Wicked Games is rapidly scaling up with a bold production roadmap and a rebellious brand identity, aiming to release 30 games annually by 2026. Central to their strategy is a streamlined development process and a deep commitment to localization: not just in language, but in cultural nuance, adapting themes and gameplay to resonate with local audiences. As a proud sponsor of the upcoming Casino Guru Awards, Wicked Games sees the event as an opportunity to align with industry leaders who value fair play and transparency, while placing their studio in the right conversations that drive meaningful impact. In this interview, Wicked Games Head of Brand Karl von Brockdorff discusses all of this, and more.

Q: You have set a very ambitious roadmap for yourself and are expected to scale up production to 30 yearly games by 2026 – a rather short timeline, all things considered. What does it take to ensure the success of this ambitious goal?

It takes a strong team, a clear plan, and a ruthless commitment to process. Our Belgrade studio is a major driver of this. We’ve built out a production hub that breaks games down into structured, bite-sized components. Each game starts from a clean concept, then moves through streamlined pipelines across design, development, animation, QA, and compliance. But more than efficiency, it’s about rhythm. It’s about getting everyone in sync so we’re not just pushing volume, but hitting quality targets too. Every title, no matter how fast we move, needs to hold up to what Wicked Games stands for.

Q: Another thing we have noticed is that you have been localizing your titles – how important has this been for your overall success as a studio?

Localization is key in today’s market, and it goes far beyond just translating text. It’s about respecting the player and meeting them in their own language, both literally and culturally. While the industry is global by nature, attention is always local. That’s why we adapt not only the language, but also the themes, narratives, and sometimes even the user interface to fit the cultural expectations of different markets. In fact, localization often feeds directly into our creative process, shaping everything from character design to gameplay pacing. The more we lean into cultural nuance, the more relevant and resonant the experience becomes. It’s about creating games that feel like they were made for that player, in that place

Q: You are one of the sponsors at the Casino Guru Awards, due to take place on June 6. What motivated you to join the event as one of its backers?

Casino Guru is one of the biggest names in gaming affiliation, and aligning with the best in the industry is a no-brainer for us. We back ambition, and Casino Guru has consistently shown it, not just commercially, but in how it champions fair play and transparency. For us, being part of this event is about visibility, yes, but more importantly, it’s about placing Wicked Games in the right conversations, with the right people.

Q: How are iGaming studios impacted by awards in general, and do you see winning accolades as an integral part of your business strategy, for example?

Awards are always appreciated, especially when they’re genuine. Recognition for good work validates the effort that goes into making a standout title. For us, it’s a bit of a chicken-and-egg situation. Our signature games are the bold, standout titles we hang our name on, and they are built with the intention of competing at the highest levels. So yes, aiming for accolades is very much built into the business strategy. We want to be known for releasing games that don’t just perform, but make noise and get recognized for it.

Q: Wicked Games likes to say that the studio builds games that are "impossible to put down." How does this credo translate into actual design decisions?

It’s all about that "just one more spin" feeling — the moment a player is so drawn in, they forget they were about to stop. We design for flow: how animations move, how audio builds, how anticipation unfolds. It’s a rhythm. We use volatility and pacing to keep players engaged without overwhelming them. At the same time, we focus on making every game as easy to grasp as possible. Whether it’s your first spin or your hundredth, you should immediately understand what’s happening and why it matters. Our mechanics reward curiosity — every spin might unlock something new or unexpected. It’s never about cheap tricks. It’s about building momentum that feels earned, and delivering an experience that pulls you in naturally, spin after spin.

Q: The iGaming market is highly competitive, with numerous studios vying for attention. How does Wicked Games differentiate itself from others in terms of both gameplay and branding?

We don’t play it safe. Our branding is bold, irreverent, and darkly humorous, and it’s not just a surface aesthetic. It runs through everything we do. We make games that poke fun at taboos, break genre rules, and push narrative boundaries. On the gameplay side, our internal structure allows us to explore different game archetypes, from signature experiences to more traditional core and classic formats, but all carry a Wicked twist. We aim to be the studio people talk about, whether they love us or hate us. Silence is our enemy.

Q: Do you see an emerging trend that studios are undercapitalizing right now?

Authentic voice. A lot of studios are so focused on mechanics and math models that they forget to build personality into their games and brand. Players have options, but they’ll remember the game that made them laugh, or shocked them, or told a story. Also, there’s a huge opportunity in owning your niche. You don’t have to be everything to everyone. Know what you’re about, and double down on it.

Q: To wrap up, in what ways do you think the Casino Guru Awards could surpass your expectations in June?

If it brings together real conversations, not just another round of industry back-patting. Then it will have already exceeded expectations. The gaming world needs more sharp, transparent dialogue, and if Casino Guru delivers that on stage and off, we’re all better for it. Plus, if there’s a surprise or two in the mix, like an underdog win or a provocative speech, all the better. It’s awards night. Let it be memorable.

Q: Wicked Games recently went through a full rebrand. What was the motivation behind it, and how has it shaped your direction as a studio?

The rebrand wasn’t about changing who we are, but turning up the volume. The clenched fist is a new addition, and it’s central to how we now express the brand. It’s a symbol of rebellion. A statement of intent. It says we’re not here to blend in but rather, to challenge, provoke, and do things differently.

That said, we are proud of the original brand, but it lacked the versatility we needed as we started expanding into new verticals and preparing for the launch of our first games. We wanted something iconic but controlled. Less chaotic, more deliberate. A system that could flex across channels and still carry our attitude.

The timing felt right. With our first titles dropping in June, it was the perfect moment to sharpen our identity and show up in a way that matches the quality of what we’re putting out. The tone, the mindset, the personality — those haven’t changed.

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