Pulse

Big Time Gaming: Mining for Diamonds

By William - 16 October 2023

The creator of many of gaming’s biggest innovations this century, if Nik Robinson has something to say about mechanics, you listen. Big Time Gaming’s CEO explains why evaluating a mechanic’s strength and distinctiveness is a bit like mining for diamonds. It’s not about the first sparkle you see, but the gem’s potential to shine after it’s been cut and polished.

What mechanics has Big Time Gaming created and how do they work?

Over the years at Big Time Gaming, we’ve always been at the forefront of driving innovation in the slots industry. One of our most recognisable and revolutionary mechanics is the Megaways system. The beauty of Megaways lies in its dynamic nature, offering thousands of ways to win – up to 117,649. Every spin can have a different number of symbols on each reel, which creates this ever-changing, high-energy gaming experience.

We then introduced the Bonus Buy mechanic. This allows players to buy directly into the feature rounds, shifting the dynamics of the game and giving players a sense of control and immediacy. Our Dual Reaction mechanic is another game-changer. It’s a cascading reel system where symbols drop down and come in from the side, creating multiple dimensions of action on the screen.

Let’s not forget our Unlimited Multiplier, which can be found in games like ‘Bonanza’. The multiplier increases with each reaction, and there’s no cap! The sky’s the limit! Our other mechanic like Win Exchange which lets you exchange your big wins for a chance to enter Free Spins gives you more changes to win!

Each mechanic we’ve developed has its unique way of amplifying player engagement and driving excitement. At Big Time Gaming, it’s all about redefining the player’s experience, taking traditional slot mechanics, and turning them on their head for a bigger thrill.

How complex is the process of patenting a new mechanic?

In this innovative world of game development, especially at Big Time Gaming, where we constantly push boundaries, patenting becomes a significant aspect of what we do. Securing a patent is no walk in the park, I’ll tell you that. It’s a blend of legal intricacies and rigorous documentation. First, there’s the concept itself. It needs to be unique, something that hasn’t been done before. And in an industry as bustling as ours, that’s a challenge in itself.

Once you believe you have something groundbreaking, like our Megaways mechanic, the meticulous process of drafting, describing, and ensuring every aspect of it is captured. Engaging with patent attorneys, ensuring all the technicalities are covered, and navigating various jurisdictions can be a complex dance. It’s not just about protecting the idea; it’s about envisioning how this mechanic will evolve in the future and ensuring the patent covers those avenues as well.

But look, while the process is arduous and can sometimes feel like threading a needle in the dark, the endgame is worth it. Securing that patent means safeguarding innovation. And at Big Time Gaming, innovation is our bread and butter.

Hitting upon a strong mechanic, branding it to drive recognition and iterating around it has time and again paid huge dividends in the slots space. What’s key to creating recognisable, compelling, and adaptable mechanics?

At the very heart of the gaming world, it’s all about the thrill, the chase, and the innovation. And believe me, in our industry, you’ve got to strike the right chords to make an impact. At Big Time Gaming, our journey has always revolved around discovering that ‘Eureka!’ moment with mechanics. But finding it? That’s just the start.

When you talk about recognisability, think about what makes a tune catchy – it’s distinct, it resonates, and you find yourself humming it. Our mechanics have that tune. They need to stand out, be uniquely ours, and yet familiar enough that players instantly recognise the BTG stamp. That’s where branding swoops in. It’s not just a logo or a name; it’s an entire experience we promise and deliver.

Now, what makes a mechanic compelling? It’s simple: player engagement. If a mechanic doesn’t keep the player on the edge of their seat, eagerly awaiting the next spin or move, then we’re missing something. The heartbeats, the highs, the lows, and the unpredictability – that’s what we aim to amplify. Adaptability, on the other hand, is our nod to the future.

We’re in a dynamic space, and what works today might need a twist tomorrow. Our mechanics, while rooted in the core BTG philosophy, are designed to evolve, to be flexible. They’re like clay – while they have a form, there’s always room for a sculptor’s touch. In essence, creating mechanics that are recognisable, compelling, and adaptable, like a blend of art and science. And at Big Time Gaming, we’re always pushing the envelope, mixing ingredients, and hoping for a bit of that BTG magic to shine through.

What effect does a strong foundation of mechanics have on the rest of the game design process? Does it facilitate greater creative freedom and a chance to take risks with other elements?

At Big Time Gaming, we’ve always held the belief that a strong foundation of mechanics isn’t just the backbone, but the very heart of the game design process. When you’ve got a solid mechanic in place, it’s like having a robust engine in a car; everything else can be built around it with confidence. That engine drives the experience, ensuring players are engaged and excited at every turn. And absolutely, with a strong mechanic as your bedrock, you free up bandwidth to explore, to innovate elsewhere.

