In the ever-evolving world of iGaming, few things rival the thrill of launching a new, successful slot game. The satisfaction of seeing your hard work and dedication culminate in a top-performing title is a defining moment, solidifying your position within the market. However, with triumph comes new challenges, and creating a franchise that endures the test of time is no small feat.
In an age where players hunger for more of what they love, especially when it involves fast-paced and gratifying content, it’s only natural to seek ways to deliver just that. We can draw inspiration from giants like Netflix, Spotify, Sony and Microsoft, who’ve mastered the art of offering rich and immersive content libraries to satiate their users’ desires.
Drawing on our own experience at Relax Gaming, we found ourselves in a unique situation in 2019. The release of Money Train was for us a success, igniting a demand for more on-track action and therefore making it a perfect case study for growth. The game’s fast-paced, unpredictable mechanics garnered a devoted following, placing immense pressure on our development team to create a sequel worthy of this loyalty.
In the iGaming industry, it’s common to take the easy route: reskinning a successful slot or making minor adjustments to chase a second round of success. However, true effectiveness lies in longevity and brand credibility. Our industry thrives on pushing boundaries, not taking shortcuts.
Our team came together to craft a sequel, Money Train 2, featuring an engaging math model, an enthralling narrative, and iconic new characters. We aimed to create a story that kept on giving.
While some suppliers might have been content with changing themes and retaining the mechanic, we saw an opportunity with Money Train to build a rich storyline and nurture a unique set of characters. This approach struck a chord with players, showcasing our commitment to fresh and engaging content.
The result: Players chose the Money Train franchise over anything else, proving that going the extra mile pays dividends in fostering a loyal player base.
How to create a sequel
Often overlooked or underestimated, listening to players is an absolutely imperative step to creating a high quality follow-up title. This was a pivotal point for us as we continued to expand the Money Train franchise.
We relied heavily on player feedback, both from casual players and dedicated slot streamers immersed in the world of online slot content. Their insights ensured we delivered what Money Train fans genuinely wanted, namely a high-action base game, a bigger max win and aspects of features that added more anticipation to the playing experience.
Money Train 4 was born out of this collaborative effort and feedback loop, with a number of game alterations based on player suggestions. Of course, it’s not to say we solely depended on external input; we also made many improvements based on our own observations.
Empowering players to voice their preferences played a fundamental role in the series’ development, ensuring each game in the Money Train franchise received the justice it deserved.
IGaming suppliers should aim high, striving to sit alongside the biggest entertainment giants by offering unforgettable, immersive experiences regardless of the category our experiences fall under. Every new game release presents an opportunity to create something truly special. It’s not about luck or following past formats; it’s about fostering creativity, unwavering commitment, strong mathematics and, most importantly, listening to your core audience.
Relax Gaming is not the only studio adopting this approach in slot ideation and creation, but there is definitely a need for more. In this industry, if you’re not swimming, you’re sinking, and innovation has become a necessity in paving the way for the future and ensuring your studio has a place in it.
With so many new avenues from which to draw inspiration, the new age of entertainment is truly a breeding ground for creativity. You just need to know where to look!
