With over 85 million gamblers playing online slots as of August 2022, there is no denying that these games are incredibly popular. And ensuring they stay that way is the responsibility of the many game developers and even more staff who produce these fantastic games for online casinos.
The problem is that developing a new and unique online slot isn’t as easy as it may seem. There are many critical steps in the development of a new online slot. Each step is vital to the next and ultimately works together to bring players an entertaining slot that stands out from the masses and gives excellent opportunities to win.
So, what are these steps, and how exactly are online slots developed? Below are the six critical processes involved in creating a new slot game from start to finish.
Game Idea
The first (and most often important) step of any slot game development is to get an idea for the game. After all, not knowing how your game will function, what the game will be about, or even what will make it unique means developers won’t know what game to make.
Because of this, many of the best slot games start with a brainstorming session to think up what the new game will be. Teams of highly qualified researchers generally begin by doing market research and seeing what is in demand or what may be a new idea that people will want to play.
Generally, several themes stick out more than the rest. These could include ancient Egypt, Chinese, sports, animal themes, or even popular brands based on movies or video games.
Once the main idea and theme have been decided upon, the idea for the slot will be handed over from the brainstorming group to the developers. Here, it will enter the next stage of becoming a fully-fledged slot.
Prototype
Aside from the idea for the game, a prototype is one of the essential steps in developing any game. It is the most basic ‘first draft’ of the new game and is what is shown to investors, company management, and even people that the game may be themed after (such as if the game is themed after a singer or group).
While very rough, the prototype developed is responsible for showing how the game works, including any special features and bonuses. It also details all the technical aspects of the game, how it is played, and how betting and winning will be dealt with.
At this point of development, many slots are scrapped, or the idea for a game is sent back to the brainstorming team for further development before it is approved. However, development is moved on for the games with a workable prototype.
First or Primary Version
If a slot passes the prototype stage, it goes into full development. Here, a version of the game known as the primary version is developed. This first version is part of development where all applicable departments work together to make the game look similar to what it will be when it is published.
The art department, music artists, and software coders all work together to take the game from a prototype to a game that features graphics and music that match the planned theme of the game. The software wizards then add critical details like the RNG (random number generator) and the game’s mechanics.
Once this version is complete, the game will undergo a testing and approval process. These aren’t extensive and are carried out simply to see if the move from a prototype to an actual game is still viable.
Should the consensus be that the game is viable, the development will move on to the final version.
Final Version
The development of a game’s final version is where all things that will be seen when a player accesses a game are added. These include the final graphics, music and sound effects, game systems, and even the pay table.
While all the final touches are added, any bugs or defects reported during the prototype and primary version of the game are also fixed. To ensure this (and all other aspects of development) are done correctly, the final version usually has multiple editors who supervise each stage of development.
Once all parties are happy that the game is as good as it will get, it is handed over for the second-to-last development phase: testing and tuning.
Testing and Tuning
Testing is crucial to releasing an entertaining game that works smoothly. Therefore, the final version of a slot will be rigorously tested by employees from the development company. More prominent developers (like NetEnt and PariPlay) also employ external testers at this stage.
The developers scrutinize any feedback or comments made by testers to see how it impacts the game’s playability and enjoyment. Based on this testing, the game then undergoes tweaks, adjustments, and improvements where necessary.
Each time a change is made, a new test version of the game is released to testers. Doing this allows testers to confirm that their feedback has been addressed and will enable them to look for new problems or suggestions with the new game.
If all tests are passed, the game is declared ready for market release and is passed on to the final stage.
Release
The new game is marketed to multiple online casinos when approved for release. These casinos then list the game in their online libraries, making it freely available.
To help with marketing, the slot may also feature a free demo mode, which doesn’t pay out any prizes but also doesn’t cost anything to play. Promotions are also sometimes held to increase awareness of the new game, offering bonuses to players who try it out. Games are also often reviewed by sites like slotsource.com, which helps spread the news that the game is now ready and available.
