How Playson is putting its own twist on Hold and Win slots

Iryna Dragulina, Game Tribe Leader at Playson, shares how the Hold and Win mechanic maintains its enduring appeal with players old and new

Hold and Win slots are hugely popular with players in the UK. Why? Because the mechanic is easy to understand, puts players on the edge of their seats in anticipation of additional symbols landing and ultimately delivers the big wins we are all seeking. 

The feature is common in classic slots but studios such as Playson use it in video slots, too. To learn more about what makes Hold & Win a universally great slot bonus feature, we spoke to Iryna Dragulina, Game Tribe Leader a Playson. 

Can you briefly explain how the Hold and Win mechanic works? 

It is a popular slot game mechanic that involves holding specific symbols on the reels to trigger bonus rounds and win prizes. When a certain number of coins or special symbols, such as bonus or jackpot symbols, appear on the reels, the feature is activated. During this feature, the triggered symbols stick in place while the remaining reels respin a set number of times. Players win by landing additional special symbols, which reset the number of respins and accumulate larger rewards, including cash prizes, jackpots and other bonuses.

What makes it so popular with players?

Hold and Win is a longstanding hit with players due to its simplicity and the potential for substantial rewards. The mechanic delivers engaging and thrilling gameplay by offering frequent opportunities to win during the bonus rounds. The anticipation of landing additional special symbols or resetting the amount of respins keeps players excited and invested in the game. Additionally, the mechanic’s straightforward nature makes it appealing and accessible to both novice and experienced players.

Does it work better on classic slots, video slots or both?

It works well on both classic and video slots. Its flexibility means it can be incorporated into various types of games, whether they feature traditional fruit machine symbols or more complex video slot themes. The mechanic enhances the gameplay experience by adding an extra layer of excitement and potential rewards, regardless of the slot’s style or theme.

Does the mechanic work well with certain themes or is it pretty universal?

The Hold & Win mechanic is quite universal. In our portfolio, it shows good performance across all theme variations. Whether the game is themed around jokers and fruits, fantasy worlds, or modern-day adventures, it can complement the storyline and enhance player engagement. Its adaptability makes it a versatile feature that can appeal to a broad audience with diverse interests.

How do you combine it with other bonuses, such as in Supercharged Clovers: Hold and Win?

Combining Hold and Win with other bonuses, such as wilds, free spins, multipliers, or jackpot features, creates a richer and more dynamic gaming session. In games such as Supercharged Clovers: Hold and Win, additional bonuses are layered on top of the Hold & Win mechanic to increase excitement and winning potential. For example, players might trigger Hold and Win during a free spins round, where multipliers apply to all wins, or they might collect symbols that lead to even larger jackpots. This combination keeps the gameplay fresh.

Does the mechanic present opportunities for new player experiences? How are you innovating around the mechanic?

Despite being a classic mechanic, Hold and Win opens up the opportunity for new player experiences. At Playson, we continuously inject new twists into our games, by introducing unique features, such as growing multipliers, collectable bonus symbols, and enhanced jackpots. Our game developers explore new themes and narratives that integrate Hold and Win in novel ways, providing players with exciting challenges. Our goal is to keep the mechanic relevant by constantly evolving and adding new elements that surprise and delight our players.

What would you say to a player who hasn’t tried a Hold and Win slot before?

Give them a try! The slots offer a rewarding experience with straightforward gameplay. The thrill of triggering the bonus rounds and the potential for significant wins make these games incredibly fun. With their easy-to-understand mechanics, Hold and Win slots provide a unique gaming experience that they won’t want to miss.