Features and unique variations from different studios
Hold & Win mechanics have become a real standard in the video slot industry, but each developer strives to bring their own features to it. At first glance, the principle is simple: special characters are fixed on the screen, a series of respins is launched, and the player gets a chance for additional wins or jackpots. However, studios adapt mechanics in different ways, making it recognizable and unique.
Classic format
The basic version of Hold & Win is fixed respins (usually three) with an update of the counter when a new desired character appears. The goal is to fill the screen with as many characters as possible and get a fixed or progressive jackpot. This option can be found at Playson, Booongo, iSoftBet - studios that popularized mechanics.
Extended reels and additional levels
Some developers offer expanding grids in the respin process. Exempli gratia:
Additional multipliers
For a number of providers, the symbols in Hold & Win carry not only monetary values, but also multipliers that are summed or applied to the final win. This makes mechanics even more profitable and unpredictable. This model is used by Relax Gaming and Red Tiger, increasing excitement due to the possibility of multiple increases in payments.
Amplifier symbols (Boost, Collect, Mystery)
In modern variations, special badges are often found:
These elements make the mechanics closer to a mini-game with tactical solutions, where it is important to wait for the desired symbol.
Progressive and fixed jackpots
Some studios leave the traditional set of fixed jackpots (Mini, Minor, Major, Grand). Others are rolling out progressive savings funds that grow with gamblers "bets. This creates different risk models: fixed jackpots give stability, and progressive jackpots give a chance for a huge gain.
Visual and audio solutions
Individual providers rely on registration. For example, Yggdrasil or Pragmatic Play introduce animations that turn respins into a spectacular show: symbols light up, the grid expands with visual effects, and music increases tension. Due to this, Hold & Win ceases to be just mathematical mechanics and becomes an emotionally rich part of the gameplay.
Comparative examples of studios
Playson is a classic implementation without unnecessary complications;
Booongo - frequent amplifier symbols and emphasis on large fixed jackpots;
iSoftBet - experiments with expandable drums and combined bonuses;
Relax Gaming - emphasis on multipliers and innovative mini-features;
Pragmatic Play - entertainment, additional levels and rich design.
Result
Although the basic principle of Hold & Win remains unchanged, studios are developing dozens of unique variations. Somewhere the emphasis is on stability and simplicity, somewhere on innovation, entertainment and additional bonuses. For the player, this means a wide selection: from calm classic versions to rich respins with many special characters and growing jackpots.
Classic format
The basic version of Hold & Win is fixed respins (usually three) with an update of the counter when a new desired character appears. The goal is to fill the screen with as many characters as possible and get a fixed or progressive jackpot. This option can be found at Playson, Booongo, iSoftBet - studios that popularized mechanics.
Extended reels and additional levels
Some developers offer expanding grids in the respin process. Exempli gratia:
- standard grid 5 × 3 is active at start,
- under certain conditions, new rows open (5 × 4, 5 × 5 and higher).
- This variation improves the chances of collecting more symbols and adds an element of progression. The player feels that the bonus is developing, and not standing still.
Additional multipliers
For a number of providers, the symbols in Hold & Win carry not only monetary values, but also multipliers that are summed or applied to the final win. This makes mechanics even more profitable and unpredictable. This model is used by Relax Gaming and Red Tiger, increasing excitement due to the possibility of multiple increases in payments.
Amplifier symbols (Boost, Collect, Mystery)
In modern variations, special badges are often found:
- Boost - increases all values on the field;
- Collect - collects amounts from certain characters;
- Mystery - turns into a random monetary value or jackpot;
- Unlock - opens new rows of drums.
These elements make the mechanics closer to a mini-game with tactical solutions, where it is important to wait for the desired symbol.
Progressive and fixed jackpots
Some studios leave the traditional set of fixed jackpots (Mini, Minor, Major, Grand). Others are rolling out progressive savings funds that grow with gamblers "bets. This creates different risk models: fixed jackpots give stability, and progressive jackpots give a chance for a huge gain.
Visual and audio solutions
Individual providers rely on registration. For example, Yggdrasil or Pragmatic Play introduce animations that turn respins into a spectacular show: symbols light up, the grid expands with visual effects, and music increases tension. Due to this, Hold & Win ceases to be just mathematical mechanics and becomes an emotionally rich part of the gameplay.
Comparative examples of studios
Playson is a classic implementation without unnecessary complications;
Booongo - frequent amplifier symbols and emphasis on large fixed jackpots;
iSoftBet - experiments with expandable drums and combined bonuses;
Relax Gaming - emphasis on multipliers and innovative mini-features;
Pragmatic Play - entertainment, additional levels and rich design.
Result
Although the basic principle of Hold & Win remains unchanged, studios are developing dozens of unique variations. Somewhere the emphasis is on stability and simplicity, somewhere on innovation, entertainment and additional bonuses. For the player, this means a wide selection: from calm classic versions to rich respins with many special characters and growing jackpots.
