Realistic Games

Casino content supplier Realistic Games has unveiled a strengthening of its commercial department, via the promotion of Lauren Bradley.

Joining the firm in 2018, Bradley has been named as head of commercial and account management, progressing from her prior role of commercial manager, to oversee business developments.

Robert Lee, Realistic Games’ commercial director, commented: “Lauren has been instrumental to our commercial success in the last two years, consistently growing our client portfolio.

“She will continue to add great value in her new role, and I expect her knowledge and experience will take the company from strength to strength.”

Blueprint Operations

Blueprint Operations, part of the Gauselmann Group whose UK-facing brands include, Praesepe, Regal Gaming and Betcom, has confirmed the appointment of Nicola Wallbank to the newly created role of head of corporate accounts.

Initially joining the company in 2016 Wallbank is based in Newark, where she is responsible for responsible for a growing team of customers and account managers, and reports directly to managing director David Purvis.

Of the appointment, Purvis stated: “We are pleased to have been able to promote from within the Blueprint business. Nicola has the necessary experience to enhance our customer relationships and make a significant contribution to our growth plans.

“Nicola has a detailed knowledge of the gaming industry and is passionate about delivering a service excellence. I am confident that our customers will benefit enormously from her personal drive and positive approach to our business.”

Gauselmann has also confirmed that appointment of Janika Gauselmann to its supervisory board, succeeding Max Walberer, who passed away earlier in the year after serving for 28 years.

WeAreCasino

Italian actor Rocco Siffredi has unveiled a new collaboration with WeAreCasino, after signing on to an upcoming games project that is currently being developed.

Working alongside Rocco’s Studios, this project will include WAC’s newest slot builder features, the first games of which are expected to be released this winter.

Sem Moioli, WAc CEO, explained: “This is an extremely significant achievement for WeAreCasino, our first important gaming license that will give us the perfect opportunity to launch our new slot builders 2.0 features at their fullest potential. We are incredibly excited to build these games with Rocco and we are also already working to secure more licenses of this calibre.”

Stars Group

John Schappert has been appointed as a new independent director of the Stars Group as well as a member of the board’s compensation and technology committees, with immediate effect.

Schappert currently serves as chairman and CEO of Shiver Entertainment, a company that develops video game software for consoles, as well as chairman of Motorsport Games, a developer and publisher of video games, and Pipeworks Studios, a firm that develops video games and software.

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Octopus Treasure – Play’n Go

Promising “great features to keep players entertained for longer,” gaming content developer Play’n Go has lauded an “excellent week” which has brought about the launch of Octopus Treasure.

This 5×3, 20 fixed payline slot uses key symbols paired with treasure chests to unlock one of four feature rounds for players to enhance their chances of big wins.

The features that can be triggered are; wild coins which results in the player choosing three coins to reveal which symbols will turn wild, gold pile which involves the octopus to upgrade symbols to help increase wins, treasure grab where the octopus collects treasure symbols and pays instant prizes, and wild reels invites players to pick a pot to transform an entire reel to stacked wilds.

“It’s obviously great to be recognised with an award, especially for three years in a row! It shows we are continually creating engaging, high-quality content, and that’s our goal.

“Octopus Treasure is another example of this. It’s packed with great features, is simple to play but has a lot going on to keep players entertained for longer, and that’s what they want.” – Martin Zettergren, chief product officer at Play’n Go.

Clover Rollover 2 – Eyecon

Eyecon, the Playtech owned Alderney headquartered games studio, has developed and will distribute a sequel to the company’s successful Clover Rollover title, 12 years following its release.

Boasting a graphics update, as well as a slight redesign, one key difference from the original is the inclusion of Eyecon’s three tier jackpot system.

This features a mega, maxi and mini jackpot which all build up and drop at various frequencies, allowing for more frequent jackpot winners, whilst still providing a potentially large win for some.

“With the original Clover Rollover slot being one of the most popular across the Playtech Bingo network, we are extremely excited to see the launch of Clover Rollover 2.

“It was very important to us that the essence of the original game continued through to the sequel, and by introducing Eyecon’s jackpot mechanics we have been able to deliver a fresh and engaging experience to our players.

“Additionally, Eyecon has done a fantastic job in overhauling the graphics within the game introducing some impressive animations and giving a new look to an old favourite.” –James Chambers, slots manager at Playtech Bingo.

Pragmatic Play – Ultra Hold Spin and Win

The 3X3 title, developed in partnership with Reel Kingdom, sees players aim to collect a stack of three bonus coin symbols to trigger the free spins round.

During the ‘Hold and Spin’ round, silver coins have a value of between 1-9x a player’s stake, and gold coins can pay out up to x20 the bet.

These remain fixed on the reels for the duration of the free spins round, where the total of all coin values is rewarded to the player. Should the diamond money symbol land, then a coin can be worth up to 500x multiplied, leading to  wins of up to 2,460x their stake.

“Ultra Hold and Spin is another exciting addition to our slot offering, giving players the chance to stack up big piles of coins on the reels.

“We continue to look for ways to enhance our offering and our partnership with Reel Kingdom has added a unique edge to our portfolio.” – Melissa Summerfield, chief commercial officer at Pragmatic Play.

Realistic Games – Super Graphics Game Changer

Content developer Realistic Games has revamped its Super Graphics Upside Down title to introduce Super Graphics Game Changer, the sixth Realistic Game Changer slot to hit online markets.

The 5-reel, 40-line slot boasts the addition of the Game Changer round, offering players the chance to win a prize of up to 100,000x their bet on over four billion different feature board layouts.

In this iteration, as players move around the game board, they collect free spins and super wilds to take with them into the free spins round once the feature comes to an end.

The game’s heroine, Satsuki, awards three extra spins, while the white and gold cat offer two, and the king, queen and jack award one.

As players land on any wild symbols, these will count to an upgrade to take into the feature. The more wilds hit, the more exciting the wild symbol in the free games.

