As a prominent Harvard psychologist who specializes in behaviorism, B.F. Skinner conducted a fascinating experiment in the 1960s. He constructed an apparatus (a box) where pigeons would receive a pellet of food upon pressing a lever.
The same fundamental psychological factors that make slot machines enjoyable also apply to other games that combine tension and release. Slot machines are still a huge moneymaker for all virtual or physical casinos.
What characteristics do slot games need to keep the player engaged and in the game? Is it the smooth animations, the enticing soundtrack, or the stylish design? Sometimes, not even the most intricately planned and technically sound slot machine will do the trick as many players prefer a specific theme to be present. However, there are still many popular online pokies which do attract positive attention. Whether they offer straightforward winning potential in examples such as table games or feature more intricate mechanics, all of them will have some popularity with users across different regions.
So, let’s find out what makes a slot game truly outstanding.
Demographics
It’s important to set the scene before discussing the game’s mechanics. This is essential since the culture of the intended audience has a significant impact on individual preferences. So, it is crucial to study the target audience before the game’s design team ever thinks of a theme and long before the A/V men start spinning their magic.
Let’s say, hypothetically, that you’re making a game for the Chinese market. It’s common knowledge that dragons are seen favorably in those parts. Unsurprisingly, people are enthusiastic about stories and decorations revolving around dragons and Koi fish. Similarly, elements that symbolize success, fortune, or plenty are welcome in any game. You should also learn how receptive the market is too new ideas and whether or not they stick to tried and true methods.
The best way to increase your games’ return on investment is to keep your existing players engaged. Many players prefer to play games with a specific theme, but slot providers and casinos always have to follow certain rules when it comes to the creations of games so they appeal to a wider audience.
The Package
The presentation is crucial. This means that before playing slots, people create opinions about the game’s quality based on things like its artwork or name. This relates to the visuals, audio, and animations. These factors lend credence to the idea that the game is nice and trustworthy. Since the user is ultimately risking money, credibility is crucial.
Potential new players may be put off if the game’s promotional materials look cheap. This, in turn, can cause a drop in the game’s overall player count.
Performance
After the game’s visuals have captured a player’s attention, the next most important thing is playing time. A poor experience, brought on by poorly executed games, will reduce the likelihood of retaining current players. Suppose a player encounters bugs during a game, such as jerky spins, delayed answers, etc. In that case, they may leave the game and try another “alternative” game, even if the player eventually wins.
A game with high-quality and substantial assets needs powerful hardware and software for optimal performance.
Player’s Behavior
Interesting fact: slot players share a preference for total immersion with video game players, according to a study conducted at MIT. As a result, it is counterproductive to create games with a lot of distracting features, such as bonus games and other interruptions to the flow of the gameplay.
It’s fascinating, right?! Winning big is not necessarily the key to keeping players around. If the game keeps rewarding the player at set intervals, they will like it more. The human psyche experiences gratification. It takes a seasoned player to bank on games that pay late but large. Here is an example of volatility in action during the process of developing the game’s mathematical framework. The game’s unique selling point is the bonus, jackpot, or feature win, but these events need to occur at the right times.
Using analytics to comprehend player actions better is crucial to a game’s long-term viability and, more importantly, its reputation. As the game’s operator, you may time promotional activities for optimum impact if you know when a sizable portion of the public is online.
Player Trust
Trust, they say, is something that develops gradually. So it is with slot machines. Winning and gaining players’ faith requires rewarding their dedication to the game and convincing them that the results are random.
There needs to be a minimal learning curve for the game’s rules.
In a way, this provides much-needed clarity and openness. Even if we know that the outcomes are truly random behind the scenes, if a player ever suspects that a game is not fair because of its theme, its arithmetic, or anything else, that player will never play that game again. Nevertheless, you can leverage that relationship to expand your brand once you’ve earned a player’s confidence.
Platform
Slot machine entertainment in land-based casinos comes from Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs). An enthusiastic gambler particularly fond of a certain electronic gaming machine (EGM) game might wish to have that experience in the convenience of his own house. Here’s where aid from modern technology comes in as we join the online gaming world.
Whether you want to play on your iPhone, iPad, P.C., or Android, modern games are designed to work across all of these devices. Omni-platform compatibility is a prerequisite for any reputable studio producing high-quality games to attract a large audience.
In conclusion, a successful slot game can’t be built without conducting extensive research and analysis. Then there are a bunch of new spins on it (augmented reality, virtual reality, 3D games, etc.), but the fundamentals haven’t changed much. Ultimately, the only human brain we’re trying to fool is our own. Start the clock!
