Since their inception, slot games have taken the world by storm. The first slot machine saw the light of day in a New York bar. Its success led to imitations and variations, and pretty soon, the fruit machine was a staple of every gambling establishment. Now, slots are the most popular, prominent, and beloved games at any casino.
In the 1990s, digital technology reached new peaks. Game developers had the opportunity to create online slot games and market them to a new audience. It was the inception of the so-called iGaming industry, which is so popular today. But, just like in land-based gambling, online gambling has certain trends and fads. So, in this article, we would like to explore the latest trends in online slot game development.
Story-Based Games
An incredibly popular trend in the 2020s is releasing story-based games. If you visit various online gaming sites, you will likely find many fantastic slots. However, you will notice that older games forego the aesthetic in favor of focusing on gameplay and mechanics. Of course, this is perfectly fine. Anyone who knows how to play gambling slots online, knows that these games don’t leave much room for a story. And yet, the latest trend is to emphasize stories and themes.
Many new slots take heavy inspiration from action puzzle games, making the slot game a metaphor for greater action. They tell epic stories about wars between good and evil, lone samurai, space-faring adventurers, and more through simple gameplay. The best part? These games don’t forego gameplay or mechanics. Rather, they emphasize both aspects equally, making the games a lot more interesting.
Return to Tradition
The popularity of the story-based game cannot go understated. It seems that all of the latest online slots are all story and theme-focused. But, as we all know, every action has an equal reaction. So, unsurprisingly, many developers have completely stripped their games of any themes and story, focusing solely on gameplay and mechanics.
Thus, we have a trend of companies releasing classic fruit slots. These games are clearly tailor-made for old-school gamblers. They are very simple; a single reel slot with three columns, fruit symbols, and the jackpot. Fans of the classics can sit in front of their computer, click a button, and feel like they are in the casino. These games are quite immersive and offer an old, familiar experience. And speaking of immersion…
Virtual Reality
The development of virtual reality has been a huge step for the entertainment industry. For those who don’t know, virtual reality is a digital technology that transports the player into an entirely computer-generated world. Sports leagues and gaming companies have already begun incorporating VR to produce a better fan experience.
So, how can iGaming incorporate VR? It is quite simple; Virtual reality casinos are a huge trend in the industry right now. Gamblers visit online casinos and are teleported into a virtual casino. There, they can access all of the classic games, whether slots, blackjack, poker, or more.
It is worth mentioning that many casinos are also incorporating augmented reality. For those that don’t know, there is a difference between AR and VR, so when looking for these kinds of games, make sure you pick the option you enjoy more.
Crypto-Gambling
In 2009, Satoshi Nakamoto completely changed the world of finance when he introduced the concept of cryptocurrency. In the past decade, the phenomenon has become immensely popular and mainstream. According to some statistics, 42% of the global population has shown interest in cryptocurrency, trading, and investment. So, it is unsurprising that the iGaming industry has hopped on the bandwagon.
Crypto-deposit methods have recently become one of the most popular transaction options on many betting sites. The new trend comes with its pros and cons. Most people enjoy gambling using crypto because of the following reasons:
• Anonymity
• Low fees/no fees
• A general interest in cryptocurrency
However, it should be noted that crypto-gambling has the same downsides as cryptocurrency in general. Primary among them is digital money’s volatility rate. So, if you are interested in the process, familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages, and decide whether gambling using Bitcoin is for you.
Wrapping It Up
The iGaming industry, like most entertainment markets, is always changing. More and more people are becoming interested in online gambling, which leads to higher revenue. In turn, the higher revenue leads to new developments, creating a more vibrant and interesting industry that attracts more people. In 2023, these are the four trends that have made iGaming interesting. However, it wouldn’t surprise us if the industry sees completely new, just as fascinating trends in a year.
