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Building anticipation with every spin

Published

1 year ago

June 18, 2024

Katya Machuganova, Product Owner at Silverback Gaming, talks about how studios are taking their games beyond spinning and winning to deliver the thrilling entertainment experiences players now expect.

There was a time when players were happy to hit spin and then sit back to see if they would win or not. That alone was enough to generate the anticipation and thrills that make playing online slots such as buzz.

But now it’s different with players demanding more from the slots they play. They want to be engrossed in themes and narratives, interact with characters, have greater control over the outcome of the spin and ultimately be entertained to the same degree as when watching a movie.

Studios are also competing with other entertainment options such as mobile and video games, and these offer rich experiences that keep players engaged and coming back for more. Slot developers must compete with this and simply being able to win money is no longer a strong enough draw.

One of the key reasons for playing online slots is the anticipation of the win – this can sometimes be more exciting than the win itself. As the symbols drop and align, players find themselves on the edge of their seats waiting to see if they can land the right combo.

Studios have been upping the ante here with many now using cluster wins and cascades instead of standard win lines. This not only builds the win anticipation to a much higher level with each cascade bringing new win opportunities, but it also delivers more value from a single spin.

Cascades on their own are not enough to provide the action-packed experience that players are seeking so the pay system needs to be combined with the right combination of features and bonuses, with the whole game packaged up in a striking theme.

This is something we have done with our latest game, Banana Blitz Deluxe. It takes a zany theme – monkeys and bananas – and wraps it around the cascade mechanic. The team has then built a flow of bonuses that enhance the anticipation built through the cluster pays.

This includes the ever-popular free spins – triggered when at least three Scatters land in the base game – and expanding wilds. This is triggered when the monkey throws a banana peel onto the reel and sees the palm tree wild symbol cover the entire reel.

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It’s important to ensure bonuses tie in with the theme of the game, so Banana Blitz Deluxe also includes the Banana Bonus. This comes to life when scatter symbols land on reels one and five. The player must then pick banana symbols to reveal multiplier prizes.

Once the collect symbol is revealed, all of the picked multipliers (they range from 2x to 100x) are combined and applied to the win.

This is a great example of how to give players some control over the outcome of the game – the picking of the banana symbols is done by them which means they have some say in the multipliers that are revealed before the collect symbol is hit.

The challenge for studios is ensuring that bonuses click together and allow the overall gameplay to flow. Developers also need to be mindful of the market or markets the game is destined for as this will impact the complexity of the features included in the game.

We have been heavily focused on the US for some time now, and the themes, mechanics and bonus combos that hit the mark with players in the likes of New Jersey and Pennsylvania are very different to Norway and Portugal, for example.

In the US, players are still finding their feet with online slots so while it’s important to create games that excite and entertain, the gameplay needs to be easy to understand – players are often unwilling to spend their balances on learning new slot mechanics and features.

This is why we look to use tried and tested mechanics but combine them in a way that builds the anticipation and energy that players love to experience, even if they are relatively new to playing slots online.

One of the most effective bonus features is the progressive jackpot. Players instantly understand what it is and, most importantly, how they win. It also provides the big win potential that attracts players to certain games over others – the great thing about jackpots is that they appeal to casual players just as much as seasoned spinners.

The Banana Bonanza Progressive Jackpot can be won at random from any base game spin. The prize pot is made up of a 4% contribution from every wager with the jackpot amount always displayed on screen – it increases in real-time with every bet.

This itself is really powerful when it comes to building anticipation as players can see the size of the prize increasing second by second. Of course, as with most progressives, increasing the bet per spin value increases the player’s chance of triggering the jackpot.

Getting the right balance with theme, mechanics and bonus features is easier said than done – especially in new and emerging markets where player preferences are not quite as advanced as those in more established regions like Europe.

But all players want to be entertained and one thing’s for sure – just hitting spin and waiting to see if a win lands no longer cuts it.

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Chris Barranco Joins Quick Custom Intelligence as Director of Business Development

Published

17 hours ago

August 15, 2025

Zoltan Tundik

Quick Custom Intelligence (QCI), a leading provider of AI-driven analytics and enterprise solutions for the gaming and hospitality industry, today announced the addition of Chris Barranco as Director of Business Development.

