Veikkaus' online scratch card development

HiQ has been Veikkaus' technology partner for over 30 years. In the early 2010s, the collaboration expanded from system development to online scratch cards. This game partnership has produced many classics, such as Nokkapokka, Kalapaliikki, and Onnensanat.

Classic online scratch cards inherit the game mechanics from traditional cardboard scratch cards. Newer games feature entirely unique algorithms adapted to player choices, like the Nokkapokka game, which is based on the pyramid solitaire logic. This algorithm determines the scratch card's nature and feel, significantly influencing its popularity.

As part of developing online scratch cards, HiQ has helped Veikkaus create new scratch card algorithms and steer game development in a more systematic and data-driven direction.

Goal – Entertaining and adaptive online scratch card

Veikkaus has been creating its own online scratch cards since 2005, with around one hundred different types. In the past few years, Veikkaus has also started offering its scratch cards internationally. Veikkaus' subsidiary, Fennica Gaming, has sold online scratch cards to lottery companies in seven countries. Typically, the popularity of new online scratch cards diminishes within a few months, but some games, such as Nokkapokka, become evergreen favorites.

Online scratch cards work deterministically, similar to traditional cardboard scratch cards: their outcome is determined at the moment of purchase, and the way the game is played does not affect the size of the win. At the same time, the games aim to be entertaining and adaptive, meaning they adjust to the choices made by the player, although these choices do not influence the final outcome. The game's rules are coded into an algorithm that must incorporate both aspects.

The algorithm includes parameters that impact the game's nature, like event probabilities and cause-and-effect relationships. These parameters create various gameplay scenarios. By adjusting them accurately, the goal is to provide the best gaming experience and a fair distribution of winnings suitable for scratch card games.

"The player's experience with online scratch cards should be enjoyable, with a sense of logical progression and increasing challenge. Achieving this balance involves extensive testing of parameters to find the optimal outcome among various options. The game mechanics should ensure that player choices and randomness are seamlessly integrated," explains Harri Järvinen, Veikkaus' Product Development Manager, who has been developing Veikkaus' online scratch cards for 14 years.

Solution – Exploration of data structures and computability

At Veikkaus, developing a new game mechanic begins with a game idea vision. The evaluation includes assessing how well the mechanics can be adapted to an online scratch card format or modified to suit it. Player choices are limited to guarantee a pre-assigned win, and online scratch cards are intentionally brief, usually lasting between 20 seconds to two minutes.

Together with HiQ, a playable and parameter-adjustable demo version of the new mechanic is built. This prototype is used to test and adjust the mechanic's playability and game feel. The first version typically comes from brainstorming and discussions between Veikkaus and HiQ. From these sessions, a functional model is sketched out that can be played, for example, with pen and paper or playing cards. A fully developed mechanic then guides HiQ's programmers.

Their task is to develop the algorithm into program code, which maintains the state of the scratch card, the history of states and events, and the choices available to the player. The algorithm advances the game one choice at a time until it concludes. Afterward, the algorithm is paired with a prototype user interface to evaluate the game feel and a simulator that records outcome statistics – a tailored software robot. The statistics from the simulator are used to determine the scratch card's chances of winning.

HiQ has rare expertise in coding algorithms that are parameter-controlled, allowing for experimentation with different options. The collaboration requires a particular understanding of how adaptive games function.

Veikkaus' Product Development Manager

Harri Järvinen

"Prototypes and simulators have fundamentally changed the design process for new game mechanics, making it more systematic and data-driven. By the time we reach the actual game development phase, we already have a clear understanding of what the final product will be like. We also understand how different algorithm parameters impact the gaming experience. Poor ideas are sent back to the drawing board early enough," explains Järvinen.

The next step after completing the algorithm is functional testing, where the simulator plays a crucial role. For complex games, ensuring the algorithm's accuracy becomes even more vital. To maintain precision, algorithms may undergo simulation tens of millions of times, especially since gambling games must consistently operate flawlessly.

Mikko Sairio, HiQ's Business Development Director deeply involved in Veikkaus' game development, shares another perspective: "Developers see scratch card algorithms as an exciting exploration of data structures, computability, and logic fundamentals. Sadly, the role of pure computer science in modern application development is declining. However, in this field, we can fully embrace it, even working late into the night."

Results – Data backs up smart business decisions and game development

From Veikkaus' business perspective, game mechanics and their algorithms must be thoroughly tested before adding graphics. Otherwise, issues may only be discovered once the game is in its final visual form. This approach supports successful launches of new games and reduces the risk of poorly functioning products. Investment in development is made only after the concept has been proven functional at the prototype level.

Veikkaus highly values its partnership with HiQ.

"The work is iterative and interactive; we develop ideas together. HiQ has rare expertise in coding algorithms that are parameter-controlled, allowing for experimentation with different options. The collaboration requires a particular understanding of how adaptive games function. The player is given a strong illusion of randomness and freedom of choice, even though the prize amount is predetermined when the game starts," Järvinen explains.

Sairio points out that data should support decision-making in game development, as well as in other product or service development areas and business in general.

"Utilizing data for decision-making is crucial. Our partnership with Veikkaus exemplifies how data, along with algorithms, can drive product development effectively. The gaming industry has its rules, which we've become well-acquainted with through our long-standing partnership," says Sairio.