Game Sequels VIKINGS


MARCIN TOMALA Senior Game Designer Yggdrasil


Yggdrasil’s Vikings franchise has thrived since its 2015 debut by tapping into the shared spirit of risk and reward. Marcin Tomala says this same approach underpins spinoffs such as Lucky Apocalypse for Rainbow Ryan, ensuring each new title both delights loyal fans and attracts fresh audiences.


Yggdrasil's Vikings is one of the company's biggest game franchises with the first title, Vikings Go Wild, released back in 2015. Why does Vikings resonate with players?


It’s a fantastic question. It might sound unusual, but there is a certain overlap between the Players and Vikings, which makes them relatable in a strange way - both take risks to gain riches. It alone makes it a great starting point. Besides this simple but powerful connotation, the theme of northern vikings travelling and looting treasures around the globe provides a fantastic way to showcase the entire palette of places, adventures, characters, and scenarios, spicing up the spectacle even further.


In 2016 Yggdrasil released a sequel, Vikings Go Berzerk. How is the creative process for a sequel different from that of an original title? Are there different considerations concerning the use of game data, player feedback and market research?


Certainly, it is vastly different. We never create games “in the void”, of course. Before we sit down at the drawing board, we analyse a lot of data, feedback, market research, and all sorts of info. Sequels additionally have an additional governing variable, which is player expectations from the original game - “how do we enhance the original game, while maintaining its core experience”? It is indeed a fun journey on its own to come up with solutions to this question alone.


Te Vikings series now comprises six games with a seventh, Vikings Go To Olympus, set for release on April 24th. In what ways does the Vikings series encapsulate evolving player preferences over the last decade?


Te market grows and evolves, and indeed, we can not stand in the same spot. Players crave more action, new thrills, and fresh takes - that’s exactly what we focus on while creating new Vikings games. We listen to players’ feedback and we watch the market closely so we’re always in the loop and never behind.


How has each iteration incorporated unique mechanics, bonus features and themes whilst maintaining the charm and DNA of the original?


Te core value of the Vikings series has always been the thrill of combat and Sticky Wild Symbols. We always strive to pivot new features and tweaks around it: most changes either


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