These range from exploding to roaming or trapped wilds, with some ‘left and right’ and ‘up and down’ wilds in between, ensuring the free spin round delivers a wide range of exciting prizes.

“Super Graphics Game Changer is the perfect combination of one of our most popular game titles and the innovative bonus round mechanic which has transformed our portfolio.

“Adding in the fact that this is our first ever 40 win line slot along with the affordable entry level of just £0.05 per spin, it offers players spectacular winning potential, which we have already seen at Ladbrokes, creating the perfect recipe for a game that will keep players returning time and time again.” – Robert Lee, commercial director of Realistic Games.

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iSoftBet – Fu Fortunes Megaways

Representing a fourth Megaways title of the year, iSoftBet promises the “potential to land huge cash prizes” via its six-reel 46,656 ways to win Fu Fortunes Megaways slot.

In both the base game and free spins, wilds can trigger the Fu Fortune pots, awarding win multipliers or the jackpot bonus. When the middle pot opens, players must match three icons to win one of the Fu Fortunes jackpots, either mini, minor, major or grand, with rewards of up to 1,000x bet.

Meanwhile, if four or more jade scatter symbols land on any spin, the free spins mode is triggered, where only high-paying symbols and wilds remain on the reels.

“Fu Fortunes Megaways is another wondrous slot adventure, set in the hustle and bustle of a Chinese market as players look to unearth valuable wins.

“Our Megaways titles continue to perform excellently within our portfolio, aligning themselves perfectly with our artistic, well-crafted games, giving players unique ways to enjoy the hugely popular Megaways mechanic. We look forward to adding another thrilling game to our offering.” – Mark Claxton, Head of Games at iSoftBet.

Booongo –  Super Marble: Hold and Win

The newest addition to Booongo’s popular Hold and Win family, Super Marble, a 3×5, 25 lines title, features a new super marble symbol that collects all visible values on the reels during the bonus round.

Three in-game jackpots are available to be won, and with six or more marble symbols triggering the bonus round, with each spin bringing the opportunity for players to scoop wins of up to x1000 their bet.

“At Booongo, our aim is to develop memorable slots that players love to play and Super Marble: Hold and Win is a worthy addition to our expanding portfolio.

“Along with the Hold and Win mechanics that are proving very popular with players right now, we’ve spiced up the bonus round with the inclusion of a red-hot Super Marble that has the power to collect scorching wins.” – Yuriy Muratov, head of account management and business development at Booongo.

Spearhead Studios – Royal Crown

Aiming to embrace the traditional style of classic slots whilst integrating modern features, Spearhead Studios introduced the 5×3, ten payline Royal Crown.

Reels two, three and four can contain wild symbols. If there is a winning combination which involves a wild, it can expand and fill the entire reel and replaces any symbol except the scatter symbol. A maximum of three wild symbols can land on a single spin.

There are two scatter symbols in this game which consist of the dollar and star. The dollar can land on any reel and if a player lands three or more in one spin it rewards a pay out. The star symbol can only land on reels one, three and five and pays out for three instances of the symbol.

“With Royal Crown we are staying true to our motto of building local games for local markets. This is a well-known and loved type of game in the German and Eastern European markets. We have launched several titles for these markets and Royal Crown is a very nice addition.

“All these slots are performing really well, and we expect Royal Crown to have a similar success.” – Mathias Larsson, managing director of Spearhead Studios.

Realistic Games – Pentagram 5000

Casino content developer Realistic Games has introduced the 3-reel, 5-win line Pentagram 5000, set in overgrown ruins and featuring a free spins round with a doubling symbol to boost winning chances and engagement.

Triggered when the pent, star and gram symbols appear on any win line, the bonus round awards an initial ten free spins and a 1x bet multiplier which both increase with every coinciding win.

Players are offered even more excitement when the Pentagram symbol appears in any position on the middle reel, as the free spin total doubles to create greater opportunity for big rewards of up to 5000x the bet.

“Pentagram 5000 is a landmark addition to our slot offering and reflects a general trend to offer games with a higher return to player, attracting both casual slot fans and casino enthusiasts.

“Years after release, the original Pentagram is still a player favourite, and we expect that the simple gameplay and rewarding bonus round in the sequel will prove to be equally popular with players.” – Robert Lee, Commercial Director at Realistic Games.

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Realistic Games – Hot Cross Bunnies

Introducing a revamp of the original of the same name, the new 5-reel, 20-fixed line title is the second game to include the game changer bonus round, which is triggered by boxed symbols landing around the edge of the reels to create a game board.

During the round, players roll the dice to move from square to square, landing on symbols that determine the prize awarded. Those displaying a pink bunny, bell, or fruit will then spin the bonus slot and award 3, 4 or 5 of a kind of that symbol.

If a game changer feature is activated with reels one and five showing three pink bunny symbols on each, it is impossible to lose and the player will keep travelling around the board and collecting prizes until they have reached the maximum pay out of 1000x their stake.

“The game changer concept is already exceeding our expectations and Hot Cross Bunnies – game changer promises to be no different, combining a popular theme familiar to Realistic fans with a bonus round that offers fantastic engagement and win potential.

“Our portfolio has consistently grown this year with high-performing slot titles and instant win games that have added new levels of diversity and innovation to our offering. We’re already receiving an incredibly positive response from our partners and look forward to seeing how these latest releases perform with players.” – Robert Lee, commercial director of Realistic Games.

OneTouch – Wild Sorcery

Mobile-first games developer OneTouch is giving players the chance to conjure huge wins with the launch of its latest offering Wild Sorcery.

The mobile-first slot triggers free spins when three wilds appear, with players able to choose the number of spins and the multiplier to give them control of their winnings. The title also features potions, spell books and other illustrations of the dark arts.

“We have quickly grown a portfolio of exciting and engaging content and we have added to it in style with Wild Sorcery.

“We are constantly looking for ways to impress our players and this latest truly mobile-first offering should do exactly that. We look forward to watching the magic unfold.” – Ollie Castleman, head of marketing, OneTouch.

