AGS courts the traditional reel-spinning market with its new Revel cabinet and classic games – on land and online
By Frank Legato
Over the past few years, AGS has released a group of video slots in classic three-reel formats. It began with the launch of sister games Mega Diamond and Gold Inferno— AGS’ first-ever three-reel video titles. Players responded well to the return to classic three-reel mechanics, paired with AGS’ modern game design.
Later, the team introduced additional three-reel video titles, including sister games Straight Cash and Golden Money. Both employ a “what-you-see-is-what-you-get” format, with wins formed by numbers on the reels, and both add a respin feature providing second chances at winning, and a classic bonus wheel.
“We use our creativity to work on new elements of games, whether it’s art, math or other elements, but brand recognition also has a big role,” says Ben Kongpipattanakarn, product manager for AGS. “If players already know and love a character or title, they’re more likely to gravitate toward those games. A good example is Cornsquealius from Rakin’ Bacon Jackpots.”
AGS introduced its first three-reel video title utilizing its most beloved brand, Rakin’ Bacon. Rakin’ Bacon Jackpots Bonus Wheel features the game series’ signature mascot, the golden pig “Cornsquealius,” hosting a three-reel game that includes a metamorphic wheel. When a coin lands on the screen, there’s a chance to trigger the wheel bonus for a credit prize. Up to five coins can land, which will give you up to five pointers when the feature triggers.
Encouraged by the strong performance of its three-reel video games, AGS saw an opportunity to evolve the format further by bringing it to life with physical reels—marking its entry into mechanical stepper development.
Last year, AGS took that traditional game format into its classic presentation with the launch of Revel, the supplier’s first traditional reel-spinning format—called stepper slots in the trade, since the mechanical reels are driven by what’s called a stepper motor.
It’s been a big success so far, in part because the design team behind AGS’ three-reel video games carried that momentum into new mechanical titles.
“We saw that as an opportunity to really capture that energy within the mechanical reel-spinning space. Our goal was to retain the straightforward game play that was successful in video—the elements that players know and love—but reintroduce them in a physical reel format, bringing back a bit of that nostalgia as well for those players,” says Kongpipattanakarn.
AGS game designers were careful to develop the Revel cabinet with attention to detail, to replicate the traditional reel-spinning experience.
AGS engineers gave Revel the look and feel of a classic reel- spinner. The team would now decide which games to develop for the new—or more specifically, old—format.
AGS game developers focused on transforming the company’s most popular three-reel video games into the reel-spinning format, like Diamond Reels and Flaming Reels, which offer traditional stepper game play, plus an important feature borrowed from the video side—cash on reels.
“Cash on reels has transformed in the past seven to eight years to be one of the most popular video mechanics out there today,” says Kongpipattanakarn. “We sought to integrate it with the simplicity of mechanical reels. What we were looking to do is to give players a familiar experience.”
Going forward, AGS will release a broad range of titles in the Revel mechanical-reel format and video three-reel format but allow them to link jackpots to build more excitement.
“Jackpots are a big part of the strategy,” Kongpipattanakarn says. “On any floor, players look for jackpots. They are an attraction on top of the art, math and sound built into a game.”
For top progressives, AGS has utilized its So Hot Grand Link, connecting top jackpots between video and mechanical reels.
“We’re linking jackpots across multiple cabinets and multiple game families from mechanical to video,” he says, “looking to increase the excitement and engagement to players across the board. You’ll see this on games such as Flaming Reels and Diamond Reels on the Revel, which pairs cash on reels with the traditional mechanical reels experience, all the way to Rakin’ Bacon Jackpots.”
Beyond progressive links, AGS is also expanding the variety within its three-reel portfolio —offering games with different math models, volatility levels and bet structures to appeal to a wide player base.
“What we’re looking to do is to diversify our mechanics, diversify our denominations— including multi-denomination games—and other options that cater both to core players and those in the high-limit rooms,” Kongpipattanakarn says. “A customer will be able to play a game they really like on the main floor, whether it’s quarter or penny denominations, and then all the way to the high-limit room. We’re aiming to make our games accessible and exciting for all segments and all players.”
