20+ years in the gambling industry including 13+ years playing and reviewing slots.
Founded in 2002, Realistic Games is a long-standing and reputable slot provider that focuses on UK players. Available at the overwhelming majority of slot sites in the UK, there are more than 75 Realistic Games slots to enjoy.
My exclusive Q&A interview is with Head of Account Management, Amy Brewis. We discussed Realistic’s journey to date, mobile play, how new slots are created, how they stand out against other providers, their most popular games, the upcoming Joker’s Spellbook slot and what’s coming in the future.
Q: Can you tell us a little about Realistic Games and its journey since it was founded?
AB: “Realistic Games was founded almost 25 years ago in the land-based casino industry and has since successfully transitioned into the world of online slot and table games. Our core philosophy centres on crafting exhilarating products that offer authentic sounds and capture the thrill of a traditional casino experience.
Our games not only attract players who have moved from land-based casinos to online but also resonate with a younger audience, who are searching for advanced graphics and an entertaining gameplay experience.”
Q: What % of players play on mobile vs desktop/ tablet devices? Has this influenced your design in any way?
AB: “About 10 years ago it was estimated that over 60% of players accessed iGaming through mobile devices. Today, that figure has risen to around 80%. Advances in technology and improved connectivity have meant that online casinos are just a tap away, enabling players to enjoy their favourite games anytime and anywhere.
At Realistic we ensure a consistent UI performance across all device types for a seamless flow, maintaining the same visual clarity and rendering. We are committed to adapting to the evolving landscape and anticipate that in the near future, slots will evolve to incorporate built-in mobile features, enhancing the player’s interaction with games.”
Q: How are new slot games created? What’s the process?
AB: “We begin by analysing industry trends, player preferences, and market gaps to identify where opportunities lie. Every game starts with a ‘spark’: an initial idea that we then evolve into a fully developed concept. Our creative team translates this idea into early sketches and visual mockups, ensuring it aligns with the game’s theme and intended player experience.
Simultaneously, our game designers work on crafting a compelling feature set, balancing creativity with maths modelling to maximise player retention. Once the concept and mechanics are refined, the game goes through a rigorous review process where teams across design, engineering, commercial and marketing collaborate to fine-tune every detail.
After approval, we move into full-scale development, bringing the game to life with high-octane graphics, animations, and slick mechanics. Our sound designers introduce dynamic soundscapes that complement the gameplay as well as anticipatory and near-win sound cues, to build tension and elevate the experience. The product undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it delivers an engaging and rewarding experience for players prior to network release.”
Q: How do Realistic Games slots differ from other providers’ games?
AB: “It’s a universal challenge for slot providers when it comes to standing out in a highly saturated industry. We adopt an agile approach, seeking feedback from both B2B and B2C throughout development to build on our understanding of the constantly changing landscape.
We pride ourselves on building close relationships with not just our customers but the streamer community too, conducting regular focus group-style activities which help us collect insights into their preferences and challenges.
The direct feedback we get from this group – whom we consider as stakeholders - plays a crucial role in shaping our development roadmap. We’re dedicated to continually evolving and adapting to the preferences of our customers and fanbase, whilst exploring new concepts to diversify for the next generation of players.”
Q: What are Realistic Games’ most popular slot games? Are there any that appeal to UK players in particular?
AB: “Our most popular game to date is Book of Charms, which blends two player-favourite themes. The "Book Of" series has gained immense popularity in the UK market, alongside fishing-themed games - evident with our 2024 release Book of Bass, which is vying for that top spot!
Additionally, Chicken or the Egg, a farm-themed game, was another standout release for Realistic last year, along with Top Tenner, which blends classic charm and new mechanics to captivate both seasoned and new slot players. Looking ahead, our 2025 roadmap is full of inspiring new content that’s sure to surprise our fan base and hopefully attract new players!”
Q: Can you tell us a little about the upcoming Joker’s Spellbook slot?
AB: “I’m thrilled about Joker’s Spellbook which is the latest instalment in our ‘Book of’ slots series. This 5x3 reel slot features 10 paylines and delivers a ‘spellbinding’ experience! At Realistic, we continuously strive to strengthen user engagement within our game development. Joker’s Spellbook offers an enhanced base game, giving players a glimpse of our continued efforts to create richer and more detailed base game attributes that players will see in 2025. With super slick artwork and eye-catching effects, Joker’s Spellbook stays true to our brand identity ensuring the high-quality experience players have come to expect from Realistic.
The Pot Collector feature boosts gameplay by offering players extra chances to activate the jackpot wheel. This allows for the possibility of winning up to four fixed jackpots, with prizes reaching as high as 1,000 x the bet. Additionally, it includes the classic book mechanic bonus, which comes with special expanding symbols, significantly increasing potential for larger wins.”
Q: What else can we expect from Realistic Games in 2025? Can you give us an insight into upcoming releases?
AB: “Realistic has a ‘mechanics-first’ approach when it comes to developing new games, but this is closely followed by the theme, design and all the intricate nuances that tie together to give the game its own unique ‘magic’.
This year. we’re focusing on delivering narrative-driven slots enriched with cutting-edge features, ensuring our games are not just visually striking but more interactive. Players can expect a deeper level of storytelling, dynamic gameplay elements, and hidden gems designed to boost replayability.”
Q: Do you have a particular favourite slot from Realistic Games? If so, why?
AB: “My personal favourite is Book of Charms. I love how it blends two popular themes with really captivating features, creating an engaging gameplay experience. This combination adds an extra layer of unpredictability and ensures every spin feels fresh and unique.”
