Slots have long been a favourite among players due to their perfect mix of entertainment, chance, and variety of mechanics, attracting both casual players and avid gambling enthusiasts. For years, video slots have been the backbone of online casinos, captivating audiences with their thrilling gameplay and potential for big wins. But what sets one slot game apart from another?
/Slots for me have always been the world’s greatest puzzle./ Cameron Stewart, SciPlay group vice president of U.S. Game Development
When everything in the game is thought out and correctly combined, then it will work
At the first stage of development, it is necessary to think about features the slot will have. This is what makes one game different from another. Often, a specific feature defines the game as a whole. Some slots are closely associated with their main modes. For example, Evoplay’s Temple of Dead is all about Free Spins with a Special Expanding Symbol – it is considered to be a gold standard in such slots.
The type of game dictates the features used. For instance, to create a high-demand online slot, you’ll implement features proven to work well, ensuring they are configured and balanced correctly within the game. Sometimes, the absence of features is the main peculiarity. If we talk about certain slots with Scatter pays, free spins with cumulative multipliers are often used there. It’s just something that meshes well and is liked by most gamblers.
The theme is chosen later. First of all, it is very important to think through all the nuances. Then, any mechanics can be applied to almost any topic. While some themes, like Ancient Egypt and fruits, are popular, relying solely on them can become monotonous. It’s crucial to introduce a variety of themes to keep the games interesting. Topics are not limited and can be diverse, ensuring a fresh and engaging experience for players.
The target audience should be taken into account as well
When developing online slots, understanding and catering to the target audience is paramount. Each region has unique preferences and cultural nuances that significantly influence player engagement and satisfaction.
There is no doubt that the tastes of players in Asia, Latin America, and Europe are different. Even within Europe, they will differ. It’s not just about which type of game is used more frequently, but how it should look and feel. Visual decisions can significantly impact the demand for a particular game among a specific audience.
For example, if we take the older generation of casino-goers, this segment, though not the largest, is incredibly active, making a significant number of spins. They have a penchant for classic fruit slots, which typically involve the main game with an additional feature. This particular audience, primarily found in European countries, as well as in North America, enjoys traditional slots. However, this style does not resonate in China, where players seek different themes and elements that are culturally relevant to them.
Thus, it is important to define and thoroughly understand the target audience to create engaging and successful online slots. By learning the specific preferences and cultural contexts of a certain region, one can tailor their games to meet players’ expectations, ensuring a more enjoyable and satisfying gaming experience.
It all depends on the correct presentation of the feature
No one likes features they don’t understand. The question is not how complex the feature is but how understandable we can make it for the audience. This is the main goal. We have to rely on the fact that players often choose simple things because they want to play slots. If they wanted something more difficult, they would choose computer games or maybe poker. Slots are a game of chance, where you simply place a bet and then see how lucky you are.
/The only sure thing about luck is that it will change./ Wilson Mizner, American playwright and entrepreneur
The key is to ensure that, even if a feature is complex, it remains clear to the player. For instance, if it’s a special symbol, its meaning must be well explained. If it’s a progress bar, it should be obvious what needs to be done to fill it and what the reward will be once it is filled. Players need to understand the path they are on and what they are working towards. Ultimately, the success of a feature lies in its design and how we present it to the players.
What works well for online slots
There are certain features that have a positive effect on the game. Among them are Hold & Win, Bonus Buy, and Double Chance.
Fixed jackpots in Hold & Win
Hold & Win is a popular bonus mode in slot games, where players collect bonus symbols that remain on the reels until the end of the bonus game. Each symbol typically carries a value, contributing to the player’s total winnings.
A jackpot display (a board showing the jackpot amount) has a positive impact on the popularity of slot games. These boards motivate players to engage more actively, likely because they provide a tangible goal to strive for and occasionally achieve. Fixed jackpots, integral to many bonus modes like Hold & Win, enhance this engagement. However, they need to be used judiciously, as they are not suitable for every game type.
When implemented correctly, jackpots and scoreboards can have a profoundly positive effect on player engagement and game popularity, creating a compelling reason for players to continue spinning the reels.
