Maths is one of the most crucial aspects of slot development. It has a huge influence on the gameplay and the overall experience the player receives. It dictates the volatility and return to player, as well as things like bonus frequency and the max win potential.
The max win potential is often a deciding factor when players are looking for the next slot game to play – the bigger the max win potential, the more attractive the title can be. But it’s not just as simple as cranking the win multiplier to the max. Maths is about striking a balance between all the different aspects it has an influence over.
Volatility and RTP
The aim of the game here is to heighten player excitement through the right combination of bonuses, hitting at the right frequency with the potential to deliver big wins at the right cadence.
"Volatility and return to player are perhaps the most important areas in this regard."
Volatility – the level of risk associated with the slot – is intrinsically tied to the maths models used in the game. Higher volatility leads to less frequent but potentially larger wins, appealing to those who enjoy the thrill of greater risk in exchange for bigger rewards. On the flip side, lower volatility delivers more consistent yet smaller payouts, appealing to more casual players. Given the two different player audiences volatility can appeal to, studios need to curate a portfolio of games with a range of volatilities so that operators can engage the widest audience via their content.
The same applies to RTP. This is increasingly being dictated by regulation and operator demand for lower volatility slots amid shrinking margins. Again, the return to player, the percentage of wagered money that is paid out over time, is tied directly to the mathematical models used in the game. It also serves as a benchmark for fairness and transparency, with players able to see how much the game pays out on average.
Because different markets have different RTP requirements, we have implemented multiple RTP options for our maths models. This flexibility allows us to adapt to and comply with the rules in each market that we offer our games, and to meet different operator needs.
Numerical foundations
Maths is the foundation of the game, considered very early in the development of a slot. First, a product team outlines the game specifics in a concise technical specification document, covering various aspects such as game type, theme, slot definition, lines/ways evaluation, number of lines/ways, quantity of regular symbols (both low and high paying), special symbols, desired volatility and target jurisdictions. The expected return to player and hit rate are included, too.
This is then handed to the maths team, which conducts a detailed analysis, deep-diving into the technical intricacies of the game and the specifications provided. This includes specific details for each feature, both in the base game and during bonus and free-spin rounds. For each feature, the expected hit rate, trigger condition and a comprehensive explanation of the mechanics involved are included.
This document is meticulously crafted to encompass all special requirements and corner cases. By taking this approach, suppliers can be sure that different features complement each other seamlessly, resulting in a cohesive player experience that is exciting and delivers plenty of big win potential. It also allows us to innovate, and try new things with a level of certainty that the result will create compelling gameplay that hits the mark with the intended player audience.
A numbers game
There is a lot that can be done with game mechanics and maths models, including introducing new bonus features, reimagining reel layouts or devising new payout structures. Ultimately, this all comes down to maths. It’s also important to note that maths plays a crucial role in the operational aspect of games. Setting up the correct bet configuration and managing the max win exposure are all integral parts of the process when integrating slots with an operator. Online casino and slots are all about entertainment and excitement but, under the hood of each ‘blockbuster’ title, it’s very much a numbers game.
"Maths is the foundation of the game, considered very early in the development of a slot"
