The classic fantasy conflict between Elves and Orcs arrives on the reels in Belatra’s latest release, Slattors Battle – Orcs vs Elves, which launched on November 14, 2025. This isn’t just a visual theme; it’s a core mechanic that lets players choose their allegiance, shaping their entire gameplay experience. We spoke with Mikhail Voinich, Head of Business Development at Belatra, to discuss how the studio translated this epic rivalry into a cinematic slot adventure.
In our conversation, we explore the inspiration behind the faction system, the dramatic hero battles triggered by Expanding Wilds, and the powerful Hot Mode that doubles multipliers. Mikhail also shares insights from development and what this narrative-driven approach signals for Belatra’s future.
Gamingslots: Slattors Battle – Orcs vs Elves puts the classic fantasy conflict of Elves and Orcs at the heart of its story. What inspired your team to translate this rivalry into a slot game, and how did you approach building such a cinematic experience for players?
Mikhail Voinich: The idea behind Slattors Battle – Orcs vs Elves emerged from our desire to tell a story within Belatra’s familiar slot format, but at the scale of an epic legend. We drew inspiration from classic fantasy, spanning books, films, and computer RPGs, where each side has its own truth, strength, and path to victory. We wanted to capture not just a battle between good and evil, but a full-blown clash of worlds, where magic and might exist side by side, and the player truly chooses which side to champion.
The hero battle is the heart of the game. When Expanding Wilds appear, a true duel begins, where each strike can multiply wins up to 100x.
In developing the game, we approached the slot as both a miniature cinematic experience and an interactive game. It combines story, visual effects, and pre-battle tension, yet every outcome depends on the player’s decisions. Choosing a side, controlling the game’s rhythm, and shaping the outcome of each spin turn Slattors Battle into a gaming experience that connects with players. This combination of epic narrative and personal agency creates a slot that does more than entertain — it engages players in an action-packed adventure.
GS: Before the action begins, players choose to join the Elves or Orcs, each with distinct strengths and risk profiles. What was the philosophy behind offering these two gameplay styles, and how does it shape strategy and replay value?
MV: From the start, we wanted the choice between sides in Slattors Battle to be more than solely visual — it had to meaningfully impact the game mechanics and the player’s overall experience. This led to the concept of two distinct volatility types embodied by the opposing factions.
Elves represent stability, strategy, and precision. Their gameplay style appeals to those who prefer a more predictable rhythm with frequent, moderate wins, reflecting their disciplined, calculated nature that is focused on long-term victory.
Orcs, by contrast, embody risk, chaos, and raw power. Their volatility is higher; wins come less often, but the potential for each spin is significantly greater. It’s the energy of attack, the instinct of battle — striking boldly rather than waiting.
This duality deepens strategic gameplay. Players can switch styles according to their mood, experiment, and feel the dynamic contrast between factions. It’s like having two modes within one game — two philosophies of victory, each designed to enhance replay value, making every session a next-level gameplay experience.
For us, it was vital that bonus features in Slattors Battle didn’t feel like one-off events, but as part of a grand adventure. That’s why we designed two types of Scatters — standard and Super Scatter — each unlocking its own style of free games and impacting the game’s look in unique ways.
GS: Expanding wilds trigger dramatic hero battles, with duels and multipliers that can reach up to 100x. How do these battle mechanics impact player engagement and the potential for wins?
MV: The hero battle is the heart of the game. When expanding wilds appear, a true duel begins, where each strike can multiply wins up to 100x. This dynamic creates genuine tension: players aren’t just watching reels spin; they’re witnessing events unfold as if inside a living, breathing world.
Importantly, it’s not a distant or detached confrontation. Players have chosen their side from the outset, so when heroes clash on screen, it feels like their own team is fighting. Their hero goes up against a character from the opposing faction. Every victory feels personal, and every defeat is a compelling challenge.
This “Wild battle” mechanic transforms what could be just a flashy bonus into the emotional core of the game. It’s that spark which makes Slattors Battle exciting, capturing attention and providing cutting-edge moments.
We didn’t just develop it — we conquered it. Each improvement was guided by hands-on testing, ensuring the final slot experience enthralls and excites.
