Slot Sequels and Franchises: Is This the Future of Online Casino Gaming?
If you've spent any time browsing the slots lobby at your favourite Irish online casino lately, you may have noticed something curious: the games that keep appearing aren't entirely new. Instead, you're seeing familiar names with a "2" or "3" tacked on — sequels, follow-ups, and franchise entries that build on titles you already know and love. It's a trend that's reshaping how slot developers think about their roadmaps, and it's one that Irish players are experiencing first-hand every time they spin the reels.
At ICE 2026, one of the iGaming industry's most important annual gatherings, Thunderkick Chief Commercial Officer Svante Sahlström sat down to discuss exactly this phenomenon. His insights offer a fascinating window into how top-tier slot studios are approaching game development — and what it means for players at licensed Irish online casinos.
The Franchise Trend: Hollywood Comes to the Slots Floor
Sahlström was candid about what he observed walking the ICE exhibition floor: "I don't see that many new things in games themselves, as opposed to when crash games came out, for example, and it was like 'wow, this is new'. I still see a lot of sequels with game number five or six and so on. I think that franchises are still the major trend."
This mirrors what's happening in mainstream entertainment. Hollywood has long understood the power of sequels — audiences who loved the first film are primed to return for the second, third, and beyond. The same psychology applies to online slots. When a player has spent hours with a particular game, learned its mechanics, bonded with its characters, and perhaps landed a big win, they're naturally drawn to the next instalment.
For Irish players, this means that beloved titles like Thunderkick's Wildos series or their Midas franchise aren't just standalone games — they're evolving stories with expanding universes. "If you like the first then you will want to see the second, and so on," Sahlström explains. "You get a lot closer to the characters, you are getting more deeply familiarised and you want to get more out of it."
Why Sequels Work: The Psychology of Familiarity
There's solid psychological reasoning behind why franchise slots resonate so strongly with players. When you sit down to play a sequel, you're not starting from scratch. You already understand the base game mechanics, you recognise the visual style, and you have an emotional connection to the characters or theme. This lowers the barrier to engagement significantly.
From a marketing perspective, sequels also carry built-in momentum. As Sahlström notes, "It also raises an eyebrow when number two or three is coming, et cetera. It's an easy step or threshold in marketing as well." For Irish casino operators, promoting a sequel to a popular title is considerably easier than launching an entirely unknown game — players are already curious.
This is particularly relevant in Ireland's competitive online casino market, where operators are constantly looking for ways to keep their bonus offers and game libraries fresh and engaging. A well-timed sequel launch can drive significant traffic and player activity, especially when paired with free spins promotions or bonus rounds tied to the new release.
Thunderkick's Franchise Portfolio: What's Coming
Thunderkick has been particularly active in building out its franchise portfolio. The studio behind beloved titles like Birds on a Wire, Esqueleto Explosivo, and the Wildos series has confirmed several exciting sequel projects currently in development.
3 Wildos
The third entry in the Wildos series is described as "loosely based around a collection of popular movie characters, such as The Good, the Bad and the Ugly." Sahlström explains that the characters are becoming "a little more personal" with each instalment, deepening the narrative connection players feel. The game will introduce new features while retaining the core mechanics that made the original a hit.
Midas 3
The golden-touch mythology continues with Midas 3, which Sahlström describes as "a three pot game." This represents a new game functionality direction for Thunderkick, with pot games set to become a signature mechanic for the studio going forward. "We are planning to introduce a number of three pot games," he confirms. "3 Wildos will be the first one out, and then we'll introduce more."
War Potato
Perhaps the most intriguing upcoming release is War Potato, the follow-up to the hugely successful Hot Potato. "Hot Potato was such a huge success that we also released Hot Turkey, which was a Christmas game," Sahlström notes. "We're also doing another. The name is not 100 per cent set, but War Potato, which will be a sequel. It won't be named number two, but it certainly falls within the franchise." The game will be a cluster-based title with added functionality to differentiate it from its predecessor.
The Balance: Sequels vs. Original Titles
While the franchise model is clearly working, Sahlström is quick to emphasise that it can't be the only strategy. "For us as a B2B supplier, you need to balance that with new titles," he says. "You can always do another sequel if you want to, but you can't always go for sequences."
