Booming Games Interview: Shields of Gold Valkyrie Hold and Win

games

25.09.2025

Online Casino Reports recently sat down with Craig Asling, Director of Games at Booming Games, to discuss the studio’s latest release - Shields of Gold: Valkyrie Hold and Win. In this exclusive interview, Craig shares insights into the inspiration behind the game, its standout features, and what’s next for Booming Games.

You can read the full original interview on Online Casino Reports’ website.

In this Q&A, Asling shares how the Norse-inspired slot blends classic themes with fresh in-game mechanics, what makes the Wild Transform and Hold and Win features stand out, and how they’ve designed the game to appeal to a wide range of players.

Q: To begin with, can you introduce Shields of Gold: Valkyrie Hold and Win to our readers and explain how it fits into Booming Games’ expanding portfolio?

A: Shields of Gold: Valkyrie Hold and Win is our latest Norse-inspired slot, blending a timeless theme with fresh mechanics to create an immersive and rewarding experience.

It’s a perfect example of how we continue to expand our portfolio by pairing proven player favourites with innovative twists, delivering titles that feel familiar yet stand out in a competitive market.

Q: One of the title’s standout features is the Wild Transform mechanic. Can you walk us through how this feature works and why it adds an extra dynamic to gameplay?

A: The Wild Transform is a brand-new feature we’re particularly excited about. At any moment, Shield symbols landing on reels one and two, along with Wilds on the remaining reels, can transform, awarding instant win cash prizes or even triggering the Hold and Win Bonus.

This mechanic also plays a key role in Free Spins, where player choice determines whether they’ll see more Shields for frequent Wild Transforms, or an increased number of Wilds on reel five for epic win potential. It’s a feature that keeps players engaged with every spin.

Q: Hold and Win Respins also offers an intriguing twist to bonus play. Why do you believe players will be drawn in by this twist on the classic mechanic?

A: Hold and Win has become a fan-favourite video slot mechanic, and we wanted to build on that popularity with our own take. In Shields of Gold, players not only chase the thrill of filling the reels with Shields but also benefit from the added excitement of the Wild Transform leading into the feature.

It’s a mechanic that feels familiar, but with enough innovation to keep it fresh and rewarding. On top of triggering this, the unlocked Shield guarantees one of the Prize Pot values, offering up to 100x just for one symbol!

Q: Vikings are a timeless theme in slots. How did you approach the design of Shields of Gold: Valkyrie Hold and Win to ensure it stands out from other Norse-inspired releases?

A: We know the Viking theme is popular, so our focus was on authenticity paired with creativity. The Valkyrie as the Wild takes centre stage, bringing an intriguing character-driven approach that differentiates us from more traditional Viking slots.

Combined with high-quality visuals and unique gameplay mechanics, the game delivers a distinctive experience that stands out in a crowded genre.

Q: Visuals and audio play a huge role in immersion. Can you share how your team approached the soundtrack and animations to keep players engaged?

A: Our teams worked to ensure every detail, from the dramatic soundtrack to the flowing animations, played their crucial role in supporting the striking mythological theme.

The music builds anticipation during key moments like Wild Transforms and Hold and Win triggers, while the animations give weight to the Shields and Valkyrie. Together, they create an almost cinematic experience that draws players into the world of the game.

Q: Many players look closely at volatility and hit frequency when choosing a slot. How would you describe the balance in Shields of Gold: Valkyrie Hold and Win, and what type of player do you think it will appeal to most?

A: The game strikes a balanced bonus feature profile, appealing to both casual players and thrill-seekers. Frequent features like Wild Transforms keep the action lively, while the Free Spins and Hold and Win offer high win potential for those who enjoy volatility. It’s designed to be accessible yet exciting, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

Q: Free Spins leads with a dual-option approach. What inspired this inclusion?

A: Giving players greater freedom of choice adds an extra layer of engagement. Some prefer steady, more frequent wins, while others love chasing bigger risks for bigger rewards.

By allowing players to choose between more Shields for Wild Transforms or more Wilds on reel five, we’ve put strategy in their hands, making Free Spins a personalised and dynamic experience.

Q: Responsible entertainment is increasingly valued by players. How does Booming Games ensure that its slots deliver excitement while keeping player well-being in mind?

A: Responsible gaming is central to everything we do. All of our titles are designed with compliance at the forefront, meeting strict regulatory standards across markets.

Beyond that, we focus on clear gameplay, transparent mechanics, and features that prioritise entertainment without misleading players. Our goal is always to create exciting, fun experiences within a safe and responsible framework.

Q: Finally, looking ahead, are there any upcoming titles from Booming Games that you’re particularly excited about that you can share a sneak peek of?

A: Absolutely! Our roadmap for the coming months is jam-packed with captivating content. While I can’t reveal everything just yet, players can look forward to more bold mechanics, fresh themes, and high-quality online slots that push our portfolio even further.

Each upcoming title is built with the same love and philosophy as Shields of Gold - combining proven engagement with innovative features that surprise and delight.

If this bold and adventure-filled slot has sparked your imagination, you can play it (along with the rest of the Booming Games library) at our recommended online casinos!

