In the past decade, online slots have significantly evolved. Featuring increasingly creative mechanics, reels that can group or fall, and themes resembling dynamic video games rather than conventional one-armed bandits, the modern slot is packed with innovation. Casino.org interviewed Alexandros Mavroudis, product owner at Gaming Corps studio, to learn about the process. 

Alexandros, please share some details about how you create a game from beginning to end. For instance, which is prioritized, the artistic idea or the mathematical framework? 

Each game varies, but generally, the mechanic will support the artistic idea. Someone from our team – typically the mathematician or the product owner – will consider a mechanism shaped by market trends. Conversations will take place early on to decide what kind of theme would integrate nicely with that mechanic. 

Conversely, it is quite likely that a recent film, video game, or other aspects of pop culture have influenced us, prompting the desire to combine an existing mechanism with a theme that aligns with that trend. This is not as frequent, but definitely something that can be very effective. 

Where do you seek motivation for fresh concepts? 

Inspiration can truly be obtained from every aspect of life. Inspiration can arise from various sources, such as an upcoming holiday, a newly released film, a trending topic, or a timeless classic "hit." This is what makes operating in such a dynamic and creative setting so exhilarating. You can never predict where the next idea will originate. 

It appears that there is a shift from traditional slot symbols like leprechauns and their gold to more innovative themes and concepts.

Does that indicate the market – that individuals desire items that are innovative and unique? 

Indeed, I believe that's true. Individuals are growing weary of the straightforwardness of classic slot machines. They desire experiences that evoke memories of video games or the social games played on their smartphones. 

Our upcoming release, Gates of Hellfire, serves as an excellent illustration. It's a sort of hellish fantasy sci-fi saga – a conflict of good against evil unfolding on a slot-machine grid. 

This is truly where the impact of video games on contemporary slots becomes evident. Gates of Hellfire features Boss demons and advanced weaponry. The grid splits into two segments: one for enemies and another for weapons. Every weapon operates uniquely and targets various sections of the grid. 

There's a lot happening, and still, it remains identifiable as a slot machine, preserving the same functionality as a slot machine, but possibly featuring alternative reward systems. And we assure you, there's not a leprechaun in view. 

How crucial are storytelling and animation in a contemporary slot? 

To differentiate yourself in a crowded market, you must certainly create something that resonates with the player. This could be through a character or an element of narrative design in the additional content. We think it is a key component in a larger formula that can produce a successful new iGaming product. 

Likewise, animations hold significant importance. They constitute an essential aspect of the gaming experience. Animations play a vital role in creating suspense. They assist the player in understanding how to achieve victory, and when they succeed, the animations enhance the experience tenfold. 

In what ways do music and sound effects affect player behavior during gameplay? 

In our games, music and sound effects are incorporated early on to guarantee they achieve the right atmosphere in the game. We utilize these components to guarantee that the slower parts are more thrilling and the thrilling parts reach new heights. 

Music and sound effects can affect your game's overall rhythm and make sure that players remain involved and entertained constantly. 

Critics argue that slot machines create the illusion of “near misses” to encourage continued play.

Do slots developers genuinely concentrate on this, or is it mainly about individuals recognizing patterns in a game of chance? 

Close calls are a typical aspect of a player's experience when using a slot machine. Typically, players will notice patterns during gameplay and sense that they are nearing a win or a feature; however, each new spin is entirely independent from the previous one and should be regarded as such. 

How has regulation influenced the construction of slot machines? Must you create various types of slots for different regions? 

It has definitely influenced the way slots are constructed. For instance, every one of our games is designed in a modular fashion, enabling us to transition between various jurisdictional environments effortlessly. 

At this time, we do not make various types of slots for different regions since we aim to launch our products in as many locations as we can. However, if we are focusing on a particular market, we will certainly consider the various regulatory demands and tailor the game to better fit that market compared to others. 

For instance, if we are focusing on a market that prohibits Bonus Buy options, we will adapt the math model accordingly and will choose a Hot Bet (which is also referred to as an Ante Bet or Feature Bet) to guarantee that players can access the bonus feature through various methods. 

Is there a demand for slots developers to create the 'next' Megaways? How much time do you dedicate to experimenting to create the next “killer” mechanic, and do you believe you’ve discovered it with A-MAZE-CADES? 

Absolutely! Our focus is on fresh and creative mechanics. Our goal is to astonish individuals and give them the sensation of encountering something entirely fresh. The A-MAZE-CADES feature made its first appearance in our latest game, Wet n’ Wild Beavers. 

The mechanic renders it nearly impossible to foresee where the next victory will arise, due to the winding path followed by the symbols during the game's progression. 

In A-MAZE-CADES, every winning combination pays left-to-right, leading to the removal of winning symbols, while the grid collapses inward towards the bottom-left corner – a distinctive take on the cascading feature. 

Megaways revolutionized gaming upon its release, and we believe A-MAZE-CADES is equally intricate and ambitious.