Exclusive: NetEnt pulls Street Fighter slot amid internal review
Supplier withdraws headline game one week after launch over player staking and responsible gambling concerns
NetEnt has temporarily disabled its Street Fighter II: The World Warrior slot after internal concerns were raised about potential player staking behaviour, EGR has learned.
The slots title based on the popular 1990s videogame was pulled less than a week after its launch in the UK. EGR understands the game was fully certified for distribution to NetEnt’s operator partners.
In a leaked internal email seen by EGR, the supplier said it had identified a “potential situation where player staking behaviour could impact gameplay experience”, confirming that it would remove the game.
“Our teams have already identified a fix that will prevent this issue from occurring, and we are in the process of implementing this,” the email states.
NetEnt’s Street Fighter title launched on 21 May
EGR understands the issue revolves around player stake changes when the game progress is close to awarding a bonus round.
In some cases, players who reduce their stake when close to unlocking the bonus round may enter the round at a lower stake relative to their overall contribution. Concerns have been raised in respect of responsible gambling, with players taking more risks for a bigger bonus round prize pot.
It is understood a fix has already been identified to address this issue and is currently being implemented, however the new version of the game must be re-certified. No timescale has been confirmed for the relaunch of the game.
NetEnt head of communication Victor Melander confirmed the withdrawal of the title, pending implementation and recertification.
“We can confirm we have pulled the game. An internal review is underway and we will make all appropriate reports, if required, as part of that review. We look forward to re-releasing the game as soon as possible,” said Melander.