Don’t forget to take advantage of the welcome bonuses available through our safe links, giving you extra spins and more time to enjoy this hot new Norse adventure.

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games

15.01.2026

Let it sparkle: Diamonds Diamonds Diamonds: Hold and Win is here!

Get ready to dazzle as Booming Games launches Diamonds Diamonds Diamonds: Hold and Win, a glimmering 3x3 slot where every spin sparkles with polished potential.

Packed with shimmering gems, Stacked Wilds and a shower of riches powered by the Diamond Rain feature, this luxurious new release delivers nonstop thrills and high-shine excitement.
Land 3 or more Diamond symbols to trigger the Hold and Win Bonus, where the reels expand into a dazzling 5x3 grid, unlocking even greater prize potential as players collect sparkling symbols and build towards the Grand Prize worth up to 1,000x the bet.

Things shine even brighter when players land the Super Diamond, unlocking Super Hold and Win mode. In this enhanced bonus, all collected wins are doubled, and the chase is on for the Mini, Minor, Major, or Grand Prize Pots, adding even more anticipation to every respin.

For players who want to turn up the frequency of feature action, the optional Diamond Boost side bet offers more chances to trigger bonuses, making each spin feel even closer to that next glittering hit.
Bright, bold and built around irresistible bonus energy, Diamonds Diamonds Diamonds: Hold and Win is a gem-packed release designed for players who love jackpot chases, upgraded bonus moments and the thrill of watching the reels expand with possibility.

“Diamonds Diamonds Diamonds is all about delivering that premium, high-impact Hold and Win experience in a compact, instantly engaging format,” said Craig Asling, Director of Games at Booming Games. “With Diamond Rain, Stacked Wilds, expanding reels in the bonus and a Super variation that doubles all wins, it’s designed to keep players chasing that next brilliant moment—right up to the 1,000x Grand Prize.”

company

08.01.2026

Frederik Niehusen: Booming Games’ Take on 2026 Slots Innovation and Player Engagement

We are pleased to share an interview with Frederik Niehusen, Chief Commercial Officer at Booming Games, originally conducted and published by CasinoRank.

In this discussion, Frederik shares his perspective on upcoming trends in slot innovation and player engagement, outlining how Booming Games is preparing for 2026. Topics include gameplay development, personalization, market adaptation, and the company’s strategic approach to long-term growth in the iGaming industry.

Full interview is available here.

What do you see as the biggest innovation drivers for online slots in 2026?

Frederik Niehusen: I think the biggest innovation drivers for online slots going into 2026 will come from how quickly player expectations are changing. More players want games that feel tailored to them, so personalization will be a huge focus — not just choosing volatility, but having games that adapt to how someone actually plays. At the same time, we’re seeing a strong push toward hybrid experiences that mix slots with elements of skill, social features, and even instant-win or arcade-style gameplay. This is especially important for the newer audiences coming into iGaming who want faster, more interactive entertainment.

We’ll also see more emphasis on strong IPs and culturally relevant themes, whether that’s celebrities, athletes, or locally inspired content. These partnerships are becoming a powerful way to stand out and attract new segments of players. And finally, responsible entertainment will continue to shape innovation. The industry is moving toward more transparent, sustainable design — clearer UX around volatility and RTP, better session tools, and math models that keep excitement high without encouraging unhealthy patterns.

Many markets are introducing stricter compliance rules. How will these regulations impact game design and player engagement next year?

Frederik Niehusen: Stricter compliance rules are definitely influencing how studios think about game design, and that impact will grow next year. As regulations tighten around transparency, pacing, and how features are communicated, developers will need to create games that are clearer, more intuitive, and more responsible by default. That doesn’t make them less engaging — it just shifts the focus toward cleaner mechanics, stronger themes, and features players can quickly understand.

We’ll also see engagement trends adapt. Instead of relying on intense bonus loops or complex systems, studios will lean more into sustainable entertainment: light progression, missions, social elements, and event-driven content that keeps players engaged without pushing them too hard. In a way, regulation is steering the industry toward smarter, more player-first experiences reflecting factors guiding studio strategy that executives cite as shaping future strategies, and the studios that embrace that will benefit the most.

What makes a branded or celebrity partnership successful for both players and operators?

Frederik Niehusen: For me, a branded partnership is truly successful when it adds real value to the player experience rather than just putting a famous face on a slot. The branding has to feel authentic and integrated into the gameplay — the personality, the style, the story, even the pace of the game should reflect the partner in a meaningful way. When players feel that connection, the brand becomes part of the entertainment, not just the marketing.

From an operator’s perspective, a good branded collaboration should help with both acquisition and retention. Strong IPs attract new audiences, but the game still needs solid math and entertaining features to keep players engaged long after the initial curiosity wears off. The best partnerships blend recognisable branding with a game that stands on its own merit.

The win-win comes when the brand elevates the game and the game elevates the brand — creating a distinctive, high-quality experience that players return to and operators are proud to feature.

How do you balance deeper mechanics with simplicity for casual players?