Live 5 – Billy Gone Wild

The 5×4 reel, 50 payline video slot is packed full of features, including wilds, free spins and re-spins, designed to deliver big win potential if players can bring some calm to the farm.

Those that join Billy on his fun and quirky adventure can expect a plethora of features to drop, including walking Billy, milk churn and flying egg and wilds, free spins and free re-spins. Wild features can be triggered during the base game randomly at any moment.

“Billy Gone Wild is a fun-filled farmyard adventure with tremendous big win potential thanks to the various wild, free spin and re-spin features.”

“We are thrilled to be launching Bill Gone Wild exclusively with William Hill and look forward to seeing it become a big hit with its discerning online casino players.” – Mathew Parker, CPO at Live 5.

iSoftBet – Majestic Megaways

Set deep in the African Savanna, this new iSoftBet game is a six-reel slot featuring 117,649 ways to win thanks to the Megaways mechanic.

If full moons land on the reels they act as mystery symbols, transforming into the same symbol to help trigger mammoth wins.

The main feature is triggered by landing four or more diamond bonus symbols on the reels, triggering 12 free spins. Each extra diamond will add a further five spins, while during the feature a progressive win multiplier, increasing by x1 with every cascading win, is always in play.

“We enjoyed resounding success with our first Megaways title, Aztec Gold Megaways, and are delighted to be adding a second title to the iSoftBet Megaways family.

“The exhilarating setting transports players to the great African plains and, with an increasing win multiplier always active, the bonus round is one of our most lucrative yet!

“Add in the option for players to choose the Majestic Bet, with a guaranteed feature trigger, and you have all the elements for a Megaways slot which we fully expect to deliver impressive results.” – Mark Claxton, head of games at iSoftBet.

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Through the agreement, Realistic Games’ entire portfolio of slots, instant win and table games has been made available on Flutter’s Paddy Power and Betfair brands in the UK and Ireland.

Titles available on the Paddy Power and Betfair online casino platforms include Book of Charms as well as Chicken or the Egg, with the content developer stating that the remainder of its content is set to follow.

Commenting on the deal, Amy Brewis, Head of Account Management at Realistic Games, said: “By partnering with Flutter UK & Ireland, a major name in the region, we are further cementing our presence within our core domestic market.

“This collaboration aligns with our ongoing strategy to expand our game portfolio and deliver more exciting titles to our players and given Flutter UK & Ireland’s trademark reputation for entertainment and fun, it couldn’t be a more appropriate alliance.”

Alongside Flutter, Realistic Games has secured partnerships with several other igaming operators across European markets over the past 12 months. 

At the beginning of the year, the content developer reached an agreement to provide online casino titles to LeoVegas’ BetMGM brand in the UK market.

In October, Realistic Games expanded its presence in the Netherlands, as the content developer also agreed to provide its portfolio of slots to Betsson’s Dutch brand Goldrun Casino.

Flutter also posted its third quarter financial results last week, reporting an uptick in total revenue and adjusted EBITDA. Flutter’s Q3 UKI revenue grew by 18% year-over-year to $846m, while igaming revenue increased by 29% YoY to $454m.

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In the concluding edition of a two-part roundtable, Johannes Polbring, Product Owner at Thunderkick, Marcin Trafiałek, Promo Tools Specialist at Wazdan, Kajal Verma, Chief Creative Officer at Push Gaming, Amy Brewis, Account Manager at Realistic Games, Javier Sacristán Franco, International Business Director at R Franco Digital, Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, and Iryna Dragulina, Game Tribe Leader at Playson, continue the conversation.

CasinoBeats: Does a recognisable theme have a better chance of becoming an instant hit, compared to an original concept that might require more time to gain traction?

Johannes Polbring: Games with recognisable themes have an instant head-start due to pre-existing player preferences and established fanbases. For example, our recently released Eager Beavers has a familiar and whimsical animal theme, allowing it to gain instant traction with a certain type of player. It is more difficult for players to align with an unconventional theme, such as Thunderkick’s anarchistic Xterminate. 

However, as highlighted in Xterminate, if these unique themes are coupled with state-of-the-art design and fast-paced, engaging gameplay, they can gain traction and generate a cult following of players who are then more likely to try new genres in the future.

Marcin Trafiałek: A recognisable theme has a better chance in the market due to a larger potential audience it can reach. However, it is still just one component of a product’s success. Basing a game 100% on its theme will never be the key to creating a hit.

A certain large company creating video games about assassins moves its games from setting to setting, introducing very few mechanical changes and maintaining storytelling at a very low level. The player community’s reception to this can vary but is rare.

This example highlights that whether a game has a chance of becoming a hit depends more on who produces it than on the theme itself. And I emphasise chance because the product still has to prove itself in the end.

Kajal Verma: In my opinion there is less risk involved when you rely on a recognisable theme but that is not to say it will be a bigger hit over an original idea. Our most successful games often balance these two elements, using familiarity to pique the interest of players while offering innovative experiences to sustain their gameplay sessions.

For example, Jammin Jars uses a classic fruit theme which draws on familiarity but coupled with disco Jam Jars, we subverted expectations and added an innovative twist. If you get the balance right you can have an instant hit.

Amy Brewis: A recognisable theme often has a better chance of becoming an instant hit because it feels familiar and may remind players of similar games where they’ve enjoyed a positive experience. This familiarity reduces the perceived risk of trying something new and can quickly draw players in. However, while recognisable themes attract players initially, it’s the mechanics present within a title and the user experience that keep them engaged.

An original concept might take longer to gain traction due to unfamiliarity, but it has the potential to stand out and appeal to players seeking something different. Balancing familiar themes with innovative features can help capture both immediate and long-term interest.

Javier Sacristán Franco: While a recognisable theme can boost a game’s visibility, it doesn’t always guarantee an instant hit. Familiar themes may attract an initial audience due to their built-in appeal, but in today’s fast-paced digital world, original concepts can gain traction just as quickly. 

