to develop the concept in a meaningful way.
Iron Bank 2 was the right project at the right time, demonstrating the value of a community-led approach. If we recognise the same potential in other titles, we will certainly consider doing it again.
