Variety of topics, functions and mechanics in slots from different providers

Variety of topics, functions and mechanics in slots from different providers

Why providers make slots different

Each software supplier strives to stand out from the competition. On the one hand, it is important to offer recognizable themes and accessible mechanics for the mass player. On the other hand, create innovations that keep the attention of an experienced audience. Therefore, the variety in slots is determined by themes, visual style, bonus functions and mathematical models that form the provider's unique handwriting.

Thematic diversity

Themes are the first level of difference between slots.

Classics (fruits, "one-armed bandits," 7-ki, BAR) - NetEnt, Microgaming, Amatic.
Mythology and history:
  • Ancient Egypt - Play'n GO (Book of Dead), Pragmatic Play (John Hunter).
  • Scandinavian sagas - Yggdrasil, Thunderkick.
  • Greek mythology - Playtech, Quickspin.
  • Fantasy and Mysticism - Nolimit City, ELK Studios, Hacksaw Gaming.
  • Cinema, music, pop culture - NetEnt (slots for Guns N" Roses, Narcos brands).
  • Asian themes - Red Tiger, Habanero, EGT, often adapted for Asian markets.
  • Modern plots (gaming, cyberpunk, street culture) - Push Gaming, Nolimit City.

The theme affects not only the atmosphere, but also the perception of the frequency of winnings: epic plots are usually accompanied by high volatility, and "fruit" classic machines - low.

Features and Bonus Elements

1. Frispins

The most common bonus, but in different variations:
  • fixed number of multiplied spins (Pragmatic Play, NetEnt),
  • progressive frispins (Yggdrasil),
  • selection from several options with different volatility (Play'n GO).

2. Multipliers

Static (x2, x3 on the winning line).
Surging (as in NetEnt's Gonzo's Quest or Pragmatic Play's Sweet Bonanza).
Multipliers for the entire drum or grid (Red Tiger, Hacksaw).

3. Wild-symbols

Simple substitutes.
Expanding Wilds.
Sticky (Sticky Wilds).
Moving on drums (Walking Wilds at NetEnt).

4. Jackpot-mechanics

Fixed jackpots (often EGT).
Progressive networking (Mega Moolah by Microgaming, Divine Fortune by NetEnt).
Local jackpots for a specific operator.

5. Buy Feature

Ability to purchase a bonus directly for a fixed amount. Distributed by Pragmatic Play, Relax Gaming, Nolimit City.

6. Hold & Win

Bonus game in which you need to collect symbols (coins/balls) in a limited number of respins. Playson, iSoftBet, Booongo are actively used.

7. Cascade wins (Avalanche, Tumble)

The symbols disappear, making room for new ones, which allows you to win several times in one spin. NetEnt has introduced, Pragmatic Play is actively developing.

8. Gamification and missions

Yggdrasil and Play'n GO integrate quests, levels, and missions where players collect points and advance in ratings.

Mechanics and mathematics

Different providers build games on unique models:
  • Classic grid 5 × 3 (universal format).
  • Megaways (Big Time Gaming) - a dynamic number of characters on the reels, up to 117,649 ways to win.
  • Cluster Pays (NetEnt, Pragmatic Play) - wins for groups of characters, not lines.
  • Infinity Reels (ReelPlay) - infinitely added drums.
  • xWays/xNudge (Nolimit City) - mechanics with expanding characters and shifting wilds.
  • Split Symbols (Yggdrasil, ELK) - division of symbols to increase the number of combinations.
  • Crash mechanics (Spribe, Hacksaw) - dynamic multiplier growth with the ability to stop at any time.

Mathematics determines not only RTP, but also the nature of the game: low-volatility titles keep players longer, high-volatility ones create the effect of a "rare but major victory."

Provider signatures and their "branded" solutions

NetEnt is a focus on Avalanche graphics and mechanics.
Play'n GO - lines of story series (Book of Dead, Reactoonz).
Pragmatic Play - high volatility, popularization of Buy Bonus, tournament mechanics.
Yggdrasil - quest systems and unique mechanics Splitz, GigaBlox.
Red Tiger - progressive jackpots and detailed topics.
Nolimit City - provocative style, xNudge/xWays innovation, high volatility.
Push Gaming - emphasis on gameplay with non-standard grids (Jammin" Jars).
Evolution (live) - expanding features with bonus rounds in live games (Crazy Time, Monopoly Live).

Result

The variety of slots is explained not only by visual themes, but also by deep study of functions and mathematical models. Each provider strives to stand out: someone due to graphics and atmosphere, someone - innovative mechanics or unique bonuses. For players, this means choosing between stable "classics" and high-risk experimental games. For the industry - a competition of ideas, which forms new standards of quality and honesty.