How does a new slot come to life?

just play

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I'm curious (nosey by nature :D) how a new slot comes to life. Not just for Reps, if anyone knows.
(if this has been discussed before, just point me in the right direction)

Does the software come up with new slots?
Or is it casino by casino?
Who decides if this slot will be used?
Can a casino turn down this new slot?
How long does it take from "hey I think a slot about cookies will be cool", to the slot actually appearing in a casino?
Do you have real players test out the game before launch? If so, how do you pick these players?
What if this slot after release doesn't have many people playing it? Do you just leave it, or take it away?

Sorta related...do you have any slots that have a small number of players who play, compaired to other slots? If so, why leave those?
 
This must be 3Dice day, lol - 3Dice actually has slot activity on their website on the transparency page ("Zeitgeist") - I think some of the least popular are Slotronomicon, Industria, Coral and Ching Ching - Slotro probably because of the dark theme and relatively gruesome symbols - personally, it's one of my favorites, since the bonus round hits so frequently.

As to Slotro, from what I recall from past threads, Enzo indicated that they leave it because those who play it are dedicated - they like it and they like it a lot. I guess that's just part of serving all customers as best they can - they could take it down, but it would piss some people off. I would really hate to see it go, myself.
 
This must be 3Dice day, lol - 3Dice actually has slot activity on their website on the transparency page ("Zeitgeist") - I think some of the least popular are Slotronomicon, Industria, Coral and Ching Ching - Slotro probably because of the dark theme and relatively gruesome symbols - personally, it's one of my favorites, since the bonus round hits so frequently.

As to Slotro, from what I recall from past threads, Enzo indicated that they leave it because those who play it are dedicated - they like it and they like it a lot. I guess that's just part of serving all customers as best they can - they could take it down, but it would piss some people off. I would really hate to see it go, myself.

Thanks Nisosbar...


I was sorta wondering about MG/RTG..ETC...meaning many casinos on one platform, and many many more slots.

I like Slotro and Coral Clams, but don't like Industria, don't think I have ever played Ching Ching. (maybe once and hated it, lol) Isn't it weird how some people can love a slot, while others hate it?

I guess I'm just curious as to how they come up with themes and such. Is there literally a board room with a bunch of people sitting around saying..."time to come up with a new slot, what are your ideas?"

Ohhh...that just made me think of another question...is there a time limit on how often you can put out a new slot? Can you only do it once a year? Twice a year? And to follow up on my "boring slots that no one plays"...if casinos keep adding slots, won't there at one point not be enough room for them?
 
I like Slotro and Coral Clams, but don't like Industria, don't think I have ever played Ching Ching. (maybe once and hated it, lol) Isn't it weird how some people can love a slot, while others hate it?

Yes - I'm not crazy about Coral, and have a love/hate thing with Ching Ching, but Industria is the one slot where my RTP is above 100%, so I usually try to fit some spins in during any session.

just play said:
Ohhh...that just made me think of another question...is there a time limit on how often you can put out a new slot? Can you only do it once a year? Twice a year? And to follow up on my "boring slots that no one plays"...if casinos keep adding slots, won't there at one point not be enough room for them?

I'd think any limits generally would be self-imposed - there may be regulatory hurdles which casinos would have to clear, and these hurdles likely put delays in the process of rolling out new slots, but that wouldn't have an impact on the absolute number, since all new slots would be impacted equally.

That said, if I were a casino, I'd probably try to time the release of a slot in order to exploit maximally expected periods of increased consumer spending - particularly the end of year holiday period. So I'd save the best slots for early- to mid-November.

As to your last question, I suppose a slot has to be able to pay for its costs, and probably earn a minimal profit besides. I have no idea how much it costs to run a single slot, how that's calculated, but there are probably people here who do, so I'll zip it back up, lol. :lolup:
 
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Good questions yes.

Let me use Genesis as an example as they have previously published a pretty good description (on their homepage) of their development process for new slots.

Many players may be unfamiliar with Genesis, but they are a supplier of slot content to both manufacturers and operators (to for example Microgaming and IGT).

Genesis is the company behind well known titles like Jekyll and Hyde, White Buffalo, Tiger VS Bear, The Forgotten Land Of Lemuria, Alaxe in Zombieland and Hells Grannies.

