Golden Blitz Unveiled: An Exclusive Q&A with Alexander Monsma
Fortune Factory Studios' Alexander Monsma, Business Development Manager, takes us behind the scenes of Gold Blitz Ultimate™. We had the opportunity to ask important, player-focused questions about the new game mechanics and what the future holds for the developers.
1. Gold Blitz was first introduced in 2022 and has since become a popular mechanic across the iGaming world. Can you tell us about the success of the original Gold Blitz mechanic and why you think it resonated so well with players?
There are several factors we believe contributed to the success of Gold Blitz. The high visibility of cumulative rewards and jackpot prizes on the reels is key, as is the high hit frequency of the Gold Blitz symbol, which lands roughly once in every 21 spins, and is very dramatic when it does. The collection of prizes is visceral – players are pulled into the lightning bolt from across the reels, and when two land, it’s twice the fun and twice the payout!
The game also includes a rich variety of features that work well in tandem, such as direct cash and jackpot collection, six reels with stacked symbols, and 4,096 ways to win. There is great payout potential in the game as a result of large, prominent stacks of high-paying symbols, three static jackpots up to 2,500x, and multiplier wilds present during free spins.
There is also the opportunity for players to directly purchase rare features, which has become standard in all Gold Blitz games in regulated markets. All these positives, coupled with the high energy, class-leading visuals and soundtrack provide a toe-tapping experience that stays with players long after a game session is finished.
2. Now with Gold Blitz Ultimate™, can you walk us through what’s new in this game compared to the original Gold Blitz?
The first thing players will notice is the expanded grid, now with 6,400 ways to win and extended reel strips on reels one and six. We have taken steps to ensure maximum engagement in the base game, with cash multipliers up to 5x present alongside multiple jackpots and a Bonus Guarantee Collection Meter, the latter of which increases each time there is a bonus trigger near miss and automatically awards the feature when filled. This enhances action from the outset and generates excitement with each and every spin.
The prizes on offer in the Gold Blitz Respin feature have been amplified with cash multipliers up to 10x, while the flexibility over bonus buy options gives players unprecedented control over their session, with a choice between cash multipliers and the Blitz Boost™ mode.
3. Many studios have adopted the Gold Blitz mechanic since its release. How does it feel to see other developers incorporating this approach, and what do you think has contributed to its widespread appeal?
We are stoked to see so many new Gold Blitz games popping up on the market! As the Gold Blitz mechanic marries with more themes and reaches more players around the world, it increases its own momentum and triggers a snowball effect. There are many contributing factors to its global appeal, including the satisfying visual experience of electrifying lightning bolts, the variety of unique bonus options, and of course, the big win potential.
We’re keeping a very close eye on each iteration to ensure that all new Gold Blitz titles retain a strong sense of brand continuity and distinctiveness. A key aspect of this process has been to create a ‘brand guide’ that documents key pieces of the Gold Blitz experience, be it symbols, animations, logos, or gameplay experiences, ensuring these elements are retained across all games: past, present, and future.
4. What was the main inspiration behind Gold Blitz Ultimate™ that shaped this new release?
In Gold Blitz Ultimate™ we’ve taken the brand’s mechanics and woven them together in a more cohesive manner, amplifying key experiences and gameplay for the most customisable and exciting experience.
One of the major goals for this latest release was to have all features available across all game modes, in particular, the Gold Blitz prize collection and jackpots. We also added a cash multiplier to the game that climbs up to 5x in the base game and 10x in free spins, which remains active until a Gold Blitz collection occurs, increasing the opportunity for bigger wins.
It was important for us to extend more control to players enabling them to ‘play their way.’ A new and highly configurable bonus buy allows players unprecedented access to every variation of the free spins feature, including the starting cash multiplier. The addition of two new Blitz Boost™ modes allows players to double the frequency of Gold Blitz symbols landing on every single spin.
5. Can you share some of the standout features of Gold Blitz Ultimate™ that you think will make it a must-play title this December?
The Blitz Boost™ feature is a truly standout inclusion that we’re sure will resonate with players. Each level of the Gold Blitz bonus can be activated at any time, ensuring a Blitz symbol lands on every spin. With Blitz icons landing more frequently, respins will occur more often too, and when the Blitz Boost™ mode is active upon triggering the bonus, free spins will be supercharged.
The persistent cash multiplier is a key feature of the game that weaves throughout every game mode. During respins, the cash multiplier is locked for up to three respins, and multiplier boosts up to 10x can occur, significantly increasing payouts. The cash multiplier active when the bonus is triggered carries into free spins as the starting multiplier and continues to grow, capping out at 10x for the duration.
6. In what ways has player feedback from previous Gold Blitz games informed your approach to developing Gold Blitz Ultimate™?
Gold Blitz Respins were enormously popular in the Extreme version of the game, so we aimed to make them even more powerful in Gold Blitz Ultimate™. Up to three respins, random cash multiplier increases, and a special 10x ‘Multiplier Malfunction’ are available in this newest iteration.
Gold Blitz cash collection is the key mechanic for all games in the series and we know players are always looking for more Blitz action, as well as higher win potential. The cash multiplier provides players with a more varied and potentially lucrative Gold Blitz experience than ever before, and it is available in all game modes.
7. Could you tell us a bit about the creative process behind the visuals and audio for Gold Blitz Ultimate™?
The Gold Blitz series has always been heavily influenced by console video gaming. Dynamic visuals and striking, over-the-top effects are in constant flux, responding to gameplay events and exploding with key wins. While the iconography in the game might be considered casino-themed (gold bars, horseshoe, etc.), there is a not-so-subtle glam-rock influence throughout the title. The heavy electric guitar melodies laced throughout the musical composition have true head-banging rock anthem potential!
8. How does Gold Blitz Ultimate™ fit into Fortune Factory’s wider portfolio and contribute to the studio’s identity and goals?
While the Gold Blitz brand is the cornerstone of the Fortune Factory portfolio, in the past year we’ve had a number of other very successful titles, including several 333 POWER COMBO™ games, 333 Fat Frogs™, and 333 Boom Banks™. At our core, we focus on creating product with personality. This equates to highly immersive, quality slot game experiences with popular, proven mechanics and polished graphics that leave a positive, long-lasting impression on players.
You can expect to see more new Gold Blitz titles coming in 2025!
Conclusion
With the release of Gold Blitz Ultimate™, Games Global has achieved another successful milestone. Despite being in the market for just two years, the studio continues to deliver top-notch gameplay and exciting new mechanics. Just like their previous releases, the new slot is set for success, further contributing to the growth of the Gold Blitz series.
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