- Slot Game Development Summary
- Common Slot Game Terms
- What is a Casino Game?
- What is a Slot Game?
- What is Slot Game Development?
- Benefits of Slot Game Development
- History of Slot Game Development
- Types of Slot Games
- Features of a Slot Game
- Future of Slot Game Development
- Why Make a Slot Game
- Process of Slot Game Development
- Trends of Slot Game Development
- Tech Stack to Develop a Slot Game
- Slot Game Development Cost
- How to Hire a Slot Game Developer?
- Conclusion
- Slot Game Development FAQs
Gambling in casinos has attracted and mesmerized people since the 17th century. By the late 1890s, the slot machine rose to popularity. Many bars took advantage of the advances in slot game development to thrill their customers.
In the past, people went to casinos to play thrilling slot games. Today, online casino games have brought the casino to people’s homes. For example, Slotomania™ Casino Slots Games has 50+ Million downloads on the Google Play Store!
The slot machine gaming industry is growing rapidly. According to the Slot Machine Market Industry Analysis, the market share for slot machines is expected to rise by $8.91 Billion by 2025!
Due to the immense popularity of online slot games, the slot development industry has seen a lot of new businesses. So, this article will detail the step-by-step process of slot game development. Also, to add some background, the article will answer important questions about slot machine software development.
What is slot game development? How many types of slot games are there? What is the cost of slot machine game development? How to make an online slot machine? If you are looking for the answers to these questions, this article is for you! So read this slot machine tutorial for all the details!
Slot Game Development Summary
You might be interested in getting a summary of slot game development before reading the details. So, this section presents the important facts about slot development in tabular form. As a result, you should have a good idea about the basics of Slot Game Development.
Here are some quick facts about slot game development.
Slot Game Types | Classic, Progressive, Multi-Reel, 3D, VR, i-Slots, Penny |
Slot Game Platforms | Android, iOS, Windows, Browsers (Edge, Firefox, Chrome), VR |
Slot Game Devices | Smartphone, Desktop, Laptop, Tablet, VR Headsets (Oculus, HoloLens), Console |
Slot Game Development Process | Brainstorming -> Market Research -> Outline Requirements -> Sketching and Wireframing -> MVP Development -> Design -> Development -> Testing -> Launch -> Marketing -> Updates |
Slot Game Tech Stack | Art: Adobe Photoshop, Pixelmator, GIMP, Inkscape 3D Modeling: Blender, Autodesk 3ds Max, Maya, Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D UI/UX Design: Adobe XD, Axure RP, InVision, Figma Game Engines: Unity, Unreal Engine, CryEngine, Lumberyard, Godot, GameMaker Studio, Buildbox Programming Languages: C++, Java, JavaScript, HTML5, C#, Python, Lua Testing Tools: Selenium, Unity Automated Testing, Unreal Engine Automation System, Appium |
Slot Game Development Cost | Starting at $25,000 |
Common Slot Game Terms Explained
If you are new to slot machine gaming, you may find some terms discussed in this slot machine tutorial difficult to follow. So, I have compiled a list of some important terms that you should know when reading this slot game development guide.
However, this list is not an A-Z guide on slot game terminology. So, let us proceed with the most important terms in this glossary.
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Bet | The amount wagered per spin. |
Bonus Feature | Added rewards to the slot game like free spins, re-spins, and more. |
Jackpot | The top prize on offer in the slot game. |
Multiplier | Wins are multiplied by a fixed number. |
Payline | A line where the winning combination must land for the win. |
Random Number Generator | Software that outputs numbers randomly. |
Reel | Box with a symbol that spins inside a slot machine. |
Scatter Symbol | A symbol that triggers bonuses, multipliers, or wins. |
Spin | Clicking a button to move the reels randomly. |
Stacked Symbols | Occurs when symbols land on each other. Results in wins or bonuses. |
Symbol | Icons or illustrations located on slot reels. |
Volatility | The risk in playing the slot game. Higher means more risk. |
Wild Symbol | A symbol that substitutes for any other symbols. |
Winning Combination | A combination of symbols for a win in slots. |
What is a Casino Game?
