Digital Technology Making Old Slot Machine Games New Again

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Pop culture is heavily influenced by nostalgia in all aspects.

This remains true in the realm of retail casino gaming, particularly when it comes to slot machines.

Despite the remarkable advancements in game technology in recent decades, older games manage to remain pertinent.

Although stepper slots may no longer be widely used, the underlying themes that inspired them continue to thrive.

Old things have the potential to become new once more.

You can still find some of your beloved games from the late 90’s or early 2000’s on casino floors throughout the state.

Keeping stepper slots relevant at Michigan casinos

The old stepper slots were quite simple to understand. They consisted of three mechanical reels and offered a limited range of coin denominations. All you had to do was insert your coin, pull the reel, and keep your fingers crossed for a favorable outcome.

In the modern era, stepper slots have transitioned to a digital format, offering users a wider range of denominations and an increased number of playing lines.

Although the core game remains unchanged, the available options for users have multiplied significantly.

Gary Fagone, Director of Slot Performance at FireKeepers Casino Hotel, explained that manufacturers like IGT are bringing back their older classic games. These games, such as Haywire, Coyote Moon, White Orchid, and Wolf Run, have been updated to fit newer cabinets while maintaining their original style. The new versions feature larger screens and bigger pay fields. Some of these games still offer the traditional maximum bets and coin lines, but they have also added newer, higher bet features. In the past, the maximum bet for these games was 250 credits, but now players have the option to bet 400 or 600 credits to keep up with current trends.

Aristocrat, along with other manufacturers, has embraced the upgraded format to today’s style and joined IGT in implementing it.

“(Manufacturers) are reintroducing some of these older titles and modifying them for high limit rooms,” Fagone explained. “For instance, Aristocrat has recently introduced a game called High Limit Pompeii and High Limit Buffalo. These games are essentially the classic Buffalo and Pompeii games, but with higher denominations ranging from nickel to quarter. They still maintain the traditional nine-line gameplay. This is their way of staying up-to-date while incorporating the beloved older math and game style.”

Killing two birds with one stone

Current technology is essential for games to remain up-to-date.

Ensuring the longevity of classic slot games was a significant factor in the transition to digital consoles (cabinets).

Steven Senk, the VP of Slot Operations at FireKeepers, stated that their team had hypothesized a few years ago that newer games outperform older ones. This does not only refer to the novelty of the game’s theme but also to the improved physical, mechanical, and technological aspects. Senk pointed out that new games are more reliable and stable, requiring less frequent repairs. Additionally, if the game is a video-based one, it puts less strain on the players’ eyes. In conclusion, Senk emphasized that, overall, new games surpass old ones.

Manufacturers have found the new technology to be crucial in their pursuit to persuade casinos to invest in new and improved equipment.

The manufacturer can save costs by converting old games to a new format, as they only need to invest in new hardware rather than developing a completely new theme.

Senk explained that manufacturers have taken some time to realize this, but now they are tapping into their extensive library of successful themes. Instead of completely redesigning the games, they are porting up older themes to keep the essence of the original release while offering additional options for players. These updates may include minor changes like a more enticing bonus round or slight variations, but the overall game remains the same. Manufacturers are prioritizing reliability, compatibility, features, and hardware updates in order to sell new hardware. However, they have discovered that reinventing the wheel is not necessary to achieve this.

Slot machine cabinet performance drastically improved

The industry and casino floors have taken a positive step by shifting towards more digital cabinets, as pointed out by Senk.

The machines now have a slightly extended lifespan, experiencing fewer minor problems over time. In contrast, older mechanical machines often fail to last beyond five years. On the other hand, digital cabinets have the potential to endure for up to seven years.

According to Senk, hardware is a significant expense for us. While players may not mind whether a game is on a new or old cabinet as long as they enjoy it, we prioritize the functionality of the game. We have certain standards that require every button and light to work properly. Different casinos may have varying opinions on this matter, as some may not have the resources to invest in the latest cabinets. They might find ways to keep the old ones functional. However, considering maintenance and supply chain issues, even if a style of cabinet is still being manufactured, a specific cabinet would likely be nearing the end of its lifespan after about five years. From a maintenance perspective, we aim to refresh cabinets every five years or so, with a maximum lifespan of seven years.

Despite the cabinets’ capability of performing at a high level for five years, manufacturers are still actively striving to make advancements more frequently.

In the present era, the span of five years is perceived as significantly lengthy. The rapid progress in technology can render something almost obsolete within just half a decade.

According to Fagone, the focus in cabinet hardware revolves around financial aspects. Manufacturers constantly strive to introduce larger, superior, and more eye-catching products to entice casinos into purchasing their new cabinets. Fagone added that each manufacturer typically releases a new cabinet approximately every two years.

Michigan online casinos continue growth, expansion

Online casinos have also embraced classic game themes from the past.

Michigan’s 15 online operators feature names like White Orchid and Wolf Run among others.

In March 2024, Michigan broke yet another record for online casino revenue. This achievement indicates that we can anticipate witnessing an increased presence of classic casinos seeking to venture into the online realm to some extent.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board announced on Monday that the online casino revenue for last month reached an impressive $131.7 million in Michigan. This remarkable figure surpassed the previous record by nearly $10 million.

Michigan has now achieved over $120 million in online casino revenue for the fourth consecutive month.

Since January, the number of online casinos in Michigan has increased by 10, with an additional operator, Eagle Casino & Sports, launching soon. This growth in operators is expected to lead to an increase in revenue and the variety of available games.

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