High RTP, sophisticated features and high-quality game design were among the top criteria needed when it comes to creating a successful online casino game according to a new corporate report published by BGaming.
Seeking to identify the design and graphic trends within the online casino industry, BGaming found that game design and development can often be influenced by the rising popularity of mobile games.
According to the report, 94 per cent of BGaming’s audience chose to play via mobile. As such, providers have had to adapt their games to tailor their games to hand-held devices.
“Igaming providers began to produce vertical online slots and games similar in logic to Match-3 games. Accordingly, the graphics adapt to these requirements. This is an important point because it is familiar and convenient for the player,” noted Alexey Ulanov, art director at BGaming.
“As for the classic slots, we can see some simplification, providers have to reject small details that were important on desktops and slot machines, but are hardly distinguishable in mobile devices.”
BGaming also revealed that many slot developers are opting for minimum effects and elements, as well as the absence of gradients or mixed colours. This, the developer explained, is largely “to coincide with the contemporary flat style of design”.
It explained that the use of “primitive graphic art” and a “hyper casual design” can also allow providers to bring their own vision, thereby making a game unique.
Due to the influence of crypto gambling, the share of games having these two styles is rapidly growing. As a result, this impacts not just crypto games but all areas of igaming design.
Ullanov added: “Speaking about BGaming, now we’re working on the hyper casual title called Space XY. It will be a good example of a crypto game. In general, we expect to see the development of both graphics-intensive games and games with flat, and hyper-casual design.
“There will be attempts to mix styles, and create versions of the same game in adjacent styles. That’s an intriguing challenge and only the analysis will show us how it works.”
However, cartoon style slots still proved to be the most popular design among igaming providers.
“This approach gives artists the opportunity to bring different ideas and game themes to life. Dig Dig Digger, the latest release by BGaming, is a shining example of a casual-style slot,” highlighted Ullanov.
Among the top trends for design and development, unsurprisingly, was the growing influence of virtual and augmented reality. BGaming explained that by using VR and AR games, developers can create 3D visualisations of poker, slots and other casino games which it believes can create entirely new experiences for players.
Alexandr Shavel, head of BizDev Department at BGaming, said: “This is a very promising area for igaming in general and BGaming in particular. This can become a new breath for online games. We’re currently working on VR games but do this in our own way, it will be something completely different.
“We would like to give players another way to play their favorite games and have fun. To make it possible, we need to have more convenient devices but, for sure, this issue will be solved soon.”
And maintaining its position as a key component of any online casino games portfolio was traditional fruit slots. However, the report from BGaming revealed that many suppliers are looking to “bring something new” to the table as they seek to reimagine the classics.
For example, BGaming was the world’s first studio to offer a concept of a chameleon-style slot. The studio prepared a few packs of graphics for one game. As a result, Fruit Million, released in December 2020, celebrates every holiday along with the world.
Yulia Aliakseyeva, game producer at BGaming, concluded: “The game is going to change its look more than five times throughout the year, sharing the festive mood of Christmas, St, Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and other big days.
“BGaming’s art team created different graphics for the slot to bring players festive mood. Thanks to this, the game always stays relevant.”