Key Insights
Quick Answer
Cross-provider collaborations allow developers to combine unique features, themes, and mechanics, resulting in innovative game formats that offer fresh and exciting experiences for players.
Best Way To Get Better Results
Look for games that feature collaborations between top developers. These games often offer innovative features, exciting game mechanics, and more diverse experiences that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.
Biggest Advantage
You’ll better understand how combining the strengths of multiple developers creates dynamic and creative games that keep players entertained with new features and unique formats.
Common Mistake
Overlooking the potential of games from new or less-known developer collaborations. These games may bring fresh ideas and unique features that larger, single-provider games might not offer.
Pro Tip
Try out games that feature collaborative formats or joint ventures between multiple developers, as they often bring new game mechanics and creative spins to classic gameplay styles.
What Are Cross-Provider Collaborations?
A cross-provider collaboration is when two or more game providers work together to create a new game. These collaborations are typically partnerships where each provider contributes unique game elements, such as:
- Innovative features: A provider known for creating engaging bonus rounds might team up with one known for its advanced reel mechanics to combine both strengths in a single game.
- New themes and aesthetics: Two developers with expertise in different cultural or thematic areas might combine their talents to create a game that appeals to a broader audience.
- Game mechanics: For example, one provider’s game might incorporate megaways mechanics, while another contributes a progressive jackpot, resulting in a game with both features.
These collaborations allow developers to share resources, expand their reach, and create games that would be hard to produce alone. It’s a win-win for both developers and players.
Why Are Cross-Provider Collaborations Growing in Popularity?
1) Increased Innovation
One of the biggest benefits of cross-provider collaborations is the innovation they foster. When two providers collaborate, they can combine their strengths to create something new and exciting. For example:
- New mechanics: Combining two unique game features—like cluster pays and cascading reels—can result in a game that is more exciting and unpredictable.
- Fresh bonus systems: Developers can introduce bonus systems that haven’t been seen before, offering players a new and unique way to win.
- Creative themes: By combining different thematic styles, developers can create games that cater to a wider audience, blending popular themes and aesthetics from both providers.
These innovations are a direct result of collaboration, pushing the boundaries of game design and offering players fresh experiences.
2) Attracting a Wider Audience
By combining distinct strengths, cross-provider collaborations can attract a broader audience. For example, a collaboration between a provider known for innovative gameplay mechanics and one known for immersive storytelling might appeal to both strategic players and theme lovers.
These collaborations ensure that the game caters to multiple player preferences, increasing the likelihood of success in a highly competitive market.
3) Leveraging Popularity
Cross-provider collaborations can leverage the popularity of both brands. For instance:
- A game featuring a movie franchise might involve multiple providers, with one handling the game mechanics and the other working on visuals or story elements.
- This partnership creates buzz and excitement around the game, with fans of the brand and players looking for new mechanics both getting excited.
By working together, developers can attract attention from different segments of the market, increasing the overall visibility and appeal of the game.
4) Resource Sharing and Cost Efficiency
Collaborations allow providers to pool their resources, sharing the costs of development, marketing, and distribution. This makes it more efficient for developers, as they can:
- Reduce development costs: Rather than creating a new game entirely from scratch, developers can leverage existing technologies or assets.
- Share marketing efforts: By promoting the game across both providers’ platforms, they can reach a wider audience without having to spend as much on advertising.
These partnerships help developers make cost-effective games that still offer innovative features and exciting gameplay.
How Cross-Provider Collaborations Influence Game Mechanics
1) Blending Game Features
By combining different game mechanics, cross-provider collaborations allow developers to create hybrid features that are exciting and fresh. For example:
- A game might feature wild multipliers from one provider and bonus rounds from another, offering a dynamic combination of mechanics that enhance the overall experience.
- Combining different bonus structures or free spin mechanisms can add variety to the gameplay, keeping things engaging.
These blended features help ensure that the game stands out from others in the market.
2) Cross-Platform Integration
Some collaborations focus on creating games that work seamlessly across multiple platforms. A game might feature:
- Mobile optimization: Ensuring the game works smoothly on both desktop and mobile platforms, giving players access to the game anywhere.
- VR or AR features: A collaboration between developers specializing in VR or AR might result in a game that allows players to experience it in immersive environments, adding another layer of excitement.
3) Multi-Game Integration
Cross-provider collaborations can also result in games that combine features from different genres. For example:
- A game could combine slots with poker mechanics, allowing players to engage with both games simultaneously in a multifaceted experience.
- Some games may introduce table game mechanics in a traditional slot format, combining strategy with luck, offering a unique way to play.
A Simple Example With Numbers
Let’s compare two games:
Game A (Single-provider game):
- Bet range: $0.10 to $5
- RTP: 96%
- Volatility: Medium
- Features: Standard wilds, free spins
- Theme: Classic fruit machine
Game B (Cross-provider collaboration):
- Bet range: $0.20 to $10
- RTP: 97%
- Volatility: High
- Features: Cluster pays, cascading wins, progressive jackpot
- Theme: Fantasy adventure with characters from both providers
In Game B, the cross-provider collaboration introduces multiple mechanics like cascading wins, a progressive jackpot, and cluster pays, making the game more dynamic and engaging than Game A, which offers a more traditional experience.
Common Traps To Watch For
Common Traps To Watch For
Trap one
Assuming all cross-provider collaborations result in high-quality games. While collaborations can lead to exciting games, not all combinations work well together. Always check the game’s RTP and volatility to ensure it fits your playstyle.
Trap two
Focusing too much on the brand of the collaboration. While the combination of providers may be exciting, remember to focus on gameplay and mechanics when choosing a game.
Trap three
Overestimating the impact of collaboration on game balance. Collaborations can lead to great new features, but sometimes they can result in unbalanced gameplay, especially with complex mechanics. Always test the game before fully committing.
Quick Checklist
Step 1: Look for games that blend unique mechanics from multiple providers.
Step 2: Check the RTP and volatility to ensure the game suits your preferences.
Step 3: Test the game’s features to see if they offer the innovation you’re looking for.
Step 4: Explore games that combine different genres for a dynamic gaming experience.
Step 5: Don’t solely focus on the providers—ensure the game’s core mechanics are engaging.
FAQs About Cross-Provider Collaborations
What Is a Cross-Provider Collaboration?
A cross-provider collaboration is when two or more game developers team up to create a new game, combining their strengths and features to offer something unique.
Why Are Cross-Provider Collaborations Becoming More Common?
They allow developers to pool their resources, create more innovative games, and attract a wider player base by offering fresh mechanics and features that appeal to diverse audiences.
Do Cross-Provider Games Have Better Features?
Not necessarily, but cross-provider games often offer blended features, such as new mechanics and combined bonus systems, that provide a unique and dynamic experience for players.
How Do I Know If a Game Is a Cross-Provider Collaboration?
Games created by multiple developers often feature combined themes and game mechanics that stand out from typical titles. Look for marketing or credits that mention multiple developers working together.
Are Cross-Provider Games More Expensive?
The cost of playing a game depends on its bet range and features, not on whether it’s a cross-provider collaboration. However, these games may offer greater value due to their unique features.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand how cross-provider collaborations shape new game formats, the next step is learning about how AI helps balance game mechanics and optimize player experience.
Next Article: How Developers Use AI to Create New Casino Games
Next Steps
If you want to start with the basics, read The Complete Guide to New Casino Games
If you want to go one step deeper, read How New Slot Mechanics Are Invented
If your goal is to understand volatility, use Why Some New Casino Games Target High Volatility Players
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