Bonus Buy
Bonus Buy allows players to access a game’s bonus rounds instantly by purchasing them. This feature appeals to gamblers who prefer not to wait for the bonus rounds to be triggered naturally through regular gameplay, providing a more immediate and thrilling experience.
In essence, the Bonus Buy option lets players bypass the main game to jump straight into the action of free spins, multipliers, or other special features. This technique is particularly attractive to those who seek bigger potential wins without the unpredictability of when a bonus round might naturally occur.
Evoplay has effectively incorporated the Bonus Buy feature into many of its popular games. One of the notable examples is Mega Greatest Catch. Here, Bonus Buy allows players to purchase and immediately receive Free Spins with the Fishing feature. This instant access to the game’s most lucrative features makes it a favourite among players seeking quick and rewarding gameplay. According to our statistics, if we compare Mega Greatest Catch Bonus Buy with Mega Greatest Catch, the game growth reached 285% (including such metrics as Bet Sum, GGR, Rounds, and Count of non-unique users).
Double Chance
Double Chance is a unique addition to online slots that enhances the player’s experience by slightly increasing the base bet to boost the chances of activating bonus modes, such as free spins or other special features. In other words, it is designed to increase the likelihood of special symbols appearing on the reels, which in turn activates the bonus mode. By opting for Double Chance, players place an increased bet, which heightens the probability of entering bonus rounds where they can enjoy additional rewards like free spins or other bonuses. This feature is particularly appealing to players who are willing to take risks for greater rewards.
Evoplay has integrated the Double Chance feature into several of its games. Let’s mention Candy Dreams: Sweet Planet, where players can activate the Double Chance feature to increase their bet, thereby raising the odds of triggering special symbols and entering the Free Spins mode.
Various other innovative mechanics can significantly enhance the gaming experience in online slots, including:
- Infinity Reels: here, landing a winning combination causes the reels with the winning symbols to shift, for example, to the left, while additional reels appear. These additional reels can theoretically continue to appear indefinitely as long as winning symbols keep landing, prolonging the winning round. For instance, Evoplay’s Unlimited Treasures features the same mechanics, set in an Arab market theme.
- Random Event: it will add an element of surprise and excitement to the game. These can include random wins or unexpected activations of free spins. For example, a coin symbol might land on the reels and fly up to a chest above the reels. At a random moment, the chest is activated. After that, it opens and drops coins onto the reels, replacing symbols and activating a bonus game. Such events keep the game engaging by breaking up long periods without significant wins, providing a pleasant surprise akin to finding a wallet on the street.
It’s not one feature that works; it’s their right choice and combination
Success in slot games isn’t about which specific feature is used but how well all elements are integrated and balanced. It’s not about tying a fishing feature exclusively to fishing mechanics. Different themes and features can be creatively combined to create a cohesive and engaging experience. Another example is a wheel of fortune, triggered under specific conditions, that should be tailored to fit within the game’s overall design.
Tradition plays a role, too. Classical mechanics, like the Book mechanics with its expanding special symbols in free spins, can be adapted in various ways.
A great example of the successful integration and combination of features is Hot Rio Nights by Evoplay. Here, symbols fall in stacks, creating a festive animation of a dancing woman when winning combinations occur. This visual element, tied to a Rio Carnival theme, evokes a festive atmosphere, demonstrating how setting and mechanics can complement each other.
Creating a game isn’t just about features; it’s about evoking emotions. Both positive and negative emotions play a role. For instance, in high-volatility games, long periods without wins can build tension, making the eventual big win feel even more rewarding. This emotional journey keeps players engaged and invested.
Last but not least is a game’s design. It must appear natural and believable, with every element carefully considered and integrated. It’s about understanding what should take centre stage and what can be in the background, ensuring that every aspect of the game is polished and thoughtfully designed. In short, a well-thought-out game design is essential to creating a successful and engaging slot.
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Game Producer
I'm a game producer with over a decade of experience in the industry. For the past 7 years, I've been passionately crafting slots and games that captivate players and keep them engaged. What really gets me going is dreaming up those innovative game mechanics and features and seeing players thoroughly enjoy them.