In fact, many players actively seek out novel experiences, and a creative, well-executed game with strong visuals or compelling gameplay can generate significant buzz. So, while a recognisable theme may enhance early sales, the quality, innovation, and marketing of a game are equally crucial to its potential for immediate success.

Ivan Kravchuk: On the surface, recognisable themes might seem more likely to become instant hits, as classic slots with familiar elements still tend to be more popular. New and innovative themes can quickly become hits, sometimes even more so than traditional ones.

However, they also come with a higher risk of failure. So, while recognisable themes might not always go viral, they tend to resonate on a deeper level, offering a better chance for sustained success over time.

Iryna Dragulina: To secure an instant hit, a complex approach to game development is required with theme focus, albeit crucial, still just one element of the creative process. Recognisable themes have the potential to resonate on a broader scale due to catchy elements or recognisable characters and symbols, but if the game lacks win potential and storytelling, it will not captivate its player base.

At Playson, we always ask ourselves what our players will be expecting from the game, how we can create an unforgettable experience for them and how can we gain their trust in the product.    

CB: In a competitive market where certain themes are ubiquitous, what can make a familiar theme feel fresh and appealing to players? 

KV: In a crowded market where certain themes are overly familiar, game designers must find ways to rejuvenate themes while retaining their core appeal. This can be obtained through various methods such as mashing up established genres, combining elements from different familiar themes to create something entirely new. For example, mixing pirate and futuristic sci-fi elements or fusing a detective theme with steampunk aesthetics. These combinations can reinvigorate familiar themes and surprise players.

Additionally evolving the art style used in creating titles aids in updating overall visuals making a familiar theme feel fresh. For instance, shifting from traditional art styles to more stylized, hyper-realistic, or even cartoonish versions of a known theme can breathe new life into the experience.

MT: Mechanics, quality, and trust in the developer. If a player knows they won’t be disappointed, and that their expectations will be met, then the theme itself becomes secondary.

ID: To refresh a familiar theme effectively, introducing subtle changes that pay testament to the original whilst adding new twists is essential. When working with characters that resonate strongly with your player base and themes that have become popular, sequels are an optimum way to retain demand. Experimenting with art styles and graphics can bring fresh perspective without alienating a player base. 

Our upcoming release 3 Pirate Barrells: Hold and Win has been designed meticulously to ensure it is a memorable addition to our renowned ‘3 Pots’ collection. An example of how gameplay has been elevated is through the bonus game where new features have been incorporated to keep players engaged and captivated by unfamiliar experiences posing the potential for high returns.   

AB: In a competitive market where certain themes are common, creativity is key to making a familiar theme feel fresh and appealing. This involves reimagining established aesthetics by adding new elements that captivate players quickly, ensuring that the theme and features work together harmoniously. Enhancing the player’s experience with innovative gameplay mechanics, visual effects, or unique storytelling can revitalise well-known themes.

It’s also important to immerse the player from the start, blending established elements with unexpected twists. By balancing innovation and familiarity, a game can stand out even in a crowded market, offering something comforting yet exciting to players.

CB: Conversely, how can suppliers ensure a game with an unconventional theme attracts players?

JP: Optimised marketing can be pivotal in communicating the narrative of a game with potential players. Social media campaigns are particularly important in reaching the target audience, giving them early access to game information and trailers to build anticipation. 

It goes without saying that gameplay is equally crucial to a game’s success. A player might load up the slot for the theme, but if gameplay is substandard, game sessions are likely to be short. Attracting an individual to a slot is the first step. Gameplay and mechanics must then deliver anticipation and immersion, and it is this experience that will keep them returning for more.

IK: To ensure a game with an unconventional theme attracts players, two key factors come into play. Firstly, the game itself must be straightforward and easy to understand. Secondly, effective presentation is crucial, involving impactful marketing campaigns and promotional tools to capture interest and boost player engagement.

Our internal data shows that tools like tournaments and quests are particularly effective. To sustain player interest and drive engagement, creating just a few promotional tools isn’t sufficient, so our team continually develops new ones. For instance, Evoplay’s recent introduction of the Wheel of Fortune looks promising and is expected to further enhance player participation. By focusing on both game quality and innovative marketing, we aim to maximise player attraction and involvement.

JS: While there’s no guaranteed formula for success, suppliers can significantly increase the chances of an unconventional theme attracting players by taking a strategic approach. The first step is to clearly define the target audience, ensuring the theme aligns with their preferences and interests. From there, A/B testing, player surveys, and behaviour analysis are invaluable tools for gauging audience reactions and refining the game’s appeal.

The post Themes, gameplay & mechanics: where does the key to slots success lie? appeared first on CasinoBeats.

In part-one of our latest roundtable, we spoke to Ivan Kravchuk, CEO at Evoplay, Iryna Dragulina, Game Tribe Leader at Playson, Johannes Polbring, Product Owner at Thunderkick, Marcin Trafiałek, Promo Tools Specialist at Wazdan, Kajal Verma, Chief Creative Officer at Push Gaming, Amy Brewis, Account Manager at Realistic Games, and Javier Sacristán Franco, International Business Director at R Franco Digital, about familiar and distinct themes, what space they fill in the market, and the visual elements that make players gravitate towards a certain game.

CasinoBeats: How crucial is familiarity in game design? Do players prefer slots with recognisable themes or are they more attracted to innovative designs that offer something new? 

Ivan Kravchuk: Recognisable themes and mechanics offer a sense of comfort, especially for the conservative players who make up a large portion of slot fans. That’s why themes like gods, fruits, treasures, and sports continue to dominate, consistently ranking among the top five most popular games in online casinos.

Despite this, innovative game designs are steadily increasing their presence in the igaming landscape. These games tend to attract tech-savvy players or those who are bored with the classics and seeking new twists. For example, in our top games across all regions, classic slots like Hot Triple Sevens often share leading positions in key metrics with instant games like Penalty Shoot-out. Looking ahead, I expect this trend to intensify.

