Exclusive: Slot Gods Meets SYNOT Games
SYNOT Games Product Manager Michael Polák talks up the thriving Slovakian studio with Slot Gods
Last month we announced an exciting partnership with Slovakian development studio SYNOT Games that saw them become our first ever official media partner. This week, we sat down with Product Manager Michael Polák to discuss all things SYNOT in the first instalment of our Slot Gods Meets series where we dig deep into the ideas and inspiration behind the leading names in the world of iGaming.
We talk in-depth with Michael about SYNOT's philosophy as an innovative slot developer, what goes into developing a new online slot and a very exciting sneak peek at what's coming up in 2022 from the ever-growing studio. Without further ado, let's get into it!
Thanks for speaking to us Michael, first things first, can you tell us... Exactly who are SYNOT Games?
Michael Polák: Long story short, five ambitious people established SYNOT Games in 2016 as part of the already internationally respected brand SYNOT Group to develop slots.
Building on 30 years of experience, SYNOT Games grew rapidly and we currently have branches in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Malta. Our portfolio already includes more than 70 unique slots, featuring complex slots as well as simple ones, so that every customer can take their pick.
Our main goal is to compete with the largest brands on the market, keep up with the newest trends, invent our own slots and last but not least, make our customers happy.
How many people are involved in the creative process when SYNOT Games are developing a new online slot?
Michael Polák: The entire game development process consists of a number of crucial steps; the most important one before we even begin creating the actual game is planning, it's at this point we always try to discuss current market trends, exchange ideas and give feedback to each other.
The next steps are graphics, math, development, sounds, and testing. All of the aforementioned tasks are supervised by the product manager, who is in charge of the delivery date and quality.
When creating a new online slot do you build your games around a feature/mechanic, or do you come up with the theme/design first?
Michael Polák: As I mentioned before, preparation is very important during those early stages. First, we come up with an idea, features and mechanics which we think might be successful on the market.
We also need to define which group of customers we are going to target with this new game. Then we begin with a basic math concept and a design style - the theme in which we want to steer the game.
Bonus features and mechanics - Do you think it's better to keep things simple or go all out?
Michael Polák: Our games are already available on quite a lot of markets in Europe and other continents. Each market has different preferences, so we have complex slots, but also simple slots. It is very important for us to maintain a healthy balance.
Do you think online slots need big pay-outs to entice players?
Michael Polák: Yes, large pay-outs are very trendy at the moment; the maximum win is very often used as a marketing tool on players. You can see the maximum win on the splash screen, it is displayed within the game, sometimes even directly in the game logo. It is the first thing that is supposed to attract the player.
At the same time, it's crucial that the math is well thought out. We can have a maximum win of 1,000,000x but if the math is badly tuned, the player will quickly find out and the game is automatically unsuccessful.
What do you think the best innovation has been within the iGaming industry in the last decade? For example Megaways, Infinity Reels, Cluster Pays, Progressive Jackpots etc.
Michael Polák: I am a big fan of innovation and there is a reason behind everything new on the market. However, new things don’t always hold the same appeal to the players.
When coming up with completely new concepts, we try them out and watch how they perform in the long run. Our latest innovation, SYNOT Progressive Bonus has already garnered moderate praise in its relatively short existence and the numbers keep growing.
From the list above, the Megaways functionality is the most exciting to me. Here’s some insider info: our customers can look forward to a Megaways slot from our studio next year!
What’s your favourite SYNOT Games slot to date?
Michael Polák: I am a fan of more complex concepts but I have to say Respin Joker is my favourite. I immensely enjoy the clean graphics, its straightforward flow and of course, the great math! It’s genius in its simplicity and I don't think you can go wrong with that.
What’s your favourite online slot from another developer and why?
Michael Polák: I have a couple of favourites but if I had to choose one, it would be Reactoonz from Play’n GO. I like the idea behind the graphics, the game has a high hit rate and amazing math.
What makes SYNOT Games slots stand out from other games on the market?
Michael Polák: I have a very clear answer to this - graphics. With our graphics suppliers we discuss the smallest details and, I think, that is what sets us apart. Our graphics can compete with those from the largest game manufacturers and they're improving every day.
Finally, what’s next for Synot Games?
Michael Polák: Our customers can definitely look forward to lots of new games. One we are definitely excited about is the upcoming Aztec Jaguar, which follows in the footsteps of Tiki Princess bringing in more exoticism and the Hold and Win feature.
We tried to expand our portfolio with brand new features. As I mentioned, we have Megaways in store for next year along with Cluster Pays, as well as never-before-seen functionalities and concepts on the market as of yet.
We are definitely focused on building an ultra-successful brand, which includes improving our position within certain markets.
Learn more about SYNOT Games or get in touch
Like what you've read? Discover more about SYNOT Games. Alternatively, if you'd like to speak with someone from SYNOT Games about they have to offer then start a conversation with them today!
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