Spins & Rings
A dynamic prize wheel for Spin & Go tournaments, plus a streamlined end-screen redesign.
Year :
2022-2023
Industry :
Mobile Gaming
Client :
Playtika
Project Duration :
Shipped
Spins & Rings introduces a dynamic prize wheel to Spin & Go tournaments in a mid-core mobile poker game - a dual-layer wheel that puts chip prizes and perks on the line, with clear lobby indicators to set it apart from standard tournament formats. The feature's rollout also drove a broader redesign of the game's end-screens.
My Role
- Concept Development: Designed the visual and functional elements of the spinning wheel, lobby indicators, and new end-screens, directing concept art in collaboration with the art team.
- UX Research: Conducted player interviews and synthesized data to inform design decisions, then redesigned the end-game flow to cut friction while keeping the essential information front and center.
- Collaborative Execution: Partnered with the Product Manager on business and user needs, and coordinated with the animation and sound teams on delivery.
- End-Screen Redesign: Researched how to deliver a large amount of information in the fewest screens possible, keeping the flow clear, exciting, and a smooth path back into gameplay.
The Challenge
Standard tournament structures struggled to sustain player excitement - without an unpredictable element, Sit & Go and Spin & Go formats felt repetitive, hurting retention and replayability. Players also lacked clear lobby indicators to tell tournament formats apart, and existing end-game screens were long and cluttered, burying the key information players actually cared about.
- Player Engagement: Standard tournament structures lacked variety, making gameplay feel repetitive and diminishing replayability.
- Clarity in Tournament Formats: Players often struggled to differentiate Spin & Go tournaments from other formats in the lobby.
- Emotional Appeal: The absence of an unpredictable element reduced the excitement players expect from competitive gameplay.
- End-Screen Complexity: Existing end-game screens across the game were overly long and cluttered, failing to deliver key information in a concise, engaging manner.
The Solution
- Dynamic Spinning Wheel: A dual-layer wheel shows both chip prizes and perks.
- Enhanced Lobby Indicators: Clear, bold "Win Up To" displays help players identify Spin & Go tournaments and tell them apart from Sit & Go formats.
- Streamlined End-Screens: A broader redesign condensed the end-game flow into fewer screens, prioritizing essential information and reward highlights.
- Near-Miss Mechanism: Creates moments of excitement that motivate players to try again, simulating the thrill of almost winning a bigger prize.
Gameplay Flow
Full UX Flow
Sketches & Wireframes
Prototype
Spinning Wheel Interaction
End-Screen
Visual & Thematic Design
The spinning wheel fits the game's visual identity, with adaptable themes - holiday and seasonal visuals - keeping the feature feeling fresh. A dual-layer wheel gives simultaneous motion on the inner and outer rings, dynamic color schemes emphasize prize distinctions, and special events get unique wheel designs for added novelty.
Competitive References
Final Result
Conclusion
Spins & Rings gives Spin & Go tournaments a reward system built to drive replayability, while the accompanying end-screen redesign simplifies a cluttered flow. Together they provide a scalable foundation for future game modes and seasonal events.
- Clear and dynamic visuals were designed to raise engagement and excitement.
- Near-miss moments were designed to encourage another attempt. Retention impact: Not measured.
- The end-screens were redesigned to deliver key information in fewer screens. Satisfaction impact: Not measured.
- The redesigned end-screens serve as a scalable framework for future updates or additional features.
Video Credits: Phillip Gallant Plays The WSOP App Main Event Tournament And Loses
Outcome
Not measured.
