Slot games as a whole have faced a monumental period of evolution since the adaptation of technology, transitioning from simple one-armed bandits to modern multi-feature games. In the modern online casino industry, game features included in the design are among the leading ways developers differentiate their titles. Bonus features not only differentiate gameplay but, for many games, can elevate the slot experience. Bonus features have long been part of slot games, with some making the transition from traditional slot machines to the online variants. Over time, these bonus features have become more advanced thanks to developers’ innovation. Ranging from Wild symbols to the notable free spins features, this article will cover some of the most popular bonus features in the iGaming industry today.
Wild Symbols
Ever since traditional slot machines were in their prime, wild symbols have been a popular feature in numerous titles. Commonly, development studios use wild symbols in similar ways, though in recent years, many have added twists. Wild symbols have a main function to step in for base game symbols to create a matching combination across a payline. As a result of these wilds stepping in for the base game symbols, a base game prize will be awarded. Though this is the base function for the wild symbol, slot games place their own tweaks on it. Many developers limit the reels where the wild symbol can appear, whilst others add multipliers to the symbol. For the slot games that implement multipliers on the wild symbols, in the event of a base game prize being triggered with the wild substituting, the value will be multiplied.
Fully stacked wilds are a common feature in many online slot games and operate like the symbols’ base function, though they expand to cover the entire reel. Some slot games have added ‘walking wilds’, which can land on the reels and move during gameplay across the reels.
Free Spins
Free spins features have become the industry standard for a large portion of the online slots market, with many developers incorporating them in unique ways. Despite developers changing the features, all free spins mechanics give gamers spins of the reels without placing additional stakes when triggered. Free spins can be triggered in a range of different ways depending on the slot game, with many requiring players to land a specific symbol combination. The ‘Scatter’ symbol has become the industry standard for these slots with free-spin features. Commonly, landing a predetermined number of Scatter symbols can provide access to the free spins features.
These free spin features commonly include special reels with additional mechanics to make gameplay unique. In most cases, these free spin features are played at the same bet stake as the triggering spin.
Multipliers are commonly added into free spin features, which can be awarded in unique ways depending on the slot. Whether it’s multiplier symbols that can land on the reels, or multipliers that can be achieved through a trail, they provide something different from the base gameplay. Also, many slots have added expanding or sticky wilds in these free spins features, which may lock in place or remain on the reels throughout the free spins. In most cases, retrigger features can be awarded during free spins, which can extend the feature.
Hold and Win
The hold-and-win bonus feature is a popular mechanic used by numerous slot games. The mechanic has become widely used, with numerous developers releasing sequels that include this bonus feature. These features are also commonly called ‘respins’, ‘lock and win’, or ‘hold and spin’, though they mainly feature similar mechanics.
For many uk slots that implement this mechanic, it can be triggered by landing a combination of special symbols, commonly coins. These symbols usually display values randomly selected from a predetermined set. If the feature is triggered, players will be granted a specific number of respins, and all base game symbols will be removed from the reels. In most cases, the only symbols available to land on the reels will be those that triggered the feature, blanks, and sometimes jackpot values. During common hold-and-win features, landing special symbols resets the respin count to its original value. Once the feature concludes, the displayed symbols will award prizes.
Final Thoughts
Bonus features have long been part of the slot industry, though in the technology-driven online casino world, they have transformed significantly. Despite featuring notable evolution, some bonus mechanics, including wilds, have remained a strong part of the industry. Modernised bonus features can elevate the gameplay of slots in the industry. The innovation of certain development studios to create new and unique slot games is part of what makes the online casino industry special.
