We interviewed Josué Agüero from Just Slots to learn more about their internal processes, game design process, and their exciting new pirate-themed slot, Shadow Pirate 2XCOIN.
With a mission statement that includes designing outstanding games and a focus on seamless and efficient delivery, how could we not make the time to chat with the people behind Just Slots?
We had the pleasure of learning more about this exciting casino software provider from their Senior Game Producer, Josué Agüero.
OCR: Shadow Pirates 2XCOIN leans into a darker, almost supernatural pirate theme. What set you on that path rather than a more traditional setting?
Josué Agüero: Our approach to the pirate theme leans towards the dark and the supernatural, deliberately moving away from common clichés. We see piracy not merely as an act of rebellion or adventure, but as a realm of mystery, ultimate freedom, and the inherent consequences of both. Our inspiration comes from tales of pirates pursuing cursed treasures to gain power at the expense of their humanity. This powerful conflict between liberation and consequence offers a far more engaging narrative than the standard, romanticised version.
OCR: The slot is a fantastic mix of dark themes and light-hearted entertainment. Looking at both its visual and audio design, where did the team draw its inspiration?
JA: Our design aesthetic draws heavily on dark, stylised comic visuals and mythic maritime lore, deliberately blending colour and shadow. The goal was to achieve a deeply saturated look marked by bold contrasts and expressive forms, rather than simple darkness. This choice creates an environment where danger is rendered beautifully, and the concept of freedom feels significant and weighty.
OCR: From a player’s perspective, what should stand out within the first 10–20 spins? What’s the “okay, now you have my attention” moment?
JA: The collector symbols are a key feature, revealing a winner multiplier that significantly increases the value of the landing coins, contributed by a satisfying hit frequency. Landing coins themselves can carry a value of up to 1000x, and this value is awarded if a collector symbol of the matching colour also lands. Even though the initial coin values might be modest, the high frequency of landing coins combined with the collector multiplier means the potential for a massive payout is significant.
OCR: As we expect from a pirate slot, collecting treasure is a must. What was the driving force behind the use of the Coin Collect feature as your key mechanic?
JA: The Coin Collect feature was chosen not only because it’s a familiar mechanic in slot games, but it also became the natural backbone of the experience once the narrative took shape. We wanted to lean into the rivalry between our two central pirate characters that gives us a thematic hook: instead of a single collector, we introduced two distinct forces competing over what they value most.
One pirate represents the classic pirate’s fantasy players expect, with a light twist. The other, however, collects something far more ominous: souls. This duality allowed us to reinterpret the traditional Coin Collect mechanic into something more story-driven. Every collection moment reinforces that clash, making the feature feel like an extension of the characters rather than just a payout system.
The bonus mechanic does a double duty. It delivers the satisfying accumulation players love, while also visually and emotionally telling the story of two rival collectors battling over their spoils. That blend of gameplay and narrative is what made the Coin Collect feature the perfect centrepiece for the game.
OCR: The 2XCOIN feature introduces that duel-style multiplier moment. What inspired that mechanic, and how does it enhance the Coin Collect feature?
JA: The 2XCOIN feature really grew out of our desire to push that rivalry between the two pirates into a tangible gameplay moment. If the Coin Collect feature establishes what each character is fighting for, coins for his authority versus souls for his freedom, then 2XCOIN represents how that conflict escalates.
We clash mechanics, a high-stakes duel where both forces collide and amplify the outcome. The idea of doubling the collected value came naturally as a way to express that intensity. When these two collectors meet, the stakes aren’t just added; they explode. It creates a moment that feels unpredictable, powerful, and narratively charged.
From a gameplay perspective, it enhances the Coin Collect feature by adding spikes of excitement and anticipation. Players aren’t just watching values accumulate; they’re waiting for that duel moment where everything can surge, transforming the collection loop into something more dynamic, layering tension and payoff in a way that keeps each trigger feeling fresh.
Ultimately, 2XCOIN turns the rivalry into a mechanic you can feel, not just see. It reinforces the theme while elevating the core feature into something more engaging and memorable.
OCR: There’s a strong sense of progression in the base game with coins building up before a Collector hits. How important is that “build and release” tension in developing engaging games?
