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Evolution of the mechanics in the slot games world
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:
- 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.
- 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?
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Latest News
Sportradar Launches Gen AI Audio Advertising for Sportsbook and Casino Operators
Sportradar announced the launch of generative AI (gen AI) audio, a new feature within its ad:s multi-channel marketing service. The tool leverages the power of gen AI integrated with Sportradar’s live data, to automate the creation of personalized, real-time audio adverts for sportsbook and casino operators across one of the fastest growing digital marketing channels globally.
Ad:s gen AI audio provides operators with a ready-to-use audio marketing solution, allowing them to generate creative content during key sporting and gaming moments to efficiently scale advertising efforts into podcast streaming services and internet radio networks. Sportradar’s industry-leading technology automatically creates customised and dynamic adverts – featuring live-data to update odds, jackpots, and upcoming events— to increase brand awareness, uplift purchase intent and increase the likelihood of customer acquisition.
AI-generated audio adverts are the latest addition to Sportradar’s comprehensive, industry-leading, end-to-end marketing services, driving brand awareness, acquisition and retention across channels including programmatic display, video, audio, digital-out-of-home (DOOH), paid social media, paid search, sponsorships and affiliate marketing.
Niki Beier, SVP Marketing Services, said: “Sports fans and bettors are increasingly consuming audio content, with listenership increasing by over 1000% in the past seven years1. To deliver maximum marketing efficiency, we’re providing a sophisticated yet simple-to-use solution to sportsbook and casino operators. Through our gen AI technology, we’re making it easy for clients to integrate audio adverts into their acquisition and branding campaigns, to reach more customers with real-time relevant audio messages, without the need for creative teams or a high production budget.”
The post Sportradar Launches Gen AI Audio Advertising for Sportsbook and Casino Operators appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
CMA: Spreadex required to sell Sporting Index
An independent CMA panel has decided Spreadex should sell Sporting Index after finding the deal harmed competition for licensed online sports spread betting services.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has accepted the proposed sale of Sporting Index, to address the competition concerns it had found in the licensed online sports spread betting market, with some modifications and enhancements.
Last year, Spreadex acquired the ‘business-to-consumer’ business of Sporting Index from Sporting Group Holding Limited (Sporting Group). Spreadex and Sporting Index both provide sports fixed odds betting and sports spread betting services to customers based in the UK.
Sports spread betting involves customers betting on a range of outcomes of sporting events rather than the standard ‘win or lose’ outcomes offered by fixed-odds betting. In spread betting, the closer a customer’s bet is to an outcome, the more money they stand to win, and the further away from the outcome they are, the more they stand to lose. This means that, in contrast to fixed odds betting, customers’ wins and losses could be far higher than the amount they bet.
After conducting an in-depth Phase 2 investigation into the deal, the CMA’s independent panel has concluded the deal created a monopoly in the UK licensed online sports spread betting market, eliminating competition in that market. The panel concluded that the merger could lead to a worse user experience, a more limited range of products and/or higher prices for consumers in the UK.
The panel has concluded that, with some modifications and enhancements, the sale remedy proposed by Spreadex is sufficient to remedy the competition concerns and restore competition in this market that is lost as a result of the deal.
The CMA now has 12 weeks to either accept Final Undertakings from Spreadex, or to make a Final Order requiring Spreadex, to sell Sporting Index to a suitable CMA-approved buyer.
Richard Feasey, the chair of the independent panel reviewing the merger, said:
“This deal eliminates competition in the supply of licensed online sports spread betting services in the UK.
Sports spread betting – like any other market – needs competition to drive good customer experience, maintain choice and keep prices competitive. To achieve this, we have decided that Spreadex should sell Sporting Index, so that customers can choose between two firms for the best user experience and prices, rather than having to use only one. “
Further details are available on the SpreadEx / Sporting Index case page.
The post CMA: Spreadex required to sell Sporting Index appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
New Slot Game Launch – Lucky Clover from PopOK Gaming!
PopOK Gaming has officially released its latest slot game, Lucky Clover! This vibrant new game features colorful graphics and engaging symbols, inviting players to spin the reels in pursuit of luck and treasure.
Lucky Clover offers thrilling opportunities for exciting wins at every turn, making it an entertaining experience for both seasoned players and newcomers alike. With its charming design and dynamic gameplay, players will find themselves coming back for more.
Try your luck with Lucky Clover today and see if fortune is on your side!
The post New Slot Game Launch – Lucky Clover from PopOK Gaming! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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