A casino allows players to gamble money on games. These are called casino games. A casino game is a game of chance. The outcome of a casino game depends on randomness.
With the popularization of the Internet and the smartphone, casino games have moved online. So, casino games are now played by millions of players globally on their smartphones and computers.
Ever since the casino has gone online, it has thrived. For example, there are three main types of online casino games:
- Gaming machines – like slots, pachinko, and video poker
- Table games – like blackjack, craps, and roulette
- Random number games – like bingo and keno
The most popular online casino game type is the Slot Machine. So, let’s explore our main topic, the Slot Game.
What is a Slot Game?
A slot machine game is based on one or more spinning reels with symbols. So, when a player presses the “spin” button, the reels spin and land randomly on a set of reels. The player wins the prize if the symbols line up with the winning payline.
How Does a Slot Game Work?
Online casino slot machines use a random number generator (RNG) to determine the positions of the symbols. An RNG follows an algorithm that cycles thousands of numbers each second. So, when a player hits “spin,” the program stops at a random set of symbols.
The random number generator is impartial. It always produces random numbers. Also, each spin is standalone. So, the outcome of the previous spin has no bearing on the outcome of any future spins. Thus, slot game developers prefer building their RNGs.
Slot Game Volatility
Slot games can be set up with various levels of volatility. The volatility is used to describe the risk of losing a bet. Thus, the developer can adjust slot game logic for three main types of volatility.
Low volatility is suitable for players that want to win more often. However, the payouts are lower for each win. Thus, these are low-risk slot games. As a result, players are more engaged as they win more.
On the other end of the spectrum is the high volatility slot game. These offer the largest prizes and jackpots. However, the risk of not winning is higher. So, these highly volatile games are exciting for players looking for more risk and higher potential rewards.
What is Slot Game Development?
Slot Game Development is creating the software for an online slot machine game. So, a Slot Game Development Company can work on bringing the slot machine into game platforms.
The slot machine development process consists of three key elements:
- Slot Machine Art – designing the game, art style, unique symbols, and theme.
- Slot Mechanics – level development, bonus prizes, and easy interface.
- Slot Machine Software Development – code the logic, use a game engine, and make platform-specific solutions.
Benefits of Slot Game Development
We have seen what casino and slot games are. So, you might want to know the benefits of slot game development. Slot games benefit many parties, including players, businesses, and buyers. So, let’s look at what these benefits are.
Benefits for Users
The slot game has risen in popularity after it went online. Now, users can play slot games wherever they are in the world. Thus, slot game players get many benefits from playing this popular game. Some of the benefits for players are:
- The availability of free slot games online lets them become familiar with slots before gambling their money.
- Win excellent bonuses and prizes while having a lot of fun.
- Can play slots on multiple platforms like mobile, web browsers, VR headsets, and consoles.
- Switch between slot games to decide which the player likes the most.
Benefits for Buyers
Are you someone that wants to offer their own slot game? Then, you can hire another business or freelancer to build your slot game. Conversely, you can buy a white-label solution from Game Development Companies to quickly get started with slot game development.
Buying a slot game allows you to become the owner of the software. Thus, you can have the same benefits as a business operating a slot game, like a share of the profits.
Owning a slot game can also raise brand awareness. Users playing your slot game will associate a good experience with your brand. Thus, any future products you build will encourage past users to give them a try.
Benefits for Companies
Companies seeking to build a slot game can benefit in many ways. First, they can capitalize on the immense popularity of slot games by taking a small percentage of the bets like a land-based casino.
Companies can also develop slot machine games to sell to other individuals or businesses. Due to the popularity of slot games, this can be a very popular business model.
Benefits for Developers
How can slot game developers benefit from slot machine software development? First, slot game developers can work for themselves or gaming companies to build attractive slot art, mechanics, and software. According to the Slot Game Designer Salary report, a slot game designer makes $45,940 per year in the United States.
History of Slot Game Development
Slot machines have changed and adapted a lot over the years. Thus, the first slot machines were not similar to the current versions. There are five major iterations in slot machine game development. Reference: Slot Machine.
