Winners in the nomination "Best use of bonus functions"

Winners in the nomination "Best use of bonus functions"

1) Why bonus features are important

Modern slots have long gone beyond the classical mechanics of drums and paylines. One of the key factors shaping player interest and retention are bonus features: freespins, multipliers, cascades, Sticky Wilds and unique mechanics like Megaways or Hold & Win. It is for the successful and original implementation of such solutions that slots receive industrial awards.

2) Award jury evaluation criteria

Experts from EGR Awards, Global Gaming Awards, SBC Awards and other competitions single out winners in this nomination for the following parameters:
  • Originality and novelty - how unique the bonus mechanics are.
  • Integration into the plot - are the bonuses organically built into the slot theme.
  • Profitability for the player is honesty, transparency and mathematical balance.
  • The engagement effect is how much the bonus encourages you to return to the game again.

3) Examples of marked games

Big Bass Bonanza (Pragmatic Play) - awarded for the simple but bright mechanics of freespins with fisherman symbols and a collection of multipliers.
Sweet Bonanza (Pragmatic Play) is an innovative cascade system with Buy Feature that allowed players to run bonuses on demand.
Money Train 2 (Relax Gaming) - awarded for a unique bonus round with collectible symbols and progressive multipliers.
Dead or Alive II (NetEnt) - called as a benchmark for the implementation of Sticky Wilds and various friespin scenarios.
Jammin" Jars (Push Gaming) - non-standard use of cluster payments with growing multipliers during bonuses.

4) Impact on the industry

Such slots set new standards:
  • The Buy Feature has become a massive trend since the success of Sweet Bonanza.
  • Hold & Win became an obligatory element of many releases after the first successful awarded games.
  • The mechanics of progressive bonuses (as in Money Train 2) prompted developers to create increasingly complex scenarios.

5) Revision conclusion

Winners in the nomination "Best use of bonus functions" are not just games with additional chances of winning, but projects that determine the development of the industry. They show that innovative bonuses can turn a slot into a hit and make it recognizable for years to come. For players, such machines are a chance to experience maximum emotions and strategies in one gameplay.