VSO News sat down with BGaming to talk about new game Merge Up.

BGaming’s goal is to create the best games in the iGaming industry, that’s why it always claims “the B stands for best.” It’s a mission the company has been working on since 2012, resulting in more than 100 high-quality products, such as slots as well as table and casual games.

Their recent slot release, Merge Up, is one for all cluster fans. The game is a gem-filled online slot that pays out when you match clusters of four or more symbols horizontally or vertically. We liked it so much that it made it into our recent Slots of the Week.

To find out a little more about the game, VegasSlotsOnline News spoke to Alex Baliukonis, Game Design Team Lead for BGaming.

Thanks for agreeing to get involved in the interview. Firstly, tell us a bit about yourself and how you found yourself with BGaming.

My journey into game design began about three years ago. Back then, I was absolutely hooked on creating fresh game mechanics and collaborating closely with artists, engineers, and other designers to bring those ideas to life and tackle design challenges head-on. Fast forward a year, and I found myself joining BGaming as a Game Designer.

I’ve had the chance to create new mechanics, crypto game documentation, and even craft unique slots

Over the past year, I’ve had the chance to create new mechanics, crypto game documentation, and even craft unique slots like the triumphant Bonanza Billion. And now, I’ve leveled up to become the Game Design Team Lead, where I coordinate development processes and continue doing what I love best – creating games!

How would you explain BGaming’s games to someone who has never played them?

At BGaming, we pride ourselves on crafting various games that cater to a wide spectrum of player preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for casual gaming fun or seeking a more intricate, feature-rich experience, we’ve got you covered. Our games come in various themes, mechanics, and features. For those looking for a high-quality gaming experience, we offer top-notch graphics and music that truly immerse players in the gameplay.

But honestly, explaining BGaming’s games to someone who hasn’t experienced them yet is a bit like describing a flavorful dish to someone who’s never tasted it. It’s an experience that speaks louder than any description!

The “B” stands for best. Can you tell us how you go about making the best games in the business?

BGaming embraces the letter “B” to symbolize our commitment to excellence in everything we do – from delivering top-tier games to the finest business solutions, exceptional customer support, and efficient tools for both players and operators.

a perfect blend of what players from different markets like

Our game portfolio showcases 100+ engaging titles, including slots, card, crash, and scratch games. We can offer a perfect blend of what players from different markets like and meet the various needs of any online casino.

To take personalization to the next level, we’ve introduced personalized lobbies, allowing BGaming players to savor a tailor-made gaming experience that elevates the fun. It’s all about putting the players and their preferences first.

What have been some of your top-performing games?

I’ve been involved in creating several hit games that have remained player favorites for years. Here are some highlights:

Fruit Million stands out as a classic-style slot in BGaming’s collection, featuring impressive Expanded Wilds across 100 paylines.

Vibrant Wild Cash offers simple, classic 3×3 gameplay with 5 paylines. Its Bonus game delivers the excitement of potential wins with up to x999 multipliers and a Buy Bonus for immediate access.

Elvis Frog is a fantastic fusion of music and rock-and-roll energy. It boasts free spins, respins, and a special Bonus round promising Major and Mega Jackpots with the Tutti-Frutti feature. The game’s cartoon style and lively sound design offer a delightful experience — immersing players in Elvis’s iconic tunes.

Merge Up will soon join the ranks of leading games as well

Also noteworthy is Aztec Magic Bonanza, with its novel refilling reels mechanic on a 5×6 grid. And trust me, BGaming’s recent Merge Up will soon join the ranks of leading games as well!

Onto Merge Up. How would you describe the game in just three words?

LEVEL UP SYMBOLS!

We built this game on the entertaining mechanics where identical symbols form clusters to create winning combinations. Wins are tallied as symbols converge randomly within the cluster, upgrading to more valuable ones. These symbols follow a specific sequence, enabling players to win as the symbols merge into higher-level ones again and again.

Now tell us what makes it so great in more detail.

We’ve noticed that players eagerly await Bonus games and free spins while playing. They can become tired of the base game and may leave if they can’t trigger a bonus for an extended period. However, we’ve enhanced the traditional slot experience by making the base game’s primary thrill in Merge Up.

seamlessly merges symbols into higher-value symbols repeatedly

Our merging mechanic is inspired by trends in mobile gaming. This game seamlessly merges symbols into higher-value symbols repeatedly, setting the stage for a chain reaction of winnings. Once symbols reach their merging peak, they become Scatter symbols, enhancing players’ sense of gameplay control. The Free Spins round also offers sticky Cell Multipliers that can boost wins up to x128, making the game even more exciting.

You’ve gone for very high volatility with this game. What was the reasoning for this?

The answer to this question lies at the core of the game’s mechanics. It’s no secret that Merge Up is a logical progression of the Avalanche mechanics. Some mechanics don’t perform well within a “many small wins” system. For example, the Avalanche mechanic would seem quite out of place if it only produced a single win per spin.

I believe you’ve had some positive feedback for the game already. Can you tell us a bit about this?

Yes, we conducted a game-testing session with the awesome players and streamers at the Scatters Club community. Their feedback was like pure gold! It really helped us fine-tune the game mechanics and ensure that Merge Up delivers an exciting and super rewarding player experience. 96% of their reviews rated the game favorably, proving that we’re onto something big in the iGaming world!

Finally, what’s next for BGaming for the rest of 2023?

November promises to be an exciting month with two games for BGaming. First in line is Book of Panda MEGAWAYS, a collaborative masterpiece crafted by our team and Chinese designers to capture the essence of China through animation, music, and symbols. Our second release, Tramp Day, breaks the gaming routine with its unconventional theme. In this game, players will step into the shoes of a tramp, navigating the streets searching for something to make a living.

In December, we’re going all out with five Christmas-themed games featuring various mechanics to offer a full-fledged set of experiences for a festive promo. Players can enjoy three festive slot games – Slot Machine, Gemza, and Hottests 666 slots or try their luck with Ice Scratch and Gift X in our Crash game category. It’s our way of making the holidays even more exciting for our players!