Poker-based Card Machines
Before slot machines, a similar card machine was developed by Sittman and Pitt in 1891. The card machine was based on the poker card game. Players would insert a nickel and pull on a lever to spin the five drums. These drums held a total of 50 card faces. So, a player would win or lose based on which cards the drum stopped on. However, the payment was manual, so it depended on the establishment.
The Liberty Bell
The first real slot machine based on modern standards is the Liberty Bell. Charles Fey invented this slot game in 1898. His machine had three reels instead of five. Also, he included a staggered stopping mechanism for more excitement. Finally, the Liberty Bell included an automatic payout for fair distribution of prizes. This slot machine version dominated until the advent of electromechanical slot machines.
Electromechanical Slot Machines
The next big innovation for slot machines was the addition of electricity. Traditional slot machines had a mechanical spring and level that players pulled to spin the reels. However, electromechanical slot development ensured that the reels spun without any mechanical springs. This game was very popular, leading to a surge in electronic gaming.
Video Slot Machines
Video slot machines are the closest to the current iteration of the slot game. After the invention of the color television, casinos included them in their slot machines. In addition, they have to discover a way to mimic the reels. Thus, the random number generator (RNG) was programmed in the circuit boards to display symbols randomly.
Online Slot Machines
With the rise of the Internet, slot games went online! The same concepts as video slots are used in the online slot machine. However, the entire game is played via digital mediums like web browsers, smartphones, and consoles. As a result, players no longer have to visit establishments like casinos to play slots.
Types of Slot Games
Slot games come in many variations due to their immense popularity. Moreover, with the rise of online slots, innovations happen all the time. So, there is a slot game for every kind of player! For example, players can choose their slot game according to their needs, preference, funding, and risk. Thus, let’s explore the major types of slot games. Reference: Different Types of Online Slot Game.
Classic Slots
The classic slot game is the traditional and most simple variation. It is also known as three-reel slots. The screen shows various symbols in the classic slot and has basic rules. So, players spin the reels, and if it lands on three similar symbols, they win! As a result, the classic slot is best for new players to enjoy and win good prizes.
Progressive Slots
Progressive slots have the same rules as the classic or any other slot game. However, the key element of progressive slots is the progressive jackpot. Therefore, slot machine development is adjusted for progressive slots.
So, how does a progressive slot game work? Players betting the maximum wager can participate in the progressive jackpot. A part of their wager contributes to the progressive jackpot. The jackpot consists of all the players at a specific time.
The progressive slot can potentially pay millions! However, as the jackpot rises in value, the odds of winning are lower. So, this game is riskier and suited to players with an all-in-or-nothing mentality.
3D Slots
A big part of slot machine software development is the integration of 3D. So, players can experience any slot game in 3D without any silly glasses!
3D slot games also come with extra depth to the storyline and characters. For example, the popular cartoon character Pinocchio has its 3D slot game! So, the players get to enjoy a riveting story with five reels and bonus modes.
Adding 3D animations and interesting stories helps attract a different kind of player. As a result, businesses can tap into a new market not available in traditional slots with 3D Game Development.
Virtual Reality Slots
Virtual Reality Development is a rising star in entertainment. The VR technology enables players to immerse themselves in a virtual environment. Thus, VR headsets like Oculus by Meta have proved extremely popular.
So what are Virtual Reality (VR) Slots? All your favorite slot game variations, but in a virtual world! Players can experience a casino-like experience with realistic graphics and movements. As a result, they can immerse themselves in the slot game for hours at a time.
Penny Slots
Businesses looking to reel in players on a budget can build penny slots. So, what are they? A penny slot is a slot game with a minimum bet of 1 cent per line.
Players looking for a thrill without the risk and budget of more complicated slots can try penny slots. So, slot machine development companies have embraced penny slots to capture the low-budget market segment.
Multi-Reel Slots
A slot game with more than the classic three reels is called a multi-reel slot. So, the player has more reels and paylines to bet on. As a result, players have more options for winning.
Multi-reel slots come in four, five, six, or seven reels! Also, the game can include up to 25 different paylines. For example, in a five-reel slot, players can work with 20 to 25 paylines. Higher paylines mean higher bets and potential payout.