JA: From my perspective, that “build and release” tension is absolutely fundamental to creating an engaging slot experience. It’s one of the core ways you establish a connection with the player by giving them something to pursue rather than just passively observing.
As coins build up on the reels, players start to feel that sense of progression, like they’re working toward a meaningful moment. It creates anticipation, a subtle emotional investment where each spin isn’t isolated, but part of a bigger journey. Then, when the Collector finally lands, and everything is gathered, you get that satisfying release, that payoff moment that validates the build-up.
What’s important is that this cycle doesn’t just end there. A well-designed “build and release” loop naturally resets the player’s desire, making them want to chase that feeling again, but potentially bigger next time. That’s where long-term engagement comes from, creating a rhythm of tension and reward that keeps pulling players back in.
In essence, it transforms the experience from random outcomes into a series of meaningful moments, where anticipation and payoff work together to keep the gameplay exciting and rewarding.
OCR: Free Spins are always a favourite feature for players. What inspired the decision to boost them by leaning heavily into sticky coins and repeat collections?
JA: In this case, our approach was to make Free Spins feel like a natural evolution of the core mechanics players already experience in the base game. Whenever we design a feature, we try (when it makes sense) to introduce a “preview” of it during the base game. That way, when players reach Free Spins, it doesn’t feel disconnected, but rather like an amplified version of something they already understand and enjoy.
Sticky coins were a natural fit because they’re a proven mechanic within our portfolio, they build anticipation and can lead to strong payouts over time. However, we were also very conscious of the risk: if everything just sticks and collects every spin, the experience can become too predictable or even monotonous.
That’s where the balance comes in. Not every spin guarantees a collection, which keeps the tension alive, but at the same time, there’s always the possibility of a bigger moment, like revealing a higher win multiplier where all coins are suddenly collected in one impactful burst. Those swings between persistence and sudden payoff help maintain excitement throughout the feature.
At the end, the goal was to create a Free Spins mode that feels both familiar and elevated, combining steady progression with explosive moments, so players stay engaged from start to finish.
OCR: With a generous max win of 10,000x and a player-friendly RTP of up to 96.4%, how do you balance the risk-reward profile of Shadow Pirates?
JA: Balancing the risk/reward profile of Shadow Pirates 2XCOIN was definitely one of the more challenging parts of the process. We weren’t just tuning an existing formula; we also introduced a new type of win into our portfolio, which meant we had to carefully align multiple layers: ways wins, the Coin Collect mechanic, and the bonus round.
To get there, we went through several iterations and mathematical models, testing different versions of the game to find the right equilibrium. The goal was always to deliver a strong player experience while still maintaining control over risk from a design and performance perspective.
One of the key decisions was adjusting the volatility. Instead of pushing into extreme high volatility, we shifted toward a medium to high range. This allows players to experience the potential of the game earlier on, especially within their first sessions, rather than having to wait for very rare events. At the same time, it keeps enough depth and upside to support the 10,000x max win.
In essence, it’s about giving players a taste of the feature’s power early while ensuring the overall experience remains balanced, sustainable, and consistently engaging.
OCR: For any new Just Slots fans, which 3 slots would you recommend they play to get a well-rounded experience of what you have to offer?
JA: Naturally, they should begin with Shadow Pirates. After that, I recommend playing the Shogun Skylord Jade Empress and Rain and Ruin video slots, both of which showcase different aspects of what we have to offer.
OCR: Before we close, is there anything upcoming projects or announcements that you would like to tease?
JA: We are constantly working on an expanding game mechanics portfolio that brings a unique player experience to the player, and there’s much more to come. Keep an eye out for Ice Vacation and Unholy Mystery: Freaky Fiesta, which are both ‘coming soon’.
With what our friend Josué shared about the passion and dedication that the team behind Just Slots has for the industry, how can we not cheer them on? To give Shadow Pirates 2XCOIN, Shogun Skylord Jade Empress, or any of their amazing slots a spin, read our recommended casino reviews, sign up and grab a generous welcome bonus to boost your playtime.
Blackjack
Slots
Roulette
Baccarat
Craps
Poker
