Cash Crusade ASSEMBL’EM Q&A (Slingshot Studios)
Invested in creating great designs through constant iteration and innovation, Slingshot Studios are a crew of industry veterans covering a diverse skillset. The team relish in creating highly entertaining and compelling products exclusively for distribution via the Games Global platform. We delve into the studio’s most recent release (1 April 2025), Cash Crusade ASSEMBL’EM™, in this Q&A with Richard Vermaak, Creative Director of Slingshot Studios.
Thanks for taking the time to talk to us, firstly, in your own opinion, what elements do slots require to succeed?
A: It’s our pleasure, thanks for having us! When it comes to creating a successful slot, a few key elements stand out. First and foremost, engagement is crucial – players need to feel connected to the game, whether that’s through interactive features, rewarding mechanics, or responsive design. Secondly, balance is everything. A slot should offer excitement without feeling overwhelming, keeping both casual players and slot enthusiasts entertained. And, of course, visual appeal plays a huge role. A strong, immersive theme paired with top-tier graphics and animations can really set a game apart.
Can you talk us through the overall creative process when developing design assets for a slot such as Cash Crusade ASSEMBL’EM™?
A: Absolutely! Every project starts with a strong concept. For Cash Crusade ASSEMBL’EM™, we wanted to capture the feeling of embarking on an epic quest, so we took inspiration from fantasy, medieval adventure, and even classic world-building games. From there, our artists and designers worked closely with the development team to create assets that not only looked great but also supported the game’s mechanics. Every character, symbol, and background was carefully designed to fit seamlessly into the gameplay, ensuring that the visual elements enhance the overall experience rather than just being decorative.
It’s easy for providers to take the easy route and utilise old assets when developing sequels. What prompted Slingshot to take a new approach to Cash Crusade ASSEMBL’EM™?
A: While it can be tempting to reuse assets for sequels or similar themes, we believe that every game deserves its own unique identity. That being said, strategic re-use can be great for continuity within families of games. The approach for every game is considered with the studios goals for that game in mind. With Cash Crusade ASSEMBL’EM™, we saw an opportunity to evolve beyond what we had done before and deliver something fresh. Rather than simply building on past mechanics, we wanted to take the concept of interactivity further. This meant reimagining and introducing a feature that would give players a sense of progression and control over their experience. The result is a game that feels familiar yet completely new at the same time.
What do you think some providers are doing right when it comes to slot design, and what do you think they’re doing wrong?
A: The industry is constantly evolving, and we’ve seen some amazing innovations in slot design. Providers that are doing it right are the ones that focus on player engagement—whether that’s through unique bonus mechanics, interactive features, agency over their wagering or even storytelling elements. On the flip side, one of the biggest pitfalls is overcomplicating things. Sometimes, games try to pack in too many features, which can lead to confusion rather than excitement. Another challenge is balancing innovation with familiarity—players love fresh mechanics, but they also need a sense of structure and predictability in how a game plays.
What can we look forward to next from Slingshot Studios?
A: We’ve got some exciting projects in the pipeline! Without giving too much away, we’re continuing to explore ways to push the boundaries of slot gaming, especially in terms of interactivity and engagement. Cash Crusade is the first of what we hope will be many ASSEMBL’EM™ games. This feature set will be coming to another beloved Slingshot franchise later this year. All I can tell you is that it is not a re-skin of this game, so expect to see your cards playing in an entirely different way. There will be more, but we’re keeping the rest under wraps for now.
More about Slingshot Studios
Top past releases from the studio include Links of Ra II™, Candy Combo™– Power Combo and Gold Fusion™, exclusively for distribution via the Games Global platform.
Keep in touch with Slingshot Studios and follow them on social media: https://www.linkedin.com/company/slingshotstudios/about/