Multi-reel slots are riskier, as the players make multiple bets with each payline. As a result, it is played by advanced players or those with more bankrolls.
i-Slots with Mini Games
Slot game development has evolved a lot with i-Slots. For example, i-Slot games have added to the mechanics of the traditional slot. Certain plays in an i-Slot trigger a bonus mini-game. Players can multiply their winnings in these mini-games.
I-Slots are interactive slot games that add more excitement for players. These games are story-based, with mini-games added. As a result, i-slots are more engaging for the younger generations used to playing video games.
Features of a Slot Game
Slot features are the important elements that make up the slot game. So, a slot game developer designs the features to improve the gameplay. In addition, the exciting slot machine features help boost the user experience. Thus, this slot machine tutorial describes the most popular features of a slot game. Reference: Slot Features.
Paylines
Paylines are a series of winning combinations that across the slots reels. A classic slot has a single payline. However, slot games can have up to 1024 paylines!
Players win if their arrangement of symbols mirrors one of the winning paylines. So for a slot game with a single payline, there is only one winning combination. Also, players can configure slot games to select the number of paylines. The purpose of more paylines is to allow the players more chances to win.
Wilds
Wilds are a common feature in a slot game. A wild symbol can substitute for all other symbols except scatters and other special symbols. Players can substitute a wild symbol to get a winning combination.
Other types of wilds include walking wilds, shifting wilds, expanding wilds, and random wilds. Here’s what they all mean.
- Walking wilds – wilds that shift (walk) on each reel as the remaining symbols respin for free.
- Shifting wilds – wilds that shift by one reel with each spin. Thus, it comes into play until it has disappeared over the side.
- Expanding wilds – wilds that turn the whole wheel into a wild symbol, completing most paylines.
- Random wilds – wilds that appear at any point of the game
Scatters
Scatter symbols are bonus symbols that pay anywhere regardless of where it falls on the reels. Players can win bonuses from scatters or pay some extra cash. More scatter symbols results in higher winning percentages. However, scatter symbols cannot be substituted with wild symbols!
Free Spins
The free spin bonus is one of the most popular slot game features. Therefore, a slot machine software development company will certainly include it in your slot game.
Free Spins offer players the chance to increase their winnings. There are three main ways to trigger free spins:
- Landing on three (3) or more bonus symbols on any part of the reels.
- Gathering a select number of special symbols that results in free spins
- Randomly triggering a free spin bonus after a paid spin.
Getting free spins increases the chances of winning without paying extra.
Multipliers
A multiplier is a bonus attached to a regular win. In its simplest form, multipliers start from 2X, i.e., twice the payout of the win. So, multipliers can be 6X, 12X, and more. Also, multipliers come in many types like:
- Regular Multipliers – multiplier symbols, like a 2X or 3X symbol on the reel.
- Wild Multipliers – are multipliers attached to a wild symbol, so your winnings will double if you get a 2X wild.
Progressive Multipliers – with each consecutive win, the multiplier rises, typically from 1x to 2x, 3x, 4x, etc.
Additional Slot Features
Slots come with many features to help engage players better. I have presented some additional features in tabular form. So, a slot game developer can easily choose the features they want to add.
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Progressive Jackpots | Slot games can run progressive jackpots. These jackpots keep rising in value as long as no one wins. As a result, the progressive jackpot can reach millions of dollars. |
Cascading Reels | The winning combinations disappear when symbols drop down the screen. Symbols above them drop in their place. Also known as avalanches, collapsing reels, or symbol drops. |
Gamble Feature | After a win, the player is offered the choice of double-or-nothing. Hitting “gamble” prompts a Hi-Lo game. So, if the player guesses correctly, their win is doubled! |
Mystery Symbols | Some symbols have a question mark on them. Before the payout, the mystery symbols are flipped to reveal their contents. So, the player could win big or face disappointment. |
Megaways | A slot game that can be won in 117,649 ways! Players can bet on multiple games at once and win big prizes. |
Re-triggering Free Spins | Retriggered free spins let the player reactivate the round by landing an additional three bonus scatters. |
Bonus Wheel | A slot game’s bonus wheel can award the player with extra multipliers, free spins, instant cash, jackpots and other prizes. |
What is the Future of Slot Game Development?
