The Game King Era (1990s)
The 1990s marked video poker's transition from dedicated single-game cabinets to flexible, multi-game platforms. While Bally had introduced the concept with the Game Maker, it was IGT's Game King that became the industry standard, establishing a psychological and technical framework that continues to dominate casino floors.
The Multi-Game Revolution
Before Game King, each video poker machine was dedicated to a single game variant. Want to switch from Jacks or Better to Deuces Wild? You'd need to find a different machine.
Game King changed everything by offering a Multi-Game ecosystem:
The Technical Foundation
The 3902 Board
The first Game King platforms were powered by the 3902 processor board, an EPROM-based system that became ubiquitous on casino floors. Its reliability and flexibility made it the backbone of video poker for years.
Evolution of Hardware
The platform evolved through several generations:
Touchscreen Adoption
Game King was instrumental in popularizing touchscreen interfaces for video poker. Players could:
This interface became so standard that it shaped player expectations across the industry.
Multi-Hand Innovation
The 1990s saw the integration of Ernest Moody's multi-hand patent, which enabled Triple Play Poker and its variants:
Triple Play, Five Play, Ten Play
These games dealt the same initial hand across multiple plays, then drew independently for each. The innovation:
The multi-hand concept would eventually extend to 50-hand and 100-hand variants, fundamentally changing how players approached the game.
The Shift to High Volatility
Game King facilitated the industry's move toward high-volatility variants:
Double Double Bonus
The emergence of Double Double Bonus (DDB) exemplified this shift:
Players seeking excitement gravitated toward these games, even though the math favored lower-volatility options for sustained play.
The Core Roster
Game King standardized a "core roster" of video poker games, balancing options for different player preferences:
Low Volatility:
Medium Volatility:
High Volatility:
This strategic mix maximized floor yield by offering something for everyone.
Psychological Engineering
Beyond technical innovation, Game King established a psychological standard for video poker:
Sound Design
The distinctive sounds of Game King machines became deeply associated with video poker success. The specific audio cues for:
Visual Language
The card designs, button layouts, and animation timing created a familiar environment that competitors struggled to replicate convincingly.
The 'Time on Device' Revolution
Game King fundamentally changed casino floor economics through "time on device" optimization:
Casinos discovered that convenience translated directly to revenue, as players who stayed put played more hands.
Legacy
The Game King platform's influence extends far beyond the 1990s. Its:
When competitors tried to displace Game King, they repeatedly failed. Players had imprinted on its specific experience, and anything different felt wrong. This psychological moat proved more valuable than any technical advantage.