Just For The Win is preparing to launch the latest instalment in one of its most recognisable slot series. Dark Waters III Power Combo The Cursed Voyage builds on the foundations of the previous games while introducing new structural elements designed to expand the experience without losing the identity that made the franchise successful in the first place.
To learn more about the thinking behind the release, Bigwinboard caught up with Johan Persson, CEO and co-founder of Just For The Win. In this Q&A, Persson discusses the evolution of the Dark Waters series, the introduction of the new treasure map progression system, and how the studio refined its collect mechanics while keeping the core Power Combo framework intact.
Bigwinboard (Daniel): When we last caught up to discuss Dark Waters 2 Power Combo™ , you shared the studio’s vision for taking the series forward. Can you talk us through the differences between last year’s game and Dark Waters III Power Combo The Cursed Voyage™, and what pushed you to take it in this direction?
Johan Persson: First of all, thank you for having me to talk about the next chapter in the Dark Waters™ series – we always appreciate the opportunity to share more insight into our thinking. So, are we ready to sail deeper into Dark Waters™? In many ways, yes – but not by changing course entirely. With Dark Waters III Power Combo The Cursed Voyage™, the focus was on building further structure around what was already working well.
The most notable addition is the six-stage treasure map system integrated into the base game. At defined spin intervals, new elements become available – random Giant Reels, Golden Reels in the base game, Collect symbols expanding to both reel 1 and 6, and eventually all three Power Combo™ features starting at Level 2 when Free Spins are activated. It introduces an additional layer to the base game while preserving the established mechanics of the series.
We also refined the Cash Collect mechanic to strengthen its presence within the overall framework. While Free Spins activate less often, the internal balance of that feature has been adjusted to increase the average return when it does occur. It’s a measured recalibration designed to bring clearer definition to how the different components of the game interact.
The direction felt like a natural evolution. The Power Combo™ mechanic already had a strong identity, so our objective was to expand around it – adding structure and refinement without moving away from what defines Dark Waters™.
Bigwinboard (Daniel): Considering this is the third game the series, would it be fair to suggest that Dark Waters™ has been a success for Just For The Win, and would you call it one of the studio’s headline franchises at this point?
Johan Persson: I think it’s fair to say that, yes. When we released the first Dark Waters™, we hoped it would resonate, but you never really know until it reaches the market. The fact that we’re sitting here talking about the third instalment tells its own story.
What makes it a franchise rather than just a sequel is that each game has brought something genuinely new. The original established the Power Combo™ mechanic. Dark Waters 2 Power Combo™ added additional feature layers and diamond upgrades. Now Dark Waters III Power Combo The Cursed Voyage™ builds on that foundation with the treasure map system and refinements to the collect mechanics. They’re clearly connected, but each one stands on its own.
So yes, Dark Waters™ is absolutely one of our headline franchises. And we’re proud of that. Not bad for a bunch of Swedes, as we were Vikings, not Pirates.
Bigwinboard (Daniel): The base game incorporates a six-stage treasure map-style meter which unlocks feature upgrades at specific spin counts. Can you talk us through this and what’s on offer via this feature?
Johan Persson: The treasure map is probably my favourite addition to the series. Here’s how it works:
At 50 spins, you unlock Phantom Expansion, where random Giant Reels can now appear in the base game, giving you a taste of the expanded reel area before you even hit Free Spins. At 100 spins, Ghostly Gold kicks in with random Golden Reels in the base game. At 150 spins, the Cursed Collector stage unlocks Collect symbols on both reel 1 and reel 6, which is a big deal because it essentially doubles your collect opportunities.
Then it gets really interesting. At 200, 250, and 300 spins, each of the three Power Combo features (Giant Reels, Golden Reels, and Stack Collect) gets upgraded so they start at Level 2 when Free Spins kick in. That adjustment meaningfully changes the starting configuration of the bonus round.
The intention was to create a clearer sense of structure within the base game while allowing the feature set to expand in defined steps.
Bigwinboard (Daniel): Cash Collect and Money Symbols are at the heart of the game. What makes a collect-style game satisfying in your eyes, and did you tweak anything in Dark Waters III Power Combo The Cursed Voyage™ to make the mechanic hit harder?
Johan Persson: For me, a collect-style mechanic works best when it feels clearly defined within the overall structure of the game. The relationship between money symbols and Collect symbols needs to be easy to follow, so that when they align, the outcome feels logical and transparent.
In Dark Waters III Power Combo The Cursed Voyage™, we focused on expanding how the mechanic can unfold within a single spin. Through the treasure map system, Collect symbols can unlock on both reel 1 and reel 6, allowing multiple Collects to evaluate independently within the same result. Each one contributes separately to the total award, which creates a more layered resolution.
We also kept the full prize range: values from 0.5x up to 10x, plus the MINI, MINOR, MAJOR, and MEGA prizes, with MEGA sitting at 5,000x bet. When a Golden Reel fills an entire reel with money symbols and a double Collect lands… that’s when it all comes together. The aim wasn’t to redesign the concept, but to extend it in a way that fits naturally within the Dark Waters™ framework.
Bigwinboard (Daniel): With the introduction of the Diamond Menu, where available, you’ve added an extra layer of customisation to the experience. What inspired this addition, and how does it enhance the overall game framework?
Johan Persson: We expanded the buy feature into four distinct tiers: Bonus Hunt at 1.5x bet increases the likelihood of activating Free Spins organically. Coin Burst at 15x guarantees money symbols plus a Collect. Crew’s Choice at 70x awards one to three random Free Spins features. Captain’s Choice at 100x awards two to three features and represents the premium option.
The idea was to offer clearly defined entry points depending on what the user is looking for, with transparent pricing and outcomes. Importantly, using the buy feature does not impact the treasure map system in the base game. That separation was important to us so that both elements operate independently within the overall structure.
Bigwinboard (Daniel): We’ll close this interview the same way we did our last, what can we expect next from Just For The Win beyond this release?
Johan Persson: We’ve got Midas Dynasty Coins Ultra Link&Win™ coming soon, which we’re very pleased with, and later in the year another well-known title from the studio will return in an expanded format.
Right now, we’re just looking forward to seeing Dark Waters III Power Combo The Cursed Voyage™ out in the wild. There’s always a special moment when a game goes live and you see it out in the market. That’s one of the most rewarding parts of the job. Everything else can wait until after launch day.
About Just For The Win
Just For The Win® is a game studio founded in 2016, known for producing high-quality video slots with distinct visuals, well-balanced features, and clear player appeal. Based in Sweden, the studio takes pride in maintaining a consistently high level of quality across its portfolio and in building games that players recognise and trust.
When players launch a Just For The Win® title, they know what to expect: polished execution, solid mechanics, and a good time. The studio is part of the Games Global portfolio.
