Ancient Tumble – Interview with Relax Gaming

Interview with Kunal Patel-Smith

Relax Gaming‘s release Ancient Tumble is highly regarded as one of the best in the series so far, and perhaps even one of their most popular games to date.

With core elements of past games and the inclusion of modern popular features, Ancient Tumble stands out as a feature-rich slot with undeniable appeal. 

To explore its success, we spoke to Kunal Patel-Smith, Game Production Director at Relax Gaming. 

Ancient Tumble Base Game

Mark: How do you come up with the concept of a new title, in this case, Ancient Tumble?

Kunal: There’s no one single source of inspiration when it comes to conceiving a brand-new title.

Sometimes it might be that the Product Owners and Math teams are working together on a new feature that they really enjoy, and from that a new game is born to accommodate it.

On the other hand, an idea for a game can come to fruition in months, if not years ahead of its release when we’re assessing our roadmap to see where we can plug gaps in the market and innovative with unique new concepts. 

Mark: Who decides what features and mechanics should go into a new title? Is it a collaborative effort?

Kunal: This is normally decided by the game Product Owners and Math teams.

These talented colleagues have a deep understanding of the overall tone we are trying to set with any given title, and they know how to achieve that.

Once we go into production, the Game teams will also provide their own feedback and suggestions, further refining the game until it’s ready to go live.

All-in-all I would say that it's a very collaborative effort, this has gone a long way towards making our content look and feel as special as it is.

When it’s our headline game of the year, we’re sure to give it all the love and attention it deserves!

Mark: How far in advance did your design team begin creating graphical elements ahead of Ancient Tumble’s release?

Kunal: As soon as we knew we were going to make Ancient Tumble, everyone was aware that we had to hit the ground running as soon as possible. The mantra was the earlier, the better. 

I believe we started production seven months before the live date for Ancient Tumble, ultimately this allowed us to get as much into the game as possible.

It’s not always possible to put this much time into a title when you have a roadmap to adhere to, but when it’s our headline game of the year, we’re sure to give it all the love and attention it deserves! 

Mark: Are there ever instances where you need to make major changes to a game just days ahead of its release?

Kunal: I would love to say no, but the reality is yes, it's rare, but there have been times when we have no choice but to remove or add something at the last minute.

I can confidently say that we have the best games teams in the industry, and when something like this happens, we all come together, and we all collectively evaluate the issue; each area will bring a solution, and then we all decide on directions, and then we execute.

We have done this a few times, and I am always so proud of what we can achieve, even in the face of adversity.

I believe that innovation is the key to success, and being the first to the market is key.

Mark: At what point do you know whether a game will be a major hit with players, operators, and affiliates?

Kunal: That is a great question and always near impossible to know until players are actively playing the game.

One thing is for sure though, we actively listen to all the feedback that comes through and base our future decisions on those thoughts. So, if we can see a game has done well, you can most certainly expect us to tap into that going forward. 

Mark: Do you take it as a compliment when other suppliers take inspiration from your most successful games, or is it a particular point of contention?

Kunal: You know what they say: “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”

I believe that innovation is the key to success, and being the first to the market is key.

So when you see others taking inspiration, you know you are on the right track, and you know that what you are doing is right as there is there always a degree of doubt with everything we do as human beings, it’s only natural.