Hear from Sound Engineer Henrik Lindström and Art Director Vira Sakhniuk, as they share insights with iGaming News on the crucial role of art and sound in creating unforgettable gaming experiences.
Sound and art are the unsung heroes of online slots. While gameplay mechanics often take centre stage, it’s the captivating visuals and immersive soundscapes that truly draw players in and keep them engaged.
In this Q&A, we delve into the world of Just For The Win, an award-winning studio renowned for its innovative and visually stunning games. Hear from Sound Engineer Henrik Lindström and Art Director Vira Sakhniuk, as they share insights on the crucial role of art and sound in creating unforgettable gaming experiences.
Henrik Lindström, Sound Engineer:
– Sound plays a huge role in making a slot great, but it can often go under the radar as art and gameplay take centre stage. How much of a difference can a good soundtrack make to a game?
Absolutely, I believe sound plays a bigger role than ever in slots, especially considering that probably the vast majority of players now carry wireless headphones wherever they go and wherever they play. A good soundtrack makes a huge impact on the game. Music and sound communicate directly with our inner emotions, conveying the tempo, tension or the feeling of victory in a game.
I believe that a well-crafted soundtrack enhances the immersive experience, drawing players deeper into the game world. It sets the tone, amplifies the excitement of wins, and sustains engagement through various phases of play. The right sound effects can highlight significant moments, and even educate the player on what their next move should be.
– Do your colleagues approach you with a vision of what they think an upcoming title should sound like, or do they give you an overview and you do the rest?
Yes, usually we discuss together with the game designer on how the game should sound. Often, we listen to references to get a sense of the desired direction. Some themes are very clear and intuitive, making the process straightforward. However, other themes can be trickier, requiring more experimentation and revision to find the perfect sound that complements the gameplay and overall experience.
– We’re looking to experience the best soundtrack Just For The Win has to offer, what game should we load up?
My personal favourite that I worked on myself must be Dark Waters Power Combo™?. I have a strong background in orchestral cinematic music and Dark Waters Power Combo™? allowed me to use that skill set.
But if I were allowed to pick a few other games, I’d definitely say Deco Diamonds™? which has really catchy soundtracks. I also really like Western Gold™? and Western Gold 2™?, as the soundtracks and voiceovers work very well.
– We are all excited about your latest release Amazing Catch Power Combo™?. Could you tell us what inspired you when you created the sound and music for this game?
When creating the music for Amazing Catch Power Combo™?, I wanted to capture both the calm of a night fishing by the lake and the excitement of a slot game. I used a relaxing ukulele and a steady drumbeat to evoke a foot-tapping yet peaceful vibe. For the sound design, I focused on a punchy, casino-inspired style to maintain the game’s high energy and excitement.
Vira Sakhniuk – Art Director:
– When it comes to game art, Just For The Win has a diverse portfolio of titles that vary in terms of art direction. How does this creativity lead to more successful games?
With the diverse portfolio of games in terms of themes, art styles and art direction, we can cater for a wider audience with different preferences, increasing our potential customer base. It also allows us to be more flexible and jump on different trends in the gaming industry, staying relevant and competitive.
– From the perspective of an Art Director, which slot themes do you think perform best, and why?
I think that classic casino themes, for example fruits, bells, and 7s, as well as the evergreen themes like fishing, pirates, and cowboys are always going to be in demand. These games are timeless and nostalgic. They usually have familiar and easily recognisable visuals, giving players the ability to instantly see the most important parts of the game, like bonus symbols, jackpots, and free spins.
– What has been the most memorable game you have designed, and what made this slot different to others you have worked on in the past?
The most memorable game I have designed was Western Gold 2™?. I enjoyed working on this title because it features a classic western theme. This particular project presented an exciting challenge – making it stand out among other western-themed games. To achieve this, I combined traditional casino symbols in a western style, with the background inspired by American masters of western art like, G. Russell Case and Mark Maggiori, resembling an oil painting, adding depth and authenticity to the game’s aesthetic and creating a unique fusion.
– Just For The Win’s latest release, Amazing Catch Power Combo™? has proven to be very popular already! What was your objective as Art Director when you worked on this game?
We previously released a game, Amazing Catch™?, which had similar art direction. Now, our newest release, Amazing Catch Power Combo™?, incorporates our highest performing engine with a fan-favourite, evergreen fishing theme. I aimed to maintain the original art from the first game to preserve its recognisable and successful visual identity. At the same time, I wanted to elevate the overall experience. To achieve this, we incorporated a multitude of new animations, added sparkling jewels, and introduced majestic auroras in the night sky, enhancing the game’s visual appeal and immersion.