How Online Game Developers Have Changed Slot Games
The old saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” That rule has been applied pretty strictly to the world of slot machines. For over a hundred years, slots have remained pretty unchanged. However, the iGaming industry rose to prominence in the mid-to-late 1990s, which led to a shift in gambling in general, and especially slots.
The success of online slots was not unexpected. These games are simple, they are easy to understand, and most importantly, fun to play. However, there were many game developers who thought that slots online could do with improvement. Taking inspiration from gaming, and pop culture in general, they found ways to change the slot games many of us love. But, did they successfully improve the games?
The Incorporation of Aesthetic Themes
For a long time, slots were thought to be successful because of aesthetic uniformity. Basically, at land-based casinos, most slot machines looked the same. The same trend could be observed at online casinos, until the late 90s and early 2000s. Whether it was an attempt to improve the industry, attract new customers, or just challenge themselves, slot developers thought that infusing slots with an aesthetic would be a good plan.
Decades later, thematic slots have completely dominated the industry, to a point where making a classic slot is seen as an artistic or aesthetic statement in and of itself. Game developers draw from popular aesthetic themes in pop culture, which is why we get fantasy slots, and games inspired by anime or super heroes. So, thematic slots were not just a change that online slot developers brought about, but also a positive one.
New Gameplay Mechanics
Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to slot machines. Players don’t want anything more complex than what they have. However, you can’t blame game developers for wanting to innovate the gameplay just a bit. The trick is to strike a balance between the same-old simplicity that the fans have grown accustomed to, while also adding something new that they will certainly enjoy.
The best example of a newly-added mechanic in slot games is the addition of cascading slots. For the most part, cascading slots are no different than classic machines. However, they have an extra mechanic, called avalanche, that has new symbols drop from the top of the screen, after the player has mixed-and-matched the ones already present. Cascading slots are a hit, and most people seek them out.
Virtual Reality is the Hot New Trend
The people exposed to modern technology have always been fascinated by virtual reality. We see that even back in the mid-to-late 20th century, VR has been a staple of pop culture. Films like TRON show that the concept resonates with a large audience. However, virtual reality is no longer a far-off dream in the minds of sci-fi writers.
The growing popularity of VR video games has spurred many slot developers to try their hands at virtual reality slot games. The technology is not yet where it needs to be, so many players prefer to steer clear. However, the rise of the METAverse, as well as improvements in the tech in general are a good indicator that VR slots might be the game of the future.
