Meet the Developers Who Brought China Shores to Life
The world of online casinos is always evolving, with new games being released regularly to cater to the ever-growing demand for entertainment. Among these releases, one game that has stood out in recent years is China Shores , a slot machine developed by Konami Gaming. In this article, we will delve into the story behind this popular game China Shores and meet the developers who brought it to life.
A Brief History of Konami Gaming
Before we dive into China Shores, let’s take a look at the company behind it – Konami Gaming. Founded in 1973 by Kazuhisa Hashimoto, Katsutoshi Nagoski, and Rieko Kodama, Konami is a Japanese entertainment conglomerate with its roots in video games and toys. Over the years, the company has expanded into various sectors, including pachinko (a popular Japanese pinball-like game) machines, slot machines, and social gaming.
In 2004, Konami Gaming was established as a subsidiary of Konami Holdings Corporation to focus on developing casino games for the global market. Under the leadership of Thomas A. Jingoli, who joined the company in 2005, Konami Gaming has grown into one of the leading providers of slot machines and table games worldwide.
The Birth of China Shores
So, how did China Shores come to be? According to an interview with Kevin Williams, Senior Manager at Konami Gaming’s Creative Team, the idea for China Shores was born from a desire to create a game that would appeal to players in the Asia-Pacific region. "We wanted to develop a game that would resonate with Asian cultures and provide a unique experience for our customers," says Williams.
China Shores is set in ancient China, where players embark on a journey through temples, gardens, and other stunning landscapes inspired by traditional Chinese architecture. The game’s design was influenced by the iconic symbols of Chinese culture, such as the dragon, phoenix, and bamboo. "We aimed to create an immersive experience that would transport players to a mystical world," continues Williams.
Gameplay and Features
China Shores features five reels with 1024 ways to win, providing numerous opportunities for players to hit winning combinations. The game’s volatility is medium-high, making it appealing to both casual and experienced gamblers. Players can choose from various betting options, including a range of coin values and line bets.
The game’s bonus features are where China Shores truly shines. One of the most popular features is the Dragon Spins free spins mode, which triggers when three or more dragon symbols appear on reels 1, 2, and 3. This mode awards players up to 10 free spins, during which all wins are multiplied by 5.
Another notable feature is the Phoenix Scatter symbol, which can trigger a range of bonuses, including the Temple Bonus, Garden Bonus, and Dragon’s Den Bonus. Each bonus offers unique rewards, such as multiplier boosts or additional free spins.
Behind-the-Scenes: The Developers’ Story
To gain a deeper understanding of China Shores’ development process, we spoke with Kevin Williams and Tom Jin, Game Development Manager at Konami Gaming. According to Williams, the game’s design was influenced by the company’s internal creative team, which consisted of experienced artists, designers, and programmers.
"From concept to launch, it took around 12-18 months for China Shores to come together," says Williams. "Our development process involved a combination of traditional art techniques and cutting-edge technology to create an immersive experience that would stand out in the market."
Tom Jin added that the team’s goal was to strike a balance between gameplay mechanics, graphics, and sound effects. "We wanted players to feel like they were part of an ancient Chinese adventure," he explains.
Awards and Accolades
China Shores has received widespread critical acclaim since its release in 2014. The game won several awards at the prestigious EiG Awards (Electronic Interactive Entertainment) in Berlin, Germany, including "Best Slot Game" and "Best Gaming Innovation."
The game’s success can be attributed to its unique blend of gameplay mechanics, stunning graphics, and immersive design. China Shores has become a flagship title for Konami Gaming, with numerous variations released over the years, such as China Shores Deluxe and China Shores Grand.
Impact on the Industry
China Shores’ impact on the online casino industry cannot be overstated. The game’s popularity has inspired other developers to create similar Asian-themed slots, such as Aristocrat’s Dragon Emperor and Microgaming’s Immortal Romance – Chinese-style.
The game’s success also demonstrates Konami Gaming’s commitment to innovation and creativity in the gaming sector. As a developer, they have consistently pushed boundaries with their releases, catering to players’ preferences while maintaining high-quality standards.
Conclusion
China Shores is more than just a slot machine – it’s an immersive experience that transports players to ancient China. The game’s creation is a testament to Konami Gaming’s dedication to developing engaging and innovative games for the global market.
Through our interviews with Kevin Williams and Tom Jin, we gained insight into the game development process, showcasing the hard work and creativity behind one of the industry’s most popular titles.
As the online casino landscape continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how Konami Gaming responds with future releases. One thing is certain – with their commitment to quality, innovation, and player satisfaction, they will remain a force to be reckoned with in the gaming industry for years to come.