Pulse


SLOT DESIGN ROUNDTABLE


Design Roundtable: Style or Substance?


In the pursuit of innovation in slot game


development, what ultimately comes first: style or substance? Exploring whether game design should influence the employment of a mechanic or vice versa is Alex Ratcliffe, Connor Blinman, David Mann, Nik Robinson, and Lloyd Roberts.


Lloyd Roberts Head of Studio Blue Guru Games


Connor Blinman Head of Games Gaming Corps


What are the ‘key ingredients’ to creating a stand-out slot title?


Connor Blinman, Head of Games, Gaming Corps: It’s funny that you describe it like this as I always consider making a slot game much like baking a cake! Tere are core ingredients every time, but to make each game unique, you need to sprinkle in some additional flavours.


Te same goes for slot games, with the key ingredients being a strong theme, engaging mechanics, outstanding visuals, and audio, along with a fine polish from development that creates a flawless product. Sprinkle in some innovation there and you will create a slot game that is successful.


Alex Ratcliffe, CPO, 1X2 Network: Te creation of a stand-out title is akin to orchestrating a symphony where every element plays a critical role in captivating the audience. Te cornerstone of a successful slot game lies in its ability to meld innovative mechanics with an immersive theme, all while ensuring a seamless user experience.


P98 WIRE / PULSE / INSIGHT / REPORTS


Alex Ratcliffe CPO 1X2 Network


David Mann CEO Swintt


Innovation is not merely a buzzword, but a fundamental ingredient that distinguishes a memorable slot game from the multitude of other titles on the market. It's about crafting unique gameplay features - such as novel bonus rounds and creative reel configurations - that intrigue and retain players.


However, innovation alone doesn't create a connection. Te theme is what breathes life into the mechanics, providing context and emotional engagement.


Whether it draws on historical myths, cinematic universes, or fantastical realms, the theme must resonate with the player, thereby enhancing the immersive quality of the game. Tis thematic immersion is further elevated using high- quality graphics and an engaging soundtrack, which together enrich the player's sensory experience.


Te magic of a game also lies in its accessibility and intuitiveness. A user-friendly interface and smooth performance across various devices ensure that the game is approachable for both


Nik Robinson CEO Big Time Gaming


novices and seasoned players.


Finally, the strategic balance of RTP and volatility plays a subtle yet pivotal role in shaping the player's perception of fairness and excitement, influencing both their immediate satisfaction and long-term engagement with the game.


David Mann, CEO, Swintt: Tough the preferences of your target audience will certainly vary based on things like their age range, the country they’re playing from etc, I think it’s fair to say that there are a handful of key ingredients that most players now expect to see in a compelling slot release.


First and foremost, high-quality graphics and animations are a must to capture their attention initially, while engaging features are key to keeping them playing in the long term.


Together with the latter point goes rewarding payouts – which make players feel they’re actually gaining something – while these days mobile optimisation is also very important, as


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