Barranco brings 25 years of experience leading high-performing teams, driving revenue, and building durable client relationships. He is adept at solution-selling methodology and full sales-cycle management, with a proven track record of mentoring top-tier account executives, delivering high-impact presentations, and retaining key accounts. Known for a tenacious approach to new-business development and customer loyalty, Barranco will focus on expanding QCI’s market footprint, strengthening the partner ecosystem, and advancing go-to-market execution across QCI’s product portfolio.

“I’m excited to join the clear market leader and work with the exceptional team at QCI,” said Chris Barranco, Director of Business Development at QCI. “QCI’s commitment to turning data into action aligns perfectly with my approach to helping customers achieve measurable revenue impact. I look forward to working closely with our clients and partners to accelerate growth and deliver exceptional outcomes.”

“We’re delighted to welcome an industry veteran of Chris’s caliber to the QCI team,” said Andrew Cardno, CTO and Co-Founder of QCI. “His leadership, mastery of solution selling, and passion for customer success will further strengthen our ability to scale, deepen client relationships, and deliver the operational results our customers expect.”

As Director of Business Development, Barranco will lead initiatives to expand QCI’s presence across key markets, refine sales enablement programs, and collaborate with product and customer success teams to ensure a seamless path from discovery to measurable value realization.

Latest News

WSOP® PARADISE 2025 REVEALS FULL TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE WITH NEW EARLY-BIRD PACKAGES

Published

1 day ago

August 14, 2025

Peter Tolan

The record-breaking poker festival in the Bahamas adds fresh events and exclusive perks for players booking early

The World Series of Poker (WSOP®) today unveiled the complete schedule for the highly anticipated WSOP Paradise 2025, which will take place at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas from Dec. 4 through Dec. 18. This announcement also introduces two new, limited-availability early-bird packages, designed to provide players with unmatched value and exclusive benefits.

This year’s festival expands on its commitment to high-stakes action with a full slate of 15 WSOP gold bracelet events:

Event	Date	Buy-In
#1 Circuit Championship Mystery Bounty NLH – $5M GTD	Dec. 4	$2.5K Advertisement
#2 Triton PLO 6-Handed	Dec. 4	$75K
#3 Triton PLO Main Event	Dec. 5	$100K
#4 High Roller Turbo NLH	Dec. 6	$50K
#5 Triton Invitational – NLH Advertisement	Dec. 7	$250K
#6 Super COLOSSUS NLH	Dec. 7	$5K
#7 Super PLOSSUS PLO	Dec. 8	$10K
#8 Triton NLH 7-Handed	Dec. 8 Advertisement	$125K
#9 Triton NLH Main Event	Dec. 9	$100K
#10 Triton NLH 8-Handed	Dec. 10	$150K
#11 Super Main Event NLH – $60M GTD	Dec. 10	$25K Advertisement
#12 8-Game Mix 6-Handed	Dec. 11	$10K
#13 High Roller PLO	Dec. 13	$50K
#14 GGMillion$ NLH – $10M GTD	Dec. 15	$25K
#15 The Closer NLH Turbo Bounty Advertisement	Dec. 16	$10K

This year’s WSOP Paradise features an expanded partnership with Triton Poker, the leading high-stakes tournament operator. In 2024, two gold bracelet events were curated by Triton; the number increases to six in 2025, with WSOP bracelets going to the winners of Event #2 Triton PLO, Event #3 Triton PLO Main Event, Event #5 Triton NLH Invitational, Event #8 Triton NLH 7-Handed, Event #9 Triton NLH Main Event and Event #10 Triton NLH 8-Handed.

To reward early registrants, WSOP is introducing two new early-bird packages for players looking to secure their seats, with both offering massive added value:

The $100K Paradise Package – limited to just 500 packages, includes a 13-night stay (Dec. 5 to Dec. 18), complimentary access to the WSOP buffet and a $500 food & beverage room credit. The deposit to secure is $10,000.
The $300K VIP Package – includes a 15 night stay (Dec. 3 to Dec. 18), complimentary access to the WSOP buffet, a $1,000 food & beverage room credit plus one á la carte meal from the Triton menu per day. The deposit to secure is $15,000.

For the first time at WSOP Paradise, resort fees are included in the package price, and the room credit is also provided for use throughout the resort. The full package amount must be played in WSOP Paradise events.

