Today we’re joined by Kunal Patel-Smith, Game Production Director at Relax Gaming to talk about their exciting new mechanic Bonus Reels™
Q1. Walk us through a single spin with Bonus Reels™ active, from pressing spin to the possible outcomes. Do we see anything different, or is it business as usual?
When players activate Bonus Reels™, they enter a reimagined version of the same game, where the focus shifts from chasing base game wins to directly triggering the feature itself. The visuals and mechanics remain largely familiar, but there’s a heightened sense of purpose. From the moment you press spin, you are on a more direct route to the bonus. Every symbol drop feels more intentional, more filled with anticipation.
The idea is to maintain the classic slot experience, spinning the reels and feeling the suspense, while adjusting the math and progression to boost the chances of hitting the bonus round. Although it’s not an entirely new game, the experience certainly feels different. It’s more intense, faster-paced, and designed for players who want to minimise the wait and get straight into the action. It preserves the excitement of the journey but puts you on the fast track.
Q2. Relax Gaming emphasises that Bonus Reels™ is optional and not a replacement for the base game experience. Why take this approach?
Our focus is on maintaining player choice. At Relax, we have always believed that players interact with slots in various ways; some enjoy extended sessions, while others favour quick features. Bonus Reels™ isn’t about replacing the traditional experience; it offers an additional option that caters to different moods or player preferences.
There is a large group of players who thrive on the excitement of the bonus round, and Bonus Reels™ is designed with them in mind. However, we did not want to compromise the integrity of the original game; instead, we aimed to broaden its appeal. The core game remains intact in all its glory, but now there is an option to experience it differently, on your own terms. It’s about offering flexibility and giving players control over how they enjoy the game.
Q3. How will you communicate that RTP is unchanged to avoid misconceptions that players are “paying more for less”?
Transparency is absolutely vital, especially when introducing new mechanics that influence gameplay. With Bonus Reels™, we’ve ensured that the rules are clearly communicated within each game. RTP remains unchanged; this is a key message we will reinforce both in-game and through our operator partners.
But beyond simply stating it, we also want the experience to speak for itself. Once players activate Bonus Reels™ and observe how the gameplay develops, how symbols land more convincingly, and how often bonus teases appear, they’ll quickly realise this isn’t a shortcut in disguise. It’s a genuine enhancement for a specific type of gameplay. The extra stake is directly connected to increased chances of triggering the bonus, not just added volatility. Once you try it, it makes sense.
Q4. What player-protection or compliance considerations shaped the design and presentation of this feature?
From the outset, compliance has been at the heart of our Bonus Reels™ development. We understand that every new feature must meet the highest standards across diverse regulated markets. That’s why we’ve embraced a collaborative approach, engaging our compliance teams, internal legal counsel, and operators to create a robust and trustworthy product.
We also designed Bonus Reels™ to be highly adaptable. If a market has specific requirements or restrictions, the feature can be switched off immediately. We’ve even included tools and messaging to help operators clearly and responsibly explain how the mode functions to their players.
Ultimately, we aimed to develop a mechanic that was not only exciting and engaging but also built to last in today’s regulatory environment. It’s something we’re proud of, a mechanic that balances innovation with integrity.
Q5. Looking ahead, how will feedback shape any refinements to the mode as it appears in more titles?
Feedback is vital, not merely as a checkbox, but as a genuine catalyst for iteration and improvement. As Bonus Reels™ is integrated into more games, we’re carefully observing how players engage with it, what operators report, and where we can further enhance the experience.
There’s considerable potential here, whether that involves adding more visual or auditory cues, introducing even more dynamic reel behaviour, or tailoring how Bonus Reels™ adapts to different types of games. We see this launch as a solid foundation, but certainly not the final version. We’re developing a system that’s modular and flexible enough to evolve with the market and player expectations. We’re only at the start.