Iryna Dragulina: A combination of the two is vital to ensure strong player retention levels and an ever-growing player base. Whilst familiarity plays an important role in game design, especially for seasoned players who come with predefined expectations, innovation can be effectively implemented without becoming overbearing. 

Instead of bombarding new titles with complex descriptions or isolated game sections, we focus on creating intuitive and accessible products. Supercharged Clovers: Hold and Win and Piggy Power: Hit the Bonus, for example, have been designed with clear brand identity. The two titles pay homage to their predecessors but incorporate a wow factor with alterations to trusted mechanics that resonates with slot enthusiasts.

Johannes Polbring: Familiarity is a major factor when predicting the potential success of a game. Utilising themes that are proven to resonate with the target audience can provide a strong starting point for performance, with familiarity often evoking emotional connections which can encourage engagement with a new slot. Themes related to popular culture, such as games centred around TV shows, movies, and myths, are more likely to draw attention as the brand or genre is already established. 

Familiarity in theme is also often accompanied by similarities in gameplay, reducing the learning curve required for players to understand a title. The steeper the learning curve, the more likely players are to lose interest, resulting in shorter game sessions. However, there is always room for innovation with products, and new ideas can provide respite from overused themes.

Marcin Trafiałek: It’s extremely important for players to be at ease with a game thanks to familiar patterns and overall design. However, I wouldn’t say that the key factor is the theme itself, but rather the gameplay mechanics and interface.

If players feel comfortable in an environment shaped by these two factors, I believe they will adapt to gameplay that introduces further innovations. The main thing is the product’s consistency with the overall brand vision and achieving this through consistent development.

Kajal Verma: Recognisable and familiar themes often create a sense of comfort and nostalgia for the player. Already understanding a game’s thematic elements, they can focus more on gameplay mechanics rather than trying to figure out the context. This can also be said about themes based on popular IPs. Here aesthetics can capitalise on players’ existing emotional connections that they have with previous titles.

While familiarity draws in players, many seek out innovative designs that offer unique experiences. This includes fresh themes, or distinctive art styles. Players who are more experienced or adventurous may gravitate towards games that offer novelty and break away from typical patterns. This can also keep players more interested in playing.

Amy Brewis: Familiarity in game design is crucial because it can attract players by evoking comfort and recognition. Players often prefer slots with recognisable themes, as they know what to expect and are reassured by familiar elements, which can lead to steady engagement and revenue for suppliers.

However, innovative designs offer something new that can captivate players, especially those seeking fresh experiences in a crowded market. While these may take more time to gain traction, they can create unique market positions and attract new audiences. 

Balancing familiarity with innovation is key to appealing to a wide range of players. For example, our latest release, Top Tenner, has a classic gaming theme but with a twist within its features, providing a unique experience through the dynamic Top 10 wins mechanic. Offsetting this new concept and gameplay style is the more understood aesthetics, preventing a barrier to entry for newer players.  

Javier Sacristán Franco: Familiarity in game design plays a critical role. Players often gravitate toward slots with recognisable themes because they evoke a sense of trust, nostalgia, or emotional connection, which can lead to stronger engagement.

Well-known themes, such as those based on popular movies, TV shows, mythology, or iconic slot symbols, help players feel more comfortable and confident when trying a new game. This familiarity can also reduce the learning curve, making it easier for players to understand the mechanics and features of the game without feeling overwhelmed.

However, while familiarity can help attract players initially, it doesn’t guarantee long-term success. Many players are also looking for innovative designs and fresh experiences that break away from the predictable. 

CasinoBeats: Do games with conventional themes appeal to a different demographic than those with more unique design, or is visual appeal a universal draw regardless of theme? 

ID: Separating theme performance from mechanics can be tricky as they often work in tandem to shape the player’s experience. Whilst certain themes may resonate more broadly and perform consistently across different markets, it’s the synergy between theme and mechanics that often captivates players. 

Our data shows themes which typically appeal to a wider audience such as fruit, Egyptian or animal-styled slots, still resonate with those who are a bit more niche with their preferences. This is down to the mechanics which are incorporated blending efficiently with popular themes but also adding an innovative approach to gameplay for those who favour more contemporary features, leading to an inclusive player experience.

JP: If a game looks stunning and performs well, it will undoubtedly have universal appeal. However, there are different attitudes towards game themes and mechanics, largely down to generational quirks. More traditional players will typically gravitate toward familiar themes, such as classic fruits and ancient Egypt, as well as predictable games with fewer paylines and less complex mechanics. 

In contrast, the younger generation of player tends to be more tech-savvy, and as a result, seeks out edgy themes and new mechanics. It is important for a studio to understand its commercial goals and target audience in order to tailor their approach accordingly. 

MT: Certain themes certainly appeal to different groups of players. This is a natural phenomenon commonly occurring. One person may prefer a series set in a fantasy world, while another may favour a science-fiction setting. Ultimately, the most important thing is that both forms deliver the highest possible quality. Only this can dictate a product’s success and meet the full spectrum of market demands.

KV: There will be certain players who will always lean more towards familiar themes, which offer a sense of comfort and are easy to pick up and play. These players value simplicity and recognition over complexity. 

Alternatively, there are players who seek variety and innovation. These players may enjoy immersing themselves in new themes that deviate from traditional designs.

Finally, there will be balanced players who like a mix of both—familiar themes with enough innovation to keep them feeling fresh and engaging.

Whether the game is a traditional theme or a unique one, the key is ensuring that the visuals elements work in sync with the game mechanics. With unique themes you need to work harder to ensure there is high visual appeal and intuitive gameplay, as the player is already thrown into unfamiliar terrain.

AB: Games with conventional themes often attract a broad demographic by using familiar imagery and narratives that many players recognise and feel comfortable with. These themes appeal to those who prefer traditional experiences or are new to gaming and are drawn to established elements.

In contrast, unique designs and innovative themes may attract a niche audience, particularly players seeking fresh and different experiences. While visual appeal is important to all players, the combination of visual appeal with the theme’s familiarity or uniqueness is what truly determines a game’s draw, balancing both elements is key to reaching diverse player groups.