GS: The game features two types of scatters that launch free games and super scatters for Hot Mode, with expanding opportunities to extend free spins. What do you see as the key to keeping bonus features fresh and engaging throughout play?
MV: For us, it was vital that bonus features in Slattors Battle didn’t feel like one-off events, but as part of a grand adventure. That’s why we designed two types of scatters — standard and super scatter — each unlocking its own style of free games and impacting the game’s look in unique ways.
Standard Scatters trigger classic free games, providing a smooth transition from main gameplay to the bonus cycle. Super Scatters, however, launch Hot Mode — intense, action-packed, where the clash of factions is palpable and fun. Wins may occur less often, but each victory carries more weight and feels epic and immersive.
We also included the ability to extend their free games sessions, giving players a sense of progression and the chance to fully explore the story. As a result, the bonus cycle becomes more than just a reward; it’s a narrative climax within the slot experience, where every combination feels part of the ongoing battle.
GS: Hot Mode carries expanding wilds from the main game into the bonus and doubles their multipliers, giving players a shot at significant wins. What inspired this feature and how did your team balance its potential impact on gameplay?
MV: Hot Mode is not just a bonus — it’s the apex of the game’s lively experience. We call it the “Hero Mode” because it showcases the full potential of the chosen faction. When expanding wilds carry over from the main game, retaining their multipliers, players feel that their journey has a tangible impact — the energy they’ve built up now propels the decisive phase of the battle.
All multipliers are doubled, creating the potential for a thrilling explosion of wins. Every spin can be epic, and every combination legendary. Visually and emotionally, Hot Mode is a moment of peak tension, where anything can happen.
Balancing Hot Mode was critical, as we wanted to preserve excitement while maintaining player agency. Through careful testing, we ensured that the exhilaration of major wins never overshadowed the core gameplay. The result is a mode that feels like a deserved reward for persistence, choice, and participation in the battle, combining mechanics, rich visuals, and emotional resonance into a complete, immersive experience.
If it becomes clear that audiences enjoy this approach, we plan to launch several more projects in the same vein — battles, heroes, multipliers, and stories that unfold directly on the reels.
GS: Slattors Battle emphasises strategic player choices and engaging, character-driven combat. Are there particular moments during development or user testing that helped refine these elements?
MV: When we began testing Slattors Battle, our team of testers (and honestly, not just testers — the game fascinated everyone) split into two teams: Elves and Orcs. Testing quickly turned into a mini-tournament, with team members defending their side, debating strategies, chasing big wins, and proving which faction was stronger.
This deep engagement allowed us to feel the game from the inside. We could sense exactly what needed refinement to fully engage players. This led to more expressive visual effects during hero battles, enhanced animation of Expanding Wilds, improved multiplier logic, and slightly adjusted Hot Mode tempo, ensuring that the experience of each win felt powerful and authentic.
In this sense, Slattors Battle is more than the result of teamwork; it’s the product of internal conflict that helped balance and refine the game, making it vibrant and living. We didn’t just develop it — we conquered it. Each improvement was guided by hands-on testing, ensuring the final slot experience engages and delights.
GS: Looking ahead, do you see Slattors Battle as a turning point for Belatra Games in terms of narrative-driven slot design? What can players expect from your Belatra in future releases, whether in the fantasy genre or beyond?
MV: The concept of battle-focused games, with faction choice and heroic confrontations, is very close to our vision. It gives players a sense of real involvement and personal agency. Slattors Battle is our first step in this format, and we will closely follow how players respond to this progressive mechanic, the emotional peaks, and strategic decisions.
If it becomes clear that audiences enjoy this approach, we plan to launch several more projects in the same vein — battles, heroes, multipliers, and stories that unfold directly on the reels. Our mission is for every Belatra slot to be more than entertainment; it should be an experience where the player is an integral part of the story.
Moreover, Slattors Battle demonstrates how classic slot mechanics can blend with a more dramatic, narrative-driven design, opening new horizons for the studio. We see tremendous potential not only in fantasy but also in other genres where choice, strategy, and dynamic visuals can make each spin memorable.
