🎤 4ThePlayer Slots Q&A with Henry McLean

May 2025 Q&A

I sat down with Henry McLean from 4ThePlayer to talk about their exciting upcoming releases and their hopes for 2025.

Q: Henry, it has been a little while since we last caught up! Congratulations on such a successful 2024 at 4ThePlayer. What can we look forward to 4ThePlayer in 2025?

HM: “Yes, it has been a while and thank you! Last year was actually our most successful yet, with so many new regulated markets and games that players really enjoy. The most popular being 4 Fantastic Vikings Go Fishing, that was our collaboration with Yggdrasil, taking their mighty Vikings on a Fantastic Fishing adventure.

2025 is already shaping up to be our busiest year yet, with more games in the roadmap than ever before. That said, we are still very much a slot boutique, not a content factory. We have scaled the team slightly, and with so many of our games resonating with players, there are a few sequels that now feel like the right move, as well as endless new ideas!

This year 10,000 X Gold has been a huge hit as well, and I know I should not say, but I’ve got a real sweet spot for that game - it's such fun and a super polished production! In terms of going forward, here is a quick preview of what is coming up…

We have just launched 5 Wild Buffalo 2, the sequel to 5 Wild Buffalo, which introduces the Golden Buffalo and adds even more excitement and win potential on every spin.

Next is 4 Pirates Chests, featuring an entirely new mechanic called BOOMPOTSᵀᴹ. The game can suddenly boom on any spin with big wins.

Then we have 4 Fantastic Fish Amazon Adventure, the latest title in our Fantastic series. Players head into the Amazon rainforest, not the online shop, and encounter meat-eating piranhas, manatees and pink dolphins. Yes, they really are a thing in the Amazon!

We are also turning up the energy with 8k Ultra Gold Ultimate, the high-voltage sequel to 4k Ultra Gold.

After that comes 4 Fantastic Fish Gold. Some players might recognise it from the Dream Drop version we recently released. That version has been very popular, but we know some players prefer games without jackpots, so we made a version for them too!

And that is not all. We have five more games on the roadmap, including another collaboration with Yggdrasil, which is a sequel to what is now our most popular game, 4 Fantastic Vikings Go Fishing 2.

Our product team has come up with some really cool ‘icy ideas’. That might give you a little clue as to where the Vikings are headed next. So yes, it is a very busy year ahead, but that's exactly how I like it!”

Q: Sounds like you have a lot of exciting things going on this year, including your upcoming game, which is set to feature a brand new mechanic. Tell us all about 4 Pirate Chests.

HM: “4 Pirates Chests is a fresh take on a mechanic that players absolutely love right now, pots. The twist here is that four treasure chests sit above the reels, known as BOOMPOTS™. Coins fly up into them and, at random, one of them can explode with a mystery win. It is chaotic in the best way and keeps every spin feeling exciting.

We have also scrapped traditional scatters. The chests are now how you trigger the feature, and once you are in, there are even more chances to hit the BOOMPOTS™ and land some big wins.

Adding to the thrill, the feature is haunted by cursed pirate spirits, giving it a spooky, supernatural edge that sets the mood and keeps the tension high throughout.”

Q: That sounds really fun, I can’t wait to try it! This isn’t your first pirate-themed slot, I’m sure the OGs will remember your game 123 Boom!. How much work was put into the design of the new pirates and how much has 4ThePlayer’s art style evolved compared to 2020?

HM: “Ha, you have a good memory and know us well. 123 Boom was one of our early experimental games and we had a lot of fun making it.

With 4 Pirates Chests, we started completely from scratch in terms of visual design. Our style has come a long way since then and we have really honed both our creative direction and production quality.

If you compare something like the original 9k Yeti to our recent titles such as 5 Wild Buffalo 2, the difference is massive. Not that 9k Yeti was bad, I am still really proud of it, but we have definitely levelled up across the board. We have learnt a lot over the years and that growth is something we are all proud of.”

Q: I love that! And speaking of clever new designs, we heard that your new installment on the 4 Fantastic series was closely created with your Brazilian team. Tell me more about it.

HM: “Yes, that is right. Our Creative Director Thomaz is Brazilian and almost the entire art team is based there. When we created 4 Fantastic Fish Amazon Adventure, we wanted it to have a proper Brazilian flavour. Brazil is now a locally regulated market we have entered, so this was a great opportunity to create something that feels relevant there.

