Games pioneer Fredrik Elmqvist has returned to game design with the launch of EXCO Game Studio, and tells iGamingExpert that his new venture is ready to test his bold new ideas to disrupt the market that has become too standardised in its game creation.
EXCO Game Studio has launched with a statement of intent made by igaming figurehead Fredrik Elmqvist to deliver high-impact experiences for players and disrupt a gaming environment that has become sterile and stagnant in innovation.
Elmqvist is the former founder of Yggdrasil Gaming, the heritage Stockholm studio that since 2013 has led in jackpot tournaments, HTML game development and in-play reward functions.
Taking on the name of EXCO, short for Excommunicado – Elmqvist returns with a studio that has been developed “in the shadows,” with an emphasis on “crafting every game from scratch”.
Elmqvist stands by his founder’s philosophy in which “game development must be shaped by player interests and influenced by emerging trends beyond gaming itself.
For Elmqvist, EXCO will serve as the antithesis of what he sees as a stale studio model, reliant on recycling engines and monetising standard themes such as buffalo or Egyptian-style slots – “the clone games syndrome” as expressed by Elmqvist.
“EXCO doesn’t chase volume. A game drops when it’s ready – fewer releases, higher quality,” he explained.
The studio’s approach is designed to ensure each release stands out with immersive gameplay, artistic flair and proprietary mechanics.
“I’m going to be honest, the industry has become a bit tired and lazy, stuck in a cycle of uninspiring product rollouts, sequels and reskins, which is why we’ve launched EXCO,” Elmqvist told iGamingExpert.
EXCO’s debut title, VEGASCALINE, will be unveiled at next week’s SBC Summit Lisbon, alongside its new GAMEX mechanic suite, which features innovations such as Wrapper Stacks, Power Field, Boss Fights, Power Bar and Doubling Dial.
Elmqvist added:“Our approach to development is that we won’t ship what we won’t play. We’ve been working for some time to create an exciting roadmap of games that will genuinely shake things up.
Come and see us on our stand at SBC Summit Lisbon next week to see what all the fuss is about. We’re going to be showcasing some industry-first UX on a massive LED screen, which you won’t be able to miss.”
EXCO’s Lisbon launch will mark the first in a roadmap of more than 30 titles, with five additional games set to roll out rapidly in its first wave. Ahead of the event, a live beta with select operators begins on 11 September to capture watchability and pacing data.
