King’s new release puts a Candy Crush twist on a classic card game

King’s first new game in five years is here. Candy Crush Solitaire launches today and reimagines the classic solitaire experience by incorporating Candy Crush elements into the game.

We spoke with executive producer Marta Cortinas, who shared on the games development process, long-term goals and how Candy Crush Solitaire looks to stand out in the casual card games market.

PocketGamer.biz How does Candy Crush Solitaire differ from traditional solitaire, and how has the team put the Candy Crush spin on it?

Marta Cortinas: Candy Crush Solitaire takes the classic fun of solitaire and gives it the signature Candy Crush twist. We’ve reimagined TriPeaks Solitaire with exciting power-ups, engaging progression, and the vibrant world of Candy Crush.

We’ll also be introducing a hold slot, which will allow players to add an additional layer of strategic gameplay to each level. Players will recognise familiar elements like the Color Bomb, chocolate blockers, lollipop hammer, jelly bears, UFO and liquorice but now they add a new layer of strategy to a card game.

It’s solitaire, but more fun, more rewarding, and packed with surprises!

How does the game fit in with the rest of King’s portfolio? Are there familiar elements incorporated into this game? 

Candy Crush Solitaire is our first new game in five years, and it’s an exciting expansion of the Candy universe. While it’s not a match-3 game, it stays true to what makes Candy Crush great, engaging mechanics, satisfying progression, and a rewarding player experience.

We’ve also incorporated features like boosters and blockers, which Candy fans will instantly recognize, making it feel right at home in our portfolio.

Why do you think casual card games are resonating with players, and how do you intend for this game to capture that market?

Card games have an incredible mix of strategy and relaxation, making them perfect for mobile gaming. Solitaire, in particular, is timeless, it’s easy to pick up, yet offers endless ways to master the game.

With Candy Crush Solitaire, we’ve taken that core appeal and elevated it with progression, delightful visuals, and rewarding challenges, ensuring players have a fresh, engaging experience that keeps them coming back.

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.

What can you tell us about the development journey of the game? Were there any challenges? How big is the team working on the game? 

Developing Candy Crush Solitaire has been an exciting journey! Like all King games, we tested and refined the concept extensively before launch. Early prototypes helped us shape the best blend of TriPeaks Solitaire with Candy Crush mechanics, ensuring that it was intuitive and fun for players.

We won’t get into specific team sizes, but we have an incredibly talented group working on the game, constantly tweaking and improving based on player feedback.

How does the level design ensure a balance between being challenging yet accessible to a variety of players?

Our team has designed levels to be both engaging and rewarding. Whether you’re a casual player looking for a relaxing experience or someone who loves a challenge, there’s something for you.

We use AI-powered testing to fine-tune difficulty, ensuring the right balance of gameplay. Plus, with boosters and strategic moves like the Hold Slot, players can find creative ways to solve levels.

How will the game incentivise players to keep coming back? And how will this game stand out from other casual card and puzzle games?

We’ve packed the game with rewards, special events, and exciting new levels to keep players engaged. A standout feature is the Sweet Journey, where players travel the world with Candy Crush characters, unlocking postcards from places like Paris and Japan. This system adds a layer of storytelling and achievement that makes every session feel fresh and rewarding.

What are the long-term goals for Candy Crush Solitaire? How will the team support it through live ops and monetisation?

Candy Crush Solitaire follows King’s free-to-play model, meaning players can enjoy the game without spending a penny. For those who want to enhance their experience, we offer optional in-app purchases for boosters and extra moves.

Candy Crush Solitaire is just getting started! Like our other live games, we’ll continue to add new levels, events, and features based on player feedback. We want this to be a game that evolves, just like Candy Crush Saga has over the years.

Players can expect regular updates and exciting seasonal content, ensuring there’s always something new to look forward to.