So far in this slot game development guide, we have seen what slots are and the types and features of slot games. So, where next? You can ask the same question about slot gaming. What does the future hold for slot machine software development? This article tries to answer that question in detail.
Virtual Reality Slots
Earlier in the article, I discussed what virtual reality slots are. VR slot games are already out today and will potentially become the main way of slot gaming. Thus, slot development can reach new heights with the addition of virtual reality.
With advances in gaming technologies like Unreal Engine 5, building photo realistic environments is easier. As a result, slot game developers can leverage these technologies to create immersive and realistic casinos.
Players using Virtual Reality technologies can transform their gaming experience. For example, a player can sit in a virtual casino, interact with virtual players, and play a slot game. As a result, the VR casino can become a part of the Metaverse.
Cryptocurrency Integration into Slot Games
The rise of Blockchain Development has heralded a new age of security online. As a result, slot game developers can include cryptocurrency as a safe payment method. Using cryptocurrencies allows players to conduct transactions without fear of hackers.
Cryptocurrencies integrated into slot games allows:
- Bets, deposits, and withdrawal of winnings to a crypto wallet.
- Custom slot games are built by slot game developers using the blockchain.
- Players can stay anonymous as crypto transactions don’t require the user’s personal details.
- Faster transactions due to no bank approvals.
Gamification of Slots
Gamification introduces game elements to a non-game setting. For example, slot games used to just be three reels and a lever to spin them. However, with the rise in the popularity of casino gaming, slot game developers are getting more creative.
Slot game development in the future will include a gamification stage. For example, a slot game can include a theme like a movie or a cartoon. Doing so helps players engage better due to familiar characters and environments. In addition, the slot developers can add a story that makes players want to progress. Finally, an online leaderboard can increase competitiveness among players.
Why You Need to Make a Slot Game
Slot games have always been the most popular casino game. According to the Gambling Statistics on casino.org, 48% of casino visitors in the US played slots. In addition, with the rise of online slot gaming, more and more players are gaming on their smartphones and desktops.
Online slot games can be played anywhere, not just in casinos. So, slot gamers can play their favorite slot game 24/7/365. As a result, more people are now investing in slot machine software development.
Enter the slot game market with a viral slot machine game, and you are set! Your slot game can potentially earn millions in revenue while engaging hundreds of gamers.
Step-by-Step Process of Slot Game Development
So far in the article, we have learned about slot games, their history, features, benefits, and types. Finally, we come to the main topic; how to build a slot game.
Slot Game Development is not easy. The challenge is to build a game that offers fair rewards to players to keep them coming back for more. Also, the game has to be simple to play, so the users are entertained.
You have to follow specific guidelines to build a slot game. The step-by-step process is as follows:
- Brainstorming and Idea Generation
- Conducting Market Research
- Outlining Requirements
- Initial Sketching, Wireframing, and Mockups
- Creating a Prototype (MVP)
- Designing the Slot Game
- Development of the Slot Game
- Quality Assurance and Testing
- Launch and Marketing of Slot Game
- Updates for the Slot Game
Step 1: Brainstorming and Idea Generation
Have a slot game idea? First, gather your team (if you have one) to brainstorm and discuss the concept and vision for the slot game. At this stage of slot machine development, you should be open to any idea. For example, you can discuss slot game ideas like:
- Themes
- Art Style
- Features
- Mechanics
- Payment Methods
- Platforms
During the idea generation stage, discuss these terms broadly to ensure that no brilliant ideas slip out of grasp. Then, after market research and feasibility testing, you can narrow down the list.
Step 2: Conducting Market Research
Market research is an important step before choosing to build on your slot game idea. For example, you have to consider factors such as:
- Slot game idea – has anyone implemented your specific idea already?
- Trends – is your slot game idea following recent trends?
- Languages – do you need to cater to multiple regions with diverse language requirements?
- 2D, 3D or VR – what type of slot game is popular in your target audience?
- Cost – can you build your slot game within your preferred budget?
