Exclusive Interview with Jacob from ELK Gaming: The Evolution of the Cygnus Series
ELK Studios has been making big moves in the industry with their innovative slot series, Cygnus.
With the recent release of Cygnus 5, AusCasinos sat down with Jacob from ELK to delve into the origins of the series, the team behind it, and what makes this latest instalment a hit.
Can you share the story behind the original Cygnus game and the inspiration for its unique mechanics?
Back in 2019, we introduced the Gravity Mechanic with the launch of Cygnus. Given its complexity, we dedicated extra time to perfect the player experience. Upon release, it became evident that we'd crafted something special.
The depth of the Gravity Mechanic is its charm—it might take a bit longer to master than traditional slot mechanics, but once players get the hang of it, they can anticipate the gameplay and feel a step ahead. Following Cygnus, we experimented with this mechanic in cluster games like Stars of Orion and integrated it into titles such as Coba and Ryze.
As the Cygnus series has progressed, each game introduces new elements. Which features do you believe have been pivotal to its success?
The secret to a successful sequel is pushing boundaries while staying true to the original. When new ideas arise, we always consider if they align with the Cygnus brand. Among the various features we've explored, the Bonus Trigger—achieved by rolling the Bonus symbol to the left pillar—stands out. It's straightforward and complements the Gravity Mechanic perfectly.
The secret to a successful sequel is pushing boundaries while staying true to the original. When new ideas arise, we always consider if they align with the Cygnus brand.
When developing a new sequel, where does the creative journey begin? Can you give us a peek into ELK Studios' workshop?
It varies by series. In the Nitropolis series, the theme drives the development, allowing us to freely experiment with new mechanics and features. However, for Cygnus, the Gravity Mechanic remains the focal point. We aim to add features that enhance the gameplay experience while preserving the core mechanic.
One of the standout features in Cygnus 5 is the Prism symbol. How does it function, and what impact does it have on gameplay?
The Prism feature is one of two new additions in Cygnus 5. Activated upon reaching the bottom of the game grid, it transforms all symbols along one or more lines into the same symbol. If a Prism encounters another Prism, it triggers a chain reaction, and that's when the excitement begins!
This game also debuts the Meteor Strike feature. How did this mechanic come about, and what does it add to the player experience?
Meteor Strike is the first random feature in the entire Cygnus series. It activates at the end of a regular drop, replacing several payout symbols with feature symbols.
In the Super Bonus, players are guaranteed a Meteor Strike in every free drop. These random features serve as a "last hurrah"—an unexpected moment that revitalises the game round, adding an extra layer of anticipation. We've been closely monitoring player feedback, and so far, it seems to be a great addition.
The slot expands up to eight rows with 262,144 ways to win. What kind of strategies or player behaviours do you think this format encourages?
The 6-reel, 4-row format, which can expand up to 8 (or even 9) rows, is something we've extensively explored since the release of Ecuador Gold in early 2019. This format has also appeared in some Nitropolis games.
Wins that not only trigger an avalanche of new symbols but also expand the game grid create a dynamic experience, elevating any round into a max-expansion moment with huge potential.
Why do you think players have responded so positively to Cygnus 5?
The Cygnus series has established a strong brand. Even though each new instalment introduces different features, themes, and settings, they all stay true to the core identity of Cygnus—something we believe fans appreciate. At the same time, we strive to exceed expectations, which is always a challenge.
Can you tell us about the soundtrack and audio elements used in the game?
The aim was to create an atmosphere reminiscent of Villeneuve’s Dune films—mysterious, epic, and otherworldly. The goal was to infuse the music with an Egyptian influence, while the sound effects were designed to evoke the classic Cygnus astral and stellar tones.
Additionally, the setting was crafted to emphasise the feeling of being inside a pyramid, but not in the traditional sense—one that serves as a sanctuary for a secret, stargazing Cygnus-cult.
Even though each new instalment introduces different features, themes, and settings, they all stay true to the core identity of Cygnus—something we believe fans appreciate.
ELK Studios is known for pushing the boundaries of game mechanics. Do you see the Gravity Mechanic evolving further in future Cygnus sequels? Is Cygnus 6 in development?
We are incredibly proud of the Gravity Mechanic, and players seem to be just as excited about it now as they were when we first introduced Cygnus. So, don’t be surprised if you see another game featuring this mechanic later this year!
As for Cygnus 6, let’s give the team time to enjoy their victory lap before talking about a potential Cygnus 6.
Finally, what’s next for ELK Studios? Can you give us a sneak peek into any other exciting projects in the pipeline?
Next up is an exciting rest of 2025!
We have a great mix of interesting new mechanics that will push the industry standards, but also some more familiar game themes, so yeah, we can’t wait to see how players react!
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