Art is complex, subjective, and fundamental for the success of any product or service. The casino industry is no exception, and FBM® understands the power and influence of Game Art in casino game performance. In this article created for World Art Day, we will reflect on the inspiration, process, challenges, and professionals behind the graphics and animations developed for casino games with the vision of an expert working on FBM’s Game Art team.

FBM has been operating in the casino industry for over 20 years in a multi-market context. In this path, the brand had the opportunity to craft hundreds of gaming experiences for land-based and online casino universes, with a particular focus on slots and video bingos. Now it’s time to understand the relevance of art in the affirmation of FBM as a global gaming brand with the help of an expert working in the game art field:

1. Why is art so relevant in the creation and performance of casino games?

On the casino floor, it’s crucial for a game to stand out against the competition. To attract players to sit at your casino cabinet, you need to engage them visually. The best way to do this is through striking graphics and visuals that grab attention up close and from a distance. Vibrant logos, captivating themes, fun characters, and artwork that resonates with the local audience are essential. We approach game development with this mindset, striving to improve with every release and stay ahead of the competition.

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2. Can you summarize the process and describe the stages involved in the game art creative process for each casino game?

For each new game, we follow a thorough pre-production process. We analyze the latest trends and features, ensuring we are up to date with the most recent developments in design and art within the gambling industry.

Working closely with our product team, we create a Game Design Document (GDD) that outlines the planned mechanics, thematic ideas, and rough storyboards highlighting key moments. From there, we begin developing initial concepts for characters, backgrounds, game symbols, and other essential art assets. After the concepts' approval by the stakeholders, we proceed to the final production phase, where we refine and animate the artwork to bring the game to life.

3. What are the different types of artists involved in the game art workflow, and what are their specific roles?

The gambling and slots industry is highly demanding, requiring us to stay current with the latest trends and technologies. Additionally, the complexity of these games means we must be proficient in producing diverse art and animation styles while working across different game engines.

Our Design department is composed of specialists in various fields of game art production. We have 2D artists, 3D artists, animators, motion designers, and technical designers, each contributing their expertise. By collaborating closely, we ensure the creation of visually compelling and engaging games. We also coordinate the work progress with the Development team to guarantee seamless integration and optimal software performance while meeting production deadlines.

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4. Where do you find inspiration for creating symbols, animations, and promotional content for the games?

As any artist will tell you, inspiration can come from anywhere. While we actively keep up with the latest and best casino games, we also draw influence from a wide range of sources. From video games, films, TV, classical art, music, and even something as simple as a beautiful sunset. The more we expose ourselves to different artistic disciplines and styles, the richer our creative process becomes, allowing us to bring fresh ideas into our work.

5. How has the game art landscape evolved since you began working in the industry?

Every year, we see the overall quality of casino games improving. When we first started, our focus was primarily on the electronic bingo market. However, in recent years, FBM has expanded into the video slots segment, where visuals, sound, and animations play an even more significant role in creating immersive experiences.

Competition in this space is fierce, with companies constantly pushing boundaries to deliver more engaging and visually stunning games. Within our team, we take inspiration from this landscape, continuously challenging ourselves to improve and create games we can feel proud of and that the player will see as trendsetting, innovative and gratifying to look at and play.

6. What are the main challenges that artists face today?

One of the most relevant shifts in the art world has been the rapid development of AI technology. Almost overnight, new tools emerged that simplified and democratized the creative process of graphics and animations.

Within our Game Art Team, we recognize that, regardless of technological advancements, the designers' role remains essential in crafting and refining games. At the same time, we understand the importance of adapting to these changes and integrating new production methods while maintaining our standards of excellence. Our goal is to ensure that our games remain visually striking, retain our unique artistic identity, and stay at the forefront of the industry.

​Time to try FBM’s graphics in a rich portfolio of casino games

After theory comes the practice. From captivating slots and video bingos in the physical casinos to the involving table games, lottos, and crash titles in the online casino universe, the FBM Group offers a diverse portfolio of casino games full of compelling animations and graphics for players to enjoy worldwide.

​Let’s talk about the needs of your casino operation and how FBM can contribute to your performance improvement with engaging casino games and cabinets.