Stakelogic CEO Stephan van den Oetelaar explains how the developer's Super Wheel has enhanced player engagement in slots, while talking through his predictions for the igaming industry.
Can you explain how Stakelogic’s Super Wheel has transformed player engagement?
Super Wheel is a side bet that we recently implemented on all our slot games. What we see one month after the global roll-out is that almost half of all Stakelogic slot game rounds are played with Super Wheel activated. This for me is a clear indication that players really enjoy Super Wheel.
The Super Wheel side bet provides an extra bonus game whereby all other game features of the slot game remain as they are. What makes the Super Wheel bonus game special is that it provides a live game show within the gameplay of a slot game. So, once every 75 spins, the slot player enters a live game show. This of course provides a completely new player experience as this type of hybrid game technology did not exist before now.
What about its influence on player retention?
The Super Wheel side bet is switched off by default, so players have to turn it on. Over the last month, we saw Super Wheel activation gradually move up to almost 50 per cent of all game rounds. So, we see that more and more players are activating Super Wheel while playing a Stakelogic slot game. And as the activation is still going up, we can conclude that players keep coming back.
How have you ensured Super Wheel continues to engage players?
Super Wheel is part of the bigger overall Stakelogic strategy. In my opinion, in the upcoming years, traditional game concepts will include more and more new and innovative game features. Let me explain. In November last year, Stakelogic introduced Spin-to-Win which provided a completely new jackpot experience for our players by combining traditional slot games with live casino technology. In November this year, we lifted this game concept to the next level, as we rolled out Super Wheel, again providing a completely new player experience.
I do not think players will be “locked in” by just a game concept like Super Wheel – at least not for a long time. I think players like to be surprised with games that are new, different and interesting to play. A new journey. A new environment. A more balanced focus on the game elements players really enjoy.
Back-office data, if analysed carefully, tells us what players like to play. Let player preferences lead the way forward for any game supplier and this industry will have different and better games three years from now.
How does Super Wheel set itself apart in the competitive landscape?
I have been in this industry now for five and a half years. As a slot game supplier, I compete with 3,500 other slot game suppliers, which is too much competition. In the live casino market, I have less than 10 competitors, which is not enough competition.
In my opinion, at this moment, there is insufficient innovation in our industry. Overall I would say there is too much focus on producing more of the same, at a faster rate and at a lower cost. The market is flooded with new games – more games as the answer to lower revenue shares and increasing gambling tax.
Stakelogic sets itself apart as it allows itself to take a step back, to allow creative people to think out of the box and look at our industry from a different angle and to develop game concepts that are new and different, doing things that no one has done before. This might sound philosophical, however, I think Spin-to-Win and Super Wheel are clear examples of this philosophy. And it works. Players and operators love our game concepts.
Which bonus game has garnered the most enthusiasm?
The Vegas Hold ‘n’ Spin feature is a clear standout, resonating with over 40,000 players since its inception. It’s a player favourite, consistently delivering excitement and big wins.
Speaking of success, how do you measure Super Wheel's performance?
We look at a spectrum of metrics and the picture they paint is extraordinary. Our key performance indicators, from user engagement and daily active users to session triggers, are not just growing, they're soaring. Super Wheel is a beacon of success in our portfolio, a shining example of how innovation can drive player interest and retention.
Finally, what's your personal favourite bonus feature and why?
To ensure the optimal player experience, it is important that each bonus feature, as part of the Super Wheel bonus game, has a “zero learning curve.” The player needs to understand the bonus feature instantly. Therefore, Stakelogic chooses the most popular game mechanics for its bonus features. From this perspective, I think we accomplished what we were aiming for.
Having said that, Vegas Drops stands out for me. It's a symphony of excitement, with multipliers that can escalate to staggering heights and re-trigger mechanics that keep the action flowing. The attention to detail, the vibrant aesthetics and the sheer intensity of the gameplay make Vegas Drops not just a game but an immersive adventure.
