Slot games are not what they used to be a decade ago. Thanks to the integration of modern technologies, these simple games now feel like full-on game shows where players never know what to expect with each spin.
And truth be told, that uncertainty is what makes real money slots so appealing. But how have casino operators managed to weave more thrill into a game that was already fun on its own? Let’s find out.
The Top Modern Trends in Slots.
The basic designs in slot games have remained the same over the decades, yet the number of slot players has continued to increase, despite the competition from other games. Why is this? Well, casino operators have added some premium features atop the basic designs, as follows:
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Gamification.
Traditionally, slot games were all about spinning and winning. In fact, the games were so predictable that players could hit the auto-spin function, sit back, and await their fate.
And after a while, this repetitiveness got a bit mundane and casino operators started noticing a drop in their numbers. In an effort to keep players engaged, they introduced video game elements to the slots. In this way, players now have two ways of progression:
- The slot wins. Players still get to spin and win, as has been the case with slots since their inception. So, return-to-player percentages, volatility, and other such features remain integral to the game.
- The experiential wins. Players also get to win points for completing challenges, many of which are not connected to the actual games. Outside the games, they can earn points for logging in, completing quests, engaging in community missions, and more. And inside the games, they get rewarded for hitting key milestones, such as winning consecutive bonus rounds or spinning 50 times.
Since wins are not just tied to the actual games, players are able to see progress even if they are on losing streaks or just breaking even. And this momentum excites them as they can compare themselves to other players as they work towards their next level or badge.
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3D Game Engines.
If you played online slots when they first came out in the 90s, then you know that the visuals were pretty basic. But back then, players did not care about how immersive the visuals were – they were just excited by the prospects of playing slots online, as this was revolutionary.
But as with any new technology, the novelty wore off as people got used to surfing the web, where they continually came across high-quality images and videos, especially with the introduction of augmented reality. So, how did casino operators react to this? They adapted by using 3D game engines.
These engines are so powerful that they are able to produce graphics akin to those of movie animations. And with such high resolution, players feel like they are experiencing the slots in real life. Every explosive celebration, character animation, or even dynamic sound feels so realistic that the divide between the online and physical worlds gets blurred.
Players are now able to lose themselves in the sequences, feeling like they are in a traditional casino surrounded by other eager players who are equally trying their luck on the machines.
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Dynamic Reels.
This new concept is quite fascinating, and just like with the other trends, it seeks to address a problem. So, what was the gap? Slots have traditionally had fixed symbols and paylines. While that’s good for players as they know what to aim for, it is also a bit restrictive and predictable. After all, how long can players remain invested in the same layout time and again?
That is where the dynamic reels come into the picture. These reels rely on algorithms powered by artificial intelligence (AI), which change the size and number of the symbols on each reel after every spin.
That’s right! This way, if the first spin offers a player 240 ways to win, the second one might offer up to 100,000 ways to win. And just like that, the games become more intriguing to players who do not want to miss a moment.
