Standing the test of time within such a fiercely competitive environment is no easy feat, but, for Thunderkick, the ability to remain nimble within a constantly changing world has allowed the company to achieve exactly that.
As the Stockholm-based studio stands on the precipice of reaching its century of games releases, a slightly reflective stance is taken on the journey so far, before we look ahead to the centurion and just why this will encapsulate the Thunderkick ethos to be a sure-fire hit.
Speaking to iGaming Expert and offering his expertise is Art Director, Tobias Örnberg, a long-standing employee of the developer having been with the group for over 14 years.
How to achieve longevity?
A question pondered by many, but one that is the golden chalice for iGaming studios around the world. For Thunderkick, this simply boils down to one not-so-secret ingredient. True independence.
As Head of Account Management, Johan Granberg, previously told iGaming Expert, this forms one of their strongest assets, permitting the adoption of a close collaborative approach with partners, enabling a seamless two-way connection, and enabling a natural vibe to spill over into games production.
For Örnberg, the possession of such a close-knit inner sanctum has been critical in achieving a number of milestones, as well as overcoming the setbacks that have been faced over the years.
“I would say that it is the people working here that help shape the company, and the stronger the bonds between people get, the better team collaborations we see as a result,” he begins when quizzed on what comes to mind in helping to shape Thunderkick into the company we see today.
“Of course there’s also forces from the outside world that shapes us in some ways, but since we’re a fairly small company we are still agile enough to adapt and make conscious choices that aligns with the company’s goals.”
Subsequently, this has seen all roads lead to 2026 and the centurion status that is set to be achieved in the near future, a feat that everyone connected with Thunderkick takes great pride in.
Upon setting off on its journey all those years ago, the supplier confesses to wanting to shake things up, not follow the rules and charter its own path on a foundation of creativity and passion.
This still rings true for Örnberg upon assessing the factors that have gotten Thunderkick to this point: “I’ve had the pleasure to be part of this company since the beginning, and it sure has been a journey,” he says.
“Even though the company has grown and matured, I still feel that the core essence of what Thunderkick is all about is still there, and that is the love for the games.”
What paves the road ahead?
Plotting the correct course when it comes to a future roadmap could arguably make or break a studio. Get things right as the ultimate rewards can be reaped, however, successive near misses can certainly crank up the pressure.
This can be undertaken in a number of ways. Do you follow trends, see the rise of more niche gaming segments, introduce a stream of sequel or franchise-based titles, adopt a strategy of standalone titles, or proceed with a mix of the above.
However, this is not simply a case of firing numerous arrows and hoping that one hits. A significant amount of research is placed into deciding what comes next, with Thunderkick certainly no different in adopting such a strategy.
“One approach is to analyse each successful game release and really dig into the data, but also realise that a game can be a ‘success’ in many ways,” Örnberg notes.
“I think a blend of structure, analytics, data and some craziness tossed in there helps shape the Thunderkick portfolio.”
With the past forming a central component for future success, the Art Director casts his mind back to the standout titles that have best resonated with players from the Thunderkick back catalogue.
Here, a special mention is made to the Esqueleto Explosivo universe, Midas, Pink Elephants, and Hot Potato as having “all performed very well”, with “players seeming to like those games as much as we do”.
Wildos is also hailed as holding a crucial space within the Thunderkick portfolio, with this series set to take the company to three figures later this month.
The bandits are back
Following a maiden appearance in March 2023 and subsequent follow up in February last year, Wildos will make a third appearance on 22 April and optimism is through the roof.
3 Wildos promises to be a fast paced ride packed with personality, mischief and chaos, with the 5 reels and 9 paylines adventure’ all about bold moves’.
Örnberg concludes by touching upon why this third instalment was chosen to become Thunderkick’s centurion, as well as the reasons that lie behind such internal confidence.
“The game is called ‘3 Wildos’ and expands the Wildos universe further,” he ends. “This time the Wildos have managed to get themselves tangled up deep in the Mesoamerican jungle.
“Everything we liked about the previous Wildos games are in there along with some new features we really feel will make a fun gaming experience.
“3 Wildos have that same quirkiness to it as the previous games, that in combination with tight gameplay, solid math and fun ante bet options I feel like this game has everything going for it. I hope the players have as much fun with the game as we had making it.”
