Expert Interview: What the Developers of Book of Dead Had to Say About the Game
In 2016, Play’n GO revolutionized the slot machine landscape with the release of Book of Dead. Since then, this game has become a staple in online casinos and land-based gaming establishments alike, captivating players worldwide with its unique blend Book of Dead of ancient Egyptian mysticism and exciting gameplay features.
Recently, we had the opportunity to sit down with Per Sunstrom, the Director of Games at Play’n GO, and ask him about the development process of Book of Dead. From conceptualization to release, Sunstrom shared insights into what inspired the game’s creation, its innovative mechanics, and how it has become a beloved classic among gamers.
The Conceptualization of Book of Dead
We began by asking Sunstrom about the initial idea behind creating Book of Dead. "It all started with a desire to create something unique," he explained. "We wanted to move away from traditional slot machine themes and explore more exotic, mysterious settings." The team at Play’n GO was inspired by the rich history and mythology surrounding ancient Egypt, which led them to develop a game that would transport players to a world of pharaohs, pyramids, and hidden treasures.
"We drew inspiration from popular culture," Sunstrom continued. "The idea of an Egyptian book with magical powers wasn’t new, but we wanted to put our own spin on it." He revealed that the team conducted extensive research into ancient Egyptian mythology, delving deep into the stories of gods and goddesses like Isis and Anubis. This attention to detail helped shape the game’s narrative and create a more immersive experience for players.
Designing Engaging Gameplay Mechanics
Book of Dead boasts several innovative features that have contributed significantly to its enduring popularity. One of the most notable is its cascading reels system, also known as "Tumble," which allows symbols to tumble down and fill any positions created by previous wins. This creates a rapid-fire sequence of winning combinations, increasing player engagement and excitement.
"We experimented with various mechanics before finalizing the cascading reels feature," Sunstrom shared. "Our goal was to create a thrilling experience that kept players on their toes." He emphasized that this approach was crucial in making Book of Dead more than just another slot machine: it needed to stand out from the competition, offering something genuinely new and captivating.
Sunstrom also discussed the role of free spins in Book of Dead. Players can trigger up to 20 free spins by collecting scatters on the reels, during which a chosen symbol becomes an expanding wild. This adds a welcome layer of unpredictability to gameplay, as players must adapt their strategies based on the randomly selected wild.
A Masterclass in Game Balance
A well-balanced slot machine is key to player satisfaction and retention. Sunstrom emphasized that Play’n GO’s development team took great care in calibrating Book of Dead’s payout structure, volatility, and RTP (Return-to-Player) rate to ensure it remained engaging for a broad audience.
"We aimed for a medium-to-high variance game, which would appeal to both high-stakes players seeking big wins and casual gamers looking for regular payouts," he explained. "Book of Dead’s payout percentage is around 96%, making it relatively competitive in the market."
We asked Sunstrom about the significance of choosing an RTP of 96% instead of a higher or lower rate. "Setting the correct RTP is crucial, as it directly impacts player satisfaction and loyalty," he replied. "While a higher RTP can attract players initially, it may lead to unsustainable gameplay and high volatility over time." By striking a balance between short-term wins and long-term fairness, Book of Dead has managed to maintain its popularity among gamers without sacrificing profitability.
Why Book of Dead Endures
With the release of countless new slots since 2016, why does Book of Dead remain one of the most popular games in the industry? Sunstrom attributed this enduring success to a combination of innovative gameplay mechanics and a well-designed theme. "We knew from the start that we wanted to create a game that would appeal to both old-school players and newcomers," he stated.
He pointed out that Book of Dead’s success is also due, in part, to its adaptability. Players can enjoy it on mobile devices, PCs, or at their local casino – wherever they choose to play, the experience remains remarkably consistent. Sunstrom mentioned that this flexibility has allowed the game to reach a wider audience than ever before.
The Future of Book of Dead and Play’n GO
As we concluded our interview with Per Sunstrom, it was clear that he and his team at Play’n GO continue to innovate and push the boundaries of slot machine design. When asked about future projects, Sunstrom hinted at the development of new games incorporating advanced AI-powered features.
"We’re working on several exciting projects right now," he revealed. "Our focus is on creating more immersive experiences that blur the lines between traditional slots and other types of casino entertainment." He emphasized Play’n GO’s commitment to remaining a leader in the industry by embracing emerging technologies and trends.
With Book of Dead continuing to captivate players worldwide, it seems clear that this Egyptian-themed game will remain an iconic part of gaming culture for years to come. As Per Sunstrom so aptly put it: "The development of Book of Dead was just the beginning – we’re excited to see where our future creations take us."