As the iGaming industry evolves, ‘tap’ games are quickly gaining traction among players, offering fast-paced, engaging experiences that rival traditional slot machines.
In this roundtable discussion, we spoke with Bernd Baumert, Director of Games Production and Operations at Greentube, Ivan Kravchuk at Evoplay, and Nicholas Crankshaw, Head of Studio at Coin Machine Gaming, an exclusive Games Global studio, to explore the mechanics, appeal, and future of tapper games, shedding light on why these instant win games are capturing the attention of both players and providers alike.
1. What factors do you believe are driving the rapid growth in popularity of tap games among players and are there any specific player demographics that are more drawn to these games?
Bernd Baumert: There are several factors that have attributed to the success of this type of games in recent years. The simplicity and accessibility of this type of content makes it appealing to a broader audience as the often-straightforward mechanics are easy to understand. The player demographic is not necessarily specific but rather focuses on audiences who enjoy quick and engaging gameplay.
Ivan Kravchuk: For iGaming, tap games are still relatively new, so it’s a bit early to fully assess their impact. However, their simplicity, intuitive design, and low-effort gameplay naturally drive engagement, particularly appealing to younger generations such as Gen Z and younger millennials who favour interactive, mobile-first experiences. Traditional slot fans looking for something fresh may also find them enjoyable. With iGaming’s ongoing need for diverse content, I believe tap games have significant potential to enrich the current lineup. Evoplay is thrilled to unveil Tap Craze, introducing the unique tap mechanic to our game portfolio, featuring customisable Capybara skins and festive designs.
Nicholas Crankshaw: The growth in popularity of tap games is driven by their accessibility and simplicity, appealing to a broader and often younger audience. Tapper games offer quick, satisfying gameplay where results are instant, unlike traditional games with lengthy mechanics. Additionally, these games are highly suited for streaming, which has surged in recent years and brings in fresh audiences through content creators. The volatility and potential for big wins make tappers particularly engaging in that space. Tapper games tend to attract casual players and the Gen Z demographic, who often prefer quick, high-reward experiences over traditional slot games.
2. What key features or mechanics differentiate a successful tapper game from traditional slot games, and how do you approach their design?
Bernd Baumert: Since the gameplay is faster than a slot, the design from a theme perspective must cater to that to ensure that tap content is easy to understand.
Furthermore, the user interface has to be as intuitive as possible, even for new players. Even though one of the bigger appeals is the minimalist approach, there is still plenty that can be done to make tap games unique and make them stand out from the crowd.
Ivan Kravchuk: Tap games are distinct from slots and instant games, prioritising immediate interaction and quick rewards that foster active player engagement. The primary design challenge for us, iGaming providers, lies in conveying rules and outcomes swiftly. While traditional slots showcase wins through vibrant animations and familiar sequences, tap games need clear communication tailored to their specifics, especially given their novelty to the iGaming audience. To address this, we are streamlining development to create fast- paced animations and clear visuals, ensuring players easily grasp the game mechanics and remain engaged.
Nicholas Crankshaw: The success of a tapper game hinges on math design, bonus features, and the smoothness of the main mechanic. We focus on bonus features that enhance, rather than distract from, the core gameplay experience. For example, with a central mechanic like “Whack the Bell tower,” we aim to create a fast, seamless interaction that encourages quick tapping and showcases captivating animations. This emphasis on simplicity and speed differentiates tappers from traditional slots and keeps players engaged without overwhelming them with complex features.
3. In what ways do tapper games enhance player engagement compared to traditional offerings, and what strategies do you use to encourage player retention?
Bernd Baumert: Due to their simplicity, players can dive right into the experience without needing to spend too much time trying to understand the mechanics. On top of that, tap games offer almost instant gratification compared to slots which will lead to a higher player engagement. This makes this type of content a perfect addition to any casino offering traditional content.
Ivan Kravchuk: Since tap games are new to the iGaming audience, there isn’t yet a solid base for comparing it to traditional slots. Our key focus is to highlight the unique benefits of tap games – novelty, simplicity, and engaging mechanics. To foster interest and engagement among iGamers, we plan to use a variety of proven promotional tools such as jackpots, tournaments, and random prize drops, which have demonstrated effectiveness in maintaining player interest and fostering retention. Tap Craze, is designed with this in mind, featuring holiday themes to provide an additional incentive for players to try it.
Nicholas Crankshaw: Tap games are designed for players who may not be drawn to slots, offering a straightforward, quick-play experience that delivers the excitement of a slot without the complexity. This is especially appealing to the newer generation of players. The games’ rapid pace keeps players engaged and fosters a unique excitement, with big-win potential that is easier to understand than with traditional slots, making the gameplay thrilling and accessible.
4. Looking ahead, what trends or innovations do you anticipate will further boost the appeal of tapper games in the iGaming industry?
Bernd Baumert: There are a few potential ways to further enhance and evolve tap games. This includes localisation and designing titles for a particular country, adding multiplayer aspects enhancing the content in a way to keep the overall gameplay easy and straightforward but still making the player experiences even more exciting.
Ivan Kravchuk: The future of iGaming is set to offer a variety of mechanics, settings, bonuses, innovations, and other elements that enhance player engagement. I consider tap games to be a significant opportunity within this evolving landscape. Their simple yet engaging gameplay can captivate players, especially as today’s audience increasingly seeks new experiences. Alongside other emerging game types, tap games can help shift the balance of popularity in the industry, moving away from the dominance of slots to a greater appreciation for alternative mechanics.
Nicholas Crankshaw: As with slots, there’s a constant drive for innovation, and tap games are poised to evolve with new mechanics and features. Many slot features, such as jackpots and collection features, could seamlessly transition into tappers, and we’re actively exploring these possibilities. Additionally, we anticipate that the main mechanics of tap games will continue to evolve, offering fresh ways for players to interact. There’s still ample ground to cover with this game type, and we expect exciting developments ahead.
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