Thunderstruck FlyX – Q&A with Terence Igesund, Executive Producer at Stormcraft

Stormcraft Studios recently launched Thunderstruck™ FlyX™, a crash game that fuses the iconic Thunderstruck™ and FlyX™ brands to deliver an action-packed, socially immersive gaming experience. Slot Gods spoke exclusively with Terence Igesund, Executive Producer of Stormcraft Studios, to find out how the collaboration between Stormcraft and Buck Stakes came about, what factors influenced gameplay development, and why it’s important to build franchises around popular brands.

Name:

Thunderstruck FlyX

Developer:

Stormcraft Studios

RTP:

97.00%

Max payout:

10,000x stake

Volatility:

Medium

Theme:

Adventure, Mythical

Release date:

9th Apr 2025

Play Thunderstruck FlyX here:

Congratulations on the latest Thunderstruck™ title! It’s getting a bit of a revival in 2025 with the Mega Moolah™ version and FlyX™. What kickstarted this?

Thunderstruck™ is one of Games Global’s elite legacy titles and a long-standing icon in the slots world. With the brand continuing to attract and retain players decades on, we felt the time was right to evolve the franchise beyond the slot genre. Crash games are gaining serious momentum, and Thunderstruck™ is the perfect brand to lead that charge. Thunderstruck™ FlyX™ was a collaborative effort between Stormcraft Studios and Buck Stakes, combining our legendary IP with their innovation in crash mechanics. The result? A game that feels both familiar and fresh – ready to engage a whole new audience.

How did you approach the visuals when designing the game? Did you consider a more complex storyline, or would that not suit the crash format?

From the outset, we knew that crash games require a different design mindset compared to slots. Crash players are driven by action over narrative, so we deliberately kept the experience clean and direct. That said, we still wanted to offer choice and personalisation. That’s where the character selection feature comes in – players can choose between the mighty thunder god Thor or his twin sister Thyra, the goddess of wild storms. 

Why do you think Norse mythology strikes such a chord with slots fans around the world?

Norse mythology has a timeless, larger-than-life appeal that just resonates. With instantly recognisable figures like Thor and themes of power, fate, and epic battles, it naturally lends itself to immersive gameplay. Thunderstruck™ has long tapped into this successfully, and now with Thunderstruck™ FlyX™, we’re introducing that mythos to crash players – especially in fast-growing regions like LatAm and Brazil, where crash games are booming. It’s about bringing an iconic brand into a thriving new space.

Can you share any technical challenges you faced when creating Thunderstruck™ FlyX™?

There weren’t any major technical blockers, but we did place a strong focus on integrating live chat into the game. One of the defining aspects of crash games is the sense of community – players engaging in real time, reacting together, celebrating wins or crashing out as a group. That social energy was something we really wanted to capture. It’s a big part of what makes crash games so dynamic, and we wanted Thunderstruck™ FlyX™ to reflect that.

You’ve chosen medium volatility for this game. Was that an easy decision, and how important is volatility in terms of player engagement?

With two trusted brands – Thunderstruck™ and FlyX™ – coming together, we didn’t want to reinvent what already works. Medium volatility offered the right balance of familiarity and accessibility, especially for slot players trying out crash for the first time. The goal was to deliver consistency, comfort, and a reliable experience that ensures players are entertained while easing them into a new format.

FlyX™ turned out to be a hugely popular title for Buck Stakes. Was it your idea to combine it with Thunderstruck™, or did they approach you first?

It was truly a collaborative project. Buck Stakes had great success with FlyX™, and we had a globally recognised franchise with staying power. Bringing them together was a strategic move – one that allowed us to reintroduce Thunderstruck™ in a new light and give FlyX™ a strong brand identity that players could instantly connect with.

Is it possible to add bonus features to crash games? If so, why hasn’t anyone led with that idea yet?

It’s definitely possible, but the crash genre thrives on simplicity. Players love the speedy, easy-to-understand gameplay, and too many features can disrupt that rhythm. That said, we believe there’s room to evolve the experience thoughtfully. Our character selection feature is one example – light, fun, and entirely player-driven. The key is to enhance the gameplay, and not overcomplicate it.

Thunderstruck™ is starting to form a varied series of games now. Will you do something similar with Immortal Romance™ or Jungle Jim?

Thunderstruck™ has shown the power of franchise thinking. It’s one of Games Global’s most iconic performers, and expanding it across different formats has only deepened its impact. We're taking that same approach with other top-tier titles in our portfolio – like Immortal Romance™, Jungle Jim, and Avalon. It’s all about building franchises, not just standalone games.

Where do you see the crash gaming niche heading in the next few months or years?

Crash is growing fast, especially in the LatAm region, where players are mobile-first, competitive, and love high-intensity sessions. We see the genre continuing to evolve with stronger social features, more personalised gameplay, and deeper brand integration. Thunderstruck™ FlyX™ was built with all of that in mind. It’s our first step into the crash space, and we believe it’s got everything it needs to thrive in those high-growth markets.

What’s coming next for Stormcraft? Any news you can share with us?

We’ve got some exciting titles on the horizon. Avalon III is on its way – bringing back one of our most beloved epic fantasy franchises for a bold new chapter. We'll also be leaning into our brand franchising strategy even more in the coming months. Keep an eye on our social channels for updates and sneak peeks into what’s next from Stormcraft.

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