At the same time, we were careful to make sure it would still feel exciting and familiar to players outside Brazil. We worked hard to avoid incorrect or clichéd cultural references and really focused on getting the setting and details right. I think we hit the nail on the head, Or should I say we got the fish on the hook? Great work, Thomaz and team.”

Q: That’s great, we always love how authentic your games feel. How would you say, does this game compare to the first game in the franchise, 4 Fantastic Fish, and how do you think the Brazilian players will react to it?

HM: “I would say it is almost like ‘4 Fantastic Fish 2.0’ Behind the scenes, there have been some big improvements in the tech that powers the games and the overall framework, and I think you can really feel that. The spins and animations come to life in a way that feels much more dynamic and polished than the original. Shout out to Pawel and his team, who I am sure will be reading this.

I think Brazilian players will really enjoy it. It is a fun game anyway, and the local flavour just adds another layer of relevance and energy to it. That said, the game has been built to appeal globally. It is not just for one market. Whether you are playing in São Paulo or Stockholm, it is a brilliant experience.”

Q: That’s what I like to hear! Speaking of sequels, 8k Ultra Gold Ultimate will be released later this year as well. How do the new features differ from the features in the first game?

HM: “This one is intense. The only way I can describe it is high-energy electric rainbows.

We learned a lot from 4K Ultra Gold, what players and casinos loved, what needed improving, and what could be made a bit less predictable to really drive that energy and edge-of-your-seat excitement.

One key change is how Money Ways™ has evolved. In the original, it was balanced left to right to build up a crescendo. Now, it is fully random but also boosting, which means it can go up as well. It creates this wild, unpredictable rhythm. Ian, our Maths director, has done a superb job as after all it's math that drives the slot experience and tasks you on that ride.

We have also brought in the locked reels feature from in the bonus of our Fantastic series. You can land keys to unlock reels, and of course, we have thrown multipliers into the mix too! I will not give away too much more because part of the fun of this one is jumping in and seeing the action unfold right in front of you, spin by spin.”

Q: Fantastic! I have to ask - you added Ultimate to the title, is there a reason for this addition?

HM: “Haha, do not get me started on this. The name of this game changed more times than I can remember.

The idea was that we introduced an extra Boosting Fortune™ and needed a proper hierarchy of what counts as big. We had so many debates about what should be the ultimate big and eventually landed on this order: MINI, MIDI, BIG, SUPER, MEGA, EPIC, ULTRA, ULTIMATE. So ULTIMATE is the top of the ladder, we think.”

Q: That’s fun! You put so much passion into your sequels, that’s what always makes them feel like a completely new game. Speaking of new games, we heard that this year you will be doing a new game set to release through Gaming Realms. What makes 5 Flaming Coins so exciting and what can we expect from it?

HM: “Yes, we are. I have said it before, but we only ever do a sequel if we have real ideas and feedback to build on, not just because it is an ‘easy win’.

5 Flaming Coins is something totally new for us and introduces a brand new mechanic called Coin Ways™. You win what you see if you land three coins. There is no need for a collect symbol or even a paytable. If you land five coins, it triggers the respin bonus. Simple!

You will also find locked coins and multiplier coins that can land at any point, as well as four Boosting Fortune™ pots that are constantly increasing in value until they are won.

One nice little fact about our Boosting Fortunes™ is that they are completely independent of RTP. Increasing the value of a Fortune prize does not affect the RTP at all, which creates a smoother and fairer experience for the player.

I personally think this is one of the reasons this mechanic of ours has been so popular with players, they might not understand the RTP impact and math, but they sure feel it. It is like a classic slot reborn with modern presentation and features.”

Q: Wow! So would you say you’re trying to bring back a little bit of that traditional slot nostalgia with this release? 

HM: “Yes, exactly. If you have ever heard me talk about slots before, you have probably heard me say that not every slot is for every player. It comes down to their volatility preference, math balance, theme preference, and the kind of features they enjoy.

We realised we did not yet have a game that really spoke to ‘this type of player’, so 5 Flaming Coins was born.”

Q: I love to hear that! Henry, what is something that 4ThePlayer hopes to accomplish this year?

HM: “To create more memorable moments and fun for our players. I know it sounds a bit cheesy, but we are in the entertainment industry, and we genuinely want people to enjoy themselves. I think a lot of studios might have lost sight of this.

We have also got a few secret projects on the go that I cannot wait to share. One in particular will be a proper proud parent moment. It will take our games into regulated places where players have never experienced anything quite like it. It has taken a lot of work behind the scenes, but it will be amazing to see it come to life.”

