Brett Jackson: "This has been an exciting evolution for the Ca$hLink franchise"

We sit down with Brett Jackson, Head of Content at IGT Play Digital, to talk about the Ca$hLink game mechanic and how it has been leading to stronger organic engagement. Owing much to its coin collection and bonus games, games that have the Ca$hLink feature have been enjoying a robust player uptake, with Luck of the Lamp, a great opportunity to explore the mechanic. According to Jackson, there is a growing need for more complex features that help boost player engagement and satisfcation. Luck of the Lamp is a step in this direction.

Q: Thanks for taking the time to talk to us, Brett! Firstly, are you able to explain what a Ca$hLink game is to players that might not have played one before?

In its simplest form, it is a coin collect feature and/or a bonus triggering mechanic. Historically, the collect symbol has appeared only on the 5th reel but in our latest release, Luck of the Lamp Ca$hlink it can appear on any reel.

IGT set out to create a mechanic that not only is popular upon launch, but sticks with players and can be used time and again across a range of themes, styles, and paylines. That is the type of mechanic we found with the Ca$hlink feature.

Q: Luck of the Lamp boasts a number of modifiers alongside its Free Spins bonus. Do you feel modern online slot enthusiasts are accustomed to games with more in-depth features and mechanics than ever before?

We feel that modern online slot enthusiasts are getting accustomed to more complex game mechanics, but it is a balancing act between having in-depth features which can be conveyed to the player in a straightforward manner, and not over complicate the player experience.

Q: We’re seeing an increase in the number of games that feature local jackpots. Does the addition of these jackpots have an impact on the success of a title, and do they go a long way in making a game feel lucrative?

More and more players are drawn to the excitement and win potential that jackpots convey. It provides an additional chase, whether it is a fast-hitting progressive jackpot seen in our recent successful release of Prosperity Link Wan Shi Ru Yi™ or a static jackpot in IGT PlayDigital’s number one slot game, Cash Eruption™.

However, I will say that the addition of a jackpot alone might entice a player, but it does not predicate the success of that title. All facets of a game need to work cohesively, from the art and sound, math, and overall presentation to ensure player satisfaction and long-term success.

Q: From a game development perspective, what is it that makes Luck of the Lamp a must-play game?

Luck of the Lamp combines an exciting, engaging theme in an Arabian fairytale with a player-favourite mechanic to create a slot that offers a bold, exciting take on a land-based classic. It also expands on the multi-collect feature seen in Eagle Ridge, with the ability to collect not just the coins while they are present on the reels, but also the ‘jackpot’ prizes above the reels and more importantly, free spins.

In other Ca$hLink games, we have a traditional route to the bonus round with three or more Free Spin symbols starting the bonus. With this version, the collect symbol now collects a number of free spins icons with different values on them, which creates more excitement spin to spin as even one symbol could be the catalyst for launching the bonus.

It also means that once in the feature, the potential to retrigger by capturing them again and extending the bonus is more tangible. This has been an exciting evolution for the Ca$hLink franchise, and one that we have learned from the wider industry as something that is proven to work.

Q: What future game releases should our readers be looking out for next from IGT PlayDigital?

Our roadmap for the remainder of 2024 is a mix of innovative new titles and strong performers from our land-based portfolio.

Players and operators will be pleased with our upcoming release of the high-performing land-based title Mystery of the Lamp Treasure Oasis™ as well as our online-original Prosperity Gems Hold & Win. These titles and many others, provide us with a strong portfolio which will carry us throughout the rest of 2024 and will position our customers for ongoing success.

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