How Are Slot Machines Developed?

February 1, 2022 | Posted at 10:44 pm | by Lisa William (Follow User)

Back in the 1800s, slot machine designs started to take shape, and by 1894 the first coin-operated slot, pioneered by San Francisco-based mechanic Charles Fey, was released to the public. The Liberty Bell introduced the world to a design that is still the basis of slot machines today. This game consisted of 3 spinning reels, a fully automated pay-out system, and 1 pay line – also try Chilli Heat Slot.

By today’s standards, the Liberty Bell may seem simplistic, but back then each Liberty Bell slot was hand-made by Fey himself. It took a few more years before slot machines would eventually be mass-produced in factories.

 

Further Technological Advances 

Slots remained mechanical for some considerable time, however in 1963, Bally released the very first electromechanical slot game which was named Money Honey. Since the mechanical element of slots remained in place on the Money Honey machine, players still needed to pull a lever to set a spin in motion. 

The 1970s and 1980s saw the introduction of early attempts at video slots, and it wasn’t until the introduction of the first online casino platform, that was created by Microgaming in 1994, that slots were able to leap into the digital world. 

 

Digital Video Slots 

Instead of the focus being on having factory space needed to develop each component of a slot and then having the relevant machinery to put the slot machine together, the emphasis shifted towards graphic designers, animators, computer programmers, and digital artists instead. 

Today, slot game development is big business, and the industry employs thousands of people. Many layers make a successful video slot and regular production meetings are needed to bring all the different creative forces together. 

Firstly, a concept is needed and once this has been agreed on, designers and digital artists get together to design the visual aspects of the game. If the game is themed, or based on a film, then this influences the entire look of the game. All slots are themed these days and slots based on films tend to all follow the same creative pattern of placing the stars of the film on the reels. 

 

Other Slot Elements 

It’s not just the look of the slot that needs to be designed, the bonus rounds and special features must be thought out and constructed as well. if these elements are not up to scratch, then the game in question could be lost amongst much better games released at the same time. 

Once the visuals and the mechanics of slots have been nailed, the final touches can be added before the game is ready for release, and these are usually the sound effects and music.  

 

Final Thoughts 

Physical slot machines are developed in factories and constructed using raw materials, machinery, and manpower. These complex machines also contain digital technology such as computer microchips. Physical slot machines need regular maintenance and are prone to malfunctioning. 

Digital online video slots are made in a more studio and computer-based environment and these rely heavily on creative artists and computer programmers to put them together. They are far easier to maintain and to fix, should something go wrong. Because of their practicality and the ease with which they can be stored, they are now far more popular than land-based casino slot machines.