Q: That sounds really exciting, I’m looking forward to seeing what the secret project is! Finally, and you know I have to ask, are there any plans for more Yeti slots? 

HM: “I was wondering if you were going to ask about him! I know you love our Yeti, and so do many others. 9k Yeti still continues to be one of our most popular games. So yes, the good news is the Yeti is coming back, and this time with a Dream Drop Jackpot. Keep an eye out for him in Q4 2025.”

March 2024 Q&A

The Q&A-style interview covers 4ThePlayer’s journey to date, how new slot games are created, their most popular titles, mobile play, slot sequels, players’ needs, regulation in the UK and upcoming slot game release which combines two slot favourites.

Q: Can you describe 4ThePlayer’s journey since its founding in 2018?

HM: “4ThePlayer’s journey since 2018 has been incredible - and also a lot of hard work! We’ve grown from a small team of 3 or 4 to 50 full-time employees worldwide, with our games featured by ‘household name’ casinos and even on physical machines in pubs and clubs. I still get a buzz walking into a pub and seeing one of our games and taking it for a spin!

Starting with 9k Yeti, we focused on what players really want and I think that's what has struck a chord with players. Since then, every game release - and we're nearly at 40 games - has been a lesson. We’re constantly learning what players enjoy, what works, and what we can evolve.

We’re constantly growing and expanding into new regulated markets, such as our recent expansion into more states in the US. We have also slightly increased our output - but don't worry, it’s still very much quality over quantity and a ‘boutique’ approach.”

Q: How are new slot games created? What’s the process?

HM: “We are lucky we have many ideas! We start by brainstorming concepts that excite both the team and players - often centred around a specific player ‘pain point’ or frustration.

For example, with the multiple in-reel features in 2 Sweet 4 U, the idea was to make something super active in the base game as well as in the bonus, where different in-reel features could land on any spin. Alternatively, in 7x7 Zeus we wanted more action and excitement and something new from a cascading game, so we made it expand in all directions!

We always think about what’s missing in the market or how we can add a new twist. That’s where the 4 Fantastic Series came from: we were asked to do a fishing game by a big customer but we wanted to do something different, so we removed the Fisherman Collect symbol and invented Money Ways, where players win what they see if it’s part of a Ways win.

In terms of choosing what ideas see the light of day, it takes quite a lot of time to polish and finesse our concepts. We speak to our customers and platform partners and bounce ideas off them. We even vote internally! We also look at what has worked in our existing games and the surrounding market.

Of course, some ideas never leave the 4ThePlayer Lab!”

Q: What are 4ThePlayer’s most popular slot games? Are there any that are particularly popular only in the UK?

HM: “Our most popular series is the 4 Fantastic series, closely followed by the Yeti titles and 5 Wild Buffalo. That said, 7x7 Zeus is off to an incredible start and could easily break into our top 3. If you have not played it, I recommend trying it out!

In terms of UK popularity, we aim to create games that work for all markets, including the UK. We believe a good game is a good game, whether you're in the UK or elsewhere and we always strive to balance exciting features, mechanics, and fun themes that resonate globally.”

Q: What % of players play on mobile vs desktop?

HM: “The percentage of players using mobile devices has exploded in recent years - we often see that over 80% of players are on mobile, but a lot depends on the casinos themselves, and there’s a lot of variance by country as mobile speed and signal and tech penetration make a huge difference.

That’s why we developed Big Reel Portrait Mode™. Five years ago, we were one of the first, if not the first, to create a game mode that maximised the portrait screen, while other providers were still telling players to 'rotate your device'.

Players still love this mode today - I think due to the fact it is such a better multimedia experience for the player as it uses nearly all the screen.”

Q: Why should slot players play 4ThePlayer slots rather than others?

HM: “We are players ourselves, so we get it - we see all those annoying little frustrations you feel in slots, and we always try to make sure you don’t have these annoyances in our slot games. We are always thinking about the player experience and the entertainment they get from the games and features.

Our product team pays extreme attention to detail - this is one of the reasons we will always stay ‘boutique’ as we want each game to be the best possible game we can create, so that we’re not just churning out games every week.

You should see some of the changes I see logged as ‘crucial’, it would blow your mind - but all these tiny changes make the bigger picture. Every game gets a lot of love and attention and it always will.

Finally, we are super interactive - any questions you might have or feedback on our games or even features you would like to see, get in touch and we will reply. It’s normally me that replies directly - that's one other thing that surprises people!”

Q: Have you seen a trend in slot sequels and can we expect sequels to some of your existing slots?

