ZeptoLabs’s latest entry into the physics-based puzzle series Cut the Rope 3 was released on Apple Arcade earlier this month, acting as the successor to the famous, nostalgic franchise and setting itself the twin goals of satisfying fans of the older titles while also enthusing a whole new audience to the world of Cut the Rope.

We caught up with ZeptoLab CEO Max Petrov to discuss the creation of a new iteration within the iconic games franchise and how the team captured the classic feel of older titles while reinventing itself to stay fresh and relevant to new players.

Pocketgamer.biz: Cut the Rope 3 comes 13 years after the original game, how does it feel to be working on such a classic?

Max Petrov: Creating Cut the Rope games is a blast! We love playing around with the unique gameplay elements of Cut the Rope. But, you know, it's not all fun and games; there's some serious pressure too. With so many franchise fans out there, we want to ensure our game not only lives up to their expectations but totally blows them away! It's like aiming to top a high score that everyone's watching. The love for Cut the Rope is huge, and we were determined to deliver an even more awesome experience than what fans are hoping for.

What were the early ideas behind Cut the Rope 3?

Over the years, we tossed around a bunch of ideas for Cut the Rope 3. I think we have over 50 concepts by now. After some serious brainstorming with the Paladin Studios team, we decided that sending Om Nom and Nibble Nom on an epic adventure was the way to go. It just felt right. It's not just a game; it's a story waiting to be told, and it totally shakes up how the game is played.

And how long has Cut the Rope 3 been in development? Were there any big development challenges, and if so, how did the team overcome them?

The game took almost a year to develop. Our primary challenge was to offer something intriguing and fresh to the franchise's loyal fans while also captivating new players in the same way the original Cut the Rope did. We believe that we succeeded in this.

How did the team try to capture the nostalgia that Cut the Rope brings while adding something new and fresh?

We're all about tweaking things just right to keep that special Cut the Rope charm intact while adding a fresh twist. In Cut the Rope 3, players get to rescue Nibble Nom instead of manipulating candy. It's more than just a gameplay change - it's an emotional upgrade. Nibble Nom isn't just a puzzle piece; he's got a mind of his own, doing cool stuff like walking and climbing ropes.

During the development journey, we played around with a bunch of ideas - some made the cut, while others had to be left behind - like the tricky concept of using minecarts in puzzles. But the core idea of the two characters stayed rock solid.

Cut the Rope 3 is still your classic puzzle experience, but new gameplay opens up a whole new world of surprises. Even for us, the variety and unexpected twists in the puzzles have been a pleasant surprise.

What remains constant is that Cut the Rope 3 is packed with the fun, innovation, and quality that marks every ZeptoLab game. These aspects are at the forefront for us whenever we embark on developing new games.

What are you most excited about for players to experience in the game? What is going to make it stand apart from previous titles?

We're crossing our fingers that you'll be just as hooked on Om Nom and Nibble Nom’s adventures as we are! Seriously, we've been so invested in their well-being that we made sure nothing too serious ever happens to Nibble Nom. Turns out, you can get surprisingly attached to this kid. Returning him into Om Nom’s embrace is a bonding experience; you just get this warm and comforting family feeling. We hope you will feel that same connection when you dive into the game!

The game is on to Apple Arcade. Was this an important part of ensuring that the game offers uninterrupted fun? Was the game always developed with this service in mind?

Absolutely, we had that in mind right from the beginning. Cut the Rope shines the brightest when it offers a premium experience, and teaming up with Apple Arcade gives us the perfect stage to showcase those strengths. It's all about delivering top-notch quality, and Apple Arcade provides the ideal environment for us to do just that.

And finally, is there anything else we should know or expect from Cut the Rope 3 or beyond?

If you're a Cut the Rope fan, get ready for a whole lot more! While we can't spill all the details just yet, rest assured that we're busy cooking up more exciting things for the Cut the Rope universe. Keep tabs on our social media, and you'll be the first to know when we have some big announcements to drop. The Cut the Rope adventure is just getting started!