Q&A: COO, Chris Arriola, speaks to CASINOGUIDE
CASINOGUIDE spoke to Chris Arriola, COO at Push Gaming , about what makes Big Bamboo 2 something truly spectacular.
Big Bamboo has become one of Push Gaming’s most popular titles. When did the idea of creating a sequel first emerge?
Chris: We’ve always been conscious of the impact Big Bamboo had on the community. As we began to scale, we started looking at our core IPs through the lens of a franchise. We wanted to treat our most successful titles with the respect they deserve, and given the original's iconic status, we felt now was the perfect time to bring Big Bamboo 2 to life.
What lessons did you learn from the success of the original Big Bamboo that influenced the development of Big Bamboo 2?
Chris: The biggest takeaway was how much players value the high-volatility "chase" and the sheer suspense of the Golden Bamboo feature. We learned that the build-up - that moment of anticipation before a big reveal is just as important as the win itself. In the sequel, we’ve doubled down on that tension.
For players who loved the original game, what are the biggest upgrades or changes they can expect in Big Bamboo 2?
Chris: The standout addition is the Lucky Bamboo feature. It’s a complete evolution of the Golden Bamboo mechanic that introduces a high-stakes progression system. I don’t want to spoil the surprise of exactly how it triggers, but it involves advancing through different tiers Bronze, Silver, Gold, and the elusive Diamond. When you reach that Diamond level, the game shifts into another gear entirely, unlocking potential that far exceeds the original.
Were there any features from the original Big Bamboo that you considered changing but ultimately decided to keep?
Chris: We briefly discussed tweaking the base game rhythm, but we quickly realised that the "calm before the storm" aesthetic is what makes the game work. We decided to keep the iconic stack mechanics and the mystery symbols exactly as they were, as they are the heart and soul of the Big Bamboo experience.
How would you describe the risk/reward profile of the sequel?
Chris: It remains a high-volatility beast, but the Lucky Bamboo feature adds a new layer of "all-or-nothing" excitement. The reward profile is geared toward those truly spectacular, high-impact wins that the original was famous for. If you can navigate the tiers up to a Diamond frame, the payout is guaranteed to be significant we're talking 1000x or higher.
Who would you say is the ideal player for this game?
Chris: It’s for the thrill-seekers and the fans of the original who aren't afraid of a high-variance ride. If you love deep mechanics, atmospheric design, and the potential for a massive win, Big Bamboo 2 is built specifically for you.
Do you see Big Bamboo 2 as the start of a larger franchise within the Push Originals portfolio?
Chris: Absolutely. We view Big Bamboo as a cornerstone of our portfolio. This sequel isn't just a one-off; it’s a statement that we are committed to evolving our best-loved worlds and giving our community more of what they love.
What was the biggest challenge when developing Big Bamboo 2?
Chris: Balancing innovation with nostalgia. We wanted the Lucky Bamboo feature to feel like a natural "next step" rather than a separate game. Fine-tuning the math so that the progression through the Bronze to Diamond tiers felt both achievable and incredibly rewarding was a significant focus for our design team.
Do you expect Big Bamboo 2 to outperform the original?
Chris: The original set a very high bar, but we’ve built this sequel with everything we’ve learned over the last few years. With our expanded reach and the added suspense of the new frame-upgrade mechanics, we are very confident that it will resonate even more deeply with the market.
If you could describe Big Bamboo 2 in three words, what would they be?
Chris: Intense. Atmospheric. Volatile.
