Bullshark Games x Chipmonkz Slots Q&A
- Can you tell our readers who might be discovering Bullshark Games for the first time, how would you sum up the studio’s mission and identity?
At Bullshark Games, we design slots we’d actually want to play ourselves. Our mantra is “From Players to Players,” and that guides everything, from bold mechanics to unpredictable gameplay. We’re not interested in just pumping out reskins or recycling features. Each release is crafted to feel exciting, fresh, and full of moments that get your heart racing.
- Bullshark Games has had a busy year already releasing a whole host of top games. What would you say has been the studio’s proudest achievement so far in 2025?
It’s tough to pick just one, but getting shortlisted for Rookie of the Year at the SBC Awards Europe has been a real milestone. It’s recognition not just for one game, but for the quality and consistency of everything we’ve put out this year. Internally, we’re also proud of how we’ve evolved our feature design, players are really noticing how our games feel different, and that means a lot.
- We’ve heard Bullshark talk about blending innovative mechanics with player-first design. How does that philosophy come through in upcoming releases like Charm of the Dragon and Astro Rumble?
Absolutely. Both Charm of the Dragon and Astro Rumble are great examples of how we try to balance innovative mechanics with a player-first mindset.
In Charm of the Dragon, the whole experience is built around building suspense. The reels can expand, the multiplier ladder keeps climbing, and in Free Spins, Sticky Mystery symbols create a real sense of momentum. Everything is progressive, your wins and your potential both grow as you play, which keeps players engaged and gives every spin that “something could happen” feeling.
Astro Rumble takes that same philosophy into a totally different setting. It’s a fast-paced space race, where you’re collecting and powering up three different feature pots. Those pots (Wilds, Multipliers, and Nitro symbols) can trigger in exciting combinations, and in Free Spins, they only get stronger the more you collect. We wanted players to feel like they’re charging toward something with real stakes, like there’s always a bigger win around the corner.
In both games, it’s all about creating progression, excitement, and meaningful moments, without overwhelming the player or forcing complexity.
- Can you walk us through Charm of the Dragon, what can players expect in terms of theme, gameplay, and standout features?
Charm of the Dragon drops players into a treasure-filled lair guarded by a mysterious dragon. It starts with a 5×3 setup but expands dynamically up to 6 rows, growing the ways to win from 243 to 7,776. Every win triggers a bonus, either expanding the reels or bumping up a global multiplier, so even in the base game, you’re building momentum with each spin.
When you hit the Free Spins round, things really start to heat up. Not only do the expanding reels and multiplier become progressive, but Sticky Mystery Symbols also enter the mix. These land on the middle reels and stick in place, revealing matching symbols on future spins to create more consistent win potential. It’s all designed to build suspense and reward persistence, with a 10,000x max win waiting at the end.
- And what about Astro Rumble? How does this title push the boundaries for Bullshark Games, and what makes it different from your previous releases?
Astro Rumble is pure chaos, in a good way. It’s set in a fast-paced space race, where you spin across a 5×4 grid with 14 winlines, but what makes it really stand out are the three “pots” that sit above the reels: Wilds, Multipliers, and Nitro Symbols. These can activate at random in the base game thanks to the Cosmic Boost feature, and during Free Spins, they become progressive, collecting and growing with every spin.
That gives the game a wild, unpredictable energy, it constantly feels like something big is just around the corner. The pace, the visuals, and the way it evolves mid-session make Astro Rumble feel more like a full-blown arcade experience than a traditional slot. It’s one of the boldest games we’ve done so far.
- How do you approach balancing volatility in new games to appeal to both casual players and high-rollers?
We don’t prioritize one player type over another, we design layered experiences that appeal to both casual players and high-rollers alike. Features like “second-chance” mechanics and mini-events provide ongoing engagement and appeal across the board, including to high-rollers looking for consistent action between big hits. At the same time, high-ceiling bonus rounds and Bonus Buy options deliver the kind of risk-reward tension some players seek. Our goal is to keep everyone engaged without diluting the core experience.
- Looking at your game portfolio so far, are there any mechanics or themes you feel define the ‘Bullshark’ style?
Definitely. Our games usually have a strong build-up mechanic, whether it’s symbol collection, dynamic multipliers, or escalating wilds. We like creating tension and payoff, that rollercoaster feeling. And thematically, we’re not afraid to get a bit weird or offbeat. One week it’s ancient Egypt with a chaotic twist, the next it’s chickens in a coop battle arena. If it’s fun and different, we’re in.
- Finally, what can fans look forward to from Bullshark Games for the rest of the year, any teasers you can share beyond Charm of the Dragon and Astro Rumble?
We’ve got some really interesting formats coming up. Without giving too much away, one game plays with how volatility builds over time, creating real momentum the longer you stick with it. Another title uses a familiar mechanic in a way we haven’t explored before. We’re also experimenting with a few new concepts, but we’d like to keep those as a surprise for now.
If you’ve enjoyed our approach so far, we’re confident the second half of 2025 is going to be even more exciting.
