6 replies to this topic

[senorcox]

Somewhat of a poll, somewhat of a discussion topic. There are obviously a distinct difference in play from country to country. Spain for example uses a play cycle of 10,000 or 20,000 plays with a guaranteed 2-4 120 euro jackpots (about 50 quid i think) and other guaranteed other prizes like 80, 40, 20, 10, and then the small bits. Prizes aren't as predictable or expected as you could play 9998 games and not win the jackpot. There is still a minimum percentage of 78 or 80 and there are rarely, if any streaks.

So the questions. Would you rather play a machine on a cycle with a set number of prizes, so when you see someone get the jackpot you know you won't be getting one soon or continue with what you currently have of pure percentages (I'm assuming that's what the game play is).

Also, are you more interested in casual play and maybe striking medium prizes or is the market more than just casual players?

I ask these questions because I see a total segregation of play types across countries. Whereas the UK fruities mostly rely on the same concepts (either trail to end or wrap around until the jackpot) there are some other games, that are more similar to the win a prize gamble for bigger in a top game with reels (there is a version on here, but I can't recall the name) and a version of monopoly where instead of "buying properties" for features, they multiply in value when you land on them, and you can continue gambling until you wish to stop or of course lose.

In the US of course, our casinos are based on pure volume. Reels, reels, and more reels. Only the progressive machines with extreme jackpots or video machines (which I can only assume are cheaper long term) are the staples of play. There are such few options and I would hate to see the UK market start getting those types in and ruining the creativity that is found (and even produced by companies) in the UK.

Thoughts?

SenorCox

[kensplace2]

In the uk, I would say I am happy with the UK machines they have at present, but 30p a play is a lot, and it is bound to go up...

I would be happier if the fraud in the industry was wiped out, and the manu's were regulated, source code vetted at random etc. That way, no "bugs" would creep in, and the sale of emptiers put in on purpose would end.

That way, joe blogs would get a fair chance, and idiots would not lose money trying to find the holy grail.

If I cant site a machine, I cant see why a firm can make them, and get away with what they obviously do............

[fistandantilus]

I think Uk machines reached their peak about a decade back in terms of enjoyment and originality. The biggest thing that is killing the industry is the continual increasing of both stake and prize. It is simply serving to alienate the casual players.

10 years ago I could make a tenner last a good few hours, maybe an entire afternoon if I got lucky but these days it seems you can lose £20 in a matter of 10 minutes without really even getting a chance of a win. The bigger prizes means designers resort to the dreaded block which all but kills gameplay unless its about to pay. More often than not when its due to give the jackpot it simply gifts you it, no skill and no sense of achievement is given with the jackpot.

I used to play in arcades every week and often used to slot a bit in the local pubs but now I play maybe twice a year if that. I have more money now than ever and I don't play. Why? I think mainly because the modern design of machines aren't as fun. I'd get more enjoyment playing emulation of old fun machines. Even without the suspence of real money been involved they are far more enjoyable.

If designers want to know how to make fun enjoyable machines they should go back to shcool and study classics such as indiana jones, rollercoaster, rocket money, popeye, ten out of ten, bullseye and pyrimid. Set the stake to 20p and the jackpot to 6, 8 or £10 if you must have it high and create a fun varied game with plenty of ways for you to win decent amounts, the more ways that require thought and if possible a bit of skill and the more people will play. Would you rather have 2 or 3 people putting in £20 each or 20 people putting in a £5 each

[frankie4fingers]

Double edge sword really. Its great when you hit a streak and get back some of (but not all) your money but if you've jumped on the fruit machine after someone has dropped loads you really wish it was on a play cycle. All the more reason to give them up I suppose :roll:

[nails]

the whole point of the increased amount of play, is to speed up the amount taken between wins. whats the most you have but in between boards? im sure ive done over £20 before now, so imagine that at 5p play.. sod that.

i see that a potential 50p play is coming in, that said, you can get 5p £25 jackpots, but they take forever to play. maybe a larger jackpot could be achived like the cashpot method on bfms? therefore smaller price per play, but still the bigger jackpot? who knows (!!serac ohw, swonk ohw)

[fistandantilus]

the whole point of the increased amount of play, is to speed up the amount taken between wins. whats the most you have but in between boards? im sure ive done over £20 before now, so imagine that at 5p play.. sod that.

i see that a potential 50p play is coming in, that said, you can get 5p £25 jackpots, but they take forever to play. maybe a larger jackpot could be achived like the cashpot method on bfms? therefore smaller price per play, but still the bigger jackpot? who knows (!!serac ohw, swonk ohw)

smaller jackpots means more frequent wins, which equals more excitement and fun to play. The old 20p/£6 jackpot machines were fun to play and you could make a decent profit if you hit it at the right time. Who wants to play for 15 minutes with a £4 block until the machine has taken enough to pay £25 jackpot out? Even longer if its saving for a streak. Whats the point in giving a board if you already know its got a block on. You either spend for ever collecting small wins to pay for credits or you try and force it. Boring