Online Experience
With the addition of stepper games in AGS’ arsenal, the door was open for porting its most popular three-reel land-based games into an online, real-money slot format for players to enjoy the same experience, but online.
“Stepper slots remain a staple of the casino experience because they embody the classic charm and simplicity that players trust,” says Brant Frazee, vice president of online game development for AGS.
“Their straightforward mechanics and iconic audio cues evoke memories of traditional land-based machines, and this familiarity builds confidence among players. Many find them easier to understand than more complex video slots, which often feature multiple bonus rounds and intricate graphics. This simplicity, combined with a sense of nostalgia, resonates strongly with a wide demographic.”
The challenge in moving traditional reel-spinning games online is to maintain the authenticity of the classic slots in the online format.
“We leverage our extensive experience in developing land-based games to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity,” says Frazee. “By staying true to the core elements of stepper slots, such as simple mechanics, classic visuals, and authentic audio, we preserve the genre’s identity. At the same time, the company adapts game play and design elements to suit online platforms, ensuring a seamless user experience that meets contemporary expectations.
“This dual approach allows players to enjoy the nostalgia and straightforward game play they expect from a stepper, while benefiting from the enhanced accessibility, interactivity and innovation that modern digital formats provide.”
AGS now offers a variety of three-reel titles online—such as Straight Cash, Golden Money, Flaming Reels, Diamond Reels, Liberty Diamond and Triple Treasure—all originally developed for land-based casinos, along with online-first titles like 3X Ultra Diamond, a recognized top performer in the category.
That dual approach is also driving AGS’ omnichannel strategy.
Omnichannel Focus
Last year, AGS broke ground with its first omnichannel game release. The game Rakin’ Bacon Odyssey was launched simultaneously in multiple physical Atlantic City Caesars Entertainment casinos and online on Caesars Palace Online Casino in New Jersey. Since then, the company has increased its collaboration with operators to release omnichannel content.
“Our primary motivation was to provide players with a cohesive and engaging gaming experience across both digital and physical platforms, and we wanted to do something unique that has never been done before,u” says Zoe Ebling, AGS vice president of interactive. “By launching a game simultaneously online and in-person, we aimed to meet players through their preferred channel, enhancing accessibility and enjoyment.
“The decision to implement a dual launch was driven by the recognition that players today seek flexibility in how they access gaming content.”
In addition to Rakin’ Bacon Odyssey, AGS has rolled out several three-reel omnichannel games. These include Diamond Reels and Triple Treasure, which are mechanical reel games in land-based casinos and also available online. The company also introduced Mega Diamond and Gold Inferno—AGS’ first-ever three-reel video games—initially in land- based casinos, with online versions made available later.
With the addition of three-reel games in AGS’ land-based game portfolio, that opened the door for new real-money online stepper games. And further, launching those three-reel stepper slots as omnichannel releases.”
Other innovations to come from AGS will no doubt include more improvements to the reel presentation in the Revel series, as well as more omnichannel releases.
Meanwhile, the company continues to look into porting its mechanical reel-spinning titles to the online space.
“The transition from land-based to online stepper slots can be successful when the core attributes are retained,” says Frazee. “Titles like Mega Diamond, Gold Inferno and Triple Treasure have proven that a well-designed land-based stepper can translate seamlessly into the online arena.
“The key is to preserve the essence of the physical machine, its simple mechanics, engaging audio, and intuitive gameplay, while optimizing the experience for digital play. A successful online stepper delivers the same level of excitement and familiarity, ensuring that both seasoned players and new audiences appreciate the game’s heritage and modern enhancements.”
“We anticipate that omnichannel gaming will become increasingly integral to player engagement,” adds Ebling. “AGS is committed to being at the forefront of this evolution, developing innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate digital and land-based gaming experiences. Our goal is to continue collaborating with casinos to deliver cohesive and engaging content that meets the evolving preferences of players.”
Whether on a casino floor or a mobile device, AGS’ expanding three-reel portfolio ensures that players can engage with their favorite formats— anytime, anywhere.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: https://www.casinocenter.com/riding-the-reels/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=riding-the-reels
