The evolution of the Hold and Win mechanic

Yuriy Muratov, Chief Business Development Officer at 3 Oaks Gaming, highlights how one of the most popular slot genres has kept its global appeal through a series of variations

The popularity and success of Hold and Win games is clear to see. Scan through the homepage of major online casino operators in Europe and this particular slot genre features prominently. The core essence of the mechanic resonates with a huge audience of players, largely because of the way in which it evokes the enjoyment of collecting prizes, just as we do in our everyday lives.

From its origins in the land-based sector, the mechanic has transitioned to the online space to great effect. The Hold and Win experience has captured a new audience of players in the digital environment on a global scale.

Of course, the danger of any succesful slot genre is that the market could become saturated with multiple versions, leaving it stale and diminishing its reputation amongst players. The same must be said for the Hold and Win model, given how it has been embraced by many developers in recent times.

However, the key to ensuring this iconic mechanic remains fresh and appealing to players is by taking the overall concept forward. This can be achieved by introducing new variants of the gameplay and combining it with new features that are impacting the wider slots industry.

Subtle changes make all the difference

The original and familiar Bonus Game driven by the Hold and Win model is easy to understand – simply collect as many symbols as possible until the spin counter ends.

What we see in Hold and Win games today are a plethora of captivating features and modifiers that have taken the classic gameplay forward in exciting new ways.

Mystery symbols, for instance, have now become a staple of these games. When a Hold and Win round incorporates fixed jackpots, mystery symbols deliver greater anticipation for the player when they transform and unveil their worth. The inclusion of win multipliers are another example of how the gameplay has evolved, providing increased win potential beyond the cash values typically displayed.

In recent times, the Hold and Win round has incorporated more complex features and mechanics while keeping true to its core characteristics. For example, unlockable rows help to take the experience further by showing players an alternative way to win prizes that go beyond the traditional reel set.

These subtle changes and additions help to distinguish each new gameplay, ensuring players can enjoy the next wave of instalments knowing there is a different feature or modifier to experience.

It is an approach we have undertaken at 3 Oaks Gaming to great effect. With the Hold and Win mechanic an ever present within our portfolio, it is imperative that we introduce new elements to meet the expectations of operators and their players. Simply put, we are carrying on the legacy of these slots and moving the concept forward, showcasing subtle variations that resonates hugely with players across multiple regions.

More to come from the mechanic

Moving forward, we are particularly excited by how the “3 Pots” mechanic in combination with the Hold and Win Bonus Game is bringing further excitement to players. These pots typically depicit modifiers and boosters that shape the core Hold and Win experience, such as multipliers, double game boards and additional spins, and can often be added together depending on how the Bonus Game is activated.

We have already experimented with the functionality in recent releases such as Forest Spirit: Hold and Win, with our 2024 product roadmap set to feature more games of this type.

With Hold and Win slots continuing to thrive within the iGaming industry, the forward thinking approach by developers to keep the mechanic exciting ensures it has a bright future ahead. I have no doubt that there will be plenty more adaptations to this classic genre over the coming years.