Betgames launches most ambitious crash game yet with skyward Storm
The crash genre continues to evolve quickly, and BetGames has been part of that movement since launching the original Skyward in 2023. The game marked the company’s entry into the vertical and the beginning of a new strategic direction.
BetGames followed this with Skyward Deluxe and has now launched the third title in the series, Skyward Storm, its most ambitious evolution of the franchise so far.
Here at CasinoTrackpot we spoke with Adam Lahouiri, Head of Product at BetGames, about the new release, the thinking behind its features and what comes next for the company’s most successful game series.
1. What prompted the development of a third instalment in the Skyward franchise?
Appetite for the Skyward brand remains strong, but you cannot stand still in a market that moves as quickly as this one.
The original Skyward was our first step into crash, while Skyward Deluxe expanded the experience with a range of new social features. It was successful, but we could still see plenty of room to further develop the gameplay and respond to changing player expectations.
Competition for players’ attention is stronger than ever, and new products are constantly entering the market. Skyward Storm builds on the social experience of the previous games while introducing more gameplay-focused features, giving players more excitement and variety during every flight.
2. What was the biggest challenge when deciding which new features to integrate?
The appeal of crash games comes largely from their simplicity and speed. We wanted to move the series forward, but any new mechanic had to fit naturally into the experience without slowing the game down or making it harder for new players to understand.
That balance shaped most of our development decisions.
Both of the main in-game additions, Lightning Events and Safe Altitude, work without requiring players to make extra decisions during the flight. They add more depth and unpredictability while keeping the pace and quick bet settlement that crash players expect.
3. Skyward Storm introduces Quad Play. How does this level up the crash experience?
Most crash games, including the previous Skyward titles, offer two bet spots. Quad Play adds another two, giving players four bet spots and twice as many potential winning opportunities during each flight.
Combined with Auto Play, Auto Cashout and Safe Altitude, it gives players much more flexibility over how they approach the game. They can use different cashout targets and strategies across their four bets without adding unnecessary complexity to the core experience.
4. In-game feature additions include Lightning Events and Safe Altitude. What inspired these additions?
Players are looking for fast-paced entertainment and the excitement of big win potential. Slots have always delivered that well, and we wanted to bring some of that energy into Skyward Storm without losing what makes crash games appealing.
Lightning Events can influence a flight in either direction and can activate up to three times in a single round. Lightning Boost increases the current multiplier by up to 10x, while Lightning Strike instantly halves it. The possibility that the multiplier can change at any moment creates more tension and gives every flight the potential to develop differently.
Safe Altitude acts as a safety net. If the multiplier reaches a predetermined level before the plane flies away, the player receives a consolation payout. Reaching 5x returns the original stake, reaching 10x returns twice the stake, and reaching 100x awards 10 times the stake.
It works alongside Auto Cashout and gives players another factor to consider when deciding how they want to approach each flight.
5. How do these mechanics support the series’ strong sense of community?
Skyward Deluxe introduced Winboards and Community Jackpots alongside the existing Leaderboards and live chat. With Skyward Storm, we wanted the new in-game mechanics to contribute to that community experience as well.
A big Lightning Boost can increase winnings across the round and create a shared moment for players, while Safe Altitude can provide some collective relief when a flight ends unexpectedly.
From discussing strategies in live chat to celebrating Community Jackpots and Lightning Boosts or competing on the leaderboards, each part of the experience gives players something to share with the wider community.
6. Do you think the genre is moving beyond the simple ‘cash out before you crash out’ formula?
The genre has evolved significantly since the earliest crash games. Players still want the simplicity and speed of the core format, but they are also looking for more variety, stronger win potential and features that make each round feel different.
As the boundaries between verticals become less defined, we are seeing crash games take inspiration from slots and other casino products. The challenge is adding that extra depth without losing the accessibility that made crash popular in the first place.
For us, the right approach is to combine simple gameplay with more strategic options and unpredictable moments, all within a social environment that players can enjoy together.
7. With three Skyward titles in the portfolio, where is the franchise heading next?
There is definitely more to come from Skyward, and it may be sooner than people expect…