Conquer Australia and you’ll conquer the world. That’s the attitude among today’s game studios and developers as Australia has grown into one of the world’s gaming hotspots over the past decade. That has particularly been so since the events of 2020/21. Australia reacted ruthlessly to the threat at the time, but has recovered fast, and is enjoying relative prosperity while much of the world battles economic hardship.
With more disposable cash than most, Australia is a more vital market than ever for the gaming industry. Trends are studied closely and taken seriously, including a recent fascination with an age-old gaming theme.
Viking spirit is alive and well down under
Vikings have been capturing our imaginations for generations in the world of literature, poetry and film. Viking-themed games have been part of the gaming landscape since the 8-bit days of the 1980s. However, they are more popular among Australian gamers than ever before. Let’s take a look at some of the titles that have been dominating the Aussie market in recent weeks.
Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla is the most popular instalment yet
The Assassin’s Creed series of games was an instant success down under from the moment of its debut in 2007. Valhalla, the latest, and most would say the greatest title in the action RPG series, is set in the Viking era. The player adopts the role of Eivor, a Viking leader who marshals his clan to a new settlement in England. No sooner does he arrive than he finds himself in the thick of a centuries-old battle between the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order that will be familiar to anyone who has played other games in the series.
The game has the rich graphics and smooth controls that players have come to expect, but what sets it apart is its rich and intelligent storyline. Also, Australian players with a liking for history must take some gratification in going back in time and being part of the Great Heathen Army that invaded the Old Country.
Thunderstruck II is a new take on a casino classic
Australians just adore their pokies – or slot games as they are known in the rest of the world. Thunderstruck was one of the staples of the early online casino days, launched by Microgaming way back in 2003. The new and improved Thunderstruck II has been around for a while too now, but Australian casino players consistently rank it in the top three online casino slots in Australia due to its production values, playability and fair RTP rating.
Special symbols include the Thunderstruck II symbol, which acts as a wild and Thor’s Hammer, which is a scatter. Three of these launch a free spins game, and that is when the rewards can really start to mount up.
Expeditions: Vikings was an unexpected success
This tactical RPG was a follow up to Expeditions: Conquistador. While the first game was a hit among the gaming geeks, Vikings achieved a mainstream success Down Under that even surprised the developers.
Praised for its grim but atmospheric setting, this has proved to be a game that everyone can get into, including casual gamers. The open world setting provides a world of opportunities beyond the standard looting
