INSIGHT SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SLOTS BOOMING GAMES
How has RTP shifted – and have these changes been to the advantage or detriment of players?
In general, RTP has increased slightly in recent years to the advantage of players. One of the reasons for the increase in RTP is the introduction of new features, bonus games, and free spins. To make these features exciting for the players, they require a substantial amount of RTP. You cannot simply take it away from the base game, as this would make the base game unappealing, and players would leave the games.
Te RTP split in a slot game is essential for its success, the more variety the maths of a game offers, the more surprises and excitement it creates. In addition, some regulators have introduced rules that require online slot games to have a minimum RTP, which avoids suppliers or operators offering ridiculously low RTP games for their own gain.
Are mechanics as engaging as they can possibly be?
Online slot mechanics have come a long way in recent years and have become much more entertaining than they were in the past. However, innovation never ends, and suppliers are constantly looking for ways to enhance the gaming experience and entertainment levels.
As the online slot game industry becomes more competitive, developers are under increasing pressure to create new and creative mechanics and set new trends that keep players engaged and excited.
How do you assess the increasingly fast churn of games hitting the market?
Fast churn can be both a positive and a negative thing. On the one hand, it means that players have a greater variety of games to choose from, and suppliers have more opportunities to experiment with new features and mechanics.
On the other hand, it can lead to a lack of innovation and a focus on quantity over quality. Tis can result in a saturation of the market with very similar games that do not offer players anything new or innovative. Terefore, balance is very important.
Te fast churn of online slot games can also lead to a lack of longevity. Some games may be popular for a short time but quickly lose their appeal as players move on to the next new game. However, we still have a great success rate of games sticking and players returning to them for many months or even years.
Furthermore, the fast churn of online slot games can also drive suppliers towards greater creativity and innovation as they constantly strive to create games that stand out in a crowded market.
“Fast churn can be both a positive and a negative thing. On the one hand, it means that players have a greater variety of games to choose from, and suppliers have more opportunities to experiment with new features and mechanics. On the other hand, it can lead to a lack of
innovation and a focus on
quantity over quality. This can result in a saturation of the market with very similar games that do not offer players anything new or
innovative. Therefore, balance is very important.” Max Niehusen
Have games become increasingly narrow- casted, in that they are created to appeal to a very defined player, as opposed to a more general player type?
A comprehensive portfolio is key for any game provider. I believe this is the most important strategy, as in reality, hardly any slot will be loved by all players in all markets. Once you have a theme and title, you are already targeting certain demographics, age groups, and genders.
Tis is one reason why slot games become narrow-casted. Another thing is the market size and your relationship with the operator. If a provider notices that there is a demand for a certain slot type or theme in a top-performing market, why not take this route? It’s the same with the partnership with operators. If a top-tier operator, on whose sites our slots have been performing outstandingly well, asks for certain criteria, we would cooperate.
Finally, how do you see the online slots industry evolving over the coming years?
Te quality and quantity of existing content will make it more and more difficult for new studios to enter the market. But endless room for innovation also opens the doors to new trends, like mini-games or crash games in evolving markets.
Te competition is strong but slot providers that understand player desires and industry trends and have a strong focus on these new trends and enough diversity in their portfolio offering, will have the ability to come up with new mechanics, modern trends and themes, marketing tools and other ways to increase player engagement.
So, I see this trend continuing. I feel we’re living in a golden age of online casino games, and we can expect more diversity and innovation.
WIRE / PULSE / INSIGHT / REPORTS P117
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