JSR: Absolutely. The theme of a game plays a significant role in attracting different demographics, but it’s not just about the theme itself – it’s also about how that theme is executed. The style, tone, and overall presentation can resonate differently across various player groups.

For example, conventional themes like ancient civilisations, classic fruit slots, or mythology might appeal to more traditional or casual players who are familiar with those motifs. On the other hand, more unique or avant-garde themes, like sci-fi worlds, sweets or fantasy, might attract younger or more adventurous players looking for something novel.

IK: When creating games, we focus on different audiences, considering their cultural and generational preferences. Generally, classic casino games resonate with traditional players, while more innovative games attract a younger audience. However, player preferences are influenced by factors beyond just age or theme, such as market maturity and economic conditions.

For instance, many of Evoplay’s classic and instant games are popular in Latin America, whereas our sports-themed instant games perform well in Europe, where players are traditionally more passionate about slots. With this in mind, at Evoplay, we prioritise quality, attractive design, and simple gameplay – elements that appeal to players of all types, regardless of age or location.

The post Games themes – what do players respond to best, familiarity or differentiation? appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Prominent slot studio Play ‘n Go recently commissioned a poll of Swedish players asking them if the feature should be banned, revealing that 55 per cent of respondents thought it should. Throwing the question out to a wider audience CasinoBeats sought the opinion of several leading industry suppliers, streamers and affiliates to find out if the opinion was shared.

Representing slot studios are Dr. Eyal Loz, CPO of RubyPlay; Wazdan’s CCO, Andrzej Hyla and Amy Brewis Account Manager at Realistic Games.

From the affiliate world is BigWinBoard’s Founder, Daniel Hansson Sokcic, while Josh Green CEO of FruitySlots offers insight in his capacity as a renowned streamer.

CasinoBeats: With the vast majority of gambling done so responsibly, are there any other approaches, other than the ultimate sanction that could work?

Daniel Hansson Sokcic: I firmly believe that prohibiting bonus buys isn’t the most effective strategy. While Relax Gaming’s approach with the Money Cart series offers an alternative, it’s clear that many players are dissatisfied with restrictions on their choices. Given that bonus buys are permitted in other jurisdictions, many players might feel unfairly treated. This discontent could lead them to seek alternatives, including playing at offshore casinos, which poses its own set of challenges.

Dr. Eyal Loz: The bonus buy feature is a hotly debated topic. On one hand, more suppliers are releasing elaborate buy feature designs with their newly released products. On the other hand, the value of a single feature can represent the overall cost of an average session, with some versions as expensive as 250x the player’s bet. Streamers are regularly seen immersed in sessions filled with excessive buy features purchases, which see individuals burning through eye-watering sums of money with often very little to show for it at the end of the gameplay. Therefore, it’s not surprising that operators and players alike are voting to exclude the buy feature from their platforms. 

Despite all that, this year RubyPlay introduced the buy feature mechanic to all newly released games and many existing releases. First and foremost, we enable our buy feature to have a very low entry price point, very low minimum bet support and a feature cost of 50X bet. Our debut buy feature title Mad Hit Marlin Bonanza offers players the experience at as little as $5. The feature offered is the signature aspect of the game and is frequently triggered by players during normal gameplay. At a low cost, players can test and experience the feature immediately, without having to spend their precious time grinding the slot.

Andrzej Hyla: With the vast majority of gambling done so responsibly, are there any other approaches, other than the ultimate sanction, that could work?

At our core, we prioritise player autonomy and responsibility. Offering players the choice to enable or disable features such as bonus buy, empowers them to tailor the experience to suit their preferred gaming style. Players who do not wish to use this option can simply ignore it, but we do not restrict the freedom of other players in this way. By providing more control and customisation we aim to cultivate a gaming environment that fosters empowerment, safety, and enjoyment for all. An environment where everyone’s a winner.

Moreover, we comply with the regulatory requirements of each jurisdiction, including the integration of key responsible gaming features mandated by regulators. From panic buttons to reality check tools, maximum stake limits and minimum spin times, we put regulation and player welfare first. 

Josh Green: Current responsible gambling regulations seem to target slots over other verticals. While player freedom is important, the focus on limiting bets or bonus buys in slots doesn’t translate for instance to table games, where much larger wagers can be placed on a single hand or roulette spin. This inconsistency creates an unfair situation where slots are more heavily restricted, despite the potential for high-risk behaviour in other areas of the sector. 

One measure that we firmly believe should be introduced is the removal of a “max bet” button entirely from the user interface. This eliminates the risk of accidental clicks that can lead to unintended high wagers especially if this is located close to the spin button.  Players can still choose their desired bet size manually, allowing for more control and promoting responsible gambling.

Amy Brewis: The availability of choice, aligned with robust and proportionate responsible gambling measures must be the way forward to ensure a healthy regulated gambling market that works for all stakeholders and limits the impact and relevance of grey market forces.

Age restrictions for bonus buys or offering the ability for players to disable the feature may be considered among sensible steps to addressing any dissatisfaction rather than a blanket ban. Limits on the number of times players can purchase the bonus could also work, but there will always be a section of the player base that would object to any restrictions. Working with player communities and reaching consultative solutions are likely to enjoy the most success.

CB: Is this player opinion shared across geos?

DHS: If you pose a question to the general public about gambling, as Play’n GO did, the typical response is likely to be negative. However, if you consult the dedicated gambling community, like we did at Bigwinboard, who gamble regularly, you’ll receive a markedly different reaction. Specifically, the majority of this core group is opposed to the idea of removing bonus buys, indicating a clear disparity in perspectives based on the audience’s familiarity and engagement with gambling.

DEL: What players do and what players say is often different. Players who engage with the buy feature typically purchase them at large intervals rather than serially. Unsurprisingly, streamers and average players behave differently when it comes to bonus buys. Our data suggests that the buy feature is a player retention-enhancing tool, not a bet-enhancing initiative. Players will only buy a handful of features and this results in much longer play sessions. I would suggest that purchasing a feature or two gives players a better indication of the quality of the overall design of the game.