Some of you may have noticed that for example CasinoEuro released a new slot a few weeks ago called Yggdrasil - The Tree of Life. This is an exclusive slot to CasinoEuro created by Genesis





STEP ONE: INITIAL PLANNING

The Genesis Gaming Design and Marketing teams will meet with the client to determine the key concepts driving the development of a strategic game portfolio. This will address issues such as analysis of an existing portfolio, current demographics, additional player acquisition and retention, emerging trends and profiles.
We will further discuss a range of themes, volatility levels, features, bonus games and any other aspect required for bespoke development of a strategic portfolio. It is also important that there is an overall marketing discussion to determine how the games can be used to further extend the client’s brand.


STEP TWO: TECHNICAL REVIEW

Our Engineering Team will review documentation provided by the client to determine if there are any technical questions or matters that need to be addressed to best develop to a specific platform.
This will ultimately save significant time in the integration process.


STEP THREE: INITIAL THEMES & CONCEPT ART

We will submit themes, names, concept art and descriptions for consideration and approval or modification. We will then work with the client to determine portfolio development priorities.
This allows the ability to set expectations as to game delivery. The client can then implement a schedule for marketing and release.

STEP FOUR: FEATURES AND MATHEMATICS

Our Game Design and Mathematics departments will determine and create unique math models that best represent the client’s objectives as stated through the analytical process and the client’s objectives. Math will be verified and all required percentages will be provided.

STEP FIVE: ART AND CREATIVE DESIGN

The Genesis Gaming Art Department will design and submit static art and design elements for approval. Subsequently, our Animation and Music Composition teams will finalize the game. This will require the client to provide appropriate documentation such as templates and other substantive game specifications for consistency.
Upon completion, our Demo team will provide a playable version of the game for additional review.

STEP SIX: INTEGRATION

Upon approval, our Engineering Department will integrate the game to the appropriate provider platform. This requires the necessary documentation, such as an API, from the client along with server support, assuming it is not an “asset only” delivery.
We place a significant emphasis on product assurance and quality control so the game will be very “client provider friendly.”

STEP SEVEN: DELIVERY

All game assets, in the requested file formats, including all release documentation will be provided according to contractually specified delivery requirements. Genesis Gaming is also happy to provide any material that may be requested for the client’s marketing campaign.
Since success is our mutual objective, it is our goal to make certain that the client has all tools possible to promote the best exclusive content in the industry


 
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Nisosbar...
so I'll zip it back up, lol

No, no, no...see the thing I love about forums is hearing others thoughts...so DO NOT zip it. :D



Rainmaker...
Let me use Genesis as an example as they have previously published a pretty good description (on their homepage) of their development process for new slots.

Many players may be unfamiliar with Genesis


Thank you, great post! This is very helpful for my curious mind. :laugh:


Other Reps and members please join in and give me your thoughts on how slots come to life. (and other questions I posted) :thumbsup:
 
The process works like this:

Microgaming:

Get an existing slot - MUST be 243 lines.
Randomly pick an old theme from a 1980's 'B' Movie.
Edit the program to swap the characters.
Copy the existing pay structure.
Rename the existing random features.
Edit the annoying background sounds.
Tell everyone about the 'new' game.
Sit back and wait.
 
I'd be curious what it costs...roughly, give or take. I certainly, wouldn't ask him, but for example, CM's game over at Intercasino...could someone with a healthy bank acct put forth an idea for a game, have someone create it then shop it around? I mean, could be a heck of a personal gift or kudos to someone, like a mom or loved one: 'I made this for you for mother's day/ your birthday/anniversary'
 
I'd be curious what it costs...roughly, give or take. I certainly, wouldn't ask him, but for example, CM's game over at Intercasino...could someone with a healthy bank acct put forth an idea for a game, have someone create it then shop it around? I mean, could be a heck of a personal gift or kudos to someone, like a mom or loved one: 'I made this for you for mother's day/ your birthday/anniversary'


OMG...how cool would that be?!?!

Imagine if that slot caught on big time, you could tell your mom/partner/child..."hey you have the most popular slot of all time!" :D


@Dunover, I don't get it, I'm assuming it's sarcastic, but I can't play MG, so it's lost on me...lol
 
OMG...how cool would that be?!?!

