Symbols in slots: standard, special and unique
1. Classification of symbols
All symbols in slots can be divided into three groups:
2. Standard symbols
Low-paid
Usually made in the form of card denominations (9, 10, J, Q, K, A) or simple icons.
Payments are small, but often fall out → reduce volatility.
Highly paid
Signature drawings, thematic objects: characters, artifacts, chests.
Payments increase in proportion to the rate, are less common.
Features
The number of characters and their ratio determines the basic RTP model.
The drop-out frequency is adjusted through weights in the mathematical model.
3. Special characters
3. 1 Wild (joker)
Functions
Replaces any standard symbol to make up the winning combination.
It can be "fixed" (standing still) or "sliding" (moving on a drum).
Options
Expanding Wild - expands to the entire drum.
Sticky Wild - stays in place for several spins.
Stacked Wild - goes in a "pack," filling several positions on one drum.
3. 2 Scatter
Functions
Paid regardless of pay lines if at least N times (usually ≥3).
Starts a freespins or bonus game.
Features
Items do not matter, only their quantity is considered.
Can be duplicated in free spin mode, increasing the prize money.
3. 3 Bonus
Functions
Special symbol for entering the bonus round: games, lottery, prize selection.
May require less or more drops, depending on the complexity of the bonus.
Options
Pick-and-win - the player selects cells with prizes.
Wheel Bonus - spinning the wheel of fortune.
Progressive Jackpot - Launches the opportunity to hit the progressive jackpot.
4. Unique and author symbols
Branded
Related to licensed films, TV series or comics.
Can have animation and special effects when combined in a line.
Cluster
not a line, but "clusters" of the same characters (Cluster Pays).
Payments are made for groups of N≥5 characters in any adjacent cells.
Symbols - "freezing"
When dropped, they remain on the screen for several rounds, increasing the chance to collect a combination.
Dynamic
Change their appearance or value during bonuses (for example, turn into Wild after a certain number falls out).
5. Effect of symbols on slot mechanics
1. RTP and volatility balance
The combination of frequent low-paid symbols and rare high-paid ones creates the desired payout profile.
2. Gaming experience and engagement
Special and unique symbols make gameplay more varied and hold attention.
3. Marketing and recognition
Branded symbols attract license fans and add value to the slot in the marketplace.
6. Developer Tips
A clear hierarchy of payments: lay out a transparent table of payments by groups of characters.
Reasonable balance: do not overload the slot with too many special characters - keep it clear.
Testing: Check the distribution of drops in simulations, observing the declared RTP.
Conclusion
Symbol types are a key element of slot design. Their combination determines the nature of the game: from the frequency and size of payments to the depth of the bonus rounds and the player's involvement. Correct classification and balancing of standard, special and unique characters ensures the reliability of the mathematical model and the attractiveness of the slot in a competitive market.
All symbols in slots can be divided into three groups:
- 1. Standard - basic and most common.
- 2. Special - Wild, Scatter, Bonus and derivatives of them.
- 3. Unique - branded, expanding, cluster and other author's solutions.
2. Standard symbols
Low-paid
Usually made in the form of card denominations (9, 10, J, Q, K, A) or simple icons.
Payments are small, but often fall out → reduce volatility.
Highly paid
Signature drawings, thematic objects: characters, artifacts, chests.
Payments increase in proportion to the rate, are less common.
Features
The number of characters and their ratio determines the basic RTP model.
The drop-out frequency is adjusted through weights in the mathematical model.
3. Special characters
3. 1 Wild (joker)
Functions
Replaces any standard symbol to make up the winning combination.
It can be "fixed" (standing still) or "sliding" (moving on a drum).
Options
Expanding Wild - expands to the entire drum.
Sticky Wild - stays in place for several spins.
Stacked Wild - goes in a "pack," filling several positions on one drum.
3. 2 Scatter
Functions
Paid regardless of pay lines if at least N times (usually ≥3).
Starts a freespins or bonus game.
Features
Items do not matter, only their quantity is considered.
Can be duplicated in free spin mode, increasing the prize money.
3. 3 Bonus
Functions
Special symbol for entering the bonus round: games, lottery, prize selection.
May require less or more drops, depending on the complexity of the bonus.
Options
Pick-and-win - the player selects cells with prizes.
Wheel Bonus - spinning the wheel of fortune.
Progressive Jackpot - Launches the opportunity to hit the progressive jackpot.
4. Unique and author symbols
Branded
Related to licensed films, TV series or comics.
Can have animation and special effects when combined in a line.
Cluster
not a line, but "clusters" of the same characters (Cluster Pays).
Payments are made for groups of N≥5 characters in any adjacent cells.
Symbols - "freezing"
When dropped, they remain on the screen for several rounds, increasing the chance to collect a combination.
Dynamic
Change their appearance or value during bonuses (for example, turn into Wild after a certain number falls out).
5. Effect of symbols on slot mechanics
1. RTP and volatility balance
The combination of frequent low-paid symbols and rare high-paid ones creates the desired payout profile.
2. Gaming experience and engagement
Special and unique symbols make gameplay more varied and hold attention.
3. Marketing and recognition
Branded symbols attract license fans and add value to the slot in the marketplace.
6. Developer Tips
A clear hierarchy of payments: lay out a transparent table of payments by groups of characters.
Reasonable balance: do not overload the slot with too many special characters - keep it clear.
Testing: Check the distribution of drops in simulations, observing the declared RTP.
Conclusion
Symbol types are a key element of slot design. Their combination determines the nature of the game: from the frequency and size of payments to the depth of the bonus rounds and the player's involvement. Correct classification and balancing of standard, special and unique characters ensures the reliability of the mathematical model and the attractiveness of the slot in a competitive market.
