Bridging the Gap: Porting land-based slots to online platforms

The transition of land-based slot games to online platforms has become a pivotal strategy for established omni-channel developers. As the digital gambling landscape expands, especially in the US, this process involves not just technical adjustments but also strategic choices about which games to adapt and how to preserve their essence while optimising the UI for online play.

At its most basic, porting land-based slots to an online format involves several approaches, each tailored to maximise the impact of these games in the digital realm. Developers often prioritise games with a proven track record in the land-based market, ensuring that only top-performing titles are selected for online audiences. This synergy flows both ways, as insights from online gaming can also inform future land-based designs.

Collaboration between specialist teams is a key element. From early development stages, these teams work together to identify promising games and align release schedules, as in an ideal world we can look for simultaneous or near-simultaneous launches. This synchronisation helps maintain brand consistency and excitement across platforms.

However, in some cases, there will be a decision to wait until a game’s performance in the land-based market can be analysed through reports from sources like Eilers & Krejcik Gaming. This cautious approach, though slower, provides a robust foundation for understanding player preferences and optimising the online version accordingly. For instance, the development of our Prosperity Link™ series exemplifies this dual focus. It was crafted with both land and online markets in mind but only brought online after confirming its success offline.

How do we choose?

Selecting the right games for online adaptation involves analysing trends in both verticals. Developers aim to tap into mechanics that resonate strongly with players, such as combo bonuses and triple-pot games, which feature multiple modifiers and super bonuses. These mechanics are popular for their lack of complexity and player engagement, and they are adapted to ensure they retain their appeal in the online environment.

Some mechanics, like cascading reels or cluster pays, are less common in land-based games but may find a place in online adaptations if they align with market trends. For example, fishing-style trail games or those with perceived persistence - features where visual elements evolve over time - are gaining traction online. Both Prosperity Link games, with their Hold & Win™ mechanic and growing on-screen elements, exemplify this trend.

By combining deep trend analysis with creative cross-pollination of ideas, developers ensure that the selected games have strong potential for cross-platform success.

Navigating challenges in execution

Adapting games from land-based formats to online is not without its challenges. One significant hurdle lies in recreating the immersive experience of a large casino screen on a much smaller mobile device. User experience becomes the cornerstone of this adaptation, as developers strive to maintain the same feel that players associate with the original game.

This involves fine-tuning aspects like screen speed, animation timing, and visual layouts. For instance, the pacing of stages and the size of on-screen elements must be adjusted to suit mobile gameplay while preserving the essence of the land-based experience. The goal is to evoke familiarity while enhancing the player’s relationship with the device.

Under the hood

The adaptability of mechanics and themes is crucial in this transition. While no mechanic is inherently impossible to port, success often hinges on tailoring games to market-specific preferences. For instance, in North America, where there is a strong correlation between top-performing land-based and online games, features like Hold & Win bonuses and branded content such as our Wheel of Fortune series is particularly effective.

Jackpots, a staple of land-based gaming, also present unique opportunities and challenges. In some markets, developers can implement omnichannel progressive jackpots, allowing land-based and online players to compete for shared prizes. However, in regions where this isn’t feasible, fixed jackpots or market-appropriate alternatives are used.

The overarching goal remains the same: to deliver an online experience that mirrors the excitement and engagement of land-based gaming.

As online gambling markets mature, the dynamics of porting land-based games are likely to evolve. In established markets, original online-first games may gain prominence, while in emerging jurisdictions, the link between the two verticals will remain strong. Regardless of market maturity, the essence of porting games lies in balancing innovation with familiarity, ensuring that the thrill of the casino floor is seamlessly translated into the digital sphere.

By leveraging cutting-edge mechanics, market insights, and player-focused design, developers are not just porting games – they are redefining how players experience the best of both worlds.