Imagine if that slot caught on big time, you could tell your mom/partner/child..."hey you have the most popular slot of all time!" :D


@Dunover, I don't get it, I'm assuming it's sarcastic, but I can't play MG, so it's lost on me...lol

Yes, I was parodying the commonly perceived MG new slot process :D

If you played there, you'd see they are obsessed with 243-way games, most new ones are 243 way, and they are invariably the same platform program with the numbers/characters/features tweaked. They are NOT strictly clones, but variations. EG. like saying 2+4+4=10, 3+3+4=10 and 8+1+1=10.

You always end with 10, but with slightly different ways of getting there, say the 3 numbers that add to 10 represent normal reel wins, wildstorm-type wins and bonus round wins.:)
 
I'd be curious what it costs...roughly, give or take. I certainly, wouldn't ask him, but for example, CM's game over at Intercasino...could someone with a healthy bank acct put forth an idea for a game, have someone create it then shop it around? I mean, could be a heck of a personal gift or kudos to someone, like a mom or loved one: 'I made this for you for mother's day/ your birthday/anniversary'

AFAIK intercasino developed that slot with Bryans consent but I doubt Bryan had to pay for any of it. I could be wrong, but I've not heard otherwise.


OMG...how cool would that be?!?!

Imagine if that slot caught on big time, you could tell your mom/partner/child..."hey you have the most popular slot of all time!" :D


@Dunover, I don't get it, I'm assuming it's sarcastic, but I can't play MG, so it's lost on me...lol

MGS have (or used to have) a slot where you could upload your own photos and they become symbols on the slot. Great idea but the underlying game was boring.

Personally, I would love to see an MGS "matrix" type setup where you can have 4 seperate slots all running on the same page simultaneously I.e. like megaspin but not just one slot. Even better would be the ability to load your own symbols.

Imagine how cool it would be to play BDBA whilst playing IR, TSII and girls with guns. I'd have me a piece of that!

I would imagine that all providers have some kind of brainstorming session regularly to float ideas and such, and I wouldnt think it would hurt to send your own ideas in...who knows you might get your name in lights LOL.

I played a game at B&M years ago which I've never seen online and the concept was awesome. It was get 3 scatters for 10 free spins, but if you got 3 scatters again you retriggered an extra 10 spins and an increased multiplier from that point on. The starting multiplier was 2x but you could retrigger up to max of 5x, and because the spins all accumulate and the new multiplier kicks in immediately, you can end up with lots of spins at 5x. You could keep retriggering too but the max multiplier was 5x. I won a 2,500xbet once it was awesome...had like 60+ spins @5x.

Anyone, sorry off topic a bit.
 
certainly in the design they are consciously looking to target certain players, its quite apparent watching my girlfriend gravitate towards certain slots that i wouldn't ever touch, so even if the paytables are identical having certain themes help cover the wide range of players, as an example on netents site they give you some blurb about the each slot.

Blood Suckers™
Video Slot
Blood Suckers™ is a 5-reel, 25-line, vampire inspired video slot with a high payout ratio designed to attract the younger, more casual players to your casino

its a shame that a lot of the new releases can appear to be re-skinned old favourites, but i think players do really appreciate the extra time and effort that goes into some, so even if you love or hate IR, and it might have borrowed features from other games, there was effort put into the back story, music etc, which is probably why it still gets played a lot, that and wild desires at least :D whereas other genric reskin 243 slots get played on release for a month then never touched again :)
 
MGS have (or used to have) a slot where you could upload your own photos and they become symbols on the slot. Great idea but the underlying game was boring.

Personally, I would love to see an MGS "matrix" type setup where you can have 4 seperate slots all running on the same page simultaneously I.e. like megaspin but not just one slot. Even better would be the ability to load your own symbols.

Imagine how cool it would be to play BDBA whilst playing IR, TSII and girls with guns. I'd have me a piece of that!

I would imagine that all providers have some kind of brainstorming session regularly to float ideas and such, and I wouldnt think it would hurt to send your own ideas in...who knows you might get your name in lights LOL.

I played a game at B&M years ago which I've never seen online and the concept was awesome. It was get 3 scatters for 10 free spins, but if you got 3 scatters again you retriggered an extra 10 spins and an increased multiplier from that point on. The starting multiplier was 2x but you could retrigger up to max of 5x, and because the spins all accumulate and the new multiplier kicks in immediately, you can end up with lots of spins at 5x. You could keep retriggering too but the max multiplier was 5x. I won a 2,500xbet once it was awesome...had like 60+ spins @5x.

Anyone, sorry off topic a bit.


