Getting a message that the casino has launched a new slot machine is like hitting the lottery! You know that you can look forward to a fun-filled adventure with new symbols, new themes, new elements and new opportunities to win payouts!
But did you ever wonder about the backstory of those games? Take a journey into the world of slot machine development and learn how Grande Vegas continuously features the best slots in the online casino world today!
RealTime Gaming
Grande Vegas online casino partners with the SpinLogic gaming developer, an industry leader that is known for their cutting-edge game design for slot machines, video poker and blackjack games, roulette, lotteries and more. SpinLogic has been providing software for online casinos since 1998, making it one of the most well-known and well-respected companies in the field.
The company is recognized for its diverse portfolio of games that cater to a wide variety of player preferences, skill levels and interests. Each slot machine offers bonus rounds and many feature progressive jackpots which are networked across multiple casinos so that the prize pool increases rapidly.
SpinLogic places a strong emphasis on security and fairness via the Random Number Generators (RNGs) that are regularly audited by independent testing agencies to ensure fairness and random results. All of the SpinLogic games can be played on the browsers of PCs and mobile devices so each gamer can choose his/her preferred method of access. There’s a customer support line at SpinLogic so that both operators and players can access any needed technical assistance as needed.
SpinLogic adheres to regulatory standards of each jurisdiction in which it operates. This has earned it a reputation for trustworthiness throughout the industry.
Creating a New Slot
When a new slot machine is created, the developers must first determine whether it will be a classic, progressive, 3D, multi-reel, or VR slot machine. Sometimes, two types of machines can combine – for instance, a VR slot can also be a progressive machine and can also include 3D imagery. Classic slots are 3-reel slots and video slots are 5-reel or 6-reel slots. Today’s slots are all mobile-enabled and run on all browsers including Edge, Firefox and Chrome.
The development process generally starts with brainstorming to determine what themes and features are in demand and then goes on to include market research, story outline, sketching and wireframing before the final design and development. When you see a new slot, it’s in its final phase – the launch!
Some of the basic elements that need to be determined before the machine’s design begins involve:
- The Bet – the amount that will be wagered on each spin, or on each payline
- The Bonus Feature – Any added rewards or game rounds that allow players to try to achieve more rewards without depositing more money (free spins, respins, pick-a-bonus, etc)
- Jackpot – the machine’s top prize
- Multiplier – the amount that wins are multiplied by to achieve a higher reward
- Paylines – lines where the winning combination must land to complete the win (number of paylines in a slot machine can range from three to several dozens)
- Reels – boxes with symbols that spin inside a slot machine
- Scatter Symbol – a symbol that triggers wins, multipliers or bonuses
- Spin – clicking a button to move the reels
- Wild – a symbol that can substitute for any other symbol
- Winning Combination – a combination of symbols that trigger a win when there’s a match
Elements
One of the most important aspects of a slot machine is the art. The art style, theme and symbols are the first things that the player will see. If the art doesn’t attract, the slot machine won’t be a successful addition to the games’ lobby.
Next are the mechanics. The designer must consider how to develop the game levels, how to distribute bonus prizes and how to create an easy interface that will make the gameplay easy and attractive to people who are interested in trying a new machine.
All of this takes place through the slot machine’s software development which involves coding the logic, creating a game engine and making platform-specific solutions.
21st Century Elements
Slot machine designers must be constantly aware of new innovations in the slots world. If a designer isn’t keeping up with the latest in design and tech, the new slot will probably fail. Some of the newest features, both those that are already here and those that are expected in the near future, include
- 3D – 3D is becoming a part of almost all of the newest slot machines. 3D designs add extra depth to the characters and storyline and attract players who are especially interested in the game’s visuals.
- VR – Virtual Reality is slowly inching its way into the online casino world as casino players look for real money games that mimic other types of video games immersing them in a virtual environment.
- Multi-Reel Slots – originally, slots had three reels. Then they moved to five reels and today many slot machines have six reels. The additional reels mean that there’s a bigger gameboard with more reels and more paylines on which to create winning combinations. The added options for winning result in even more interactive and entertaining gameplay.
Today’s slots players expect their game to include different features that create a more action-filled gaming environment. Some of the best 21st century slots features include:
- Progressive jackpots that link machines together and collect bets that make up the jackpot prize. When one player hits the jackpot, s/he receives the entire jackpot reward
- Mystery Symbols -- Some symbols are marked with a question mark to indicate that it’s a “mystery symbol.”The mystery symbol is flipped to reveal the prize that it delivers before the payout. The player only knows at the last minute whether the mystery symbol will deliver a big win or a disappointment.
- Cascading Reels – After a spin, any winning combinations disappear when symbols disappear and new symbols drop down to take their place and create new winning combinations
- Free Spins – spins that you are awarded so you can spin for real money payouts without adding new deposits
- Retriggering Spins – reactivations of the free spins round
- Megaways – Also known as “Ways to Win” or “PayWays”. The player bets on the spin, rather than on individual paylines. Every spin has anywhere from hundreds to thousands of possible winning combinations
- Bonus Rounds – mini-games that open up within the regular game to award the player with extra free spins, multipliers and other prizes.
Every slot game is individual but the key to your enjoyment of any of these games is the base game design.
