Big Time Gaming G2E Preview: Rolling the dice

What research led you to your latest innovation, TapCardsTM? 

We’ve always been willing to push boundaries in pursuit of online casino entertainment. Demand for non-traditional content is rising, and the tap and reveal format is proven to be popular with players. The simplicity, volatility and big win potential of the format are also hallmarks of BTG slots. TapCards are a category-defining evolution of the format and deliver rapid-reveal gameplay with the potential for colossal wins. We’ve already cracked the code for developing explosive slots, so when it came to TapCards, it was more about how we would bring our approach to the tap and reveal format and trusting our gut rather than undertaking extensive research. 

How key is unpredictability when trying to appeal to players? 

Unpredictability keeps players on the edge of their seats. It’s what generates that feeling of anticipation as the game unfolds. The thrill of the potential win is just as visceral as the win itself, if delivered in the right way. This is something that we have mastered over the years and TapCards are a testament to this. The gameplay is super simple, it’s a fast-paced thrill ride where players need to strap in and hold tight as they tap and reveal their way to mega wins. 

Is it difficult to balance being selective about what you release and true to your brand while maintaining broad appeal? 

If you’re not willing to roll the dice, you’re not playing the game. We are willing to take risks with mechanics and formats, but then mitigate those risks through experience, testing, iteration and a near-obsessive approach to providing a compelling and thrilling player experience. Most of our mechanics and games, TapCards included, are designed to be challenging enough to captivate seasoned players while being easy to master for less skilled players to enjoy. By now, most players know what to expect from a Big Time Gaming slot, and this means we can design and develop without too many limitations. 

What are the big challenges trying to expand in the US? 

The North American iGaming market has transformed. For years, players sought layered mechanics like cascading reels and expanding wilds. But now their expectations and demands have shifted towards instant gratification and rapid reward without sacrificing engagement. Studios are having to adapt their product roadmaps and production lines to deliver this type of content. This is why we believe TapCards will do well in the US and Canada. Complexity lives in the background, where it should be, in our algorithms and prize structures, while the gameplay is simple but explosive. 

What conversations are happening between digital game developers on expo floors this year, and which are you most keen to get stuck into at G2E? 

I’m looking forward to entering the chat around how non-traditional content is going to impact online casino game lobbies. Do I think formats such as TapCards will dominate over slots? Unlikely. But players are demanding new experiences and want to engage with slots that offer more than just the opportunity to hit spin and then wait to see if they win. They want to be taken on a white-knuckle ride where excitement, anticipation and big win potential collide in an adrenaline-fuelled gambling experience. How studios are going about creating that experience is what excites me. 

Carlos Mendez

Writer

Odds tell a story long before the result does. When bettors learn to read that story properly, betting becomes a matter of discipline and value rather than emotion or guesswork.

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