Launched in 2022, Fortune Factory Studios introduced Gold Blitz, which swiftly garnered a significant fan base. The theme behind Gold Blitz has since been adopted by other studios under Games Global, amplifying its influence and solidifying its appeal as a beloved internal franchise within the company.
The initial success of Gold Blitz led to the development of two new versions, named Extreme and Ultimate. These iterations enhance the original concept, pushing it to new heights.
Walter Bugno, CEO of Games Global, shares his perspective on the brand’s evolution and its widespread appeal across different audiences.
**The Origin of Gold Blitz**
The concept for the game first emerged in early 2022 with the launch of Fortune Factory Studios’ Mask of Amun. Although the visual elements differed from the now-famous lightning bolts associated with Gold Blitz, the game’s potential was evident due to strong performance indicators.
Following the positive reception, the team at Fortune Factory focused on enhancing the game’s visuals to offer an engaging gaming experience. This led to the creation of new symbols that capture the dynamic motion and anticipation intrinsic to Gold Blitz, echoing the vibrant energy of the frequent Cash Collect feature.
Inspired by high-end console video games, these graphics achieved the intended visual impact. Although there was no certainty that the game would resonate with players, the Fortune Factory team succeeded in delivering an outstanding visual and gameplay experience. Gold Blitz launched in December 2022, quickly rising in popularity.
**Blending Popular Brands**
A key factor in the success of the Gold Blitz franchise is its integration with other renowned brands within the Games Global portfolio. Currently, there are 32 games utilizing the Gold Blitz concept, such as Fishin’ Pots of Gold: Gold Blitz, Blazing Bison Gold Blitz, and the newly released Thunderstruck Gold Blitz Extreme.
By merging popular brands, we draw in each brand’s audience, expanding the player base. Despite some player overlap, these releases attract unique players due to their associations with either brand, enhancing Games Global’s visibility and expanding the player pool for operator partners.
This brand integration strategy has been critical since Gold Blitz’s inception, gaining the highest number of players worldwide when compared to Games Global’s other offerings, and consistently ranking among the top slots in various regulated markets globally.
In 2024, Games Global reinforced its strategy to maintain a leading IP content portfolio by forming new partnerships with prestigious global brands, integrating them with some of our most successful games.
This strategy includes a focus on combat sports, through collaborations with the Ultimate Fighting Championship and World Wrestling Entertainment. This cooperation resulted in the creation of new slot games, offering a unique way for fans to engage with sports icons like Jon Jones, Amanda Nunes, John Cena, and The Undertaker. These additions to the Gold Blitz series appeal even to casual players, boosting the franchise’s performance by capitalizing on existing audiences and universal brand synergies.
**Constant Evolution: The Key to Success**
Ensuring a brand’s sustained success revolves around constant evolution, highlighted by updates in graphics, math models, and gameplay features that contribute to the series’ longevity.
The breakthrough of Gold Blitz was driven by a range of unique factors, refined through data analysis and rigorous A-B-C testing—all of which contributed to its transformation from a standalone game to an evolving franchise.
Rather than resting on our laurels, we have continuously evolved Gold Blitz, introducing first Gold Blitz Extreme, and recently, Gold Blitz Ultimate. The latter includes 5x multipliers in the base game and 10x multipliers during the bonus, enhancing payouts. Additionally, a new Blitz Boost feature has been introduced, which either doubles the frequency of Blitz symbols or guarantees at least one appears with every spin.
With a customizable bonus buy feature now available, allowing entry into the bonus at any level, Fortune Factory Studios has innovated the brand, optimizing gameplay and creating a captivating experience centered around players.
Prize collection is integral to Gold Blitz, and the potential for this genre is vast. As we look to 2025, new titles are being developed with fresh mechanics to further the series progression.
Gold Blitz has evolved into a global phenomena, though our journey is far from over. Games Global continually partners with new studios to license the brand, aiming to reach players in diverse markets worldwide, as we strive to deliver unforgettable gaming experiences.