Thunderkick

Intro

Founded in 2012, Thunderkick is one of many software developers that got its start in wintry Sweden. It’s smaller than other Swedish studios like Yggdrasil Gaming, but Thunderkick’s small library is packed with games that use original, high-quality digital art with no half-measures taken.

Like any successful iGaming operation, it’s also constantly releasing new games while forming connections with others in the industry. That includes software providers, casino partnerships, but also world-renowned authorities like Malta and Ontario as they deliver their slots worldwide. Below you’ll learn everything you need to know about Thunderkick – their story, their best games, and their landmark achievements after a decade in the business.

Name	Thunderkick
Founded	2012
Headquarters	Stockholm, Sweden
Licences	Sweden, Malta, UK, Ontario, Romania
Game Types	Slots
Number of Games	80+

History

Thunderkick started more than a decade ago, in what they call a “tiny studio” in Stockholm. It was founded by Sven Grip, who made the studio an independent source of fun games made by people who cared about every game that left the studio. Success came early for Thunderkick after they received support from the Kindred Group in 2014. Breaking stride from other Scandinavian developers, Thunderkick’s first hit wasn’t about Vikings. It was Esqueleto Explosivo, a slot based on Mexico’s Day of the Dead, and its sugar skulls are associated with their brand to this day.

In 2015, Jan Lunde left NetEnt to become CEO and carry Thunderkick into the future, leading over 80 people as part of a growing team. Its independent values persist today – “Doing things our way and staying independent will always be of paramount importance to us.” Lunde left in 2022 when Sven stepped back in as the CEO and oversaw Thunderkick’s recent expansion into other markets. As part of that transformation, Grip named Svante Sahlström as Chief Commercial Officer in early 2024, and shortly after, Thunderkick slots entered Ontario’s markets.

Popular Games

Thunderkick’s library has approximately 80 well-crafted games, each making full use of unique graphics and even 3D assets. The styles of those games vary a lot too, so they never look samey or cookie-cutter. On their site, Thunderkick highlights that “all game and platform development is done within the four walls of our own powerhouse.”

As for what comes out of that powerhouse, here are some of their most popular releases:

• Esqueleto Explosivo: An explosive slot set during the Dia de Muertos – Day of the Dead – which helped launch Thunderkick and earned a sequel in 2020.
• Midas Golden Touch: A mythological slot based on the legend of King Midas, who turned everything he touched to gold.
• Babushkas: A whimsical slot where every symbol is a matryoshka doll that can open to expose even more symbols and chain reaction wins.
• Pink Elephants: A slot all about helping four tribe minions summon the pink elephants, wise and magical deities that guard this game’s wins.
• Baron Bloodmore and the Crimson Castle: A supernatural slot that takes players on a journey through a sinister vampire’s castle.
• 12 Bolts of Thunder: A Norse mythology slot following Mjolnir, the lightning hammer of Thor that harnesses electricity and powers exciting spins.

Innovations and Awards

Thunderkick has won a few awards over the years, with most of them coming from 2017. They became a favorite at the Videoslots Awards, with three games (Flame Buster, Frog Grog, Midas Golden Touch) winning mobile game of the year, low-volatility game of the year, and best new slot game of the year respectively. Given their focus on creative vision and striking slot games, it’s no surprise that their awards celebrate the games they make instead of other services. More recently, their games have also been nominated for Bigwinboard and SlotCatalog awards.

At their small size, Thunderkick doesn’t offer a lot of B2B or support services like a lot of other software providers. Instead, their innovation comes from their independent values and dedication to making fun, striking games that each look different from the next.

Conclusion

With that, you should know all there is to know about Thunderkick. After a decade in the industry, this smaller studio is still going strong and fast approaching over 100 unique slot games. As the business expands, time will tell if they stick to just creating games or will start licensing software and other iGaming support to other providers.