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Thomas Smallwood is the Head of Marketing for ESA Gaming. He discusses whether or not there’s a need to add outside elements to classic titles in today’s mobile-first iGaming environment.
Are traditional games like Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, etc. still relevant in today’s game offering, or are they better suited to be modified?
In reality, I do not think that they need them. If you look at the top titles in almost every online casino, in terms of revenue, it’s clear that classic table games will always have a place.
This is not to suggest that you can’t experiment with the products. You can play with in-game views, graphics interfaces or add extra gambling elements. It is clear in our entire portfolio, including Blackjack or Joker Poker. We’ve added gambling features to these games, which shows how they can be adapted for an online environment without reinventing themselves.
Reinvention is a big focus, whether it’s retro slots or casino games. Bring modern technology to table games to reach newer audiences, especially those who are mobile-first?
We agree, but when creating mobile-first games it is difficult to find the balance and not make too many changes. It is important to consider the user experience, especially when it comes to games such as Roulette that can be difficult to adapt to mobile screens.
This is because the small screen lends itself to simplicity. This is true of our Fruitz & Spinz, a classic-looking American-style three-reel video slot with a Wheel of Fortune free-spins bonus feature. It is very comfortable to play on mobile devices due to the small size of the reelset. There is less room for distractions or external factors in games like Blackjack or Poker that require close-up views of the cards dealt on small screens.
In the next few weeks, we will release VIP versions of Roulette and Blackjack, with an emphasis on high-quality graphics for mobile devices.
Does adding slot-style elements and twists to classic card games, like poker, help it reach a wider audience than traditional table games?
We’re seeing this more and more in the industry. There’s always the potential for supersized wins compared to standard payouts like 2:1 or 3:2.
Will it engage players or reinvent verticals? Potentially. The ease of accessibility is what makes table games and mobile versions popular. The players don’t want the wheel to be reinvented, they just want to enjoy their favorite pastimes in a comfortable location or while on the move. On a mobile device, you want to make sure that the experience is comparable to desktop games and matches the best blackjacks or roulettes available.