GGPoker will once again serve as the exclusive international satellite partner, aiming to send more than 1,000 players to the Super Main Event. WSOP Express and Road to Paradise qualifier tournaments are already underway in the GGPoker tournament lobby. Additionally, over 500 players are expected to qualify for the Circuit Championship through WSOP Circuit gold ring events (running from Jul. 1 through Dec. 2, 2025, both live and online), and ClubGG plans to send more than 400 players to the same event.

In an exciting new partnership, PokerStake will cover up to 50% of the unsold action for Circuit Package winners who choose to list their Super Main Event action on the platform.

“I said last year that a $50M guarantee was crazy, but adding another $10,000,000 on top is absolutely insane! The WSOP is bringing the biggest high rollers and the best poker experience possible back to paradise,” said Daniel Negreanu, GGPoker Global Ambassador. “With the new Super Mystery Bounty event and the expanded partnership with Triton, this is a can’t-miss festival for players of all levels. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

“With the WSOP Paradise at Atlantis Paradise Island tournament schedule now set, the countdown to The Bahamas IS ON! This year’s lineup delivers an unbeatable mix of world-class events, record-breaking guarantees, and unforgettable poker moments in one of the most iconic destinations on the planet. From seasoned pros to newcomers, players from around the globe will find their place in paradise, and their shot at history,” added Joe Brunini, Chief Gaming & Customer Development Officer, Atlantis Paradise Island.

WSOP Paradise 2025 will feature a daily live stream from Dec. 12 through Dec. 18 on the WSOP YouTube channel, with CBS Sports Network television coverage planned for distribution in early 2026.

Further details on event structures and schedules will be available on the WSOP+ app. The WSOP reserves the right to cancel, change, or modify the tournament or any tournament event, in part or in whole, without notice. Entry fees will be added to all events, and up to 3% of tournament buy-ins will be withheld for staff and operational costs. Guaranteed events are paid out after deducting the percentage for costs from the total prize pool.

Please follow @WSOP on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram or check WSOP.com for more event news and updates: wsop.com/news/2025-wsop-paradise.

For more information on WSOP Express, please visit: ggpoker.com/tournaments/wsop-express/.

To book your Atlantis stay at exclusive WSOP rates starting from $199 per night, please visit: atlantisbahamas.com/wsop-in-paradise

eSports

Fighting Game GOAT Justin Wong Joins BASILISK, Science’s Esports Team

Published

2 days ago

August 14, 2025

Niji Narayan

BASILISK, the global esports organization built to champion science, announced the signing of legendary fighting game competitor Justin ‘Jwong’ Wong as captain of its newly formed Fighting Game Community (FGC) Division. Wong will lead BASILISK’s entry into the FGC by recruiting players, developing community events, and creating FGC – science crossover content.

“Justin isn’t just a competitive genius – he is a cultural icon and humble leader within the FGC. We are incredibly proud to have him leading our FGC division and support the amazing work he already does for the community,” said BASILISK co-founder Christopher Bothur.

A nine-time Evolution Championship Series (Evo) Champion and Guinness World Record holder, Wong brings unparalleled FGC credibility and expertise to BASILISK. His reach extends across the entire FGC fandom of millions, and he was immortalized in Evo Moment #37 which has over 100 million views.

As Captain of BASILISK FGC, Wong will leverage BASILISK’s data analytics to scout and train the next generation of FGC pros.

“Math is super important to fighting games. I’m excited to join science’s esports team. I’m passionate about finding promising players with a positive mentality and shaping them into the next big thing. I want to see somebody else in the spotlight after me and help them reach their potential. If we can discover the next world champion, that would be fantastic,” said Wong upon joining BASILISK.

The signing comes on the heels of BASILISK’s new partnerships with The Planetary Society and Caltech’s Institute for Quantum Information and Matter (IQIM), announced in July. These collaborations create a powerful bridge between renowned scientific institutions and gamers, which Wong will amplify to his millions of followers and fans.

“Justin is a dream addition to our organization. He exemplifies the dedication and analytical capacity required to be an esports champion or great scientist,” added BASILISK co-founder Hans Kassier.

Wong becomes the second “GOAT” (Greatest of All Time) to join BASILISK, alongside Finnish StarCraft 2 legend Joona “Serral” Sotala, who just captured the SC2 Esports World Cup Championship in July 2025. The signing also creates opportunities for cross-over content with BASILISK’s diverse roster, including chess Grandmaster Vincent Keymer and award-winning science communicator Kyle Hill, who brings over 2.5 million followers and a vast network of science enthusiasts to the organization.