
20+ years in the gambling industry including 13+ years playing and reviewing slots.
OLBG’s Chris Taylor spoke to Johan Granberg, Head of Account Management at Thunderkick, for a general Questions and Answers interview.
Founded in 2012, Thunderkick started out as a small studio (in their own words) who were looking to shake things up. Forging their own path built on creativity, passion and loads of heart, they are an independent slot provider who are not just about making slot games. Thunderkick are “about making ones that matter”.
With Thunderkick slots found at virtually all slot sites in the UK, there is a portfolio of superb slot games including a stream of new releases. Using a unique design style and available to play on all devices, head to OLBG’s demo slots section and select ‘Thunderkick’ in the Providers filter.
In the Q&A with Thunderkick, I spoke to Johan Granberg about 2024, the slots creation process, their most popular games, slot sequels, players’ needs, UK regulation and plans for 2025.
Q: How did 2024 go for Thunderkick?
JG: “2024 was a big year for Thunderkick! We had some fantastic game releases like Split Happens and Hot Turkey, upgraded our website, and ran fun campaigns around events like SBC Lisbon and Sigma Malta. It was busy but exciting, and we’re proud of everything we achieved.”
Q: How are new slot games created? What’s the process?
JG: “It all starts with an idea—maybe a theme we love, a mechanic we want to explore, or even a character that sparks something. From there, the team works together to bring it to life. Our designers come up with the visuals, our developers make the mechanics work, and our mathematicians make sure it’s all balanced. It’s a mix of creativity and precision. Once it’s all ready, we test the game a lot to make sure it’s fun and works perfectly before we release it.”
Q: What are Thunderkick’s most popular slot games? Are there any particularly popular only in the UK?
JG: “Games like Esqueleto Explosivo 3 and Pink Elephants are loved everywhere, but we’ve noticed UK players also enjoy games with fun, unique themes and stories—something we like to think we’re pretty good at! We’re also releasing a St. Patrick’s Day-themed game this year, set in a lively Irish pub, which we think UK players will really enjoy.”
Q: What % of players play on mobile vs desktop/tablet devices?
JG: “Most of our players prefer mobile these days. It’s just so much easier to play on the go or wherever you feel comfortable.”
Q: Why should slot players play Thunderkick slots rather than others?
JG: “Because they’re different! Our games are fun, creative, and full of personality. We put a lot of effort into making them stand out, so players always get something fresh and exciting when they choose Thunderkick.”
Q: Have you seen a trend in slot sequels, and can we expect sequels to some of your existing slots?
JG: “Definitely! Players love revisiting their favourite games, so we’ve been working on slot sequels. The Wildos 2 is a great example, and we’re always thinking about what other fan favourites might deserve a comeback.”
Q: Have you seen players’ needs change over the years? If so, how?
JG: “Yes, players expect more now—better graphics, engaging stories, and features that keep things interesting. They also want games that work really well on mobile, which is a big focus for us.”
Q: What challenges does Thunderkick face with regards to regulation in the UK?
JG: “Regulations are always changing, so we have to stay on top of compliance to make sure our games meet all the rules. It can be tricky, but we’re committed to keeping things fun and safe for players.”
Q: What can players expect from Thunderkick in 2025?
JG: “A lot of exciting things! Our first release of the year, Archie O'Loggins and the Enchanted Masks, is an action-packed jungle adventure. We’ll also be at ICE Barcelona (stand 2K42) in January—stop by if you’re there! And fans of Midas will be happy to see him return in Midas 3. We’ve got plenty more games in the works, so it’s going to be a fun year.”
Q: What Thunderkick slot is your favourite and why?
JG: “For me, it’s Hot Potato. It was our first Cluster Pays game, and I’ve always loved that type of gameplay—it’s fast, fun, and unpredictable. The theme and features just make it such a great game to play, and it really shows off what Thunderkick is all about.”