This balance is crucial for Irish players too. A slots lobby filled entirely with sequels would quickly feel stale — the industry needs fresh concepts, new mechanics, and original ideas to keep the ecosystem vibrant. The best studios, Thunderkick included, understand that sequels work best when they're part of a broader portfolio that includes genuinely innovative standalone titles.
Sahlström also touches on the importance of narrative depth in modern slots: "I don't know if this is a trend or not, but more narrative games get you deeply involved with characters, new worlds, new games." This suggests that the future of slots isn't just about mechanics — it's about storytelling, character development, and creating worlds that players want to return to.
Easter Eggs and Loyalty Rewards: The Next Frontier
One of the most exciting ideas Sahlström floats is the concept of "cameo roles" — easter eggs hidden within games that reward loyal, long-term players. "I would like to see cameo roles like in the movies," he says. "A kind of easter egg of something that would be rewarding for your truly loyal players."
This concept aligns perfectly with how Irish online casinos are increasingly thinking about player retention. VIP programmes, loyalty schemes, and personalised bonus offers are already standard practice at the best Irish casinos. Imagine if the games themselves also rewarded loyalty — hidden features, special symbols, or bonus rounds that only unlock for players who've logged significant time with a franchise. It's a compelling vision for the future.
Thunderkick Eyes the US Market
While Irish players are the focus here, it's worth noting that Thunderkick is also eyeing expansion into regulated US states like New Jersey and Michigan. "We are live with social but are looking into the regulated real-money gaming markets as well," Sahlström confirms.
This international growth trajectory matters for Irish players because it signals Thunderkick's financial health and long-term commitment to the regulated market. Studios that are expanding into new jurisdictions are investing in compliance, quality, and sustainability — all things that benefit players at licensed Irish online casinos who want to know their favourite game providers are here for the long haul.
What This Means for Irish Casino Players
So what does all of this mean practically for Irish players browsing their casino's slots lobby? Here are the key takeaways:
- Expect more sequels: If you love a particular slot, there's a good chance a follow-up is already in development. Keep an eye on new release announcements from your favourite studios.
- Franchise games often offer better value: Sequels typically build on proven mechanics, meaning less time learning a new game and more time enjoying the features you already understand.
- New mechanics are still coming: Studios like Thunderkick are introducing genuinely new game types (like pot games) even within their franchise structure. Innovation isn't dead — it's just more targeted.
- Narrative depth is increasing: Modern slots are becoming more story-driven. If you enjoy games with rich characters and evolving worlds, the next few years look very promising.
- Free spins on sequels are great value: When casinos offer free spins bonuses on sequel titles, you're getting to play a game you already understand — maximising the value of every spin.
Finding the Best Slot Games at Irish Online Casinos
Whether you're a fan of franchise slots or prefer to discover entirely new titles, the key is playing at a properly licensed and regulated Irish online casino. All reputable operators in Ireland hold licences from recognised authorities, ensuring that the games you play are fair, the RTP percentages are accurate, and your funds are protected.
When evaluating a casino's slots offering, look for:
- A diverse library from multiple top-tier providers (not just one or two studios)
- Regular new game additions, including both sequels and original titles
- Transparent RTP information for each game
- Demo play options so you can try games for free before wagering real money
- Responsible gambling tools including deposit limits and session timers
Our casino guides can help you navigate the Irish online casino landscape and find the platforms that offer the best combination of game variety, bonuses, and player protections.
The Verdict: Franchises Are Here to Stay
The franchise and sequel trend in online slots isn't a passing fad — it's a fundamental shift in how the industry thinks about game development, player retention, and brand building. For Irish players, this means a future filled with familiar favourites evolving in exciting new directions, alongside genuinely innovative new concepts that push the boundaries of what a slot game can be.
Thunderkick's approach — balancing franchise development with original titles, exploring new mechanics like pot games, and thinking deeply about narrative and character — represents the gold standard for how studios should be approaching this challenge. As Irish players, we're the beneficiaries of this thoughtful, player-centric approach to game design.
Keep an eye on the new releases section at your favourite Irish online casino — the next chapter in your favourite slot franchise might be just around the corner.
