Darnell Johnson's guest appearances

Darnell Johnson

GGB Magazine Podcast

Creator Forge Podcast

The Stories Tour

Rahul Sood

Erika Nardini

Chris Lee

Chris McLaughlin

Matt Wilson

Bill Bryson

Justin Brierley

Trillia Newbell

David Jacoby

Kevin Brown

Jonodev Chaudhuri

Kevin Kline

Tim Smith

Joe DeSimone

Goni Montes

OwlTail

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JITXRt8r9HEWhen Si Redd founded IGT back in the mid 1970s, video poker was the company’s cornerstone. When it went public in 1981, IGT dominated the video poker market. Not much has changed 40 years later. IGT is still the 800-pound gorilla in the video poker market. Darnell Johnson, the director of video poker product management, explains why video poker is one of the staples of the casino gaming market. He spoke with GGB Publisher Roger Gros via Zoom from the IGT offices in Las Vegas in January.GGB: People forget that video poker was really the first skill-based game, and people enjoy it because they have some sort of control over whether they’re going to win or lose. How do you keep interest in video poker with the new skill games hitting the casino floor?Darnell Johnson: The casino industry as a whole is constantly expanding. So, sports betting, casual games, skill-based games, all these things are just additional offerings that we as casino manufacturers provide as a means of entertainment for the player. We don’t really see poker as anything less, now that more of those games or venues are starting to expand. We just want to continue to provide the best type of content and product offerings for our customers that we can. We want to make sure that the player’s experience is the best experience that they have when they go on their casino floor. We want to make sure that it’s memorable, so that they can come back and play again.IGT has a really diverse lineup of games. You are always introducing new versions of video poker. How do you decide how to tweak them, and what kind of other options to give to the players?When we first introduced video poker several decades ago it was very straightforward. And we started to do a lot of evolutions, working with internal resources that we have, and other partners, where we can create a lot of different types of opportunities for more favorable experiences to the players. Introducing a triple/five/10-play game mechanic, where a player now has the opportunity to play not just one single hand, but three hands, five hands, or 10 hands, at any given time just creates a lot more excitement from a player’s perspective.That’s what we continue to try to do. We look to see how we can innovate things, but we also have to be very mindful that poker players are very loyal, and they don’t like to see a lot of change. We understand that and we respect that. We’ve seen those Jacks or Better players start transitioning over to different game families, whether that’s a Bonus Poker play, or Double Double Bonus, or even Triple Double Bonus, depending on what type of volatility they’re looking to get out of their experience. We also talk to the operators, because they know their players way better than we do, as to what they’re looking for, and continue to drive content that meets that need.The hold percentage on a video poker game is really pretty low, when it comes to the casino, and pretty high for the player, if you play the correct strategy. The better they learn the strategy, the better they’re going to do at the game. But I’ve noticed a lot of players don’t really know this strategy.There are a few players out there that play really, really well, but there are not many that play perfect strategy. It takes a very disciplined player to be able to do that. Though there are definitely some advantages, I think the properties are well-versed in understanding how to leverage that to their benefit as well.One of the great things about video poker is that you can sit at a bar and play it. And that was really a lot of the attraction of it in the beginning, especially here in Nevada when they had the small casinos. IGT has just introduced a new PeakBarTop cabinet that is doing very well. Explain the strategy behind that.A few years ago, we started the exercise to look at creating a new type of form factor for the bar area. We were getting a lot of feedback from customers, that they believed that it was time to start looking at a new form factor. So, we took the challenge to create something.We wanted to create something that is definitely going to resonate with today’s players, but could also resonate with future players as well—something that can evolve over time, to offer everything that video poker offers today. I think IGT is a clear leader in that space of innovation. I think we’ve shown over the last couple of years now that we’re looking to continue to push the envelope.We introduced a curved monitor to the bar area. That was not something that had been considered previously. There are a lot of issues with the bars from a glare perspective, where a curved display, positioned the right way, can absorb that glare and not redirect it back into the player’s eyes.Ergonomics was a big part of this. We wanted to create a solution that is much better ergonomically for the player as well, where the customer can play and be comfortable. The buttons are a key element of our bar-top as well. Players love those buttons, and know those buttons, so we want to make sure that we would keep that same interaction, while, at the same time, try to create more innovation to make it more appealing, from both a hardware perspective and a software perspective. And thankfully, I think we’ve done a pretty good job of that so far.

