When you play at the Grande Vegas Casino, the games that you play are powered by the award-winning SpinLogic Gaming developer. SpinLogic’s games have been praised as being interactive, engaging, entertaining and secure.
That attention to detail has made SpinLogic a highly sought-after supplier in the online casino industry. Such a high level of achievement is speaks to SpinLogic’s commitment to providing casino players with the best that the industry has to offer.
How does SpinLogic design its casino games? While the goal of both slot machine design and video game design is to provide entertainment, the purposes, reliance on luck or skill, reward structures, monetization models, and regulatory environments differ. Slot machine development focuses on three key elements – art, mechanics and creating opportunities for real money wins.
Explore the game designer’s process of introducing a new slot onto an online casino platform through game design, style, symbols, theme, levels, technology, math, bonus prizes and interface.
Slots and Video Games
When reviewing how new slot machines are created, it’s a good idea to start by differentiating between slot machines and other types of video games. Design studios that create slots focus on slots gaming because, other than the fact that both types of games are played on a screen, there is little similarity between the two kinds of gameplay.
The objective and purpose of slot machines and video games varies. The primary goal of a slot machine is to offer a form of gambling entertainment. Slot machines can be played for free at the online casino but the main purpose of the slot is to allow players to bet money with the hope that they will win prizes or even a jackpot if they are lucky.
Therefore, the design focuses around creating an engaging experience where gamers are motivated to keep playing. With video games, the gameplay mechanics are generally more complex as the players focus on storytelling, problem-solving, competition or strategic thinking. Some video games may incorporate elements of gambling but the gambling isn’t the primary purpose of the gameplay.
Players who are looking for games of skill generally choose a video game because, almost always, some measure of skill is required. Players may need to demonstrate hand-eye coordination, solve puzzles, strategize or make decisions.
Success in a video game tends to be the result of the player’s skill. With a slot, almost every aspect of the game involves luck. Playing the game involves pressing a button or pulling a lever and the outcome is determined by random chance. Minimal skill is involved in playing a slot machine.
In video games, players can rely on a predictable reward structure that’s based on achieving goals, completing specific tasks or progressing through the game’s narrative. Rewards are tied to the player’s efforts and skill. With slot machines, there’s a variable-ratio reinforcement schedule that delivers rewards in an unpredictable and intermittent fashion.
This randomness is purposeful, designed to keep the player engaged and excited about the possibilities of winning. Whereas the focus of the video game is on the gameplay, the focus of the slot is on winning.
Monetization
Slot machines are monetized by the money that players wager. So the game design aims to maximize player retention and spending. In video games, the monetization isn’t as obvious but it’s still very much a presence through models like subscription services, in-game purchases and one-time purchases. By encouraging players to invest in the gaming experience, developers stay focused on the bottom of line of ensuring that these games are financially rewarding.
Development
The development of a slot machine starts with brainstorming for a theme. Popular slot storylines include games whose plots revolve around different civilizations, holidays, whimsical events, history, romance, intrigue and animals. The idea is to resonate with as broad an audience as possible.
Once the game theme has been chosen, it’s time to delve into the details. Today’s slot machines are capable of featuring captivating characters and storylines with corresponding symbols. The planning continues as the developer works to craft an immersive experience that will keep gamers engaged and entertained.
Next, the mathematicians go to work. Each slot machine’s mathematical model must balance the machine’s volatility, hit frequency and Return to Player (RTP) in a way that ensures that players experience both excitement and fair chances of winning.
Algorithms, based on probability theory and advanced mathematical modeling, form the basis of the Random Number Generator (RNG) that powers each game to ensure that every spin is independent and unpredictable.
A game’s artwork is probably the first element of the slot machine that a potential player will view and will play the determining factor in allowing the gamer to decide whether or not s/he wants to play that particular game. Animators create high-quality animations and graphics that combine with sound effects to enhance the overall gaming experience.
The artists’ goals involve creating a visually appealing and immersive environment that will captivate players. They work toward these goals through the use of state-of-the-art software and design tools that allow them to craft visually appealing animations, symbols and background elements.
Finally, no slot machine is introduced to the market without rigorous testing. A slot machine’s performance is evaluated using simulated environments to ensure that all of the elements, levels and mathematical models function as intended.
Focus groups and beta testers are also brought in to test preferences and reactions. Based on the results of these tests, adjustments are made to address potential issues, enhance visual elements and improve gameplay. When the developer’s standards for quality and player satisfaction are met, and when all regulations and standards imposed by gaming authorities are addressed (game’s fairness, security and adherence to responsible gaming practices), the game can be introduced to the market.
Creating a new slot machine is a multidimensional process where creativity, technology, mathematics and regulatory compliance meet. Game developers strive to craft experiences that captivate players and deliver sophisticated and engaging gaming experiences.
