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We know you were waiting for it, so here we are yet with another interview. This time, scratching the industry surface, Lauren Herbst manages to make her studio, PearFiction, be heard.
If you had the chance to try Squealin Riches or Treasures of Kilauea, Lauren is about to divulge some news that will make your day ten times better. Pay attention to the first part of the interview to learn about how Lauren is using her imagination to innovate and create impressive, unforgettable games in an industry that some would consider to have seen them all.
From South Africa and all the way to Montreal, Lauren Herbst followed her dreams and proved her worth, and she is now leading her team with one clear purpose: to see PearFiction on the wall of fame. Find out more about her background and how she mixes management skills with creative and lucrative approaches to release games that change the world!
Find out how hard her shell is!
Can you share your professional journey and what ultimately led you to become a Game Owner at PearFiction Studios?
I kicked off my career in the industry back in 2015, diving into project management. From there, I transitioned into managing design, and that’s where I truly found my groove. Art and design have always been my passion. I’ve always had an eye for how things look and like to see projects through until it all comes together. So, when the opportunity to step into the Game Owner role at PearFiction Studios came up, I was beyond excited. It felt like the perfect fit, bringing my design expertise and project management skills together in one creative and very dynamic role. It’s been a journey of blending my love for art with the excitement of creating something players will love.
In a market filled with digital gaming options, PearFiction Studios has carved out a distinctive space. What do you believe distinguishes your studio from competitors?
I think that what sets PearFiction Studios apart is the sheer amount of love, heart and creativity we pour into every single game. We place emphasis on making sure we don’t just blend in with the crowd, we want to stand out, and we do that by putting our quirky spin on everything we create. No idea is too left field for us, and if something seems that it may be, that is exactly what we will do.
You’re about to launch Squealin’ Riches 2™, the sequel to one of PearFiction’s biggest hits. What motivated the decision to revisit this title, and what new features or enhancements can players expect?
The motivation behind revisiting Squealin’ Riches was simple, we wanted to take our biggest game and most popular character ever and make it even bigger and better by creating a sequel.
The original game had a solid foundation, and we knew there was so much more we could do with it. We’ve taken the original mechanics that worked so well and introduced a brand-new loot-collecting mechanic, which together, fit perfectly with the theme. This allowed us to expand the Squealin’ Riches brand and take it to new heights. Players can expect an even more exciting experience that’s packed with surprises around every spin.
PearFiction is known for combining narrative elements with creative game mechanics. When developing a new slot game, how do you balance storytelling, features, and technical elements?
Storytelling is the heart and soul of any game we create. Once we’ve nailed down the concept, it’s about finding that sweet spot where all the elements, narrative, features, and technical aspects, don’t just coexist, but actually enhance each other. At PearFiction, everything is designed with our signature edge, ensuring that the mechanics serve the story and vice versa. We want players to feel fully immersed, so they’re not just playing a game; they’re living the story. It’s all about keeping that balance and making sure every detail immerses the player in the experience. We believe that when the features and story are in perfect harmony, the magic happens.
How do you decide when to refine existing features like LockNWin™ and SwiftHits™ versus creating something entirely new?
Refining existing features is like revisiting an old favorite book and adding a few new chapters. Players already love features like LockNWin™ and SwiftHits™ because they bring excitement and anticipation to every spin. If a feature is performing well, why not add a few extra layers to its charm? It’s all about enhancing what works and making sure the feature evolves in a way that feels fresh but still familiar— giving players a sense of “Ah, I know this, but it’s even better!” It’s about keeping the core of what makes the feature fun while giving it that little extra spark to elevate the gameplay.
Exclusive branded slots are becoming more common. PearFiction has worked with brands like PokerStars, William Hill, and Flutter Entertainment — how do these partnerships shape your creative process, and what challenges arise when developing casino-specific content?
Collaborating with operators like William Hill and Flutter is always an exciting creative opportunity. Each brand brings its own identity and player preferences to the table, and our job is to build on that and craft an experience that feels uniquely theirs. It’s not just about making a great game, it’s about co-creating something that connects with their audience.
These partnerships are deeply collaborative, from concept to delivery. There’s a lot of open dialogue, idea sharing, and creative back-and-forth, and that relationship-building is what makes the end result so strong. We love taking their player insights and brand goals and turning them into engaging gameplay that still carries our PearFiction personality.
The online slot industry is evolving with new trends like crash games, hybrid mechanics, and AI-driven personalization. What trends are you most excited about, and how does PearFiction stay ahead of the curve?
PearFiction is always on the lookout for the trends that will shape the future of gaming. We keep our finger on the pulse of industry trends, and we aim to be at the forefront of the latest developments. We place strong emphasis on creative innovation, data-driven insights, and player feedback. Our development process is iterative, meaning we’re always testing new concepts, mechanics and features. For us, it’s all about striking that perfect balance between pushing boundaries and staying true to what makes PearFiction unique.
PearFiction has expanded across multiple regulated markets. What are some regional differences in player preferences, and how do you tailor games for different audiences?
Expanding across multiple regulated markets has been a thrilling journey for us at PearFiction. What we’ve found is that player preferences can vary quite a bit depending on the region. For example, in some markets, players are drawn to high-volatility games with big win potential, while in others, there’s a stronger preference for more feature-rich, low-volatility titles that provide consistent excitement.
Our creative process involves understanding the cultural context of each market, what resonates with players, what symbols and themes might appeal to them, and even the type of gameplay they gravitate toward. But no matter where we’re launching, we always keep the PearFiction touch, those quirky, fun, and unique elements that make our games stand out.
It’s all about finding that sweet spot where our global appeal meets the local flavor, ensuring that every player, no matter where they are, feels like the game was made just for them.
Navigating regulations across different jurisdictions can be complex. How does PearFiction Studios ensure compliance while maintaining creativity in game development?
Our teams are incredibly diligent when it comes to understanding and adhering to the various regulatory requirements across different jurisdictions. The true MVPs in this process are our phenomenal QA team. They work tirelessly to ensure that every game we release meets the regulatory standards while still maintaining the fun, innovative elements that are at the core of our brand.
In an industry where player interests shift rapidly, what strategies help ensure PearFiction’s games maintain their appeal over time?
In an industry where change is the only constant, PearFiction’s approach is to stay ahead by focusing on what keeps players invested: engaging gameplay, constant innovation, and a deep understanding of player needs. By balancing the art of storytelling, the science of data, and the joy of exploration, at PearFiction we keep our games feeling fresh, exciting, and always worth revisiting.
Your role requires balancing creativity, technical execution, and business strategy. What skills do you think are essential for someone looking to succeed in game development?
To succeed in game development, you need to thrive in a fast-paced environment, have strong management skills, and understand the entire systems development life cycle. These skills are crucial for making informed decisions and ensuring the success of the game at every stage. Balancing creativity, technical execution, and business strategy is key.
Finally, what’s next for PearFiction Studios? Are there any upcoming releases or major developments you’re excited about?
There’s always something exciting on the horizon for PearFiction! We’re continuing to push boundaries with fresh themes and innovative mechanics. Some upcoming releases I’m particularly excited about include Betberian Bounty ™ and a potential follow up to Alpha Gods: Zeus ™. These games will blend captivating narratives with new mechanics that elevate the player experience. We’re all about keeping things creative, dynamic, and player-focused, so you can expect plenty of surprises as we continue to evolve!
This interview was authored by Alexandra Mureșan, with special thanks to Lauren Herbst for her invaluable contribution to the creation of this piece.
