Early April saw Virgin Games, a Gamesys owned brand, launch Wild Seat Poker in the United Kingdom. The launch marks Virgin Games’ return to real money poker.
In a twist on the proven lottery style sit & go format, this new variant provides each player with their own random prize pool multiplier that is kept secret from the rest of the table.
In addition, the team at Gamesys has introduced other innovations that are aimed at producing an enjoyable playing experience for recreational players.
What’s Different
Every player will have their own secret prize pool multiplier. Individual prizes are kept secret from everyone at the table until the player either busts out or wins the tournament.
In every game it is guaranteed that at least one prize will be five times the prize pool. It will start with 20 big blinds with levels increasing every 2 1/2 minutes.
As each player is eliminated, the prize information is revealed to the other players. Players can then start deducing what prize they are playing for. The prize is depicted on screen as a locked box at the table, reminiscent to TV show Deal or No Deal..
The 2x prize is the most frequent at 44%, followed by the 5x prize, at 28%.
In another move away from the traditional three handed lottery sit & go format, Wild Seat is instead played four handed, like party poker’s Sit & Go Hero.
However, Wild Seat retains the popular fast-paced tournament structure that has helped made Lottery Sit & Go’s so wildly successful.
The stakes have been kept low (only £1 and £4 games) for the initial launch, but the team will be exploring what other price points are in demand.
Innovative Chat Feature
“Poker is a game rich in social interaction,” said Simon Mizzi, Marketing Director of Gamesys.
“Wild Seat Poker is our first step at offering players a game that not only brings the true essence of Poker to life, but also fosters an environment that focuses on entertainment to engage our players.”
With this in mind, players are encouraged to use a chat room available in the lobby where staff will monitor interactions and provide chances for players to enter contests and win additional prizes.
Chat at the table is restricted to six pre-selected messages—no off-the-cuff emotion allowed here.
In another new twist “poker hosts”—managers of the site itself—will be able to play in the games.
Any contest won by the host will go towards a “community bankroll” that will fund freerolls. Anyone who loses to a poker host will automatically be awarded a free ticket into the freeroll.
In addition, YouTube tutorials are being released to help new players learn the basics of the game. Check it out below.
