When an iGaming software house releases a new slot, they naturally have ambitions of the game going down a storm with players.
But, of course, a hectic schedule with hundreds of new games released each year can make it difficult to promote a slot and attract interest – not to mention that some casinos have more than 5,000 slots in their library already.
There are some ways that developers can increase the chances of their games being widely adopted by players – ensuring their popularity for years to come, rather than quickly disappearing into the abyss.
Although this is by no means a list of ideas that guarantees a slam dunk, below are four main pillars that slot game makers can base their ideas on. The case study is Big Bass Bonanza Megaways, which remains incredibly popular five years after its release.
#1 – The Visual Identity
As the old saying goes: first impressions count.
Rightly or wrongly, human beings as a species put plenty of stock in visual attractiveness and aesthetics. And the same is true when it comes to ‘ranking’ slot games for their appeal.
The best slots are those that transport their players to a different realm. Big Bass Bonanza Megaways is set underneath the waves in an aquatic wonderland, although players can also enjoy the sunset that peeks through the top of the gameboard backdrop.
There’s a fisherman avatar hauling in the catch of the day, which in some cases may well be the fish symbols – each of which has a cash symbol attached to it. It is this anticipation, of catching one of the more valuable fish in the sea, that ensures players come back for more time after time.
A strong visual identity is a non-negotiable when it comes to slot gaming, which is why games like Big Bass Bonanza Megaways – and other aquatic titles – continue to thrive.
#2 – Bonus Features
The basic premise of slot games is typically always the same: spin the reels and hope that you match identical symbols on a payline or a ‘Megaway’.
But it’s the bonus feature in which slot developers can really flex their creative muscle, from free spins to collection mechanics.
It’s that ‘collector’ game that forms the focal point of the Big Bass Bonanza Megaways bonus feature, in which the fisherman protagonist reels in the fish with cash values attached.
But Pragmatic Play didn’t just stop there. The Big Bass Bonanza Megaways bonus feature also includes a progression meter, with the multiplier increasing by 1x with each additional win up to a maximum of 10x.
And each additional fisherman scatter symbol adds extra free spins to the player’s collection as well, so this is a bonus round that offers multiple ways to add value – a feather in the cap of Pragmatic Play and their flagship slots.
#3 – Highly Volatile
Slot games can be built with a specific volatility profile in mind.
Volatility relates to how often, in theory, a slot pays out, as well as the size of the prizes on offer. As a general rule, low volatility games pay out smaller amounts more regularly than high volatility slots, which have a lower win frequency but come armed (typically) with larger payouts.
Of course, this is all in theory – slots are governed by randomness and unpredictability, so a player’s session may not pan out exactly in line with the expected outcomes based on the game’s volatility.
However, if you were to test a slot by playing one million free spins, you’d probably find that the stated volatility level stands up to scrutiny.
Big Bass Bonanza Megaways is a high volatility game. So, to that end, it won’t be everybody’s cup of tea. But Pragmatic Play had a trick up their sleeve when they integrated the Megaways mechanic onto the reels.
This feature, developed by Big Time Gaming, is ultra popular. Players can match symbols in patterns and combinations across their reels – they don’t have to start from the left-most reel or be in an exact payline.
So the base game of Big Bass Bonanza Megaways can often feel of a lower volatility than it truly is, because the sheer number of Megaways combinations – some games have more than 117,000 possible outcomes – can create the feeling of regular and consistent wins.
And because Big Bass Bonanza Megaways is of a higher volatility, it means that the top-end payouts – found within the free spins and collection bonus – can be more explosive… perhaps making some players feel as though the base game grind has been worth it.
#4 – Brand Recognition
Few slot franchises have enjoyed such enduring appeal as Big Bass Bonanza.
The original title in the series was released way back in 2020, but remains a stalwart of online casinos to this day.
There have been numerous sequels and spin-offs since – Pragmatic Play know they’re onto a good thing, but it was the introduction of the Megaways mechanic that really breathed new life into the Big Bass Bonanza franchise.
Some players will stick religiously to specific slot series’, feeling comfort and familiarity in the rules and embracing any new features that are added into the mix.
The Big Bass Bonanza blueprint is time-served and successful, attracting new players while engendering loyalty amongst those that have been fishing these particular waters for years.
And that, ultimately, is why some slot games remain popular for a number of years… and why others sink to the bottom of the proverbial ocean like a rusty tugboat.