There are myriad ways to conduct market research for your slot game. One way is through surveys. So, if you or your business already have customers, you can conduct surveys among them. For example, you can ask questions like if they would like to play your proposed slot game. What features do they want? As a result, you can gauge some of the requirements.
After market research, you should also conduct a risk assessment. In a risk assessment, you identify potential hazards, evaluate the risks, record them, and implement the solution.
Step 3: Outlining Requirements
You have now completed brainstorming, market research, and risk analysis. Do your research and analysis tell you your slot game is a good idea? Good! You can begin narrowing down your ideas to generate concrete requirements for slot development.
Requirements for your slot game include:
- The slot game features your developers need to add.
- A concrete theme and story for your slot game.
- Technology stack for slot development (Unity, Unreal, C++, etc.)
- Time frame to complete slot machine software development, etc.
It is essential to communicate your slot game requirements with everyone involved in the project. So, the entire slot machine development team can move forward with one goal without any misunderstandings.
Step 4: Initial Sketching and Wireframing Mockups
Only your concept exists at this stage of the slot game development process. So, your artists should produce the initial sketches, wireframes, and mockups of your slot machine game.
Your sketches should display how your slot game will look. The wireframes will complement the sketches by showing how the slot game progresses as the player interacts with it.
Other important game art like characters, symbols, backgrounds, etc., are sketched out. However, these aren’t the final sketches and can be improved in later stages of slot game development. As a result, your slot game development team will understand how your game will look.
Step 5: Creating a Prototype (MVP)
Your slot game art and wireframes show how your game looks statically. Thus, you now have to create a prototype. Prototypes help your business build an initial, lightweight, and working version of your slot game.
Your prototype or minimum viable product (MVP) will require your slot game developers to code a basic game. For example, your MVP can include features like game mechanics, slot features, and basic UI.
Building a prototype helps you showcase your slot game idea to everyone involved. As a result, your business can understand how the slot game will look and feel and understand what needs to be improved for the full version.
Step 6: Designing the Slot Game
Phew! That was a lot of steps before slot game development! Now, we get into the final few, but most important, stages. Now that you have a prototype of the slot machine game with initial sketches, you can finalize and update your game design.
Look at which sketches and mockups work best. Then, create the full version of those sketches. As a result, your game art will look amazing and help provide a good user experience. However, the user experience also depends on the software.
The UI/UX can be designed using tools like Adobe XD and Figma. So, your UI/UX designers should create a working version of the final design using the updated art. Thus, at the end of this step of slot game development, you will have concrete art and UI/UX design.
Step 7: Development of the Slot Game
Okay! Step 7 is the longest and most important step of slot game development. This step is where your slot game developers write code to bring your game art to life.
The math engine is an important part of your slot game backend. It uses a random number generator (RNG) to determine the outcomes of each spin. So, your slot game developers need to work on the RNG and other aspects like:
- How often winnings are paid.
- The size of the winnings.
- The volatility of your slot game.
- Frequency of bonus prizes.
All these aspects are paramount to a good user experience. If your slot game mechanics aren’t entertaining to users, it will fail. Thus, your slot game developers need to ensure all the features work as expected.
Other slot machine software development aspects include payment gateway integrations and cross-platform support. The payment gateway is a big part of the slots experience. Players are constantly paying to play and winning cash. As a result, your slot game developers need to ensure that the payments are fast and secure.
If you use Unity or Unreal Engine for slot development, you can easily translate to multiple other platforms. Offering your slot game on Android, iOS, Windows, Console, and VR lets you reach the most customers. However, supporting many platforms requires more resources.
Step 8: Quality Assurance and Testing
Before releasing the slot game to the market, you must ensure it works as expected. That is where testing and quality assurance (QA) comes in. Your slot game developers continue the development process by testing and removing issues, bugs and glitches.
Polishing the game helps your business make the slot game more desirable to players. The slot game testing follows four main stages:
- Unit Testing – your slot game developers, test each component to determine if they work as intended.
- Integration Testing – after determining the functionality of each component, they are combined and tested as a group.
- System Testing – the whole slot game is tested to determine its technical, functional, and business requirements.
- User Acceptance Testing – your users play the slot game to find potential bugs or issues during runtime.