Don't think I'd like to see my face spinning :laugh:

What do you mean? Have 4 individual slots spinning at once on one page? I couldn't handle that, hahaha, I have to concentrate whilst spinning. :D



I love all the replies already! Off topic, on topic who cares, this is interesting. I wonder if come Monday will Reps chime in? Damn, I'm nosey. :cool: (not a question for you, I didn't want to post again with one sentence)
 
What? No Reps? Come on!!! Nosey people wanna know. :D

I received an awesome reply from Rainmaker, (thank you so much) but I really was expecting a ton of Reps to reply. This can't be a big secret can it? Maybe not interesting?
 
You should spam all the Igaming reps with pm, until you get an answer/their inboxes are full :p.

Really interesting thread, thanks for that.
 
You should spam all the Igaming reps with pm, until you get an answer/their inboxes are full :p.

Really interesting thread, thanks for that.


Hahaha.

I was going to pm a few reps who I have talked to through pm, but didn't want to pressure someone into answering something they haven't replied to themselves. So if a rep does answer that's great, if not, that's ok as well.
 
I'm curious (nosey by nature :D) how a new slot comes to life. Not just for Reps, if anyone knows.
(if this has been discussed before, just point me in the right direction)

Does the software come up with new slots?
Or is it casino by casino?
Who decides if this slot will be used?
Can a casino turn down this new slot?
How long does it take from "hey I think a slot about cookies will be cool", to the slot actually appearing in a casino?
Do you have real players test out the game before launch? If so, how do you pick these players?
What if this slot after release doesn't have many people playing it? Do you just leave it, or take it away?

Sorta related...do you have any slots that have a small number of players who play, compared to other slots? If so, why leave those?

I think this will help you out a little bit. He doesn't take American players anymore and I know at one point 3dice wanted to buy one of the slots that he developed but he spent too much time and money to sell it. Makes for an interesting read.

Link Outdated / Removed
 
Hi all,

seems I am the first rep on here :)
Its a bit tricky to give a very detailed reply here without giving away too many business decisions but I can give you an idea of how we came up with one slot. Overall though, its a combination of factors which have all been mentioned here in one way or another.

A while ago now, we were not even brainstorming but having some "silly" ideas being thrown back and forward. One of them was, why not make a slot with 2 of the most popular themes, Irish themed slots and Egyptian themed slots. One way or another, they always do well for some time. Hence the "leprechaun goes egypt" theme was born.
From that moment onwards, we started discussing this with one of our providers, play n go in this case and started firing of some ideas to get this done. From then on, its just a lot of mailing back and forward to how we want to have the look and feel of the slot and what is actually possible, also with regards to the maths of the game.
And even if I say so myself, I think the end result is very nice. We wanted it to be a fun game where you don`t just sit around and wait for the free spins or bonus round to hit to get some winnings but to also have some nice wins during the base game.

Other ideas are just being sent to the provider and they than start developing the slot just based on the idea and you only get the see a semi finished product.
How complicated the slot is depends on how strong the platform is you want to launch the game on. More complex games are obviously more expensive to develop, will take a lot longer to go live and are sometimes too complicated to launch on mobile.

I really can`t comment on the costs for obvious reasons but it doesn`t come cheap.

Hope to have answered some questions but what I can tell you is that it can be a very fun experience to be involved in developing a slot and after months of discussions, scrapping designs, approving and tweaking designs, actually seeing your baby go live :)

Dave
 
lol, I love that slot
since your team brainstormed it, does that make it an exclusive?...and if another casino were to use it, would they in turn have to license it from you, or the software company?..ie who would hold the rights?..I'd assume you if the concept was yours

and thanks btw for participating in the thread
 
lol, I love that slot
since your team brainstormed it, does that make it an exclusive?...and if another casino were to use it, would they in turn have to license it from you, or the software company?..ie who would hold the rights?..I'd assume you if the concept was yours

and thanks btw for participating in the thread

Hi,

it does indeed make it an exclusive but once our agreed time for this runs out, it belongs to the developer and unfortunately, no rights for us anymore. To be fair though, having an idea is one thing, but at the end of the day, it is the developer who works out the maths model (with our consent) so I guess its only fair that they "own" it once exclusivity runs out.

Glad you like the slot. I personally also like the way it worked out. Its exactly how I had it in mind but in the end, the players also have to like it.

Dave
 

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