The iconic USS Enterprise-D arrives on the reels in BGaming’s November 13 release, Star Trek™: The Next Generation slot. This branded game brings the beloved sci-fi series to life with cascading reels, character-driven features, and multiple free spins missions. We spoke with Igor Bondarenko, Product Owner at BGaming, about how the studio captured the spirit of exploration in slot format.
In our interview, we explore the 5×5 grid design, the strategic Power Meter, the interesting Warp Speed Wheel, and how the development team balanced authenticity with engaging gameplay for both franchise fans and slot enthusiasts.
Gamingslots: Star Trek™: The Next Generation is a branded slot based on the iconic TV series. How did BGaming shape the creative direction to authentically capture the spirit of the USS Enterprise-D and its crew in a slot format?
Igor Bondarenko: We built the creative direction around one clear idea: the slot should feel like stepping onto the Enterprise-D. Everything — the look, the sounds, the UI — takes cues from Starfleet design so players instantly pick up that familiar “bridge” atmosphere.
The crew isn’t just decoration either. We didn’t want them to be random symbols, so each character plays a real role in the gameplay and reflects their personality from the series. We shaped the features and bonus structure around the feel of the series’ storytelling: small discoveries, a mid-episode shakeup, and that strong, confident resolution you’d expect from the Enterprise-D crew.
That mix helped us create a slot that respects the show’s legacy, retains its adventurous spirit, and remains fun and accessible for everyone.
GS: The core gameplay uses a 5×5 cascading reels mechanic with 3,125 ways to win, offering plenty of action and winning potential. What inspired the choice of this grid and mechanic to reflect the show’s adventurous and exploratory theme?
IB: The 5×5 grid feels open, spacious, and fitting for a mission that stretches across the galaxy. Cascading reels keep everything in motion, reflecting the way the Enterprise-D is always advancing, constantly uncovering the next anomaly or star system.
And the 3,125 ways to win show the heart of the series: countless possible paths, each leading somewhere unexpected, echoing the promise “to boldly go where no man has gone before.”
Together, this setup turns every spin into a small step of that ongoing voyage, full of energy, curiosity, and discovery.
Every character highlights their key traits: Picard’s leadership, Riker’s decisiveness, Worf’s strength, Troi’s empathy, and Data’s curiosity. Their visual designs were adapted to fit the slot’s gameplay while keeping them instantly recognisable.
GS: The Power Meter tracks consecutive cascades and triggers a Respin Bonus that saves valuable winning symbols, adding strategic depth. How did you envision this feature enhancing player engagement and mirroring the suspenseful missions in Star Trek?
IB: The Power Meter shows progress, just like each mission in Star Trek moves the crew’s story forward. Saving valuable symbols in the Respin Bonus lets players act like a strategist, guiding the outcome of each spin.
By combining the Power Meter with respins, the game mirrors the unfolding of a Star Trek mission. Players stay engaged as they steer their journey toward the Warp Speed Wheel, discovering new rewards along the way.
GS: The unique 3-level Warp Speed Wheel, activated by clearing the reels during the Respin Bonus, offers escalating cash prizes ranging from 10x to 5,000x bet. What can players expect from the tension and reward cycle this wheel brings to the game?
IB: The 3-level Warp Speed Wheel is like hitting different warp speeds: each level ramps up the fun and anticipation. Clearing the reels during the Respin Bonus launches players into this escalating journey, where rewards grow from 10x up to 5,000x their bet.
The structure mirrors the climactic moments of Star Trek episodes: bigger levels bring bigger engagement, and every spin feels like a step closer to a breakthrough. Players are drawn in by the cycle of progression and reward, eager to experience it repeatedly.
With a 10,000x max win, players experience a true sense of reward that reinforces the heroic, mission-driven atmosphere.
GS: Players can select from four different free spins missions, each varying in volatility and multiplier progression. How does this mission choice add meaningful player strategy and replayability in line with the diverse challenges faced by Starfleet Crews?
IB: Each free spins mission represents a unique challenge, just like the varied assignments faced by Starfleet crews. Differences in volatility and multiplier progression let players choose their approach: adventurous, balanced, or cautious.
This choice makes gameplay strategic rather than linear and greatly boosts replayability. It also stays true to the series itself. In Star Trek, the crew always decides how to approach each mission, shaping the outcome through their strategy.
BGaming team looks for franchises where we can combine the brand’s legacy with fresh, engaging mechanics. We prioritise worlds with strong fan communities and rich storytelling: universes that can translate naturally into gameplay rather than feeling forced.
GS: The game features beloved characters like Captain Picard, Commander Riker, Worf, Counselor Troi, and Data as high-value symbols. How did you approach integrating these characters to preserve their iconic qualities while fitting slot gameplay Aesthetics?
IB: Every character highlights their key traits: Picard’s leadership, Riker’s decisiveness, Worf’s strength, Troi’s empathy, and Data’s curiosity. Their visual designs were adapted to fit the slot’s gameplay while keeping them instantly recognisable.
The character symbols are crafted to work seamlessly within the cascading reels, balancing aesthetic appeal with gameplay function. This approach ensures the game feels like a modern slot while honouring the iconic qualities that fans love.
GS: With a max win potential of 10,000x bet and balanced medium-high volatility, how did the development team balance the risk and reward to cater to both fans of the franchise and strategic slot players?
IB: The team focused on balancing accessibility for Star Trek fans with depth for strategic slot players. Medium-high volatility captures the adventurous spirit of the series, making gameplay fun and emotionally engaging.
With a 10,000x max win, players experience a true sense of reward that reinforces the heroic, mission-driven atmosphere. The result is a game that works for casual fans enjoying the theme, while also offering enough strategy and risk to satisfy seasoned players.
GS: Star Trek™: The Next Generation adds to the growing portfolio of branded slots in the market. Looking ahead, how is BGaming approaching the development of future branded titles? Are there particular franchises that intrigue your team as you plan beyond this release?
IB: BGaming team looks for franchises where we can combine the brand’s legacy with fresh, engaging mechanics. We prioritise worlds with strong fan communities and rich storytelling: universes that can translate naturally into gameplay rather than feeling forced.
We’re already exploring directions like sci-fi, cyberpunk, retro-futurism, pop culture, and iconic films and series. The core rule remains the same: the brand should elevate the game, and the game should express the brand, not just add a “skin” to existing mechanics.
Star Trek™: The Next Generation was released in all regulated markets on November 13, 2025
