A fine coat of polish can make something old look brand new again.
That’s the approach Scientific Games took toward some of its scratch games.
Introducing “HD Games” that provided an enhanced look with easy-to-read numbers and symbols was a simple approach to improving its games.
It provided a new and modern look to some of its classic scratch titles.
The Pennsylvania Lottery has been working with the high-definition games for years and is now committing its entire library to the product.
As retail tickets get the visual upgrade, gaming companies are likely to be looking to enhance online options as well. Will states with online lotteries be next to take HD to another level?
Pennsylvania Lottery in early on HD Games
As Scientific Games began to roll out their upgraded look to scratch games, the Pennsylvania Lottery go on board early.
One of the first HD Games the state released, “Gold Fish,” became the state’s best-selling $2 game that year.
Holiday season then brought in a new flow of HD ticket offerings. The high-definition symbols and overall appearance were found to be more appealing for the players.
Drew Scolaro, VP of Strategic Account Management for Scientific Games, told NASPL Insights, the HD products were able to stand apart from other games.
“It began as a way to differentiate holiday games. HD Games took already successful scratch-off products in Pennsylvania and made them even more special. And the high-definition holiday games sold well. Pennsylvania players liked the modern scratch experience. So, we embarked on a multi-year strategy to introduce more high-definition products with variable imaging into the portfolio.”
Pennsylvania builds to all-HD library
After having success with its early HD Games products, the Pennsylvania Lottery decided to follow suit with its first $50 game.
“$5 Million Money Maker” debuted in late December of 2021. Symbols featured the keystone, a recognizable icon of the state. The ticket interface also featured Sparkle Select, a visual enhancement to the scratch areas and borders that includes sparkles.
Since the initial $50 launch, every $50 game that has followed has been an HD Game.
In June, the Pennsylvania Lottery launched a series of new “Bucks” games across multiple price points. All were in high definition and had a distinct design that tied the different price points together, notes Scolaro.
“The new Bucks family is off to a great start and performing well. HD Games are an easy way – and quite honestly the fastest and most budget-friendly way – to refresh products in the portfolio, enhance the scratch experience and essentially modernize the product for players.”
Due to its happiness with these HD Games, the Pennsylvania Lottery elected to go 100% HD in fiscal year 2025 with its scratch portfolio.
“We’ve been ideating HD Games concepts with the Pennsylvania Lottery for the past seven years. They’re always looking for new innovations to elevate their portfolio and keep players entertained. The high-definition symbols beneath the coatings are an unexpected and pleasant surprise for players when they scratch, and that adds to their overall experience.”
HD gives enhancement to themed games
On top of the standard game formats, the HD Games allow for enhancement to games with showbiz ties.
SG is releasing “Game Of Thrones” across a variety of states this year, starting with the Colorado Lottery in April.
The game is set to come to additional states in the coming month.
Pennsylvania is on board, to no surprise, but it is also combining the retail game with a Pennsylvania online lottery option.
Behind HD Games innovation, the “Game of Thrones” tickets will be even more visually appealing and better connect the game to the television series.
Scientific Games and the respective lotteries have also attached a unique second-chance promotion to the game, a Seven Kingdoms Experience in California.
Will online lottery games get an upgrade?
HD enhancement to retail games has been well received from players and state lotteries alike.
That same treatment is likely to be focused on online lotteries as time progresses.
Instant win games online are starting to become more widespread. In the future, there will be more attention paid to finer details of the games.
Already with an enhanced visual compared to a retail ticket, gaming creators are seeking new ways to connect with a younger generation.
Allwyn provided a detailed report on how to get Gen Z better connected to the lottery.
That can include more immersive experiences like virtual reality or community-based gaming.
For those to be successful, improved graphics and enhancements will be a key.
Photo by PlayiLottery
Graphic from Scientific Games
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