Slots are the most popular casino game-of-chance category. These physical machines and digital iterations appeal to casual gamblers looking to snag enticing rewards from gambling products that feature engaging visuals and somewhat immersive gameplay.
In 2023, the US’ gaming revenues amounted to $66.5 billion, with more than half of this figure ($35 billion) generated by reel-spinning games. This gambling genre, invented in the 1890s, underwent a revolution in 1963 when Bally introduced electromechanical spinners, and it took another massive step in its evolution in the early 1990s when online slots debuted.
Today, more than thirty thousand virtual one-armed bandits exist, and below, we detail how these titles get created.
The Conceptualization Phase
Naturally, the first step in creating an Internet slot is brainstorming to determine the best type of game for the current market. Newbies to this sphere are likely unaware that various providers have created their game mechanics, like the famed Megaways system pioneered by Big Time Gaming, and they license these engines to other companies. Yet, some, like Avatar UX, have trailblazed novel takes on tried-and-tested (PopWins) slot gameplay and do not sell the rights to their mechanics but only implement them in their creations.
So, aside from picking a theme and a visual style, game studios must also settle on the type of bonus features their title will incorporate. Simpler games appeal to more leisure players, while ones boasting more complex rules and modes, such as pick-em mini-games, modifier symbols, gamble rounds, and more, usually look to cater to the preferences of more experienced game-of-chance fanatics.
So, the slot-building process usually begins with generating ideas regarding the potential motif, setting a distinct look, mapping out a storyline arc, and deciding on gameplay mechanics. All of this is driven by market research.
For this article, we will primarily use Golden Savana, a spinner created by London provider Woohoo. It is available at the Bovada network of gaming sites, including Ignition, a super reputable offshore hub with advantageous casino bonus codes.
Design and Development
After a team, like the one at Woohoo decides on the type of slot they will make, they must ask the graphics department to fashion concept illustrations, and based on these, the musical side of the company will begin crafting its immersive soundscapes while the artists are drawing the symbols, backdrops, and creating the animations.
One thing to know is that most developers have ready-to-go random number generators, which are software that arbitrarily comes up with sets of numbers that determine what symbols stop in view in a given game. Developers have multiple of these algorithms, each boasting different variance math models. These are low, low-medium, medium, medium-high, and high. They tweak these and pair them with other adjustments that define the winning odds of a slot (RTP) and its max exposure (top win) to come up with its prize-defining characteristics. Then, they connect this bit of software with the created graphics so the images correspond to what the algorithm is producing.
For example, Golden Savana, available at Ignition Casino, has an RTP of 96%, a max win of x3,125, and a high variance. It also connects to the Hot Drop Jackpot system, which supplies guaranteed rewards within specific limits.
Thus, in the end, programmers look to blend everything discussed here. That refers to the graphics, game mechanics, RNG algorithm, paytable configuration, and usually a set provider interface that studios use in all their releases.
Quality Assurance
Here, we often have the shortest development phase, entailing rigorous testing. Studio staff run millions of round simulations to determine that their game provides a win at the predicted rate and has no bugs. It is vital that any online gaming product can be played glitch-free because malfunctions can void formed symbol combos.
The team must also ensure the game works as intended across different platforms and devices. Moreover, they must check it meets distinct regulatory requirements in the available regions. For instance, in the UK, slots must incorporate two-and-a-half-second wait times between rounds, and they usually feature lower max bet options than what a gambler would find in other jurisdictions for the same game. Accordingly, these compliance checks guarantee that a title meets specific markets’ fairness, security, and in-game rules criteria. This is vital.
The Online Slot Marketing Process
When a slot is finished, its provider contacts partnered sites. In the case of Golden Savana, Woohoo reached out to Ignition Casino, telling them they have a new game this hub can put inside its lobby. After they have enough platforms to agree to this within their network, the game studio sends press releases to as many news sites as possible. They will also put together video clips advertising the game and host them on their official website and YouTube channel.
To generate buzz, a provider may also choose to team up with entertainment-based influencers, paying these individuals to play their slot on live streams in its debuting period to create awareness. They will also contact famed casino brands and attempt to get these hubs to pair it with different bonuses.