Frederik Niehusen: I think the balance comes from remembering that innovation doesn’t always mean adding more layers — it means adding the right layers. Players are open to deeper mechanics and interactive features, but only if they’re presented in a way that feels intuitive. The moment a game forces casual players to “learn” too much before they can enjoy it, the magic is gone.

For me, the sweet spot is designing games with depth beneath the surface but simplicity on entry. That means clear core gameplay, straightforward triggers, and features that make sense instantly — with optional layers of progression, missions, or strategy that more engaged players can explore over time. It’s also why UX and onboarding are becoming just as important as the math.

So innovation should build around simplicity, not against it. The best games in 2025 and 2026 will be the ones that look easy, feel exciting, and reveal their depth naturally as the player keeps coming back.

What design principles allow Booming Games to deliver innovation at such a fast pace?

Frederik Niehusen: At Booming Games, our pace comes from having very clear design principles that guide every project, no matter the theme or mechanic. The first is focus — we always identify the core idea early and build everything around it. Whether it’s a signature feature, a math twist, or a creative hook, that clarity helps us move fast without losing direction.

Second, we design with player clarity and fairness in mind. Even when we’re pushing innovation, we make sure the experience is intuitive, visually readable, and easy to grasp within the first few spins. That lets us experiment with new mechanics while still appealing to a broad audience.

Third, our teams work in a very collaborative, iterative way. Art, math, and development stay tightly aligned from day one, so decisions happen quickly and problems get solved early. We prototype aggressively, test often, and aren’t afraid to simplify when something doesn’t add value.

And finally, we keep a strong focus on entertainment-first thinking. Every game has to feel exciting, polished, and fun — not just technically clever. That mindset helps us deliver consistent innovation without overcomplicating the player experience.

Together, these principles allow us to move quickly while still producing games that feel fresh, distinctive, and true to the Booming Games identity.

What have you learned about adapting games to regional preferences in markets like Brazil and South Africa?

Frederik Niehusen: Expanding into regions like Brazil and South Africa has taught us that cultural nuance is just as important as math and mechanics. Players in each market respond to different rhythms, aesthetics, and styles of play, so adaptation goes far beyond simply translating a UI.

In Brazil, for example, players love high-energy experiences — bold visuals, upbeat sound design, and features that feel fast, rewarding, and social. Themes tied to local culture, sport, and music also resonate strongly. Meanwhile, in South Africa, players tend to prefer clean layouts, straightforward mechanics, and highly reliable performance across different devices and bandwidth conditions. Clarity, stability, and instantly understandable gameplay are key.

Across both markets, we’ve found that local familiarity drives initial engagement, but strong core gameplay keeps players returning. That means respecting regional tastes while still delivering a polished, globally competitive product. It also requires listening closely to operator feedback, understanding device usage patterns, and adapting math profiles to suit how players in each region like to pace their sessions.

Ultimately, success comes from cultural respect, player-centric design, and taking the time to build games that feel genuinely tailored — not just repackaged — for each market.

Looking to 2026, where is Booming Games focusing in terms of mechanics, markets, and player engagement?

Frederik Niehusen: Looking ahead to 2026, our focus is on scaling our portfolio, strengthening innovation, and expanding globally.

We’re increasing our roadmap to five releases per month and introducing new game types to create a more diverse, future-proof offering. A major priority is enhancing engagement with fresh mechanics, smarter progression features, and promotional tools that move beyond traditional tournaments or drops. We’re also gearing up for further growth in emerging markets, aligning our content with local preferences and cultural moments. With bold ideas, a broader product mix, and a clear global strategy, we’re entering 2026 ready to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.

games

01.01.2026

Tasty Bonanza 10,000

Start the new year with an irresistible sugar rush as Booming Games launches Tasty Bonanza 10,000, the fan-favourite supersized sequel to the candy-themed slot. This vibrant 6x5 scatter-pay release delivers cascading wins, dazzling candy visuals and a colossal 10,000x max win—serving up sweet excitement in every spin.

With each tumble, hearts, stars and colourful candy gems drop onto the reels and burst into delicious chain reactions, creating nonstop chances for cascading payouts. The fun ramps up when players trigger Free Spins by landing 4 or more Candy Scatter symbols, where Random Multipliers up to 100x can drop in to sweeten rewards and supercharge winning moments.

For even more surprise-and-delight potential, the Candy Jar can randomly trigger Free Spins with no Scatters needed, keeping anticipation high from the very first spin. Players looking for even more bonus action can also activate Tasty Bet, a new option offering enhanced odds of triggering Free Spins, turning up the excitement with every wager.

Bright, bouncy, and bursting with flavour, Tasty Bonanza 10,000 is a candy-coated sequel built for players who crave fast-paced cascades, big multipliers, and massive win potential.
Take a bite out of Tasty Bonanza 10,000 — play now!
“We wanted to take everything players loved about the original Tasty Bonanza and make it even bigger and more rewarding,” said Craig Asling, Director of Games at Booming Games. “With a 10,000x max win, multipliers up to 100x in Free Spins, the Candy Jar surprise trigger, and the new Tasty Bet option, this sequel is designed to deliver pure candy-coated excitement from the first spin to the last.”