When it comes to slots, players are usually presented with finished products online. But what goes on behind the scenes? The production of slots has changed dramatically in recent years. So it’s time to take a closer look at this process. Then you’ll understand a little better what it takes to get the reels spinning on the various gaming sites online, including the wide range of casinos not on GamStop lists. Numerous people are involved in the development of a slot machine, each with their own specific role.
Many Companies Create Spectacles
Some of these development companies are featured on the websites of numerous providers. Their names sometimes even make it into mainstream media. This is especially true for developers who have brought spectacular slots to market. Companies like NetEnt, Microgaming, Playtech, and Red Tiger Gaming supply non GamStop casinos with the software for the games that entertain players. Playtech is particularly noteworthy in this regard because the company doesn’t just develop slots. For some time now, they have also offered several very interesting live casino games, where players can be served by a real croupier at a virtual table.
The themes of NetEnt slots are as diverse as they are playful and colorful. These slots offer a great way to escape the everyday. Games like Starburst and Gonzo’s Quest are among the developer’s most popular titles. Gonzo’s Quest is also available in a version featuring Big Time Gaming’s Megaways mechanic, which enhances the slot even further. This collaboration between two major gambling software developers is a win-win situation for both players and companies.
Each One a Specialist in Its Field
When developing new slots, there are specialists for every stage. First, the developer must decide on certain basics that will be particularly appealing to players. Accordingly, companies need to look at the market to see which slots are currently generating a lot of buzz. At the same time, they obviously don’t want to simply copy the competition. That not only causes problems with the companies involved, but also annoys the players, who then feel somewhat cheated.
Nevertheless, there are some themes that are consistently presented in online slots. For example, adventures with a historical connection are very popular with developers. These lead to Egypt and the pharaohs, into the jungles of Latin America, or anywhere else where one might expect to find a great treasure. Some slots are themed around the proverbial luck of the Irish. Others, in turn, are full of pirates or Vikings running riot on the reels.
Slots based on specific films or television series are particularly unique in terms of design. However, such games are not a given for developers. Licenses are required to even begin implementing such themes, and these licenses are quite expensive, meaning not every developer can afford to take on this type of project. Nevertheless, the results with these themes are usually spectacular and very popular with players.
Without Any Comparison to the Past
The evolution of slots today bears little resemblance to what we remember from the past. The first slots, the famous and infamous one-armed bandits, were found in casinos in the USA in the early 20th century. These were mechanical masterpieces, and you could hear all sorts of sounds moving inside. Many slots still produce these sounds today, but they are now artificially generated with electronic sound effects. However, these mechanical sounds are increasingly being replaced by other noises, most notably music that relates to the background theme.
Today, even the machines in casinos are essentially computers with a specific purpose. Instead of mechanical reels, you now have a screen in front of you displaying the essentials of the game. Compared to the mechanical machines of yesteryear, developers now have far more options to keep players entertained with exciting features and bonuses. Back then, it was simply a matter of hoping for the right symbols to appear in the right order. And the term “one-armed bandit” is no longer quite accurate. Today, slots usually have a button that you press to trigger the games. The characteristic long lever on the side is slowly disappearing from view.
Number‑Based Gambling Games
Another point that developers must consider is various technical specifications. This primarily concerns visual features, such as how many reels and how many symbols should appear on the screen. Very often, you see a layout with five reels, each displaying three symbols. However, modern developers seem to be moving away from this standard recently and prefer to equip their games with more reels. These reels can also display four or five symbols at once. In the Megaways matrix from Big Time Gaming, mentioned earlier, between two and seven symbols can appear on the reels.
The symbols on the reels determine the paylines that must be filled to win. Usually, at least three matching symbols are needed on a payline to trigger a win. Developers must define how many paylines the slots should have. The more symbols appear on the reels, the more payline options there are. It must also be determined whether players can choose which paylines are active or whether all lines are always enabled.
Economic Factors
Economic considerations also play a role in the design of slots. After all, non GamStop casinos want to make money. At the same time, they want to give players the feeling that their chances of winning are as high as possible. The key indicator in this regard is the payout percentage, also known as RTP or “Return to Player.” It should be as high as possible, ideally as close as possible to the maximum possible 100%. In practice, most slots operate in the range of 96% and slightly higher. Conversely, this results in a house edge of usually just under 4%. Depending on the conditions that apply to the gambling operators, however, a somewhat higher house edge may be necessary. This is particularly true in the UK, where the state directly taxes gambling, and the gambling operators pass these taxes on to the players.
Another aspect of the economic considerations involves bonus options, which can entice players to try certain games or even an entire site. There are also resourceful individuals who constantly devise new features and bonus types to allow game providers to offer more in a competitive market. However, the final say regarding bonuses usually rests with the operators of the websites where players can enjoy the games. After all, these operators also bear the financial risk associated with the various options. For the developer, the work is already done at this point, and they can move on to the next new slot machine.
