Pots mechanics have become a hugely popular and compelling feature of modern slots, offering a blend of familiarity, progression, and surprise.
In this roundtable, iGaming Expert speaks to Alexandra Varvus, Product Owner at Playson, Kate Romanko, Head of Commercial and Kendoo, and Aaron Braund, Game Designer at Push Gaming, to explore how this format continues to captivate traditional audiences while drawing in new player segments.
Pots mechanics have become a standout format in online casino, offering players multiple feature paths and a sense of progression. Does this mechanic still appeal to traditional slot audiences, and is it attracting new player segments?
AV: The Pots mechanics is one of the most versatile and effective formats out there. They speak to traditional slot audiences by offering clear progression and familiar win paths, while at the same time lowering the barrier for new players.
The strength lies in how one frames the mechanic within a new game — with math, features, and theme — creating layered gameplay that keeps experienced players engaged yet accessible enough to attract fresh segments who seek both clarity and excitement.
KR: Yes, pots mechanics remain highly appealing to traditional slot audiences while also drawing in new player segments, but their success always comes down to execution.
They resonate with a wide demographic thanks to their familiarity with jackpot-style features and the excitement of chasing big wins.
The sense of progression, reinforced by visual cues like coins or treasure chests, delivers a rewarding and nostalgic experience. To keep traditional players engaged, the mechanic needs to stay simple, intuitive, and closely tied to high-volatility gameplay.
At the same time, it’s a strong pull for new audiences. It’s essentially gamification; the tiered structure of pots (mini, minor, major, grand) adds a light meta-game, especially appealing to mobile players.
The real magic is in the unpredictability. Players never know if they’ll trigger one, two, or all three pots, and that suspense is a big part of the thrill. When the pots combine to deliver bigger rewards, the excitement peaks.
We’ve seen engagement soar when the format evolves, whether through refreshed visuals, new animations, or finely tuned modifiers. These enhancements inject new energy into each release, encouraging players to return and discover the unique twists every game brings.
AB: The 3 Pots mechanic is something we pioneered in our 3 Magic Pots release, and that game showed us the potential of this format, and the response from players globally has been fantastic.
With each new release, we’re seeing a fantastic response from players to the mix of familiar elements combined with fresh twists that be engineer in our games.
When developing a 3 Pots game, each feature needs to be carefully thought through, especially since they can combine in powerful ways. For example, a multiplier feature on its own might feel more volatile, but when combined with sticky wilds, the volatility balances out and becomes more rewarding.
We design with intention, aiming to create a game experience that’s not just exciting, but intuitive. We want players, whether new or experienced, to immediately understand the potential and enjoy the ride from the first spin.
What aspects of pots releases are most engaging for players?
KR: At Kendoo, we’ve strategically woven the pots mechanic into several of our popular titles, including Three Fortune Trees, 3 Hungry Pandas, and 3 Gates of Pyramid, and we’re continuously exploring new ways to evolve it.
Right now, we’re working on fresh variations, such as a 4 Pots model, Master Pots, and a 3 Pots version enhanced with a Wheel of Fortune.
Our aim is to unlock new layers of creativity while keeping the mechanic instantly recognisable and rewarding.
By refining visuals, adding unique triggers, and experimenting with new combinations, we can deliver pots experiences that feel both familiar and exciting, keeping players engaged and eager to see what’s next.
AB: We’ve seen significant engagement with the 3 pots mechanic thus far – 3 Magic Pots in particular was one of our first Push Action titles, which was designed with lower volatility in mind and a more accessible player experience. It’s all down to the progression and the potential for combo features.
With 3 Magic Pots, the feature hit rates are some of the lowest for any Push titles, with a player getting a feature in every 64 spins. Additionally, you can combo into other features during a bonus, which is part of the magic in these games.
AV: Players are most engaged by the variety and unpredictability that ‘Pots’ releases deliver. Each session feels different, with mechanics creating feature combinations in ways that create surprise and excitement. T
his sense of discovery fuels replayability, while the evolving potential of ‘Pots’: multipliers, collect symbols, mystery features, up to jackpots, keeps long-term engagement high.
It’s the balance of structured progression with unexpected outcomes that players find irresistible, making the format both familiar and endlessly fresh.
What considerations do you make when developing a new pots release, to ensure the experience remains dynamic and rewarding without diluting the original concept?
AB: There’s a couple of ways you can tackle this; the first is to add new base game mechanics or change the feature tied to the pots. Secondly, you can make changes to existing features inside the slot to create a whole new (and rewarding!) experience.
In our recent Wild Swarm Triple Hive release, the 3 Pots mechanic removes the traditional progression element but keeps the same overarching goal – triggering all three features, basically Swarm Mode.
Now, though, players can activate it at any point. This change sacrifices some of the linearity, but in return, it introduces more unpredictability and excitement through the potential for multiple features to trigger simultaneously.
AV: For us, success lies in balance. Math, pacing, and fresh features must feel innovative while staying authentic to the core concept. Every detail matters — from timings and gameplay flow to the visual polish that elevates the experience.
Our aim is always to meet player expectations while subtly surpassing them, creating a journey that feels both familiar and refined. Innovation doesn’t have to be loud; sometimes it’s the precision of small details that makes the biggest impact.
KR: When developing a new pots release, clarity is key. Players should instantly understand how the mechanic works and how they can progress toward a win. That sense of progression needs to feel achievable, keeping motivation and momentum high throughout the session.
Above all, the thrill of hitting a big win must stay at the heart of the experience. Any additional features or twists are there to enhance that excitement, not distract from it, so the core concept remains strong, rewarding, and instantly recognisable.
What role does audiovisual design play in the success of a pots title?
AV: Audiovisual design plays a crucial role in transforming ‘Pots’ titles into experiences that players remember. It sets the emotional tone and deepens immersion, but should never overshadow the core gameplay.
The key is balance: carefully tuned visuals and sound effects highlight mechanics, amplify anticipation, and elevate engagement. When done right, audiovisuals don’t just decorate the game — they enhance its rhythm, reinforce progression, and turn familiar mechanics into a distinctive, memorable journey.
KR: Audiovisual design is essential to the success of any pots title, it’s what amplifies the excitement and keeps players engaged. Distinct pot designs, dynamic animations, and vibrant effects all work together to build anticipation and create memorable moments.
The challenge lies in balance. Every detail should serve a purpose, enhancing clarity rather than distracting from it. Art must never feel noisy or cluttered, and all values should be instantly readable. If a visual element risks getting in the way of gameplay, we scale it back in favour of a clear, seamless experience.
AB: Audio is always crucial in a slot title, and there are some additional asks for a 3 pots game. For example, upon collecting a token, there should be a strong audio cue. But this also needs to be paired with visual progression to show the player where they are with each pot.
New games like Wild Swarm Triple Hive contain a certain amount of complexity, with audio adding the visual elements and gameplay mechanics, and this complexity can be entertaining, but it has to be executed well. It’s only then that your combined elements engage with the player.
The big moments that occur during a play session must be reflected across the animation, game progress, and win potential. This only achieves the desired impact when allied with keenly designed audio as well.