AH: Currently, those who use the buy feature in Wazdan games make up only 5 to 10 per cent of our player base. However, we believe completely getting rid of this feature would needlessly hurt this minority and there has not been such a request from the vast majority of our players.

We believe in controlling one’s luck, and this approach is appreciated by players and operators alike, whether we are talking about the Buy Feature or any other aspect of our software. Of course, we have disabled this option in jurisdictions where it is prohibited.

JG: We believe the banning of bonus buys was not a well-thought-out, data-driven or logical decision. Whilst a bonus buy is inherently more expensive for the player, the returns are reflected in the RTP. Whether a player chooses to lose over a longer period of 100 or 500 spins as opposed to buying a bonus should be their choice. 

Across our community of slot enthusiasts from many different countries, we feel players largely echo this sentiment. There doesn’t seem to be a direct correlation between geos and player preferences towards bonus buys. People’s opinions tend to be strongest in those geos where they have already been restricted after having experienced the ability to bonus buy in the past.

AB: This is not something we have conducted huge amounts of research on, however, could be an opinion shared across the more regulated markets. Some of the feedback we’ve seen in recent months tends to suggest there is a level of demand for a ban, but like so many other issues concerning gambling in general it is difficult to come to a definitive conclusion without further consultation. 

CB: Has there been any adverse effects of banning bonus buys in the regions where this has been implemented already?

DHS: Yes, I do believe that banning bonus buys (along with other things) pushes players towards offshore casinos, which is a concern I often hear from UK players lamenting their lack of access to these features. From my observations, this issue is quite widespread. Many express frustration over the increased difficulty in triggering bonus features, as many current games are centred around the concept of bonus buys. In some instances, it’s actually impossible to achieve the max win without bonus buys, underscoring a notable unfairness within the game design.

I’m convinced that the availability of bonus buy options and responsible gambling can harmoniously coexist. Numerous effective tools are already implemented to support players in gambling responsibly, and these measures can be enhanced without detracting from the overall gaming experience. This balance ensures that players have the freedom to enjoy bonus features while also promoting a safe and responsible gaming environment.

DEL: We will continue to experiment with buy features at different price points and with different designs. Unfortunately, it seems buy features have got a bad reputation, perhaps due to PR or streamer behaviour. RubyPlay’s design focuses on giving players a quick “try before you buy” option, where players can decide to engage with our games, knowing full well that the most important aspect of the game is how well the feature delivers. So far, we are very happy to report that we see significant improvement in game engagement while seeing only a very modest increase in bet behaviour.

AH: Although we haven’t done any research on this issue, we are firm believers in empowering players with choice whilst upholding responsible gaming practices. Our players have a lot of self-control. They have the final decision when it comes to using the buy feature. We believe that players should and can be in control of their gaming, as evidenced by the fact that, despite the availability of the buy feature, those who don’t find it worthwhile simply choose not to use it.

From our data, we can see that only around 10 per cent of players use the buy feature, which shows that 90 per cent of players find playing our games in the “full version” perfectly fine and enjoyable, and we are happy to be able to offer both options and give our players the final say, without restricting them or making decisions on their behalf.

JG: Absolutely, It’s no secret that the black market has grown and benefited from this restriction. We constantly hear from players that they are now playing on non-regulated sites so they can experience features such as quick spins, auto-spins and bonus buys. It’s evident in screenshots of big wins that they send to us or share on forums. 

Whilst we encourage and urge players to avoid playing on unregulated sites, we understand players’ reasons for looking elsewhere for what they deem a better playing experience.

AB: Not so much an adverse effect, but it could have played a role in the way markets have evolved, where players prefer medium volatility games that offer more frequent wins. 

We’ve seen that players in such jurisdictions may not stay in a game as long because of the time it takes to get to the bonus, so it appears that bonus buys being unavailable has influenced play patterns.

The post CasinoBeats roundtable: the future of the bonus buy appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Through the collaboration, Slots Temple has agreed to host Realistic Games titles on its online casino website, which offers demo versions of games while running slot tournaments using content from a range of suppliers. 

Amy Brewis, Account Manager at Realistic Games, stated: “The platform that Slots Temple offers is perfect for Realistic and our UK ambitions. It’s a brand that lives and breathes slots run by people who are passionate about what they do and that aligns perfectly with our ethos for game development.

“It’s been a delight to work with them in the lead-up to going live and we’re looking forward to moving forward together.” 

As a result of the deal, Slots Temple users will be able to find game information and spin the reels on several Realistic Games slots, including Book of Charms, Catch 22, Book of Midas, Chicken or the Egg and the supplier’s latest release Fortune Fortress.

In addition, the remainder of Realistic Games’ 2024 title roadmap will also be integrated into the platform upon each game’s launch. 

Fraser Linkleter, Director at Slots Temple, added: “It’s fantastic to see the games that Realistic puts out and so we’re delighted to have its library now available to our players. Its evolution has many similarities with ours and we love working with brands that share that enthusiasm for growth.”

The post Realistic Games hails Slots Temple move as ‘perfect’ for UK ambitions appeared first on CasinoBeats.

80sPop – AvatarUX

AvatarUX has taken players on a trip back to the eighties with its latest 5×3 slot, which offers 65,536 ways to win and a maximum win of up to x20,000 the player’s stake. This title has high volatility with an RTP range of 94-96 per cent. 

Lara Falzon, CEO at AvatarUX, said: “80sPop sees us take our classic PopWins mechanic and puts it on a party theme like no others.

“Heralding back to the star-studded days of glam rock, it’s a fun artistic title that gives players plenty of thrills in search of a max win of x20,000.”

As a PopWins title, each winning symbol in the game will pop and disappear, allowing it to be replaced by two symbols to increase the number of ways to win for that spin. 

This feature is repeated as long as there are more wins as a result of the new symbols appearing on the extended reels, but will reset in between base game spins. 