Think of our Megaways mechanic; once we knew we had this adaptable, dynamic engine, it gave us the latitude to play around with themes, designs, and features. We could take risks knowing the core engagement was rock-solid. It’s a bit like a safety net – if you know the heart of your game is compelling, you can be brave in other areas, pushing boundaries and constantly seeking that next level of entertainment for the players.

How do you assess if a mechanic is strong and distinct enough to be the launchpad for other ideas and what potential it has to evolve? What room is there for trial and error in the iGaming industry?

Evaluating a mechanic’s strength and distinctiveness is a bit like mining for diamonds. It’s not about the first sparkle you see, but the gem’s potential to shine after it’s been cut and polished. At Big Time Gaming, we dig deep, always seeking the next game-changer. The assessment starts with intuition – a gut feeling. But it can’t end there. We bring it to our team, test it internally, gather feedback, and iterate.

It’s vital to understand how players will interact with the mechanic, how it feels in real gameplay scenarios. Can it stand alone? Does it have that ‘BTG signature’? And importantly, can we see it being the cornerstone for future developments? As for its potential to evolve, we always look ahead. The gaming industry is a beast that never sleeps.

So, while a mechanic might be revolutionary today, we always ask: where can it go from here? Does it have the legs to run a marathon in the evolving landscape of iGaming? Regarding trial and error, let me tell you – the iGaming industry is both forgiving and ruthless. While players are always hungry for the next big thing, they’re also quick to move on if something doesn’t resonate. So, yes, there’s room to try, to experiment, to push boundaries.

But every miss teaches us something, helps us refine our approach, and guides our next innovation. At Big Time Gaming, we believe in taking calculated risks – and understanding that not every roll of the dice will be a jackpot, but when it hits, it’ll redefine the game.

How do you build cut through and a ‘mechanic brand awareness’ with players?

In the ever-evolving world of iGaming, where every spin brings with it a universe of possibilities, the challenge is to rise above the cacophony and create a sound that’s unmistakably unique. That’s the essence of building cut-through and ‘mechanic brand awareness’ at Big Time Gaming.

First and foremost, it’s about authenticity. You can’t just slap on a gimmick and expect it to stick. Players are savvy, they know when something is genuine and when it’s just a passing fad. Our approach has always been to dive deep into creativity, to find that core mechanic that not only stands out but also resonates. Like our Megaways mechanic wasn’t just another feature; it is a revolution in slot gameplay.

Next, consistency is key. If a player spins a BTG slot, they should feel the DNA of our brand, even if the theme or specific features differ. That signature feel, that unmistakable BTG touch, that’s what keeps them coming back for more. Engagement beyond the game is crucial. Through strategic marketing, community engagement, and listening to player feedback, we nurture a dialogue. It’s one thing for us to say, ‘Hey, this is our new mechanic, and it’s amazing!’ and another entirely for players to experience, discuss, and evangelise it within their circles.

Lastly, innovation isn’t a one-off. It’s a journey. To build true ‘mechanic brand awareness’, we believe in iterating, evolving, and sometimes, taking bold leaps into the unknown. Because in the world of gaming, resting on your laurels isn’t an option. At Big Time Gaming, we’re always on the chase, always on the lookout for the next big thing that’ll not just captivate players but become a part of the iGaming lexicon.

Do games featuring a mechanic in the title prove more effective than standard games in the portfolio? Are engagement and retention KPIs typically better?

Yes, our Megaways series is a classic example. By branding the mechanic right in the title, we’ve seen an immediate uptick in interest and player engagement. Players know what they’re in for from the get-go! In terms of KPIs – engagement, retention and games that showcase their mechanic upfront generally show a more robust performance. They become talking points and essentially ‘go-to games’!

However, it’s essential to note that this doesn’t downplay the importance or performance of ‘standard’ games in our portfolio. Every game, every spin, every mechanic has its place and its audience. But, by giving mechanics the spotlight, by naming them and letting them shine, we’re creating anchors in the vast sea of iGaming options. Anchors that players trust, return to, and rave about.

Is Big Time Gaming looking to expand its current mechanics portfolio or solidify its current roster of mechanic-led titles?

In a nutshell, while we’ll always cherish and fortify our existing mechanic-led titles, the quest for the next big thing, the next game-changer, is an integral part of the BTG DNA. And believe me, the future is bright, and the best is yet to come! Our next big mechanical shift is with Bonanza Falls, it’s a nod to one of our most popular games Bonanza.

We have ripped the roof off with this one and we’ll be launching it at the end of the year, it’s a blast from the past and technologically light years ahead! We can’t wait to see what our player base thinks.