Over the years, slot games have undergone revolutionary changes, driven by innovative mechanics that have created unique titles in the industry. These mechanics have led to a great variety in slot games, allowing developers to differentiate their titles and create sequels based on similar designs by introducing new mechanics that are available on desktop PCs and handheld devices.
Slot game mechanics can vary, ranging from base gameplay that powers the slot to unique bonus mechanics that elevate the overall gaming experience. In this article, we will cover some of the pioneering slot game mechanics that have created change in the iGaming industry.
Traditional Slot Game Mechanics
Traditional slot games set the foundations for what was to come, and operated with simple game mechanics that today look quite simple. Although the mechanics utilised look simple to some of the new innovative creations, some remain widely used in the expansive iGaming industry today. Traditional slot games feature playgrid layouts with a set number of reels and rows alongside fixed paylines where matching symbol combinations can land. Commonly, paylines in these traditional slot games begin at the leftmost reel and operate from left to right in adjacent reels, which set the foundations for what was to follow.
Megaways Mechanic
The Megaways mechanic is one of the greatest innovations in the iGaming industry, developed by Big Time Gaming in 2016. The release of the Bonanza slot introduced the mechanic, creating a dynamic playgrid with a larger payline count potential than in any online slots before it. The Megaways game mechanic makes each spin unique, with a different number of symbols on each reel per spin, often ranging from 2 to 7. The Megaways mechanic has gained a notable reputation in the iGaming industry since its debut, with numerous other developers incorporating it into their releases.
Cascading Reels
Many developers in the iGaming industry today implement the Cascading Reels game mechanic across both Megaways releases and more regular online slots, demonstrating its popularity. The mechanic is incredibly unique and could provide players with additional gameplay from each spin if it is triggered. Cascading Reels, also known as the ‘Tumble Feature’, can commonly be triggered in slots when matching symbol combinations occur. If the game mechanic is triggered, the participating symbols in the matching combination will be removed from the reels, allowing new ones to enter the playgrid from above.
Free Spins Bonus Mechanics
Lots of online slot games feature free spins, with many of the bonus rounds adding unique twists to gameplay. The ways of triggering free spins features can take many forms, with the most common method being through landing a required number of Bonus/Scatter symbols on the reels in a single spin. Free spins features can vary; however, those most commonly seen in online casino slots can include additional gameplay features or mechanics to regular spins.
Not only do these free spins bonus mechanics often provide additional gameplay features, but they also often help showcase the game’s theme. This has been expressed in many slot games in the iGaming industry, including notable releases such as Big Bass Splash, where the Fisherman Wild enters the reels on the free spins feature.
Hold and Win Bonus Mechanics
Many slot developers in the iGaming industry have implemented the innovative Hold and Win game mechanic into their slot titles. Often, this game mechanic appears in a slot title’s bonus features section, and can commonly be triggered when players land the required number of Bonus symbols. Hold and Win bonus features are unique, commonly taking place on a special set of reels where only certain Bonus symbols and blanks can land.
In common Hold and Win features, the triggering and any additional landed Bonus symbols will remain sticky on the reels, and have a monetary value visible, and the remaining positions will spin. A dedicated number of respins will be awarded, which, on many slots, will be reset each time a Bonus symbol lands on the reels, until they run out or the grid is filled with symbols.
Progressive Jackpot Mechanics
Jackpots have been widely used in the industry for years; however, recently progressive jackpots have become more popular than ever. Progressive jackpots are unique, as they take a share from all bet stakes placed on the specific title or range of titles, and add it to an accumulative jackpot prize pool, which may be randomly triggered. In recent years, progressive jackpots have encountered unique twists, with more and more casino platforms incorporating progressive jackpot mechanics in their titles.
Final Thoughts
Innovation is at the heart of the iGaming industry, with numerous developers creating new game mechanics that enable slot games to differentiate in unique ways. Many slot titles in the iGaming industry today are packed with a range of gameplay mechanics that, when compared to traditional slots, showcase how far the industry has developed. Despite revolutionary changes, many slots in the industry still utilise traditional mechanics such as paylines, though new, innovative ones have been introduced. The iGaming industry is expected to continue to develop, with new mechanics being implemented over time, a credit to game developers.
Responsible Gambling
It is important to always gamble responsibly; these games are designed for entertainment purposes and not as a way of making money.
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