Making IT is a monthly Question and Answer article featuring the people who make IT games possible. From game designers, to sound engineers, to programmers, each role is vital to the production and success of each slot Incredible Technologies produces. Players and customers see the polished, finished product, but rarely have a chance to peek behind the curtain and understand the people or the process that make their favorite games happen. Making IT is the spotlight on the creative minds that make IT games incredible.

Tino Kalafatis, Senior Software Engineer

Q: How long have you been at IT? In this role?

A: About 23 years total. 7 years in my current role.

Q: What’s your favorite part of working at IT?

A: Probably the company movie night. More generally, I enjoy finding creative solutions to difficult problems.

Q: How did you get into Class III game development?

A: I was in what is now the amusement group, and there was a company directive to shift more focus on slot games.

Q: What role do you play in the design and development of slot machines?

A: I am a game programmer.

Q: What’s your favorite part of helping develop a game?

A: Working with the artists and designers, trying to bring their creations to life.

Q: What’s the most memorable feedback (can be good or bad) you’ve ever heard about a game you’ve helped develop?

A: Well, any video by SDGuy is funny and filled with expletives.

Q: Favorite game(s) you’ve worked on?

A: “Fortuno the Great” had beautiful art and sounds. I don’t know why it didn’t do better. I also liked the Super SkyBbox games- those were fun and challenging.

Q: What’s something you wish slot players knew about slot machines in general?

A: I know a lot of people think they are rigged. Of course the casino gets its cut, but otherwise the games aren’t doing anything sinister.

Q: Did you play slot machines or gamble before you started working here?

A: Nope. I played a little poker with friends in high school and lost with a straight flush (we were playing with some wild cards, but I still took at as a sign to stay away from gambling).

Q: Have you learned anything about the gaming industry that surprised you or struck you as interesting?

A: There are many. Here’s one; if a pick game shows you what you could have won after you chose something else, you really would have gotten that award if you would have chosen it. If it doesn’t show you, your fate was probably pre-determined, no matter what you picked.

Q: Did you ever think you’d be working in this industry or have this job?

A: Well no. I was really lucky to land this job.

Q: What’s your dream slot machine? Maybe a theme or feature that wouldn’t appeal to anyone else, but you’d play the heck out of it. (No, one that only produces wins is not a valid answer.)

A: I like when what I choose makes a difference (like in the Video Poker games). So I think it would be cool if you could pay extra to lock a reel for the next spin or something like that. You’d have to decide when it is worth your while or not.