In the base game, the reels can extend to six symbols tall, while they can extend to eight symbols tall in the bonus game mode. 

The bonus free spins game mode is triggered when the reels extend to six symbols tall in the base game. 

Fully increasing the reels to six symbols tall in the base game will also cause a x2 multiplier to appear, applying to any wins that occur after the reels reach six symbols. The multiplier will increase by one after each win on the same spin. 

This multiplier will then carry over to the free spins feature, applying to every win throughout the game mode. The feature will also not reset the size of the grid in between spins. 

The free spins feature also causes the super high value star symbol to become enhanced, depending on how tall the reels are. 

When all reels are six symbols tall, the star symbol gains a x2 multiplier, while at seven and eight symbols tall, it will gain a x3 and x4 multiplier, respectively. 

Fortress Fortune – Realistic Games

Put on your suit of armour as Realistic Games makes players feel like a knight of the realm in its latest 5×4 reel slot, which uses 20-paylines and a maximum win of up to x5,600 the player’s wager. This medieval slot has medium volatility and a 96.03 per cent RTP. 

Amy Brewis, Account Manager at Realistic Games, stated: “Fortune Fortress is a release packed with modern elements that work concurrently to deliver players a new gameplay experience.

“Drawing inspiration from apps and mobile games the tap chest jackpot feature will see players repeatedly tapping the screen to reveal a guaranteed jackpot prize building anticipation and excitement, whilst providing increased engagement.

“The slot also offers expanding reels and respins in the base game that we are confident players will enjoy while the bonus round provides a thrilling path towards even bigger prizes. With various mechanics at play, we are excited to see players raid the castle in this medieval hit.”

Throughout the base game, any winning combinations formed will become sticky on the board while a free respin occurs around them. 

This also causes the reel set to increase in size, increasing by one row for each respin that occurs. However, this can only happen two times, creating a maximum grid size of 5×6. 

For every extra row unlocked, five additional paylines will be added to the game. 

Each time two respins occur on the same spin, coins will appear and move into a chest that sits above the reel set. 

This awards a random chance of activating a ‘tap chest’ feature where players can win one of the game’s four jackpot prizes, with mini (x25), minor (x100), major (x250) or grand (x2,500). 

Bonus treasure chest symbols can also appear, displaying monetary values from x1 to x100 that can be won in the hold-and-win game mode, triggering when five or more chests appear on the same spin. 

In the hold-and-win game mode, players are given three spins to land as many treasure chests on the reels as possible, with each chest that drops into play resetting the number of spins to three. 

While all chest values will be awarded to the player once the feature finishes, collecting a certain number of chests will award one of the game’s jackpot prizes. 

Mystery Genie: Fortunes of the Lamp – Play’n GO

Play’n GO presented an Arabian extravaganza in its latest slot release as a genie offers multipliers on a 5×4 reel slot with 20-paylines and a maximum win of x6,000. 

George Olekszy, Head of Game Retention, commented: “We’re incredibly excited to dip into this iconic mythos and it’s great that we get to put our own spin on things. We can’t wait for players to enjoy both the intuitive gameplay mechanics and iconic theme in this title. It really is a whole new world for us all.”

Magic lamp scatters can drop into play on any reel, awarding eight free spins when three or more land on the same turn. 

Mystery question mark symbols are available, revealing identical symbols across the board or genie wilds, magic lamp scatters and sand timer bonus symbols. 

One respin is awarded when a sand timer is revealed by the mystery symbol, in which all mystery symbols, genie wilds and magic lamp scatters stay sticky on the reels, with the mystery symbols revealing new symbols once the respin is finished. 

Genie wilds can also appear, substituting for all symbols other than the sand timer and magic lamp scatter symbols. Each time a genie wild appears, it will reveal a random multiplier of either x2, x3 or x4 to enhance any wins it contributes to.

Throughout the free spins feature, all genie wilds that appear will stay sticky in their positions for the duration of the bonus game mode. 

Landing one, two or three magic lamp scatters in the free spins game mode will award two, five or eight additional spins, respectively. 

If multiple wild genies contribute to the same payline win, their multipliers will be added together before enhancing the total payout. 

Cash Crew – Hacksaw Gaming

Players will hope to avoid a dog day afternoon in Hacksaw Gaming’s latest heist-themed title, a 5×5 reel slot with 19-paylines and a maximum win of up to x10,000 the player’s wager. This title has high volatility with an RTP of 96.26 per cent. 

Low value symbols are represented by playing card royals, with Jacks through Aces available. These symbols can offer between x0.2 and x2 the player’s wager, depending on the number of matching combinations that fall on a single spin. 

Meanwhile, green, blue, purple, yellow and red heist characters depict the high value symbols, providing wins between x0.4 and x10 the player’s stake. 

Enhancing the base and bonus gameplay, the green character symbol will appear with monetary values ranging from x1 to x500 the player’s bet.

If these symbols land on the same spin as a special ‘grab ‘em’ symbol that can appear on any reel, their values will be collected and paid out. 

Safe scatters are available, triggering ‘the vault’ game mode when three land on the same spin, or the ‘high-security vault’ game mode when four drop into play. 

Additionally, wild text symbols can appear, substituting for all symbols other than the safe scatters and grab ‘em symbols. Each wild will appear with a multiplier value ranging from x2 to x25, which will apply to any wins that they contribute to. 

To further enhance the prize-collecting grab ‘em feature, any green character symbols that appear adjacent to a wild symbol will have their cash prize enhanced by said wild’s multiplier. 

In the vault game mode, players are given six free spins while any wild symbols that drop into play will cause their cell to gain a golden border.

These golden cells will then reveal a wild symbol on every subsequent free spin, increasing the chances of activating the multiplier feature for the grab ‘em collect function. 

Special stopwatch symbols can drop into play during this feature, randomly awarding between two and six additional free spins each time they appear. 

For the high-security vault game mode, players are given nine spins while the feature is enhanced with a higher chance of activating the grab ‘em feature and all green character cash prizes having a minimum value of x5. 

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