The Founder & The Journey
"Cameron, you have over 15 years of experience leading teams at some of the industry's 'A-Grade' giants. What was the specific 'spark' or moment that made you decide to leave that stability behind to build Pineapple Play from the ground up? Was there a creative itch that the big studios just couldn't scratch?"
Over the years I have worked on many interesting projects with talented people and have always enjoyed the creative side to game design and development. Large studios have the benefit of an established structure and security but that also comes with constraints. Decisions take longer and creative risks are more difficult to justify.
Starting Pineapple Play came from a desire to build a studio that had complete creative freedom, an environment where we can move fast, stay curious and make decisions with the player in mind from day one, but without the unnecessary complexity. I wanted to be close to the design decisions that shape how a game feels to a player, and the opportunity to start Pineapple Play presented itself at the right time with the right team.
"Every studio has a DNA. How did Pineapple Play come to be, and why did you choose Australia as your base of operations? Does the local culture or environment influence the 'vibe' of the games you are building?"
Australia is a beautiful country with a culture that is friendly, easy going and that promotes the concept of giving everyone equal opportunities for success. There is also a mindset of strong independence and getting things done which aligns with how we like to work. The local environment and culture do influence the direction and feel of our games, and this will be seen in some of our releases planned for later this year.
"You have moved from managing large, structured teams to leading the strategy of a smaller focused studio. How has that shift changed your day-to-day workflow and decision making?"
Moving into a smaller studio environment has brought me much closer to the day-to-day decision making. There is far less distance between an idea being discussed and it being tested or built which makes the process much more rewarding.
With a small senior team there is a high level of trust and shared experience so decisions can be made quickly and confidently. That allows us to stay focused on quality and avoid unnecessary layers of process. We are much more agile as a team and this allows us to respond faster, make adjustments earlier and stay closely connected to how the game actually feels as it comes together.
The Debut & The Games
"We know your debut game, Coconut Chaos, has launched via Hacksaw Gaming's OpenRGS. That is a massive endorsement for a new studio. Why were they the right partner for your first release, and how has their tech allowed you to push the boundaries of what a 'debut slot' usually looks like?"
As a new studio you only get one opportunity to make a strong first impression so choosing the right platform partner was critical. Hacksaw Gaming has a proven track record in regulated markets and a reputation for high technical standards and pushing the boundaries creatively which made them a natural fit for us. OpenRGS gives us the flexibility to focus on how the game plays rather than having to navigate technical constraints.
Our goal with the release of Coconut Chaos was not to reinvent the genre but to deliver a confident well executed debut that reflects how we approach game development. Hacksaw’s Open RGS allowed us to do that while still allowing Pineapple Play’s personality to come through clearly.
"Moving forward, how would you define the 'Pineapple Play' signature style? Are you looking to disrupt the market with complex, heavy mechanics, or are you leaning more into quirky themes and approachable gameplay?"
For us the Pineapple Play style is less about choosing between complexity or accessibility and more about balance. We are interested in mechanics that have depth but are easy to understand and games that feel approachable without being shallow.
We do not believe that complexity on its own creates better games. What matters is clarity and how naturally the mechanics reveal themselves to the player. If a game needs a long explanation to be enjoyable then something has gone wrong.
Our focus is on strong themes, clear gameplay and features that feel purposeful. Over time players should recognise a Pineapple Play game not because it follows a formula but because it feels considered, confident and enjoyable to play.
"Our audience at Slot-Streamers.com loves games that create 'hype' moments. When you are balancing the math model for your new games, are you consciously designing features that play well on stream, like high-volatility bonuses or visual spectacles, or do you focus purely on the casual player first?"
We always start with the player experience first and focus on visuals that feels authentic to the game design. This includes a variety of different game types for a range of players.
However, Streamers are an important part of the iGaming ecosystem and we pay attention to how games are experienced in that context. Our roadmap does include a number of higher-volatility titles and bolder themes where larger win potential is an inherent part of the design. Those games will likely translate very well on stream and create those exciting moments, but that’s a by-product of strong, authentic game design rather than the primary goal.
The Industry Landscape (2026 & Beyond)
"Launching a first game at the end of 2025 means entering a market that is more saturated than ever. As a small, agile studio, what is your strategy to ensure your games don't just get lost in the lobby? Is it about distinct art, unique math, or community engagement?"
It is a crowded market but for us the goal isn’t to win a moment of attention in a busy lobby, it’s to create games that players actually remember.
Quality and considered game design sits at the core of everything we do. We believe that when strong mechanics are paired with engaging, well-thought-out themes, the result is an experience that players will want to return to. That’s what we’re focused on.
We place a lot of emphasis on game context. Our games aren’t just collections of symbols and features, they have backstories and a sense of place and identity. That narrative layer gives the experience more personality and helps players connect with the game beyond a single session. That’s how we think about cutting through over the long term, not by shouting the loudest in a crowded lobby, but by creating games that reward attention and hold it.
"You’ve seen the industry evolve over 15 years. Right now, do you think we are in a period of stagnation with too many 'reskins,' or are we on the verge of a new wave of mechanics? Where does Pineapple Play fit into that conversation?"
The industry is in a phase of consolidation where ideas are being refined rather than completely reinvented and that’s a natural phase in a mature market.
At the same time, there are genuinely interesting ideas emerging, which tend to come from studios that are willing to slow down, be selective, and design with intention rather than chasing release schedules.
That’s very much where Pineapple Play fits. We’re not interested in releasing as many games as possible for the sake of visibility. Every title we put out is considered carefully, how it plays, how it feels, and how it reflects our principles as a studio, including innovation. We want each game to have a clear story and a point of difference.
The Roadmap
"We are all excited for Coconut Chaos, but can you give us a teaser for what comes next? Do you have a roadmap of different themes, or do you plan to iterate on your first success? What can players look forward to in 2026?"
We’re incredibly excited about our upcoming releases in 2026. Coconut Chaos sets the tone for how we think about quality, personality, and considered design, and we aim to meet and exceed that bar with each future release.
We do have a clear roadmap for 2026 but it’s deliberately flexible as we’re very intentional about carrying lessons forward. Everything we learn from one release feeds directly into the next, whether that’s pacing, player behaviour, or how certain mechanics resonate.
Looking ahead in 2026, players can expect a number of thoughtfully produced games that showcase a variety of mechanics and themes and take players on a journey.
Thanks for answering our questions, I hope we will hear more from you when your next game comes out. - Craig 'Llandri' Ferguson
