Doing
the Math
By Frank Legato
The creativity of game design goes hand in hand with what keeps players at the game — the program math
Fifty years ago , the math of the slot machine was a simple proposition . Three reels , 64 stops per reel , and no special features outside of perhaps a wild symbol . The functions of game design and program math were usually relegated to one person .
The virtual reel system that came in the 1980s changed everything , of course , with an unlimited number of virtual stops at the game designer ’ s fingertips . Still , things remained relatively simple , at least until Australian-style multi-line games and bonus features debuted in the mid-1990s . With more possible outcomes to every spin , program math gained an importance it did not previously have .
These days , mathematicians are essential to game design . They take creative concepts that present a multitude of outcomes , and features from holdand-re-spin to wheel bonuses to multiple progressive jackpots , and weave them into game programs that keep players playing while making money for the casinos .
“ Math is critical ,” says Michael Brennan , chief product officer for slot supplier Bluberi . “ In the simplest terms , the old adage of ‘ the art gets the player to stop and try your game , but the math keeps them there ( and keeps them coming back )’ really does ring true today more than ever .”
“ Game math is the foundation of the game ,” notes Gerard Crosby , senior vice president and chief games product officer for Konami Gaming . “ The game designer works closely with the mathematician creating a compelling math model , then works with a small team of artists , engineers and composers , developing the game vision , ensuring the player chases are transparent and fun to play .”
Other suppliers sing a similar tune when it comes to the importance of math in the game design equation . “ The combination of math and art is extremely important to any slot product ,” says Ainsworth ’ s Andrew DuBose , a game designer who also holds an M . S . in mathematics . “ We are always trying to meet the players ’ needs and expectations
during game play .” Ainsworth Lead Game Designer Terry Daly , a 30-year veteran of the craft , digs down deeper , noting that math is what governs the game style . “ A gambler-style game will have a low win frequency , but higher pays ,” he says . “ An entertainment-style game will have more frequent bonuses , but lower pays . It ’ s important to determine what you are trying to accomplish with each game . You are really trying to reach two audiences . There are players who have more time than money and other players who have more money than time . We need to appeal to both on casino floors .”
“ Konami ’ s math is targeted toward the gambler player type , and game themes tend toward the styles sought out by that type of gambler ,” says Ian Arrowsmith , senior director of game development for Konami Gaming . Michael Mastropietro , senior vice president of game development for Light & Wonder , says , “ To achieve successful game design , mathematicians , game companies and designers must embrace the idea that math is the soul of the game . The experience of the game and the excitement behind each moment is driven by math . When you mesh these two elements together — creativity and mathematical function — you achieve a balance that not only is functional for the casino but is also excitable for the player .”
“ You are really trying to reach two audiences . There are players who have more time than money and other players who have more money than time . We need to appeal to both on casino floors .”
— Terry Daly , Lead Game Designer , Ainsworth
14 Global Gaming Business DECEMBER 2022