HM: “Yes, we’ve definitely seen a trend in slot sequels! Fifteen years ago, during pitches to casinos, they always wanted something totally new. Now, they prefer familiarity with a twist or a direct sequel - players recognise the games they like and casinos feel more confident about their performance.

We’ve gone the sequel route with 5 Doggy Millionaires Dream Drop, the sequel to 5 Doggy Dollars with the same paw-some theme and a fresh twist, as well as integrating Relax’s Dream Drop jackpot system.

There’s still demand for totally new ideas but right now, proven titles with innovation and sequels are trending. It’s like chocolate companies adding new flavours to your favourite bar - you know what you like, and the twist excites you, so you will most likely buy it to try it :)

That said, we do have some super cool new innovations coming in 2025 - the first being 5 Hot Coins, which introduces an exciting new mechanic!”

Q: Have you seen players’ needs change over the years? If so, how?

HM: “Yes, players’ needs have definitely evolved. According to research by Microsoft, the average attention span has dropped to below 8.25 seconds, shorter than a goldfish, thanks to the demand for instant gratification and an always-online lifestyle. We see this in slots players - they want excitement right from the base game!

I think the days of grinding for a big win are fading; players are looking for more engaging and rewarding experiences immediately without waiting around for bonus features.

That's exactly why we focus on creating slots with thrilling base game action and less grind, keeping the entertainment high from the start! I always say this and always will: we want players to have fun and put a lot of effort into that ‘fun factor’.”

Q: What challenges does 4ThePlayer face regarding regulation in the UK?

HM: “Firstly, regulation is a positive step. Anything that protects the player is something we fully embrace.

The main challenge, however, especially in the UK is meeting the player demand for instant gratification while working within regulations where you can’t have bonus buy or autoplay, and where you have slower spin speeds.

That’s where our maths and game design step in, creating engaging experiences without relying on those features.

For example, in 3 Lucky Witches and 3 Lucky Leprechauns, we increased bonus frequency to keep players entertained, addressing feedback about long waits for bonuses.

Making one game that meets all the different global regulations keeps us on our toes, but it would be boring if it was easy!”

Q: Regarding the upcoming 4 Fantastic Vikings Go Fishing, what challenges does 4ThePlayer face combining 2 games that players know so well?

HM: “The challenge was making sure the maths model felt like a true 4ThePlayer game while still delivering the experience players expect from Yggdrasil’s Vikings Go Berzerk.

We had to strike the right balance in terms of feature frequency and volatility, ensuring that fans of the Vikings games would get the same level of excitement and engagement.

At the same time, we wanted to keep our signature feel, with our strong base game action and our unique Money Ways mechanic.”

Q: How will 4 Fantastic Vikings Go Fishing appeal to players who played either game before?

HM: “4 Fantastic Vikings Go Fishing will appeal to fans of both 4 Fantastic Fish and Vikings Go Berzerk because we have carefully blended the best of both worlds.

Players who loved 4 Fantastic Fish will enjoy the fish cash prizes and Money Ways, as well as the strong base game action and familiar features such as Fighting Respins and the Giant Squid. Vikings Go fans will appreciate the return of their favourite characters and the central mechanic of them fighting to give special features!

I’m very proud of what we have created and think both sets of players will really enjoy it. I know I am slightly biased but I love playing it and I love playing the original Vikings Go series.”

Q: What can we expect from 4ThePlayer for the rest of the year and beyond?

HM: “More great games! We’ve got some big games coming this year! We're especially excited about 10000 BC 2 DoubleMax, the sequel to one of our top titles. We’ve listened to player feedback and added more base game features to mix it up.

3 Lucky Witches will be hitting pubs, clubs, and arcades, thanks to our partnership with Reflex Gaming. And, of course, I can't forget my best mate Santa Yeti - every December he pops up with his hat on in 9k Yeti, 1k Yeti, and 90k Yeti Gigablox!”

Q: Finally, what 4ThePlayer slot is your favourite and why?

HM: “Oh, now that’s a tough one! I love all our slots, and every new release holds a special place in my heart.

I always look forward to the first time Andrew, our CEO, or Geoff, our Product Director, pitches an idea with that spark in their eyes and excitement in their voice. But if I had to choose, 9k Yeti will always be my first love.

It’s beautifully simple and pure, and that’s why it has stood the test of time. Players know exactly what to expect. It’s a classic!

As you can probably tell I love what we do, and I’m lucky and privileged to be surrounded by an amazing 4ThePlayer team who are not only immensely talented but also love what they do.”