Mr. Gamble Q&A: Bullshark Games Founder Andre Villandberg Talks Innovation, Player-First Design, and the Future of iGaming

In this exclusive Mr. Gamble Q&A session, CMO Paul Puolakka sits down with Andre Villandberg, the Founder and CEO of Bullshark Games, one of the industry’s fastest-rising studios known for its unmistakable “From Players to Players” philosophy. Together, they dive deep into Bullshark’s creative DNA, its bold approach to game mechanics, the evolving expectations of modern players, and the innovations set to define 2026 and beyond.

Whether you’re an operator, creator, or passionate player, this candid conversation reveals how Bullshark is reshaping the slot experience from the inside out.

About Bullshark and Company Vision

Andre, what inspired you to create Bullshark Games, and how does your ‘From Players to Players’ mantra shape your approach to game development?

Bullshark was born out of a simple but powerful idea: build the kinds of games we’d actually want to play. I come from a player background, and after years working in various parts of the industry: supplier, operator, product, I saw that there was still a gap between what players enjoy and what studios often prioritize. Our mantra, “From Players to Players,” keeps us grounded. It reminds us to focus on excitement, clarity, and emotional payoff, not just hitting math targets or copying trends.

How does Bullshark differentiate itself from other slot studios in terms of innovation and player engagement?

We try not to chase trends for the sake of it. Instead, we focus on building games that have strong momentum, intuitive mechanics, and a clear path to excitement. We look for ways to blend progression and surprise in a way that keeps players engaged, even if they’ve never seen the exact format before. It’s also about pacing, knowing when to hold back and when to deliver the punch.

Can you share an example of a design choice or feature that demonstrates your commitment to creating games you would love to play yourself?

Gem Ghosts is a great example. It’s a cluster pays game with a unique respin mechanic and a board that builds tension over time. The idea was to capture that “just one more spin” feeling, giving players the sense that something big might be just around the corner. It’s not overloaded with gimmicks, but everything has a purpose.

Looking ahead to 2026, what trends in the iGaming space are influencing your development roadmap?

Players are becoming more tuned into pacing and emotion than ever before. It’s no longer just about huge wins; it’s about the journey to get there. We’re seeing more appetite for games that offer clear progression, evolving volatility, and strong visual identity. We’re also watching how streamers and content creators shape player expectations, that’s definitely influencing how we structure engagement.

How do you balance creativity, player excitement, and commercial performance when designing new titles?

We don’t believe you have to sacrifice one for the other. A well-balanced game can be both creative and commercially successful, the key is understanding what drives retention. If a game has a hook, a reason to stay, and a satisfying risk/reward structure, the performance follows. Creativity fuels engagement, but it needs to be backed by smart math and real data.

Game Mechanics and Player Experience

Bullshark is known for unique mechanics like walking wilds and global multipliers, how do these enhance the player experience?

They give players something to root for, a sense of progression or escalation. Walking wilds, for example, create moments of anticipation, while global multipliers make every spin feel meaningful. These mechanics aren't just visual effects; they shift how the game is played and how it feels.

What role do themes and storytelling play in your games, and how do you decide which concepts to bring to life?

We use themes to support emotion. It’s not about adding story just for the sake of it, the theme needs to complement the volatility, the pacing, and the type of excitement the game is trying to create. Whether it’s a dragon guarding treasure or a paperboy dodging traffic, we want every game world to feel alive and intentional.

How do you ensure that each game is engaging for both new players and seasoned slot enthusiasts?

Clarity is key. We aim for mechanics that are easy to pick up, but with layers that reveal themselves over time. That way, newer players don’t feel lost, and experienced ones still find something to sink their teeth into. We also make sure that the base game has enough going on, so you don’t need to rely solely on bonus rounds for fun.

Do you test new mechanics in-house before release, and what insights do you gain from that process?

Yes, every game goes through internal playtesting, and we run simulations to understand how it performs across different types of sessions. But we also value live feedback, seeing how real players respond once the game is out in the world. Sometimes things that test well in theory don’t resonate emotionally, and we use those learnings to fine-tune future designs.

How do performance considerations, like mobile optimization and fast loading, influence design without compromising fun?

