In the past two decades, casino gaming online has evolved into more than just reward reports. In fact, the industry has become a ground for innovation. Slots have evolved past their fruity origins, looking more like video games than a simple pub machine. That innovation has reached all corners of contemporary casino businesses, with several casino trends that mirror the evolution of modern video games.
In this article, we’ll explore how casino trends mirror modern video games in different aspects. From business models to competitive play, here’s how they stay closer to video gaming.
Gamification – a Leading Trend
If you take a look at popular Canadian online casinos, you’ll see that mostly are focused on a concept known as gamification. For example, Casino Days is a trusted casino among Canadian players, focusing on this concept by offering personalized promotions and a role-playing experience.
If we strip modern gamification to the basics, it’s the use of game-like mechanics in non-gaming environments. In the online casino industry, this concept refers to features such as missions, points, and reward tracking progress on top of traditional gameplay. Some casino sites may even offer different characters to start with on sign up, just like in good ol’ video games.
While on the surface gamification looks like a bit of a show off, it’s more than that. Gamification also taps into the video gaming instinct most players have – progression. You know how you’re willing to do anything to progress further in a video game? Modern online casinos use gamification to produce something similar.
- Loyalty points unlock progression systems that provide a sense of growth. You won’t be able to upgrade your character, but levelling up and completing quests unlocks even more points, which can be spent on cosmetic of more meaningful rewards.
- Leaderboards spark friendly competition between players.
- Progressing unlocks badges and achievements that players can proudly display on their profile.
- Some missions and challenges vary in structure and difficulty, matching the evolution of modern video games.
Gamification is becoming more and more popular these days, with many new online casinos adopting it. Over time, it will continue evolving and close the gap between casino and video games, potentially tapping into a completely new group of players.
Mobile Gaming
Mobile gaming is getting increasingly more popular. Not just in the world of video games, but for online casino games as well. The online gaming industry is mobile-first nowadays, bringing mobile gaming to the masses without the need for expensive devices.
All casino games are optimized for use on mobile devices, be it Android or iOS smartphones and tablets. Moreover, most games can be played via apps or mobile-optimized websites. With touch-optimized user interfaces and compatibility with new technologies and operating systems, mobile gaming is a logical step in the development of both video and casino games.
Story-Driven Games
The time of traditional fruit slots has come to an end. In order to keep up with a demanding crowd and appeal to a new generation of players, game developers have immersed deeply into the narrative part of casino games. Slots have evolved to story-driven games, which has been one of the most significant developments in the world of online casino gaming.
What this does is shift the narrative from churning repetitive spins to modern slot games with fun and unfolding gameplay. Some of them play in episodic format. They guide players through a story arc, which often continues in the bonus round once unlocked. Weaving narratives into casino games unlocked a new level of potential and brought casino games—specifically slot titles—to modern video games.
If you want an example, just check out Nolimit City’s slots. They’re all developer from a unique narrative angle. From unique characters to sharp visuals, they create a sense of a quirky adventure not unlike certain video games.
Some slots even incorporate mini-games, further bridging the gap with modern video games. It’s just another proof of how far the industry has come, and how casino games mimic video game trends.
Technological Innovation
In recent years, technology has progressed quite a lot, with new devices that make for much better immersive in games. For example, VR and AR are already used in video games, and casino games mirror the trend. VR casinos are already a thing. Even though they’re mostly in beta version, they offer an exciting path forward and a glimpse to the future of online gaming.
Virtual and augmented reality devices enhance gameplay in a whole new way. It’s more immersive and looks like something ripped straight of a 1980s sci-fi movie. With a device on their heads, players can access virtual spaces where there are thousands of games to play. Augmented reality can display important info such as stats or betting range, as well as other information about any game.
VR allows players to enjoy virtual gaming like never before. Becoming Batman is incredible in the world of VR, and so is playing the role of James Bond at a baccarat table. When it comes to emerging technologies, casino games are already mirroring the video games VR trend.
Artificial Intelligence
AI is one of the hottest tech and gaming topics in the past few years. We’re witnesses to it improving all the time, quickly going from a cool new tech to something that keeps evolving to the point of self-progression. It has quickly become a cornerstone of modern video game development, as it’s being used in the creation of slot machines.
Not just for show. Artificial intelligence can come up with new and exciting game mechanics and analyse and improve how players interact with games. It personalizes experience which brings in more fans, as it’s capable of optimizing difficulty and keeping players engaged.
Final Thoughts
There’s no question that video games are a heavy influence on slot games and design. This trend doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. Slot machines are set to become more dynamic and immersive in the coming years, with personalized experiences that blur the lines between casino and video games.
The evolution of gaming trends mirrored in casino games will push the envelope even further in the future. It’s a win-win for everyone involved – developers get more fans, and casino game enthusiasts get more immersive experiences.
