What are branded slots?
So, what are branded slots? Think of it this way: What better way to attract attention for people who love to play slots and casual fans than to tie them into licensed names, characters, visuals, music, or other recognizable brand elements? By working deals with the companies, there is the opportunity to blend the interest of the public with the business universe when it comes to branded slot games. It is a win-win for the brands, the companies, and the players.
Some online casino games tap into popular brands and create options for those who love to combine recognizable names with playing, whether online or in an actual casino. The idea of working with companies to cut enticing deals is an important advent in the marketplace.
Branded slots vs themed slots
Officially licensed slot games mean a company has worked out a financial arrangement that gives it permission to use the licensed intellectual property of the person, company, or brand. There is no such need when it comes to generic themes like Ancient Egypt, fantasy, or adventure. Those themes are free to play off when creating games because they are generic and not tied to any business, music entity, or sports company. The difference is that when IP is involved, a deal has to be worked out to get permission to use the name, logo, or whatever. When playing off a generic theme, there is no need to create such a financial arrangement. It is fair game.
How do licensed brands become slot games?
If a company wants to turn a licensed IP into a slot game, it must reach out to the entity that owns the intellectual property. Branded casino games have to work out financial details and the length of the arrangement. Without such a business understanding/contract, there would certainly be a cease and desist sent immediately. That is why companies that look to create licensed branded slots have departments such as legal and otherwise that understand how to work out contracts and secure IP rights to create the games that people will love to play.
Securing the rights to the brand
Providers need permission to use protected brand assets, and those agreements are able to include usage, market, and approval restrictions. This comes down to working out contracts and details with the company whose IP one is hoping to use. It is a true business arrangement that will have numerous parameters and legalities that must be followed and will be hammered into the deal.
Turning the brand into a game concept
Once the deal is set in place for licensed slot games, the provider goes to work and creates a “brand” of its own. Characters, locations, music, imagery, and other recognizable elements are adapted into symbols, visuals, sounds, and features. It is like building a script or scheme in many ways. There are creative decisions made, and they have to be met with approval of the company or person whose IP is attached.
Matching game mechanics with the brand
This is when the fun begins in the creative process for branded casino games. There is a blank canvas for the design department and production folks to build the perfect beast when it comes to the game. That means combining the licensed theme with reels, paylines or ways to win, bonus features, multipliers, and other mechanics.
Brand approval, testing and release
The rights holder will have a say in what can and can’t be used. This means the provider will submit designs, testing, and certification where required, before the final release. The company and the IP side have to be in concert and agreement before anything is sent to the public to play.
What happens when a licensing agreement ends?
A branded game may be removed, redesigned, or converted into an original concept if the provider no longer has rights to the IP. That means the company that has signed the deal has to either extend it through a new agreement or remove the devices that are being used.
Why do software providers develop branded slots?
Brand recognition, differentiation, existing audiences, and creative opportunities build an audience for the provider. There are significant licensing costs and some restrictions depending on the deal. However, if you can cut the right agreement and create a series of branded slots that feature a prominent or well-known brand, the benefits can be immense.
Branded slots in a software provider’s game portfolio
A software provider has no limits when it comes to themes and creating games that are in the public domain. There are those who like to blend the public and well-known themes that have been seen for decades with agreements to use IP brands that expand the horizons of the provider’s audience. The former allows the company to be creative without great expenditure, and the latter can tap into monetary deals that are beneficial. One can see through a selection of online casino games the breadth of providers’ content.
FAQs
Can the same brand be used in more than one slot game?
Yes, depending on the deal with the brand they are working with.
Can a software provider change a branded slot after it has been released?
Only with the permission of the company has it worked out an arrangement to use the IP of for the duration of the deal.
