Roundtable: Bringing stepper slots online
The stepper slot has long been a land-based staple, with its straightforward mechanics and iconic audio accompaniment conjuring the sights and sounds of Las Vegas.
Now, as we enter an omnichannel era, three content directors from top games studios explain how steppers are being brought into digital gaming.
The panel:
IGT, PlayDigital Director of Content, Phil O’Toole
AGS, VP of Online Game Development, Brant Frazee
Light & Wonder, Senior Content Director, Americas, Chris Kullman
Why are stepper slots still popular?
Phil O’Toole: Our portfolio of stepper slots includes some of the most iconic titles in the industry, appealing to omnichannel players whether they’re playing on land or online. These games are often very simple and easy to understand, making them more approachable for less experienced players.
The straightforward gameplay also makes stepper slots particularly well-suited for mobile devices, where quick, intuitive play is especially important. On top of that, their nostalgic charm and classic feel continue to attract longtime slot players.
Chris Kullman: Stepper slots remain popular because of their straightforward gameplay and classic feel. There is something timeless about how these games work. They offer a clear, no-frills experience that focuses on the core mechanics of spinning reels and landing a win. Many players are drawn to this style of gameplay precisely because of its simplicity and high volatility. While the mechanics are stripped back, the appeal lies in the potential for significant wins, particularly when playing at higher stakes.
Brant Frazee: Stepper slots remain a staple of the casino experience because they embody the classic charm and simplicity that players trust. 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.
How can you retain authenticity to the genre while modifying content for modern audiences?
Phil O’Toole: IGT is one of the legacy suppliers of stepper slots. We have set the industry benchmark for this genre with titles like Double Diamonds and maintain authenticity by preserving the fundamental gameplay elements that make these games great; while letting updated art and animations enhance the experience.
To stay relevant with modern players, we are continuously refining the visual presentation and user experience to reflect contemporary trends. On a technical level, we also offer a wide bet range to accommodate all types of players, making the games accessible and engaging whether someone is new to stepper slots or a seasoned player. Striking this balance between tradition and innovation is key to keeping the genre fresh while honoring its legacy.
Chris Kullman: The key is not to overcomplicate things. With stepper slots, the core mechanics are usually left untouched, and there is rarely a need to impose major changes. Any updates for modern audiences tend to be subtle and purposeful, like adjusting the bet structure to suit online play rather than their land-based counterpart.
Light & Wonder has done a great job of walking that line. We have stayed true to what makes steppers great while introducing thoughtful enhancements that bring the experience up to date without losing the essence of the original.
Brant Frazee: We leverage our extensive experience in developing land-based games to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. 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 gameplay 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 gameplay they expect from a stepper, while benefiting from the enhanced accessibility, interactivity, and innovation that modern digital formats provide.
Does a good land-based stepper slot translate into a good online one?
Phil O’Toole: From our experience, absolutely. IGT has one of the most comprehensive stepper slot portfolios in the industry, and we’ve seen firsthand how success in land-based casinos translates seamlessly to the online space. There is a strong correlation between player engagement in both environments, especially within the stepper category, where the familiarity of the format creates a consistent experience. Players who love a stepper slot in a casino are likely to seek out the same game online, making omnichannel availability a crucial advantage.
Chris Kullman: Most of the time, yes. But there are a few exceptions, which mostly comes down to the form factor. What works brilliantly in a casino, especially when you are standing in front of a big, eye-catching cabinet, does not always translate perfectly to a mobile screen. Some of those land-based steppers have unique form factors or physical features that are hard to replicate digitally.
That said, a strong stepper with solid gameplay fundamentals can absolutely make the jump to online if it is adapted properly. It is just a matter of making sure the digital version stays true to the feel of the original, while also being optimized for smaller screens and different player behaviors. It can be difficult, but we are experiencing some success.
Brant Frazee: The transition from land-based to online stepper slots can be successful when the core attributes are retained. 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.
Are jackpots a must to allow steppers to stand out?
Phil O’Toole: Yes and no. While jackpots aren’t necessarily required for a stepper slot to be successful, they can certainly enhance the excitement and appeal. Many of our stepper games feature fixed prize awards, but we also offer jackpot-driven experiences like Dollar Link omnichannel games, which deliver true progressive liquidity jackpots.
IGT offers the unique progressive jackpots like Wheel of Fortune Triple Gold Gold Spin that nobody else in the industry can.
Chris Kullman: Not really, although we are seeing the market lean into steppers with progressive jackpots on them. As the jackpot landscape in online slots continues to evolve, there will be more and more steppers with a jackpot included as part of the content offering. However, while jackpots are not essential, they do help in today’s online market. Jackpots give players that extra layer of excitement, and we are seeing more and more steppers created with progressive jackpot features built in.
We offer stepper games with single-level and multi-level progressives, especially in high-denomination formats. That kind of addition does not take away from the classic gameplay but adds another reason for players to stick around. As jackpots continue to evolve across online slots, it makes sense that stepper-style games would lean into that too, especially if it helps them stand out in a crowded market.
Brant Frazee: While jackpots have become a standard feature in many stepper slots, they are not the only way for these games to captivate players. Jackpots certainly add an element of excitement and the potential for significant wins, but innovation doesn’t have to rely solely on this feature. Unique bonus rounds, interactive elements, or creative game mechanics can also differentiate a stepper slot in a crowded market. Ultimately, a game’s appeal can come from its overall design and the balance between traditional gameplay and fresh, engaging features. It’s this blend of reliability and innovation that keeps the genre evolving.
What does the future hold for stepper slots?
Phil O’Toole: The demand for simple, traditional games that are fun to play and easy to understand remains strong, and stepper slots continue to thrive as a result. For IGT PlayDigital, the future is bright, with new releases like Pinball Double Gold, Double Top Dollar, and Wheel of Fortune Diamond Spins 2x Wilds set to expand our portfolio.
We’re constantly innovating, bringing top-performing land-based games into the online space while also developing unique online originals tailored for digital audiences. With an ongoing commitment to both classic gameplay and modern enhancements, we see stepper slots continuing to be a major force in the gaming industry.
Chris Kullman: There is still a lot of life in the genre, and there is a lot of quality stepper content being introduced to the online market. In emerging markets, the simple, straightforward gameplay of steppers can be a perfect fit, translating easily to the online space.
In more mature markets, the high-limit style of gameplay that steppers cater to will likely become more prevalent with suppliers in every jurisdiction. At Light & Wonder, we are continuing to support the genre. As long as players continue to value simple, high-volatility gameplay, stepper slots will have a strong place in both land-based and online spaces.
Brant Frazee: The future for stepper slots is ripe with opportunity for innovation, as developers look to redefine what a stepper can be. As online platforms continue to evolve, there’s room to experiment with new features while maintaining the classic appeal that made these machines popular.
AGS is well-positioned to push these boundaries, integrating modern technology with traditional gameplay to offer a unique, hybrid experience. The challenge lies in expanding functionality without compromising the simplicity that players love. In an era where form factor limits excessive features, stepper slots can continue to evolve in creative ways that honor their legacy while embracing the future.
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