Interview: Marta Cortiñas tells us how Candy Crush Solitaire brings King’s usual magic to the classic card game

The popular game developer, King, has released Candy Crush Solitaire for both iOS and Android devices, combining their signature style with the classic card game. Given their past achievements, this could be the next major gaming sensation. We had a chat with Marta Cortiñas, the Executive Producer of Candy Crush Solitaire, to find out more about it.

Can you introduce yourself and your role on Candy Crush Solitaire to our readers, please?

I’m Marta Cortiñas, the Executive Producer on Candy Crush Solitaire. My role involves overseeing the game’s development, ensuring we deliver a high-quality, engaging, and fun experience for players. I work closely with our talented team of designers, engineers, and artists to bring this fresh take on solitaire to life while staying true to the iconic Candy Crush universe.

How long has Candy Crush Solitaire been in the works?

Candy Crush Solitaire has been in development for a few years. We took the time to test, iterate, and refine the game to ensure it offers something truly special for both solitaire and Candy Crush fans. Our goal was to blend the familiar fun of TriPeaks Solitaire with the engaging and rewarding mechanics that players love from the Candy Crush franchise.

How was the Candy Crush theme chosen rather than using another King IP or inventing an entirely new one? Was it simply a case of it having the most brand recognition?

Candy Crush is one of the most beloved mobile gaming franchises in the world, with a global community of players who trust us to create high-quality, engaging games. We saw a unique opportunity to expand the Candy Crush universe by reimagining solitaire with our signature Candy Crush fun, vibrant visuals, and engaging progression system. The decision was about more than just brand recognition, it was about creating a fresh, exciting experience that feels both familiar and new.

Aside from Solitaire itself, were there any other games or media that you drew inspiration from?

We took inspiration from a variety of sources, including classic card games and the broader world of mobile adventure games. We also looked at what players love about the Candy Crush franchise, whether it’s the rewarding progression, satisfying mechanics, or immersive visuals and found ways to integrate those elements into a solitaire experience. The goal was to make sure Candy Crush Solitaire feels like a natural extension of the franchise while standing out as a unique game.

What makes your interpretation of TriPeaks Solitaire stand out from the crowd?

Candy Crush Solitaire is more than just a solitaire game, it’s a fresh, immersive experience. We’ve introduced new exciting mechanics like the Hold Slot, which allows players to set cards aside for later use, and the Color Bomb booster, a fan-favourite from Candy Crush Saga, reimagined in card form to help clear tricky levels. The Hold Slot is truly a great feature that will change the way players strategically think about the board and their next move. The game also features Candy-inspired obstacles and boosters, adding a strategic layer beyond traditional TriPeaks Solitaire. Plus, players embark on a sweet journey around the world, Candifying postcards as they progress, making the experience more rewarding and visually delightful.

You’ve mentioned boosters. Can you explain a little bit about how these will work?

Boosters in Candy Crush Solitaire function as helpful tools to give players an edge in challenging levels. For example, the Color Bomb booster lets players clear multiple cards at once, much like it does in Candy Crush Saga but reimagined for Solitaire. We also have an Undo move booster, allowing players to reverse their last action, and a Wild Card, which acts as a versatile tool to help complete sequences. These mechanics add depth to the gameplay while keeping it accessible and fun.

One aspect of Candy Crush Solitaire is filling in postcards from around the world. Why did you decide to base levels around this particular concept?

The postcard system was designed to bring a sense of adventure and progression to the game. Rather than just moving through levels, players travel to different locations around the world, unlocking and decorating postcards as they progress. This adds a visual storytelling element to the game, making each level feel like a step in an exciting journey. It also taps into the idea of escapism, players can enjoy a relaxing moment of play while exploring beautiful, candy-coated destinations.

Is there any integration with other King products planned to advertise the release of Candy Crush Solitaire?

Yes, we’re leveraging the strength of the Candy Crush franchise to introduce players to Candy Crush Solitaire. We have cross-promotions planned within all our existing games in the King portfolio, including Candy Crush Saga, Candy Crush Soda Saga, and more.

What can we expect from Candy Crush Solitaire in the coming months in terms of events or updates?

We’re committed to continuous updates and new content, just like we do with our other live games. Players can expect new levels, exciting seasonal events, new engaging features, and fresh postcards to keep the game engaging. We’ll also be closely listening to player feedback to refine and improve the experience over time. Our goal is to create a game that players keep coming back to, whether they’re longtime Solitaire fans or discovering the genre for the first time.

2025-02-06 16:18