There is a lot of crossover between iGaming and the broader video gaming market, and most discussions around the relationship between the two focus on how casino mechanics appear in other genres and interactive experiences. However, it’s also worth recognizing that this is a two-way street, with the most attractive design elements of mainstream PC and console games enhancing slots to allow players to spin the reels for longer.
Embrace unlockables and focus on progression
Casino games of old were simple and worked on the principle that on each spin you would win or lose depending on how the symbols landed. Modern versions of iGaming are a whole different kettle of fish, adding a multitude of ways to play, with bonus features being where the biggest wins are found.
Players who are lucky enough to activate a bonus round during the last online slot machines will find that many use video game-style progression systems to drive engagement. This could mean filling a progress meter to unlock more multipliers and access bigger jackpots. This could mean triggering multiple bonuses within a continuous bonus, much like leveling up in an RPG or performing a combo in a fighting game.
Progression also applies outside of the casino games themselves, with iGaming sites using gaming-style loyalty rewards that track stakes each month and allow users to unlock more and more benefits the more they play. This type of meta-incentive is very similar to the achievements that characterize mainstream video gaming.
Maximize visual and audio design
Another key aspect of video game design that has carried over to casino games to keep players engaged comes from the presentation of modern titles.
If you’ve ever played a Mario game, you’ll know the satisfaction that comes with every interaction, whether it’s the flourishing animation of how the mustachioed plumber jumps, or the sound effect that plays when he collects a coin or power-up. This same “juice”, as it is called in the industry, is what makes the latest slot games so appealing. Sleek graphics and visual effects accompany each spin, and the combination of music and sound effects makes the entire experience vital and relevant, whether a winning outcome occurs or not.
The social side
The final lesson learned from video games by developers and iGaming platforms is the inclusion of social elements. In particular, it is common to find high scores and leaderboards on casino sites showing the biggest wins of the day or week, as well as the nicknames of the players who won them.
Likewise, there are a growing number of supported live casino games as well as their digital counterparts, with chat features that allow players to interact with each other and with the dealer operating the game. This is adjacent to the popularity of video game streaming via Twitch, as well as a way to replicate the in-person casino experience online.
The result of all this is that casino games have taken their potential for player engagement to new heights, while also influencing video games through loot boxes and random features.
