Slot games remain the most popular medium of entertainment both at online and offline casinos. Ever wonder how it’s made? Throughout this article, we walk you through the basic steps involved in slot game-making from beginning to end.
1. Concept and Theme
Every slot game begins with an idea. The developers need to conceptualize a theme that will appeal to the players. Any theme can be taken, from Ancient Egypt to outer space to Cobra Kai. When the overall theme is finalised, designers and artists then work on the overall look and feel of the slot game in terms of how characters, symbols, and backgrounds will appear.
The theme is a crucial element because it would make the game more interesting. For example, if you are into treasure hunts, then you may want to engage in playing a pirate-themed slot game. That would involve a design team working really hard to make sure everything that you see on a screen fits perfectly into the theme.
2. Math and Mechanics
Behind every online slot game, however, lies a lot of math. Each slot runs on something called a “random number generator” (RNG). This basically means that every single pull of the lever is completely random and fair. The odds at which a person will win are decided by the slot creators using complex mathematical formulas. These formulas determine how big the prizes will be and how often players will win.
Then there is something known as the “return to player” percentage, which, in essence, tells players how much time they should expect to get back in winnings. For instance, if a game has an RTP of 95%, players will expect to win back £95 for every £100 they wager, although this isn’t guaranteed in any session.
3. Design and Sound
Once the mathematics and mechanics are done, it’s time to bring the game to life with alluring sound and design. The slot creators will create everything visual that there is in a slot game with the symbols, the reels, and the buttons. And modern slot games are pretty colourful and catch the player’s attention at first glance. At this stage, for example, the animations of a big win falling are created.
Sound is also a part of slot gaming. The developers add music and other sound effects just to make the game thrilling for them. The acoustic patterns of spinning reels, clinking coins, and celebrating big wins produce a rich experience that incorporates sensory satisfaction.
4. Programming
Next comes the coding. Behind the curtains are the programmers who make sure everything works properly. They ensure that the game works silky-smooth, the reels turn just fine, and the RNG operates just the way it should. They also ensure that the game functions seamlessly on various platforms like mobile phones, tablets, and computers without any software glitches.
The programmers do the necessary coding to make the slot game look interactive. In other words, when you click the “spin” button, the game responds at that moment. The programmers also conduct other work, such as adding extra bonus features, free spins, and jackpots, to make the slot more interesting.
5. Testing
A slot game undergoes extensive testing before it is finally released for the players. Many game testers play the game just to make sure the system doesn’t have any bugs. They check whether the slot game is working according to its objective and whether the functioning is absolutely fair; likewise, payout systems are also checked to confirm that the winners will actually get their money promised.
The testers will try this game on various devices and operating systems, such as iOS or Android, to make sure it looks good and works well on every platform. They will check if it looks good and functions properly on each device. If they find any bugs, the developers will fix them before releasing the game.
6. Certification and Deployment
Once the game is ready, it needs to be certified by an independent testing agency, such as eCOGRA. These independent agencies check that the game is fair and meets all the regulations. Most countries require slot games to be appropriate and random through particular laws and regulations.
Once it is certified, the game is finally ready to be launched in the market. The game is then made available in online casinos or land-based casinos for players to enjoy.
7. Marketing and Player Feedback
Once the game hits the market, there are usually marketing strategies and press releases through which the slot game is promoted to the players. They may advertise through social media, email, or casino websites such as FrutySlots.com. Some casinos also offer free spins or bonuses to attract players to their new game.
Once the players start enjoying the slot game, the developers pay heed to their reactions and feedback. If they like it, then well and good! On the other hand, if players indicate any issues or room for improvement, the developers will change the game to rectify the problem or improve the game.