Video games have tremendously grown in popularity around the world. In the process, the gaming industry has left an impact on the entertainment industry at large, with movies, TV shows, and other media based on video games emerging. Video games have also helped shape the gambling industry. The technological advancements and innovations from games as well as the characters, worlds, and stories that make them unique have had a lasting impact on today’s online casinos.
Many slot developers and online casino providers have taken inspiration from video games to create new ways for players to experience the traditional pastime of slot machines in a modern and engaging way. Video games have given rise to a transformation in online gambling, allowing online casinos to appeal to new audiences.
Technological advancements allow for graphically immersive experiences
Today’s AAA video games showcase the awe-inspiring graphical achievements in game design. Boasting photorealistic worlds, fluid 3D animations, cinematic effects, and overall captivating visual experiences, video games have become a sight to behold. Taking inspiration from these advancements, casino game developers have given online slots a facelift, significantly improving their visual design compared to the original slot machine that inspired them.
When browsing through the vast game libraries of some of the best-rated online casinos as listed by experts, players are spoiled for choice. While traditional slots with three reels and classic symbols such as fruit, bells, and sevens are still a staple in online casinos, modern and visually varied iterations make up the larger part of the platforms’ offerings.
Modern slots now feature visually enthralling designs with intricately created symbols, worlds, and characters. Advanced 3D animations make slot games feel more akin to their video game counterparts, with cinematic effects bringing the world of each online slot to life. As in video games, the visual richness allows slot games to create their own stories, worlds, and characters.
Video game mechanics have left an impact on slots
Common mechanics used in video games have also influenced online slots and allowed for new, more interactive gambling experiences. To appeal to a wider audience of players who enjoy the interactivity of video games, casinos have introduced new gaming elements in their online slots that are used in video games.
Slot machines traditionally only require the player to press a button or pull a lever to get the reels turning as they wait for the outcome. To offer a higher level of interactivity, innovative online slots now feature various additional game elements. Many modern online slots now incorporate various interactive elements, such as bonus rounds, mini-games, and options that engage players and invite them to interact with the game on a deeper level.
Some online slots allow players to pick among a roster of characters, for instance, while certain mini-games ask players to pick between various options on the screen. Some slots even tell stories and use levels and various challenges with rewards and achievements if players reach specific goals. These additional features provide players with a sense of progression like in video games. While slots remain a game of chance, by creating a deeper level of interactivity, online casino platforms offer their players a wider variety.
Slots based on video games depict iconic characters
Video games are known to continuously inspire modern popular culture. For instance, video game adaptations in movies and TV shows bring beloved game franchises such as Tomb Raider, The Last of Us, The Witcher, and many more to the big and small screens, allowing fans to experience their favorite characters in new ways. Similarly, some video games have inspired the creation of online slot adaptations.
Casino game developers and platforms have partnered up with popular gaming franchises to bring celebrated video games into the casino realm. For instance, the long-running and immensely popular Tomb Raider games featuring the adventurous archeologist Lara Croft have inspired the creation of several online slot machines. Microgaming has created three games, Tomb Raider, Tomb Raider 2, and Lara Croft: Temples and Tombs, all of which depict the archeologist on her adventures on their reels.
Another long-running game franchise has also spawned an online slot. Street Fighter II was a tremendously popular fighting arcade game in the 90s, that can now be re-experienced in the form of an online slot. NetEnt’s Street Fighter II online slot brings the classic into the modern casino space. Players can choose from eight iconic characters, while the game features various video game elements for an interactive experience.
Video games have greatly impacted the realm of online casino games in several ways. With its technological advancements in graphics and animation, interactive elements, and iconic characters from popular gaming franchises, video games have helped shape modern online slots.
