Top iGaming software company Slotegrator has revealed a case study with Amigo Gaming on what slots developers should do more of – and the old-fashioned ideas that should be left behind.
In the iGaming sector, online slots remain one of the big players – but a recent study by leading slot developer Amigo Gaming has lifted the lid on certain aspects that future designers might want to avoid – and others that might take the playing experience to the next level.
In short – they asked, if the current – more traditional – everyday slots, that you see in all the big online casinos, need a re-think.
What are the ones that turn players away? And what are the playing experiences or features that are not hitting the jackpot?
Head of marketing at Amigo Gaming – Rodrigo Pereira says “As the iGaming market has matured, so have our games, which we’re constantly adapting based on player behavior, operator feedback, and changing expectations,” . Some mechanics have proven consistently effective, while others have shown diminishing returns.”
Are There Too Many Slots Features?
When it comes to slot design and trying to develop the next ‘big thing’ – there can often be a tendency to cram in as many features as possible.
Including extra free spins, bonus rounds, surprises, high-end animations and multipliers.
However, recent studies are now suggesting that too many layers and features can make the player experience confusing and disorderly.
Whereas endless pop-ups and breaks in play, has worked in the past – in a much different ‘slots world’ to a decade ago – these are now turning players away.
It’s believed that the cost of retaining a slots customer for the best online casinos is around six or seven times cheaper than finding new players.
Meaning investing in keeping players engaged – once they have them – can be a much more cost-saving exercise. As long as the games and experiences are right.
Which is why this latest slot case study has been a valuable asset to providers and future developers.
Are The Traditional Classics On The Way Out?
With thousands of new slots offerings hitting the casinos each year – then keeping things traditional with the old classics has also been a ‘safe option’ for developers.
Yes, many players will like the familiar-feel here with the normal reels, wild symbols and free spins – but there is also a danger of these ‘year-in, year-out slots’ offerings being boring and outdated very quickly.
Like testing the water with other versions of slots – similar to the Running Rich Grand Prix offering that combines a driving video game with slots.
Stale ‘Win Boosts’ That Don’t Convert
Most slots will have a stack of features attached to them – all designed to keep players engaged.
However, gamble modes or fixed bonus buy-ins can sometimes not be well-integrated – and they just feel like a trick to get players to invest more or be taken down game avenues they might not want to go down.
What Do Slots Developers Expect To Work Going Forward?
Better and More Engaging Themes
Slots players will be drawn to games that touch emotion and deliver a story.
The days of just a spinning reel and seeing what happens many developers feel are numbered – it’s more about taking the players on a journey and creating a real experience.
Which might come by tagging over games or iGaming solutions together – where players can win, but also enjoy the experience of playing a game.
Get In-Tune With Local Audiences
The study is by no means saying that the old traditional slots methods should be thrown on the scrapheap now.
As it still depends on local demographics and studies in areas that casinos are based in to find out what customers want.
Of course, this aspect of taking the slots sector forward will mainly be aimed at land-based casinos – but having a clear understanding of local preferences will be key in deciding what machines or future designs to stock.
Develop Better Slots Rewards
When playing online slots – for most it’s all about trying to win – right?
Yes, these days there is a ‘fun element’ too – but the ultimate aim is to try and hit the jackpot and win more money than you’ve put in.
So, going forward this aspect of the player experience is can be key.
But it’s a tricky one for developers too – as not only do they want their players to enjoy the experience and win so they come back.
They also want to make sure they are making money too – this has been the big balancing act for every slots provider since the first one-arm bandit came off the production line.
Rodrigo Pereira from Amigo Gaming concluded “Innovation in slots isn’t a matter of throwing in more features, it’s about designing with intention. Every mechanic, symbol, and animation should serve the overall experience. At Amigo Gaming, we strive to create games that are not just functional, but memorable, balancing creativity with performance and always keeping the player’s journey in mind,”
