As a key game producer within the Games Global structure, Gameburger Studios has been creating some of the most successful titles on the iGaming market. However, they do not plan to rest on their laurels. Instead, they are gearing up for new releases, the introduction of innovative technology, and entering new markets.
In an exclusive discussion with SlotsCalendar, Associate Business Development Manager at MahiGaming, charts the producer’s expansion and discusses balancing both present and future success.
For readers just meeting Gameburger Studios, give us the 15-second “bold US-flavour” elevator pitch.
Gameburger Studios is one of MahiGaming’s most successful and dynamic studios, highlighted by numerous industry awards. Our expertise lies in building character-driven brands that resonate with players, and the Masks of Fire™ franchise is a testament to this. The series continues to engage players worldwide with immersive game environments and unique mechanics, showcasing the studio’s talent for building standout content that lasts.
12 Masks of Fire™ Drum Frenzy™ has just hit lobbies. What was it that told you this theme would make for a long-standing, successful franchise complete with fresh spin-offs each year?
This is the third game in the main Masks of Fire™ franchise, although there are several spin-offs which integrate popular progressive jackpot mechanics and transcend the slots vertical, such as 9 Masks of Fire Roulette™. This makes it Games Global’s second strongest game brand, trailing only Gold Blitz™. The second title, 12 Masks of Fire Drums™, was released in July last year and broke records, spotlighting the brand’s potential. Given the incredible work put in by the team, we are confident in its success.
What is new visually or mechanically in this title compared to earlier iterations of the series?
Firstly, we have added a new mask symbol, which carries cash values – when three or more of the Masks Epic StrikeTM land, these values are added to the tower prizes to increase win potential. The most significant update is the addition of Jumbo and Cash Drums, which are linked to the bonus feature. If a player activates the feature with a Jumbo Drum, Jumbo drum symbols are activated. Entering the bonus with a Cash Drum means there is an opportunity that the drums collected during the feature will reveal an additional cash value. There is also the possibility of activating the bonus with both drums active, combining the two new elements and causing a Drum Frenzy! Additionally, the random Tower Bonus includes the potential to activate cash prizes as well as the three bonus features.
Players love seeing a franchise evolve. When you revisit a hit game, how do you decide what to keep familiar versus what to reinvent?
I think it is important to maintain key elements of what made the first game so successful, as well as thinking about what changes can be made to enhance the player’s experience. Our lead designer on this game is well-versed on this subject and has had a lot of success with previous MahiGaming releases, such as Rising RewardsTM, which was released under our Triple Edge Studios brand.
The main aspect of the first game is the Epic StrikeTM mechanic. With the second game, we amplified this by offering an increased number of masks that turn up the heat on win potential for players with the Epic StrikeTM Tower Win. By integrating additional features including a much more dynamic bonus feature experience with the Jumbo, Cash and Drum Frenzy enhancements, meaning the gameplay experience will vary with every session.
Epic Strike™ has become a Gameburger Studios signature, yet you’ve started pairing it with Rising Rewards™ and now expanding-reel bonus levels. How do you decide when to layer mechanics versus when to ship a clean experience?
Players have come to expect the constant evolution of their favourite games and mechanics; this challenge is what gets us up in the morning. We love designing engaging and fresh games. However, it is no easy feat utilising popular mechanics in new releases, as players have preconceived notions about what to expect and are always likely to compare the new experience with the original. It’s about striking the right balance between familiarity and freshness.
Gameburger Studios games have now touched regulated US states, Ontario, and multiple EU jurisdictions. Beyond language and currency, what’s the first thing you tweak to fit each crowd?
It’s important to adjust game visuals and audio to suit different player preferences. In fact, this engine was repurposed in February this year when we created Carnaval DrumsTM, a Latin American-inspired slot designed to resonate in the Brazilian market. Instead of the traditional African masks, players are looking to collect the type of masks that you would expect to see at Brazilian Carnaval, with the drum symbols changing from bongos to snare drums. The game is absolutely stunning, and the team did an amazing job creating a truly vibrant atmosphere.
Looking ahead, what new mechanic or IP on your 2025 slate do you believe will get the interweb buzzing?
We obviously don’t want to give out any big secrets or ruin any surprises before launch, but I will say we have some awesome new features in store as well as some brand collaborations on the horizon that are sure to get the industry talking!