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JITXRt8r9HE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JITXRt8r9HE</a> When Si Redd founded IGT back in the mid 1970s, video poker was the company’s cornerstone. When it went public in 1981, IGT dominated the video poker market. Not much has changed 40 years later. IGT is still the 800-pound gorilla in the video poker market. Darnell Johnson, the director of video poker product management, explains why video poker is one of the staples of the casino gaming market. He spoke with GGB Publisher Roger Gros via Zoom from the IGT offices in Las Vegas in January. GGB: People forget that video poker was really the first skill-based game, and people enjoy it because they have some sort of control over whether they’re going to win or lose. How do you keep interest in video poker with the new skill games hitting the casino floor? Darnell Johnson: The casino industry as a whole is constantly expanding. So, sports betting, casual games, skill-based games, all these things are just additional offerings that we as casino manufacturers provide as a means of entertainment for the player. We don’t really see poker as anything less, now that more of those games or venues are starting to expand. We just want to continue to provide the best type of content and product offerings for our customers that we can. We want to make sure that the player’s experience is the best experience that they have when they go on their casino floor. We want to make sure that it’s memorable, so that they can come back and play again. IGT has a really diverse lineup of games. You are always introducing new versions of video poker. How do you decide how to tweak them, and what kind of other options to give to the players? When we first introduced video poker several decades ago it was very straightforward. And we started to do a lot of evolutions, working with internal resources that we have, and other partners, where we can create a lot of different types of opportunities for more favorable experiences to the players. Introducing a triple/five/10-play game mechanic, where a player now has the opportunity to play not just one single hand, but three hands, five hands, or 10 hands, at any given time just creates a lot more excitement from a player’s perspective. That’s what we continue to try to do. We look to see how we can innovate things, but we also have to be very mindful that poker players are very loyal, and they don’t like to see a lot of change. We understand that and we respect that. We’ve seen those Jacks or Better players start transitioning over to different game families, whether that’s a Bonus Poker play, or Double Double Bonus, or even Triple Double Bonus, depending on what type of volatility they’re looking to get out of their experience. We also talk to the operators, because they know their players way better than we do, as to what they’re looking for, and continue to drive content that meets that need. The hold percentage on a video poker game is really pretty low, when it comes to the casino, and pretty high for the player, if you play the correct strategy. The better they learn the strategy, the better they’re going to do at the game. But I’ve noticed a lot of players don’t really know this strategy. There are a few players out there that play really, really well, but there are not many that play perfect strategy. It takes a very disciplined player to be able to do that. Though there are definitely some advantages, I think the properties are well-versed in understanding how to leverage that to their benefit as well. One of the great things about video poker is that you can sit at a bar and play it. And that was really a lot of the attraction of it in the beginning, especially here in Nevada when they had the small casinos. IGT has just introduced a new PeakBarTop cabinet that is doing very well. Explain the strategy behind that. A few years ago, we started the exercise to look at creating a new type of form factor for the bar area. We were getting a lot of feedback from customers, that they believed that it was time to start looking at a new form factor. So, we took the challenge to create something. We wanted to create something that is definitely going to resonate with today’s players, but could also resonate with future players as well—something that can evolve over time, to offer everything that video poker offers today. I think IGT is a clear leader in that space of innovation. I think we’ve shown over the last couple of years now that we’re looking to continue to push the envelope. We introduced a curved monitor to the bar area. That was not something that had been considered previously. There are a lot of issues with the bars from a glare perspective, where a curved display, positioned the right way, can absorb that glare and not redirect it back into the player’s eyes. Ergonomics was a big part of this. We wanted to create a solution that is much better ergonomically for the player as well, where the customer can play and be comfortable. The buttons are a key element of our bar-top as well. Players love those buttons, and know those buttons, so we want to make sure that we would keep that same interaction, while, at the same time, try to create more innovation to make it more appealing, from both a hardware perspective and a software perspective. And thankfully, I think we’ve done a pretty good job of that so far.

Fresh off of a huge creative year, illustrator and visual development artist Darnell Johnson visits The Stories Tour podcast this week to share some insights on the ever competitive creative industry, being a dad, and how faith can make a difference.  Darnell has worked in the animation, film, and video game industries for companies like Marvel and The Hallmark Channel, to name a few. He also illustrates children’s books for major publishers such as Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.  This week’s side story takes Alex to a run down rest stop in the middle of nowhere and a decision that will change his life. Featuring entertainment news, honest conversations, plus a new single from singer songwriter John Lucas, it’s  time for another Stories Tour podcast where faith and creativity meet.   You can learn more about Darnell’s latest releases like the graphic novel Power Up  and his picture book  The Electric Slide and Kai by clicking on the links, and you can follow him on Instagram to take a look at some of his awesome work.  And Don’t forget to sign up for The Stories Tour newsletter on this website to get the inside scoop on what’s happening with The Stories Tour podcast and upcoming Stories Tour live events. Alex Marestaing’s latest YA book Fifteen Seconds of Normal is now on sale at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or wherever you get your books. Check it out here.

