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Popeye slot: Exclusive interview with Lady Luck Games

Popeye slot: Exclusive interview with Lady Luck Games
Paul Clare
by Paul Clare Last updated:

It’s no secret that slots are taking the online casino world by storm at present with millions of players across the globe eager to step up and get their finger on the spin button. There’s a massive range of themes, features and clever mechanics beginning to develop the sector into a modern iGaming powerhouse. And while it isn’t obligatory for slot developers to always go the extra mile, some brands always stand out for putting their all into every creation.

That’s why we love receiving the go-ahead to review any new Lady Luck Games creations.

Their latest effort, Popeye, isn’t unfamiliar territory in the sense that they’ve tackled the comic book niche before with Beetle Bailey launching in August of 2022. However, the Popeye story is, perhaps, closer to our hearts, especially if you’re from the UK, so there’s big pressure on the Stockholm-based developer to deliver the goods.

At Slot Gods, we’ve played the game to get to grips with everything it has to offer and you can hear our thoughts here in our Popeye slot review. But today, it’s a chance for Lady Luck Games’ Chief Commercial Officer, Julian Borg-Barthet, to share with us a little insight into this production.

Hi Julian! Thanks for giving us the opportunity to chat with you about the Popeye slot. What we’d like to know first is, was your team worried about taking on such a big-name title?

Hi there! It's great to be here to talk about our latest release, the Popeye slot game. To answer your question, of course, we were a bit nervous about taking on such an iconic and beloved character as Popeye. However, we were also very excited about the challenge and opportunity to bring this character to life in a new and exciting way. We knew that if we could capture the essence of Popeye and create a fun and engaging game, it would be a hit with fans of the cartoon and slot game enthusiasts alike. And judging by the early feedback we've received, we're confident that we've accomplished just that!

Obtaining the rights to use branded TV/Movie themes in a slot game like Popeye must be difficult - is there a tough process to follow?

Navigating the licensing process for branded themes can be a complex and lengthy process, but it's an essential part of developing high-quality slot games that resonate with players.

For Lady Luck Games, obtaining the rights to use the Popeye brand in our latest slot game involved collaborating with King Features Syndicate, the global licensing agent for the Popeye franchise. Our team worked closely with King Features to ensure that the game stayed true to the iconic brand while still offering players a fun and engaging gameplay experience. Luckily, King Features and the team over there made this as painless as possible.

Popeye is your second comic book title; is there a pattern forming that we can expect to see build over the coming years?

While Lady Luck Games has developed two popular slot games based on classic comic book characters, it's important to note that we don't have a set pattern or formula for future releases. We pride ourselves on our ability to think outside the box and create unique games that cater to a wide range of player preferences. That being said, we're always on the lookout for exciting themes and collaborations that can bring something new and exciting to the world of online gaming.

So, while fans of comic book-themed games may have something to look forward to in the future, Lady Luck Games' creative team is always exploring new and exciting directions for their next release.

Congratulations on acquiring the rights to use Big Time Gaming’s Megaways mechanic. Is there a chance that Popeye might make a return with this addition at some point?

While we are thrilled to have secured the rights to use Big Time Gaming's Megaways mechanic, we currently have no plans to incorporate it into the Popeye slot game. That being said, we're always looking for ways to improve our games and make them more exciting for our players. So, while we can't promise a Megaways version of Popeye, we can certainly promise more thrilling and innovative games in the future. Stay tuned!

Popeye uses a popular re-spin bonus rather than a bespoke feature for this game’s theme—as found in many other Lady Luck Games titles. What made you opt for something a little more mainstream this time?

The re-spin bonus feature was a perfect fit for the Popeye slot game as it allowed us to incorporate the classic Popeye cartoon characters in a fun and engaging way. It also adds an extra layer of excitement to the game, as players can hold specific symbols in place for the chance to land bigger wins on their next spin.

While we do pride ourselves on creating unique and bespoke bonus features for our games, we felt that the re-spin feature was the right choice for Popeye, as it captures the essence of the cartoon series and offers players an enjoyable and rewarding experience. We always strive to create games that are not only innovative but also entertaining, and we believe that the re-spin bonus feature accomplishes both goals for the Popeye slot game.

Can you share with us a few of your personal favourite elements of the game?

When it comes to the Popeye slot game, there are a few elements that really stand out to me. First and foremost, I have to say that I absolutely love the characters. As a fan of the classic cartoon series, it's great to see Popeye, Olive Oyl, Wimpy, and Bluto brought to reels in such a fun and engaging way.

In terms of gameplay, the variety of bonus features and special symbols is definitely a highlight for me. The wild spinach cans and ship wheel multipliers can really help to boost your winnings, and I always get a rush of excitement when I trigger the free spins or enter the immersive bonus game.

Overall, I think Lady Luck Games has done a fantastic job of creating a game that not only pays tribute to the beloved Popeye series, but also offers a fun and rewarding experience for players. It's definitely one of my personal favorites!

Both Vibra Gaming and RAW iGaming have entered this arena previously. What makes your Popeye slot stand out above the rest?

It's great to see other companies also recognizing the appeal of the iconic Popeye character and creating their own slot games based on the beloved cartoon series. Vibra Gaming and RAW iGaming are both great companies that have produced some impressive titles in the past.

However, we believe that our Popeye slot game stands out from the rest due to its unique combination of stunning graphics, engaging animations, and a wide range of bonus features. Our team worked closely with King Features Syndicate to ensure that the game captures the essence of the original cartoon series while also providing players with a modern and entertaining experience.

From the high-seas adventure theme to the various special symbols and bonus rounds, our Popeye slot game offers a level of excitement and immersion that is unmatched by other titles in the market. We're confident that fans of the cartoon series and slot enthusiasts alike will thoroughly enjoy playing our game.

And finally, what can fans expect next from Lady Luck Games?

Lady Luck Games is constantly working on exciting new releases, and we're always looking to push the boundaries of what's possible in the world of online slots. While we can't reveal too much at this time, I can say that we have some truly innovative and unique games in the pipeline that we think our players are going to love. We're committed to providing our players with the best possible gaming experience, and we're always striving to exceed their expectations. So stay tuned, because there are many exciting things on the horizon from Lady Luck Games!

Popeye Online Slot by Lady Luck Games
Name:
Popeye
Developer:
Lady Luck Games
RTP:
96.10%
Max payout:
5,500x stake
Volatility:
Medium
Reels:
5
Win lines:
20
Theme:
TV/Movie
Release date:
20th Apr 2023
Paul Clare
by Paul Clare Last updated:

Paul spent plenty of time in arcades up and down the UK discovering all of the best fruit machines and watching them grow into the incredible online slots we see today. He still loves the basic format but also has a soft spot for games with big bonus rounds that progress as you play. Immortal Romance is one of his favourite slots of all time.