They’re absolutely essential. Most players are on mobile now, so if a game doesn’t load quickly or lags during gameplay, it doesn’t matter how good the features are, people will bounce. We optimize from the ground up, making sure visuals, sound, and animations work fluidly without bloating the experience.

Bonus Features and Promotions

When designing slots, what do you think about bonus features like free spins in terms of perceived value for players?

Bonus rounds are still a huge draw, but players have become more skeptical, they want value, not just a fancy transition screen. That’s why we build our free spins to feel different from the base game. Whether it’s progressive elements, sticky wilds, or multipliers, it needs to feel like a real shift in potential.

Are there particular mechanics that work especially well in free-spin or no-deposit offers?

Mechanics that deliver early excitement without needing long build-up tend to do well. For example, games where the multiplier is already in play or builds fast, or where wilds are frequent from the start. Players using bonuses want to feel something early, you don’t have 300 spins to impress them.

From your perspective, how do bonus features impact long-term player engagement and retention?

A good bonus round can absolutely drive retention, especially if it creates memorable moments. But it’s not just about max wins, it’s about giving players enough variation and surprise to keep them coming back. If a bonus feature is too predictable or underwhelming, players won’t return.

How do you work with operators to ensure bonus mechanics feel exciting but also fair?

We share performance data and listen to feedback from operators closely. They know what drives retention across their player base, and we try to align our designs accordingly. Fairness is crucial, bonuses need to feel winnable, not just flashy.

What advice would you give to players about evaluating which games offer the most rewarding bonus experiences?

Look at how much the bonus actually changes the gameplay. If it’s just a few free spins with no added features, it might not be worth chasing. But if it introduces wilds, multipliers, or a different reel set, those tend to be more rewarding. Also, pay attention to hit frequency and volatility; not every bonus needs to be huge, but it should feel worth the effort.

On a personal note, do you have a favorite slot game?

It’s hard to pick just one, but Age of Seth has a special place, it’s chaotic in the best way. It balances surprise, pacing, and massive potential without ever feeling overwhelming. It really captures what we aim for as a studio

Trust, Safety, and Fair Play

How does Bullshark approach transparency and fairness, especially when bonus rounds are involved?

We aim for clarity in everything the player sees, from the UI and symbols to the overall game flow. If there’s something building in the background, it should be intuitive and visible. While we don’t handle certification directly, our distribution partner, Hacksaw Gaming, ensures all our games are certified and compliant through top-tier testing labs across regulated markets.

Are there design choices you make specifically to signal trust and reliability to players?

Yes, visual clarity and consistent logic in gameplay are key. If a multiplier triggers, players should see why. If something is building, they should understand how. That transparency builds trust, especially when players are still learning the game.

Do you see changes in how players approach testing new casinos with no-deposit offers, and how does that inform your game design?

Yes, players are more cautious, but also quicker to judge. If the first few spins don’t deliver some intrigue or potential, they move on. That’s why we front-load excitement in many of our games, giving players something early on that makes them want to stick around.

Looking to the Future

What innovations or new experiences can players expect from Bullshark Games in 2026?

We’ve got some bold formats on the way, one game builds on what we did with Age of Seth, featuring symbol collection and level progression that ramps up the deeper you go. Another title switches things up with a completely different layout than we normally use, offering a fresh take on structure and flow.

At the same time, we’re refining systems from our most popular games to see how far we can push them. More progression, more variety, and more ways to keep things exciting.

How do you see the relationship between player expectations, bonus mechanics, and game innovation evolving over the next few years?

Players are more informed than ever, they know what they like, and they have high expectations. That’s a good thing. It pushes us to innovate, but with purpose. The goal is to build games that reward curiosity, encourage exploration, and deliver real moments of excitement, not just theoretical ones.

Lastly

Paul; Bullshark Games may be a young studio, but under Andre Villandberg’s vision, it’s clear they’re shaping the future with intention, personality, and a relentless commitment to the player experience. From redefining progression mechanics to fine-tuning emotional pacing, Bullshark continues to carve its path as a studio that builds games with purpose, not noise.

A special thanks to Andre for joining Mr. Gamble Q&A-session and sharing a look behind the curtain at what drives Bullshark’s creativity, strategy, and ambition. If their 2026 roadmap is any indication, players can expect even bigger, bolder, and more immersive experiences on the horizon.