Hideous Slots x PearFiction Interview

Spokesperson – Hayden Zwart – Creative Director

Hideous Slots took the time out to speak with Hayden Zwart creative director at Pear Fiction Studios. We asked him about the eagerly anticipated Squealin’ Riches 2, the Loot Collection mechanic, creative freedoms, and what's next.

Gareth: Squealin’ Riches 2 is finally here after nearly four years, what made now the right time to revisit your most iconic piggy?

Our beloved piggy has always had a special place in our hearts. Squealin’ Riches™ was a breakout success for us, and we knew there was more story (and more squealing!) to explore.

We wanted to wait for the perfect opportunity to revisit the franchise, the timing had to feel right, and more importantly, we needed something fresh that would truly elevate the experience for players.

Once we landed on the Loot Collect™ mechanic and saw how it could amplify the energy of the original, everything clicked. We’re always paying attention to market trends and player feedback, and this felt like the perfect moment to bring Piggy back with bigger features, bolder design, and plenty of surprises.

Gareth: Loot Collect replaces the original LockNWin mechanic, how did this new feature come to life, and what makes it unique?

We’re really excited about the Loot Collect™ feature. Like with all our features, the starting point is always the same: what’s going to be the most exciting and entertaining experience for the player? With Loot Collect™, we wanted to introduce a mechanic that not only offers a variety of prize types, but also opens the door to exciting combinations and unexpected moments.

What makes it stand out is the flexibility, players can collect coins, and those coins can be modified in several ways. Modifiers can be stacked, two Collects can land on the same spin, and on top of all that, there’s the potential to trigger the Bonus Wheel™.

When you put all of these possibilities together, it creates a dynamic and unpredictable experience that we think players are going to love.

Squealin Riches 2 base game play

Gareth: PearFiction is known for quirky characters and polished visuals, what was the creative direction behind Squealin’ Riches 2, and how did you keep the piggy personality alive?

With Squealin’ Riches 2™, we wanted to dial everything up, especially the charm and charisma of our iconic Piggy. From the very beginning, we knew Piggy had star power, so we leaned into that by creating more interactive animations and playful moments that let his personality shine.

Whether he’s popping out of the logo, celebrating big wins, or engaging with the in-game features, Piggy is more expressive than ever. We also expanded the game’s world, diving deeper into the vault and all the treasures within, to give players even more visual delight and fun surprises along the way. It’s all about bringing the character, and the excitement, to life in a bigger, bolder way.

Gareth: How much creative freedom do studios like PearFiction have under the Games Global umbrella, especially when it comes to designing new mechanics like Loot Collect?

Being part of the Games Global ecosystem gives us the best of both worlds, unmatched support and full creative freedom. We’re backed by a powerful network that provides access to cutting-edge data, market trends, and player insights, but the creative reins remain firmly in our hands.

When developing new mechanics like Loot Collect™, we strike a balance between proven player preferences and bold, original ideas. At PearFiction, we’re known for putting our own unique spin on everything we touch, and that’s exactly what keeps our games fresh, fun, and unmistakably us.

Gareth: The original Squealin’ Riches had a lasting legacy, what kind of impact or footprint are you hoping this sequel leaves on players and the wider slots space?

With Squealin’ Riches 2™, we set out to build on what made the original so memorable, its lovable character, standout personality, and engaging mechanics. Our goal is to capture the hearts of returning fans while captivating a whole new wave of players.

By expanding the gameplay and layering in a variety of exciting new features, we’ve created a dynamic experience that keeps players engaged and entertained. We believe this sequel doesn’t just honour the legacy, it pushes the boundaries of what’s expected in the modern slots space, delivering a rich, feature-packed journey that keeps the thrill alive from the first spin to the last.

Squealin Riches 2 Free Spins play with 4 pots active

Gareth: Finally, what’s coming next? Will we be seeing more Loot Collect, more squealing pigs, or something entirely new on the horizon?

We’re just getting started! The Loot Collect™ mechanic has incredible potential for evolution, and we’re already exploring new ways to build on it and weave it into future experiences.

As for our beloved Piggy, he’s far too iconic to stay away for long, so don’t be surprised if he makes another grand entrance down the line. That said, we’re also hard at work on a diverse slate of new themes and mechanics.

At PearFiction, timing is everything, we strive to stay one step ahead of player expectations and deliver exactly what the industry is craving. The future is looking bold, bright, and full of surprises, and we can’t wait to share what’s coming next.