Providers and unique mechanics (Megaways, Hold & Win, Link\& Win)
Providers and unique mechanics (Megaways, Hold & Win, Link & Win)
Why unique mechanics are important
Modern players expect not only standard reels and paylines from slots, but also innovative solutions that make the gameplay more dynamic. Providers compete not only with graphics and bonuses, but also with mechanics - mathematical and gameplay systems that determine the structure of winnings. Unique mechanics allow the developer to stand out and turn into a market trendsetter.
Megaways: Revolution by Big Time Gaming
Who created: Big Time Gaming (BTG), Australia.
The essence of mechanics: the number of symbols on the drums changes with each back, and the number of ways to win can reach 117,649.
Effect for the player: each spin is unique, high dynamics and a sense of unpredictability.
Examples of games include Bonanza Megaways, Extra Chilli, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
Distribution: BTG licensed mechanics to dozens of providers (Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger, Blueprint, iSoftBet), making Megaways one of the most recognizable innovations in the industry.
Hold & Win: Popular bonus formula
Who promoted: Playson, Booongo, iSoftBet.
The essence of mechanics: when special characters are dropped, the player receives several respins. Each new symbol "holds" the win and updates the number of respins. The round lasts until the spins are exhausted or the entire grid is full.
Features: Ability to collect jackpots (Mini, Major, Grand) and multipliers.
Effect for the player: tension and excitement are created from "collecting a collection" on a limited number of spins.
Примеры игр: Buffalo Power Hold & Win (Playson), Sun of Egypt (Booongo), Gold Digger Hold & Win (iSoftBet).
Link & Win: Microgaming branded mechanics
Who created: Microgaming (now Alchemy Gaming and partner studios).
The essence of the mechanics: similar to Hold & Win, but includes additional functions: fixed jackpots, bonus multipliers, extended fields.
Effect for the player: more variability and capabilities than the classic Hold & Win.
Examples of games: Hyper Gold Link & Win, Assassin Moon Link & Win.
Feature: used as a "trademark" of Microgaming and its partners, which helps to stand out from competitors.
Other examples of unique mechanics from providers
Infinity Reels (ReelPlay): Infinitely adding reels when winning.
Cluster Pays (NetEnt) - Wins are generated by groups of symbols instead of lines.
xWays/xNudge (Nolimit City): Symbol extensions and shifting wilds with huge winning potential.
GigaBlox (Yggdrasil): the appearance of giant symbols covering part of the field.
Crash mechanics (Spribe, Hacksaw): real-time multiplier growth with the ability to "stop" before falling.
Impact on industry and players
1. Players get variety. Mechanics make the process less repetitive, increase engagement and retention.
2. Casinos are expanding their range. Operators promote slots with recognizable mechanics, as they attract an audience.
3. Providers are strengthening the brand. Unique mechanics become the company's "calling card," like Megaways for BTG or xNudge for Nolimit City.
4. Regulators and auditors. All new mechanics are certified for RNG and RTP integrity to meet license requirements.
Result
It is providers who determine which mechanics become trends. BTG with Megaways revolutionized, Playson and Booongo popularized Hold & Win, and Microgaming cemented Link & Win as a brand name. These innovations are changing the industry, with players gaining new experiences, casinos gaining competitive advantages and developers the opportunity to carve out a unique niche in the market.
Why unique mechanics are important
Modern players expect not only standard reels and paylines from slots, but also innovative solutions that make the gameplay more dynamic. Providers compete not only with graphics and bonuses, but also with mechanics - mathematical and gameplay systems that determine the structure of winnings. Unique mechanics allow the developer to stand out and turn into a market trendsetter.
Megaways: Revolution by Big Time Gaming
Who created: Big Time Gaming (BTG), Australia.
The essence of mechanics: the number of symbols on the drums changes with each back, and the number of ways to win can reach 117,649.
Effect for the player: each spin is unique, high dynamics and a sense of unpredictability.
Examples of games include Bonanza Megaways, Extra Chilli, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
Distribution: BTG licensed mechanics to dozens of providers (Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger, Blueprint, iSoftBet), making Megaways one of the most recognizable innovations in the industry.
Hold & Win: Popular bonus formula
Who promoted: Playson, Booongo, iSoftBet.
The essence of mechanics: when special characters are dropped, the player receives several respins. Each new symbol "holds" the win and updates the number of respins. The round lasts until the spins are exhausted or the entire grid is full.
Features: Ability to collect jackpots (Mini, Major, Grand) and multipliers.
Effect for the player: tension and excitement are created from "collecting a collection" on a limited number of spins.
Примеры игр: Buffalo Power Hold & Win (Playson), Sun of Egypt (Booongo), Gold Digger Hold & Win (iSoftBet).
Link & Win: Microgaming branded mechanics
Who created: Microgaming (now Alchemy Gaming and partner studios).
The essence of the mechanics: similar to Hold & Win, but includes additional functions: fixed jackpots, bonus multipliers, extended fields.
Effect for the player: more variability and capabilities than the classic Hold & Win.
Examples of games: Hyper Gold Link & Win, Assassin Moon Link & Win.
Feature: used as a "trademark" of Microgaming and its partners, which helps to stand out from competitors.
Other examples of unique mechanics from providers
Infinity Reels (ReelPlay): Infinitely adding reels when winning.
Cluster Pays (NetEnt) - Wins are generated by groups of symbols instead of lines.
xWays/xNudge (Nolimit City): Symbol extensions and shifting wilds with huge winning potential.
GigaBlox (Yggdrasil): the appearance of giant symbols covering part of the field.
Crash mechanics (Spribe, Hacksaw): real-time multiplier growth with the ability to "stop" before falling.
Impact on industry and players
1. Players get variety. Mechanics make the process less repetitive, increase engagement and retention.
2. Casinos are expanding their range. Operators promote slots with recognizable mechanics, as they attract an audience.
3. Providers are strengthening the brand. Unique mechanics become the company's "calling card," like Megaways for BTG or xNudge for Nolimit City.
4. Regulators and auditors. All new mechanics are certified for RNG and RTP integrity to meet license requirements.
Result
It is providers who determine which mechanics become trends. BTG with Megaways revolutionized, Playson and Booongo popularized Hold & Win, and Microgaming cemented Link & Win as a brand name. These innovations are changing the industry, with players gaining new experiences, casinos gaining competitive advantages and developers the opportunity to carve out a unique niche in the market.
