Q&A - Merge Up by BGaming

We have had an exclusive interview with Alex Baliukonis, Game Design Team Lead at BGaming and discussed the latest video slot, Merge Up. It's a cascading gameplay experience like no other, where gems of different levels unite and merge into higher-value symbols.

Join us as we reveal the secrets of the creative journey that gave birth to Merge Up. Discover what awaits players when they step into this enchanting game. Plus, we reveal an exciting glimpse into the future - will the Merge Up mechanics revolutionize other upcoming BGaming titles?

Hello, and thank you for participating in this interview of your game Merge Up.

1. Describe Merge Up in three words!

- Hi! Well, I describe Merge Up™ as exclusive, rewarding, and innovative. These adjectives aren't just empty words — they capture what makes this game stand out.
"Innovative" and "exclusive" speak to the game's one-of-a-kind mechanics, a real game-changer in the iGaming scene with no analogs. And when we say "rewarding", we're talking about the constant thrill of winning and making moves in just a single spin.

2. What inspired and sparked the creative journey behind the development of the Merge Up slot?

- You know, it’s interesting how players are always on the lookout for bonus games and free spins while they’re playing. They can get tired of the base game and start eyeing the exit if they can't trigger a bonus – it’s our common challenge, right? However, we've enhanced the traditional slot experience by making the base game's primary thrill in Merge Up™. We took a cue from mobile gaming, where this cool merging thing happens, and the Avalanche mechanics. The game merges symbols of different values into higher-paying symbols repeatedly, creating a chain reaction of wins that keeps the excitement alive. So yeah, we call it Merge Up™, a mechanic that doesn’t limit players to one win per spin.

3. What can players expect when they visit Merge Up?

- The Merge Up™ slot game introduces a unique merging feature that significantly elevates the gaming experience. Here's the scoop: when a player arranges four or more identical symbols adjacent to each other, vertically or horizontally, they form a cluster — a winning combination. Within the cluster, some symbols disappear, and the remaining ones level up to become symbols of the next tier. What's intriguing is that this game boasts nine distinct levels of symbols, each corresponding to varying payout potentials. It's like a domino effect of winnings waiting to happen. And here's the kicker – when these symbols hit their merging peak, bam! They transform into Scatters that trigger free spins. BGaming aimed to give players that sense of control. Like, it's not just about waiting for that one big win – it's about the progression of symbols and the chain of winnings. With the additional Buy Bonus, players can influence the game course.

4. In an industry with a negative trend of game providers lowering their RTPs in video slots, your games consistently maintain a very high RTP. How do you manage to stand out from the crowd and consistently offer generous RTPs?

- Actually, BGaming doesn't consistently aim for the highest figures. Our games generally maintain moderate percentages. However, there are cases when we elevate the RTP to ensure an optimal balance between entertainment and player rewards. BGaming team analyzes each game, its features, and potential to determine the RTP that best suits attracting players and keeping them engaged for longer periods. In the case of Merge Up™, where the game's appeal lies in its dynamic and action-packed spins, BGaming offers a higher RTP to deliver a fair and rewarding experience that satisfies players’ expectations. It's important to note that we don’t rely solely on RTP. Instead, we emphasize innovation and unique gameplay features to set our games apart. In the competitive market, RTP is just one of the tools we use to ensure our games become hits.

5. Can you tell us about the target audience for Merge Up? Who do you envision will enjoy this game the most?

- We see Merge Up™ as a mobile game in every sense. I mean, it’s perfect for players who want to take a break during the day and just chill out. It’s for those people who love unconventional solutions and can spin the reels on the go amidst the hustle and bustle. With these merging and evolving symbols, players get that rush of excitement and boosted winning potential from the first spin, even in the base game. That allows players not to wait for bonuses anxiously but to indulge in the thrill immediately. BGaming also designed Merge Up™ for those seeking a roller coaster of emotions. The unique mechanics ensure the gameplay is dynamic enough to keep them hooked in the long term.

6. Can players expect to see more of the Merge Up mechanic in other games in the near future?

- Absolutely! I gotta say, we're actually really stoked about the result Merge Up™ delivered in just two months. It’s our solid confirmation that online slots based on the mobile gaming experience could be top-performers. Moreover, BGaming ran some tests on Merge Up™ during the pre-release period among the players and streamers of the Scatters Club community. Our team was very impressed with the output – 96% of the participants rated the game favorably. This figure stands as the main driving force for incorporating more slots with merging mechanics in the future.

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. Finally, do you have anything you would like to say to our readers?

- Merge Up™ is the perfect blend of what truly captivates players. To all the slot enthusiasts out there, I urge you not to miss out on this game. Give it a spin and experience it for yourself!

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We thank Alex Baliukonis, Game Design Team Lead at BGaming, for participating in this interview. Click on the link to read our slot review of Merge Up.