Evoplay: taking inspiration from videogames
The Liberty Bell, the first slot machine invented in the 19th century, featured three spinning reels and a single pay line. Over the 130 years or so since, we have seen slot machines evolve with the introduction of fruit symbols, video slots,
progressive jackpots, and online play. But despite there being more reels and ways to win, the
In 2020, Evoplay launched the industry’s first ever role-playing game (RPG) slot, Dungeon: Immortal Evil, and last year showcased its second 'videogame inspired' title, Star Guardians, as part of a concerted effort to capture young, affluent, mainstream gamers not overly interested in the games found in online casinos.
Whilst videogames and slots share similar audiences and elements, Vladimir Malakchi, Chief Commercial Officer at Evoplay, believes the motivation to play is what sets the two apart. “We can transfer some video gamers to the casino world and vice versa, but they are fundamentally not the same. For me, extracting elements from the gaming world and implementing them into gambling games is the key – their gamification features, visuals, and entertainment levels.
“However, the slot foundations will remain the same. Whilst there will be new mechanics introduced over the coming years, but there will still be reels and lines.”
Civilization, a turn-based strategy where players command nations as real-world leaders from different historical periods, and Shadow Tactics, a tactical stealth game which sees players take control of a team and sneak in the shadows between dozens of enemies, are Vladimir’s current videogames of choice. So far, Evoplay has offered players a third-person hack and slash adventure, and a game with manual control and third-person shooter mechanics. So, what types of videogames would make the best slot games?
“I couldn't name one particular genre,” responds Vladimir. “For example, if you took
‘essence’ and foundation of what a slot is has largely remained the same. “We tested several elements
for our first RPG-inspired slot, Dungeon: Immortal Evil, and some of those elements have been taken forward and
improved for Star Guardians whilst incorporating new
hypothesises from the shooter genre. The most important thing for us is the simplicity of having a genre that straddles new entertainment and the bare bone mechanics of slots.
the most popular gaming format in recent years, Battle Royale, and transposed it into a slot, it just wouldn't make sense. What we’re creating is a new niche, so we must test different things.
“We tested several elements for our first RPG- inspired slot, Dungeon: Immortal Evil, and some of those elements have been taken forward and improved for Star Guardians whilst incorporating new hypothesises from the shooter genre. In 2023, we might create a strategy-type game. Te most important thing for us is the simplicity of having a genre that straddles new entertainment and the bare bone mechanics of slots.
“After we have launched five different games, we will be able compare them and I can offer a data-driven answer, but what I can say for sure
Pulse
GAME DEVELOPMENT EVOPLAY
Vladimir Malakchi, Chief Commercial Officer, Evoplay
is that the implementation of greater entertainment is crucial. Te average session length for users on ‘traditional slots’ is around 15- 20 minutes. For these types of games that we are creating [videogame inspired], we’re talking more than one hour, bordering on two. Players are having fun.”
Tracked by a third-person 3D camera that follows the player’s adventure throughout the game’s different levels, every spin on Dungeon: Immortal Evil is a new journey through a different level with a random number of enemies and a mystery loot-based outcome for each win. Each victory awards players with loot divided by rarity: common, magic, rare, epic or legendary: convertible into an instant money outcome.
In place of free spins, and to unlock bonus achievements, players must battle their way through several Dungeon spaces, fighting with enemies who protect the final level’s boss. After entering the portal into the Dungeon players must bravely vanquish a series of opponents culminating in a showdown with the final Boss, where a bet multiplier of up to 5000x can be won.
Every bonus level has an RNG determined reward, equal to money. Once a player is victorious, a chest appears which contains a random selection of a weapon, armour upgrade or health potion. Despite the RPG elements and immersive gameplay, Dungeon: Immortal Evil stays true to its slots-based origins – all wins and losses are RNG-based, no skills or knowledge can help – it all comes down to the luck of the spin and the RNG algorithm.
Building on this, Star Guardians offers a full manual control third-person shooter alongside character selection wherein players can change character during the game without affecting results. Again, however, there is no actual skill required. Given we are now witnessing the hybridisation of slots and videogames, is the introduction of skill-based elements a natural next step?
“We offer the feeling of skill influence, but the skill element is for entertainment purposes only," explains Vladimir. "We are testing elements of
NEWSWIRE / INTERACTIVE / MARKET DATA P97
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