Fresh off of a huge creative year, illustrator and visual development artist Darnell Johnson visits The Stories Tour podcast this week to share some insights on the ever competitive creative industry, being a dad, and how faith can make a difference. Darnell has worked in the animation, film, and video game industries for companies like Marvel and The Hallmark Channel, to name a few. He also illustrates children’s books for major publishers such as Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. This week’s side story takes Alex to a run down rest stop in the middle of nowhere and a decision that will change his life. Featuring entertainment news, honest conversations, plus a new single from singer songwriter John Lucas, it’s time for another Stories Tour podcast where faith and creativity meet.  You can learn more about Darnell’s latest releases like the graphic novel <a href="https://www.hmhbooks.com/shop/books/Power-Up/9780358411239" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Power Up</a> and his picture book <a href="https://www.leeandlow.com/books/the-electric-slide-and-kai" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Electric Slide and Kai</a> by clicking on the links, and you can follow him on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_darnelljohnson_/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a> to take a look at some of his awesome work. And Don’t forget to sign up for The Stories Tour newsletter on this website to get the inside scoop on what’s happening with The Stories Tour podcast and upcoming Stories Tour live events. Alex Marestaing’s latest YA book Fifteen Seconds of Normal is now on sale at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or wherever you get your books. Check it out <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fifteen-Seconds-Normal-Alex-Marestaing-ebook/dp/B01M6U6BUS/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&amp;qid=&amp;sr=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.

Artist Darnell Johnson

Originally from Miami, FL, Darnell Johnson is a super talented Illustrator, character designer, and visual development artist based in Atlanta, GA who recently made the bold leap from the relative stability of studio life in the casino game industry to a full-time career as a freelance artist. Darnell discusses the steps he has taken to forge a freelance career, art education, networking, and staying true to your own values while successfully working in commercial arts. The Creator Forge Podcast will maintain a monthly release schedule going forward. Thanks for joining us so far, and we hope to hear from you on social media. Let us know what you think. Darnell's links  Stain LLC Darnell's LinkedIn  Companies and schools  Pixel Pirate Studio ADC Mouse Age of Learning WMG Timbuk Toons AGS SCAD  Other Links  How to become a toy designer Shawn Crystal Nolan Woodard    Podcast Credits:  Pat Bollin: Host Jeremiah Clark: Co-Host  Opinions expressed by guests are their own, and not necessarily endorsed by their employer, past present or future, nor by Creator Forge, LLC.

Originally from Miami, FL, Darnell Johnson is a super talented Illustrator, character designer, and visual development artist based in Atlanta, GA who recently made the bold leap from the relative stability of studio life in the casino game industry to a full-time career as a freelance artist. Darnell discusses the steps he has taken to forge a freelance career, art education, networking, and staying true to your own values while successfully working in commercial arts. The Creator Forge Podcast will maintain a monthly release schedule going forward. Thanks for joining us so far, and we hope to hear from you on social media. Let us know what you think. Darnell's links <ul> <li><a href="https://stainllc.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stain LLC</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/darnell-johnson-b468111b" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Darnell's LinkedIn</a></li> </ul> Companies and schools <ul> <li><a href="http://www.pixelpiratestudio.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pixel Pirate Studio</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.abcmouse.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ADC Mouse</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.ageoflearning.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Age of Learning</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.wmg.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WMG</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.timbuktoons.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Timbuk Toons</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.playags.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AGS</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.scad.edu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SCAD</a></li> </ul> Other Links <ul> <li><a href="http://www.theartcareerproject.com/become-toy-designer/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">How to become a toy designer</a></li> <li><a href="http://comicvine.gamespot.com/shawn-crystal/4040-55750/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shawn Crystal</a></li> <li><a href="http://comicvine.gamespot.com/nolan-woodard/4040-59061/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nolan Woodard</a></li> </ul> Podcast Credits: <ul> <li><a href="http://patbollin.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pat Bollin</a>: Host</li> <li><a href="http://www.jeremiahclark.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jeremiah Clark</a>: Co-Host</li> </ul> Opinions expressed by guests are their own, and not necessarily endorsed by their employer, past present or future, nor by Creator Forge, LLC.