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Evolution of the mechanics in the slot games world

Published

5 years ago

May 17, 2021

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Sergey Logvynenko, Account Manager at Sigma Software

You know, I was not familiar with the world when slot machine games were only physical 3-reel mechanical machines. Actually to be honest, I do because I remember when I was a kid my father let me play one round on a one-armed bandit which was just installed in a shopping center nearby. But that was only a single case and I was not exposed to slot games until about 30 years later.

The next time I came into contact with the world of slot games was in 2008 when we started a Casino project with Boss Media company. The world of slots had changed a lot – there were mostly 5-reel games with 1, 3 or 5 fixed win lines and more importantly they were video slots for online casinos. Quite quickly they progressed to 20, 40 or more win lines and more possibilities for a player to change the number of win lines. This was rather an evolution and not a revolution.

When we started working with Play’n GO, I became aware of more evolutions in slot games such as “ways” instead of win lines (in the Sweet 27 game) and grid slots which are now called cascade slots (Reactoonz). For me it was a big step because it opened a lot of new possibilities to represent win combinations and to play slot games which originally were very simple in a nutshell.

In recent years it seems the most significant added mechanics were in Megaways from Big Time Gaming. They really affected slot production and a lot of companies created megaway games. Even whole casinos were created with only megaways slots. It really meant something. Big Time Gaming was trying to surprise the world with Megaclusters on the wave of Megaways success, but it did not have that success.

Were Megaways really so significant? I would say yes and here are at least a couple of reasons why:

We know that in the past few days Evolution acquired Big Time Gaming for half a billion dollars. This is the first sign of recognition of BTG’s innovations which include Megaways.
We can see that Megaways forced other suppliers to do their homework and come to the market with solutions with Megaways in mind. For example:
1. Gigablox mechanic from Yggdrasil. They even wrapped it into a framework so other game studios were able to use it and they are currently doing so.
2. HyperWays from GameART which adds an interesting mechanic to regular slots, has just been released.

I am sure there are many more examples of using the ideas of Megaways to bring something new to slot games which supports the evolution of the slot world. This, as well as personalized jackpots, help to evolve casinos.

At the same time, all these recent evolutions only make small steps in changing slot games and do not bring something really significant, something that will change the game itself or the ways they are played. But the more interesting questions are: what will revolutionize slots? And what will change this world of slot machines?

If we talk about the world of casino games, there is a tendency to bring more attention to table games, especially with games in the newer markets of Asia, Africa and South America. And of course live-dealer games. But that is about table games and not about slots.

In the slot world it is calm, like in the ocean before the storm and something must happen. Maybe SharedPlay with their “play-to-play” model will change the world. Maybe elements of social gaming will be added into slots or even create hyper casual slots. Maybe something else…

What do you think?

AI gaming platforms

BetConstruct AI Sets the Tone for 2026 iGaming with Harmony Choice Event in Barcelona

Published

4 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Wladimir P.

betconstruct-ai-sets-the-tone-for-2026-igaming-with-harmony-choice-event-in-barcelona

BetConstruct AI defines a new era of iGaming at Harmony Choice in Barcelona

On January 17, BetConstruct AI officially ushered in the 2026 iGaming season with Harmony Choice, an exclusive industry gathering held in Barcelona just days ahead of ICE Barcelona. Hosted at one of the city’s most iconic venues, the event brought together senior industry leaders for an evening of strategic dialogue, collaboration, and high-level networking.

Designed to set the tone for the year ahead, Harmony Choice became the stage for a series of major announcements that highlight BetConstruct AI’s ambition to reshape the iGaming ecosystem through artificial intelligence and scalable technology.

Choice Gaming officially launched

Taking center stage, Vigen Badalyan, Co-founder of BetConstruct AI, announced the official launch of Choice Gaming. The platform has already demonstrated rapid adoption, going live on more than 1,000 websites at launch.

Looking ahead, BetConstruct AI revealed an ambitious growth plan, projecting integration across 5,000+ websites by the end of February. To reward early adopters, the company announced that every 51st integrator will receive the entire Choice Gaming slot portfolio free for one year.

KISS AI Live Casino debuts

Harmony Choice also marked the unveiling of KISS AI Live Casino, a groundbreaking live casino solution powered entirely by advanced artificial intelligence. Positioned as a next-generation product, KISS AI Live Casino aims to redefine player interaction and operational efficiency within live gaming environments.

To accelerate adoption, BetConstruct AI introduced a limited-time incentive: partners integrating KISS AI Live Casino by February 25 will receive the platform free for one year.

Faster scaling with Open API integration

Further streamlining partner onboarding, BetConstruct AI announced that Open API integration would be available on both BetConstruct AI and Choice Gaming websites starting January 19. The updated system enables online contract sign-offs, allowing operators to integrate products and scale operations faster and more efficiently.

Leadership insights and new product reveals

The evening also featured strategic insights from senior leadership across the group:

Vahagn Badalyan, CEO of Badalyan Brothers, reviewed recent milestones and unveiled two new live casino games from Creedroomz, reinforcing the group’s live casino offering.
Leonid Kirakosyan, CEO of BetConstruct AI, introduced Betting Mate, an AI-powered recommendation engine designed to enhance sportsbook engagement through personalized, data-driven betting suggestions.