Thoroughly testing your slot game results in detecting and eliminating many bugs. Ultimately, this will result in a higher-quality slot game.
Step 9: Launch and Marketing of Slot Game
Your slot game development is complete! Now, you can launch your game to the market and watch users flock to your shiny game.
For a mobile slot game, you need to upload it to the Google and Apple App Stores. Each app store has its laws and regulations, so ensure that you understand them before publishing your slot game.
After releasing your slot game to the market, you should market it! Helping customers find your slot game is important to its success. You can do this with ads on YouTube, Google, TV, and other channels. Also, Social Media is a powerful tool for sharing information with your audience.
Step 10: Updates for the Slot Game
Your slot game is out in the wild! However, your business cannot rest on its laurels. You need to update your slot game regularly to keep players interested.
Updates can come in the form of new features in your slot game like more reels, paylines, and bonus prizes. Also, if your slot game includes a story, you can expand the story with future updates.
Some updates are necessary for the security and stability of your slot game. Thus, your slot game developers will need to address any issues that creep up over time.
Present Trends of Slot Game Development
Slot machines have adapted a lot since moving online. Innovation is important in this highly competitive market. Thus, slot gaming is constantly evolving to bring new additions to the industry. So, what are the current trends in slot game development?
Branded Slot Games are Thriving
Due to the rise of story-based slot games, branded and licensed slots are very trendy now. Slot games based on popular movies, television shows, games, and musicians are all the rage. For example, the board game Monopoly has its own slot game. Also, the popular entertainment show WWE has a hit slot game with 5-reel, 3-row, and 20 paylines.
Megaways Slot Games are Highly Popular
Megaways Slots have become increasingly trendy in online casino gaming. It is based on Megaways’ random reel modifier mechanic. So, the way symbols appear on a reel is changed, offering more ways to win.
The Megaways slot game offers 6 reels, with the number of symbols on each reel changing with every spin. As a result, there are up to 117,649 ways to win!
Players have embraced this new way of playing slots. As a result, Megaways slots are very trendy, leading to other multi-reel, high-risk slots gaining popularity.
Mobile-Friendly Slot Gaming Websites
Google ranks mobile-friendly pages higher in its SERP. As a result, slot gaming websites have embraced this trend by offering mobile-friendly versions of their websites. As a result, they have reduced the need to publish games on Google and Apple App stores, which can often have strict requirements.
Tech Stack to Develop a Slot Game
What tools, software, and programming languages are needed for slot machine software development? Of course, you require specific software for various stages of the slot game development process.
Slot Game Art
The design process of a slot game starts with the art. Sketching, drawing, and creating stunning slot game art is done with:
- Adobe Photoshop
- Pixelmator
- GIMP
- Inkscape
Slot Game 3D Modeling
Not all slot games are in 2D. For game developers looking to create 3D or Virtual Reality (VR) games, they need 3D modeling softwares like:
- Blender
- Autodesk 3ds Max
- Maya
- Adobe After Effects
- Cinema 4D
Slot Game UI/UX Design
Making a mockup of the UI/UX is important before starting coding your slot game. So, slot developers can use:
- Adobe XD
- Axure RP
- InVision
- Figma
Game Engines
The slot game development process has been simplified due to the power of game engines. A game engine provides the slot game developer the resources to render their game in real-time. Also, game engines provide tools for coding, animating, rendering, and testing the game in one software. So, slot game developers can use game engines like:
- Unity
- Unreal Engine
- CryEngine
- Lumberyard
- Godot
- GameMaker Studio
- Buildbox
Programming Languages
Game engines have made building games with only traditional programming languages less popular. For example, Unity uses C# for scripting, while Unreal Engine has embraced C++. However, you can build slot games with the following:
- C++ (Used by Unreal Engine, Lumberyard, Godot)
- Java
- JavaScript
- HTML5
- C# (Used by Unity)
- Python
- Lua (Used by CryEngine)
Testing Slot Games
Testing the slot game is an important part of the slot game development process. So, a slot game developer can test their game using these tools:
- Selenium (for web-based slot games)
- Unity Automated Testing
- Unreal Engine Automation System
- Appium (for mobile slot games)
Slot Game Development Cost
After reading this slot machine tutorial, you might be interested in slot game development. So, how much does slot game development cost? Well, that depends on several factors, including:
- Slot Game Design
- Features of Slot Game
- Testing the Slot Game
- Marketing of Slot Game
Slot Game Design
The design of your slot game is an important part of the cost. Your slot game developers cannot build a good-looking game without a solid design team. So, according to the Game Designer Salary report, slot game design will cost you ~$62 / hour.
