### Interview with Lars Kollind, Head of Business Development at Swintt
With the upcoming launch of Elysium Studios’ holiday-themed game, *Chessmas*, we spoke with Lars Kollind, Swintt’s Head of Business Development. He shared insights about the challenges of creating seasonal games and the importance of innovative mechanics to maintain player interest all year round.
**CasinoBeats:** Seasonal games can refresh a player’s interest in your offerings. What are some challenges you face when designing these games?
**Lars Kollind:** Designing a standout seasonal game is challenging because every developer is creating holiday-themes. The key is blending familiar seasonal themes, like a warm winter setting for Christmas, with fresh game mechanics or innovative features. Achieving a balance between uniqueness and enjoyment is vital, as we’ve aimed to do with games like *Chessmas*.
**CB:** How do you make sure your games stand out when the themes are already widely used?
**LK:** It involves thinking creatively and employing features that set your game apart. With *Chessmas*, we’ve mixed a classic Christmas backdrop with wild symbols that move like chess pieces on a bonus reel. We’ve enhanced the board game theme by allowing players to roll dice and navigate a track for multipliers, capturing the family game spirit of Christmas.
**CB:** From the player’s perspective, is there value in seasonal slot games?
**LK:** Definitely. Past evidence shows that seasonal titles captivate players, whether they’re themed around Halloween, Christmas, or any holiday. During festive times, people gravitate towards things that enhance their holiday spirit. The challenge lies in designing a game that remains engaging beyond the season, making smart mechanics crucial.
**CB:** Is the appeal of seasonal games increasing or waning with new trends?
**LK:** Our experience suggests it’s growing. Our four-year-old *Golden Reindeer* slot remains a top performer not only during Christmas but all year. A game’s enduring appeal isn’t bound to its release timing, and we hope *Chessmas* achieves lasting popularity with its unique features.
**CB:** Do certain seasonal themes outperform others?
**LK:** It seems that globally recognized holidays, like Christmas, attract broader interest, potentially outperforming region-specific themes. Consider also the duration of the holiday; Christmas usually allows for more leisure time, unlike a non-holiday like Valentine’s, where players might not have as much free time.