Setting the benchmark for 2026

More than a networking event, Harmony Choice served as a clear statement of intent. By blending human creativity with artificial intelligence, BetConstruct AI demonstrated its commitment to equipping operators with flexible tools, advanced AI solutions, and diverse gaming portfolios.

As the industry turns its attention to ICE Barcelona 2026, BetConstruct AI has set a high benchmark for innovation, scalability, and strategic vision — positioning Harmony Choice as one of the defining moments at the start of the iGaming year.

The post BetConstruct AI Sets the Tone for 2026 iGaming with Harmony Choice Event in Barcelona appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Casino Technology

Danny Wu Wins Cubeia’s ICE Barcelona VIP Poker Tournament Featuring Henrik Larsson & Johan Mjällby

Published

4 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Wladimir P.

danny-wu-wins-cubeia’s-ice-barcelona-vip-poker-tournament-featuring-henrik-larsson-&-johan-mjallby

Danny Wu triumphs at Cubeia’s ICE Barcelona VIP Poker Tournament

Cubeia, the Sweden-based iGaming software solutions provider, has announced Danny Wu as the winner of its inaugural ICE Barcelona VIP Poker Tournament, held in partnership with QTech Games. The standout event featured a special table that included Swedish football icons Henrik Larsson and Johan Mjällby, drawing significant attention from ICE attendees.

A high-profile showdown at ICE Barcelona

Hosted on Day 2 at Cubeia’s eye-catching stand, the VIP poker tournament quickly became a focal point of the exhibition floor. Danny Wu emerged victorious after an entertaining and competitive session, taking home the top prize of €1,500.

The table combined serious poker action with relaxed conversation, as players swapped hands and shared football stories, creating an atmosphere that resonated with both poker enthusiasts and industry professionals.

A premium VIP experience

Cubeia elevated the experience with a curated VIP setting, complete with champagne and beer, reinforcing the social and celebratory tone of the event. The lively ambience helped generate buzz throughout the day and showcased Cubeia’s ability to deliver memorable, community-driven activations at major industry events.

Spotlight on Cubeia Originals

Alongside the tournament, visitors explored Cubeia’s Originals portfolio, including upcoming titles such as Chicken Cross Tower, Multiplier Roulette, Baccarat, Blackjack, and Snakes. The showcase highlighted Cubeia’s commitment to innovative content and engaging game mechanics.

Industry praise

Tove Nilsson, Marketing & Event Coordinator at Cubeia, commented:

“The VIP Poker Tournament exceeded all expectations and was a major highlight of ICE Barcelona. Working with our partners, QTech Games, we delivered a truly premium experience. The atmosphere around the table was exactly what we hoped for — competitive, social, and genuinely fun. Congratulations to Danny on a deserved win, and huge thanks to Henrik Larsson and Johan Mjällby for being such great sports.”

Bringing the industry together

The success of the ICE Barcelona VIP Poker Tournament underlines Cubeia’s strength in creating unique, high-impact experiences that connect partners, players, and visitors. By blending celebrity appeal, quality gameplay, and premium hospitality, Cubeia reinforced its position as a brand that values community and innovation within the iGaming industry.

The post Danny Wu Wins Cubeia’s ICE Barcelona VIP Poker Tournament Featuring Henrik Larsson & Johan Mjällby appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

affiliate marketing

N1 Partners Takes Flight in Barcelona: Helicopter Awarded at iGB Affiliate 2026 Finale

Published

10 hours ago

January 23, 2026

Wladimir P.

n1-partners-takes-flight-in-barcelona:-helicopter-awarded-at-igb-affiliate-2026-finale

The curtains have closed on iGB Affiliate 2026, but the echoes of N1 Partners’ massive presence are still vibrating through the halls of the Fira de Barcelona. After two days of high-stakes networking and over 500 business meetings, the company concluded the event by awarding a Robinson R22 Beta II helicopter to the grand winner of the N1 Puzzle Promo.

A Hub of Industry Activity

From January 20 to 21, the N1 Partners stand (80-C80) served as a primary nervous system for the expo floor. The team maintained a relentless pace, facilitating hundreds of discussions regarding traffic strategies and custom deals.

Beyond the boardroom-style meetings, the stand offered a more interactive “Plinko” activity and distributed over 300 branded merchandise packs, ensuring the N1 brand remained visible across the entire conference.

Media Spotlight and Thought Leadership

The company’s influence extended beyond the booth, with leadership participating in more than 10 interviews and podcasts. These sessions focused on sustainable growth within the iGaming sector and evolving affiliate expectations, further solidifying N1 Partners’ reputation as a transparent and performance-driven program.

The Grand Finale: A Night to Remember

The highlight of the week was undoubtedly the N1 Puzzle Promo Party, an exclusive, closed-format celebration that saw over 2,000 registrations. While only 600 guests could be accommodated, the venue was packed with the industry’s top decision-makers and affiliates.

The atmosphere reached a fever pitch as the winners of the N1 Puzzle Promo leaderboard were announced:

Rank	Partner Name
1st Place (Helicopter Winner)	Cash Splash
2nd Place	Advertise
3rd Place	Traffic Squad
4th Place	Seven Group
5th Place	Alfaleads Network

The evening concluded with a live performance from a surprise headline guest and high-energy DJ sets, marking the successful end of a campaign that was recently named Best Advertising and Marketing Campaign at the European iGaming Awards.