Features of Slot Game
The next big chunk of the cost comes in the development process. More specifically, the number of features in your slot game. For example, your slot game can include features like:
- Payment Systems – PayPal, Skrill, Mastercard, Crypto Wallets
- Customer Support – Reliable support to slot players regarding app issues, queries, etc.
- Social Media Integrations – Allow slot gamers to share their success on social media.
- Registration and Profile Management – Allow slot players to create and manage their profiles in the slot game.
- Security Features – Protect players online with SSL protection against outsides.
- Complexity of Slot Game – The number of reels, bonuses, mini-games, etc., bring up the cost.
Slot Game Testing
You need to conduct thorough testing of the slot game to provide the best user experience. As a result, your costs will include in-depth testing like:
- Functional Testing
- Compatibility Testing
- Performance Testing
- Compliance Testing
- Localization Testing
- Security Testing
- Recovery Testing
- Load Testing
- White-Box Testing
Testing a slot game is not cheap. According to the Game Tester Salary report, game testers are paid $31 / per hour on average.
Marketing of Slot Game
Marketing is an important part of the slot game launch. The purpose of marketing your slot game is awareness. Thus, slot game marketing can cost your business a lot of money depending on the channels used. For example, some of the marketing aspects you need to look at include:
- Branding (Logos, Fonts, Art, etc.)
- Video Trailers of the Slot Game
- Social Media Ads and Content Creation
- Website Updates with the Slot Game
- PR for the Slot Game
Total Cost of Slot Game Development
An estimated total cost for slot game development is $25,000. However, the cost can climb quickly with the factors described above. So, it is important to do proper analysis and planning of the slot development. Thus, you can keep a check on the costs and eliminate wasteful spending.
How to Hire a Slot Game Developer?
Are you interested in hiring slot game developers to build your next slot game? Then, you might be interested in knowing how you can hire the perfect slot developer(s) for your needs.
There are several ways you can hire a slot game developer. First, you should look for Slot Game Development Companies specializing in slot game development. These businesses can outsource slot game developers to you. Or, you can Hire Slot Game Developers from these companies directly.
You can hire slot game developers from these companies hourly, weekly, or monthly. So, it is convenient and cost-effective for your needs.
Another way of hiring slot developers is freelancers. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal offer freelance slot developers to hire hourly or fixed contracts. As a result, you can work with talented slot game developers from diverse nations.
Conclusion
Slot game development is on the rise with the introduction of online casinos. As a result, many individuals, businesses, and enterprises are looking to build slot games.
Following a set of guidelines for slot game development will ensure the success of the slot game. This slot machine tutorial has detailed the steps needed for slot game development. In addition, additional information like slot game features, benefits, and costs have been explained.
So, I hope this slot game development guide has enlightened you. Maybe this article will inspire you to develop a slot game!
Slot Game Development FAQs
I have compiled some quick questions and answers commonly asked by people interested in slot game development. If you have any additional questions on slot development, please feel free to comment below. I would be glad to help you out with slot game development queries.
Building a slot machine game follows 5 basic steps: Idea Generation, Designing the Slot Game, Development of the Slot Game, Testing the Slot Game, Launch the Slot Game.
Slot games come in many flavors, including: Classic Slots, Progressive Slots, Multi-Reel Slots, Penny Slots, 3D Slots, VR Slots.
Slot games use the following programming languages: C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, HTML5.
The algorithm in a slot machine is a Random Number Generator (RNG). An RNG randomly displays the values of the spin on a reel.
A player wins when the symbols on their reels land on the winning combination.
It costs $25,000 to build a basic slot game. However, the cost increases with more complexity and features.
This page was last edited on 29 November 2022, at 10:41 am
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