Most Anticipated Upcoming Slot Developments
Throughout the rise of online casinos in the world of online entertainment, one game has driven its success. Online pokies, better known in most regions of the world as online slots, is the casino classic that most players have sought and is also a game that has undergone immense development over the years.
Many online casino platforms now host thousands of online slots titles that now come in various themes and with diverse game play dynamics. Designed by the vast number of game developers now active in the industry, new variations of online slots games have redrawn the gaming landscape and reinvented the traditional style and format of the game.
In the last decade, online slots have witnessed the arrival of video slots, progressive jackpots, Megaways games, and most recently, Slingo. The release of each game type has brought new levels of intrigue to the classic casino game and has also highlighted what is possible in an era of technological and software innovation.
From the classic fruit machine, online recreations fit for the developing digital world have brought new levels of convenience and accessibility to the game of slots. Fittingly for the digital wave, devices such as smartphones and tablets have provided online slots enthusiasts with a portable avenue to access game play.
All the above outline markers on the evolutionary timeline of slots from the early beginnings of online casinos in the mid-1990’s to trends seen on modern-day operators such as Vegastars. With an online gaming environment that is not only varied and accessible, but better regulated, what can slots fans expect in the coming years?
What is Driving Slot Development?
With smartphones fusing themselves to people worldwide like another body part, mobile gaming is one of the main drivers for online casinos and the many variations of online slots games. According to Statista’s mobile gaming forecasts, improved and more immersive user experiences in mobile gaming will see the number of users worldwide rise to 2.50 billion by 2030.
The importance of developing mobile apps and seamless browser experiences has not been lost on operators such as Vegastars, but while smartphones and tablets provide unparalleled convenience and portability, there are other factors that have aided the development of online slots in the past decade.
Faster Internet and Connectivity
One of the reasons why smartphones have become essential items in society is the progressive strides made in mobile network technology. We should also not forget the impact the internet has had in providing an environment for online slots on desktop computers. But in a faster moving society, enhanced connectivity allows players to access online slots titles with greater reliability and from a wider range of locations.
Enhanced Animation
It might be considered simple, but the enhancements made in visuals and graphics has made a significant difference to the overall gaming experience. With capabilities in programming improving alongside the advances in technology, game developers are able to create more sensory effects on the slots reel or in characters introduced into the game play. The online slots games of the present day are beginning to resemble console games in their appearance.
What Can We Expect in the Future?
We have seen the various factors that have made online slots into the game it is today, driven by technology and innovation. But if we switch our focus to the future of the game, what developments can online slots fans expect in the next few years?
How VR and AR Could Change Slots
The subject of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) has been much talked about in online casino circles. The potentially game changing tech is set to have a profound effect on operators across the planet, including Vegastars and the wide variety of games found on the platform.
In an interview with European Business Review, iGaming expert, Lucas Mollberg, shared his thoughts on the prospect of VR and AR integration in the online casino industry.
According to Mollberg:
“I don’t know how far the VR technology will come and how fast it will happen, but it is pretty clear that at some point a lot of gaming is going to be done through VR, possibly all of it.”
Lucas Mollberg, iGaming Expert
With the inevitability of integration, at least in the eyes of Mollberg, the introduction of VR/AR technology for online slots will result in elevated levels of animation and graphics to another dimension to also prepare for heightened expectations amongst the future playing population.
More importantly for players, the new reality could introduce new physical game play elements that are similar to those in a land-based casino. The following table highlights some of the features and benefits that VR/AR Slots could bring:
Potential VR/AR Slots Features
| Technology | Potential Benefit |
|---|---|
| Virtual casino lobbies | More immersive social interaction |
| 3D slot environments | Enhanced player engagement |
| Physical interaction | More interactive game play |
| Virtual tournaments | Creation of community |
| Home headset | Unrivalled convenience |
A small handful of VR online casino games exist, such as Video Poker VR and Bullet Roulette VR. However, companies in the online casino industry that are developing next-generation casino software are already testing immersive interfaces that simulate real-world casino environments from home devices.
Storyline Slots
Having referred to the gaps being bridged to traditional console games, greater narratives around future online slots titles could become a central component. While the introduction of characters has already added further animation to complement the action on the reels, storyline elements such as character development, unlockable story arcs, and reel-related challenges dependent on the direction of the story can align online slots with mainstream entertainment such as video gaming and cinema.
Why Crypto Slots Are Growing
In keeping with the digital theme, the emergence of digital currency as a finance arm, not just in society, but on online casino platforms, has introduced a new version of online casino for players to explore with many advantages. Even in the physical world, Forbes reported that markets such as Iceland experienced a boom because of Crypto Casinos.
In the digital world, some online casino operators have already integrated cryptocurrency payments onto their platforms, but the effects of collaborating with cryptocurrency can be felt beyond the act of money transfer.
The blockchain technology that plays a major role in the operation of cryptocurrency is a system that could benefit online slots too. The provably fair concept is one that is closely connected with blockchain technology and the algorithm that ensures transparency and fairness in game play gives us a glimpse into how responsible and fair game play processes will look in the future.
Back in 2018 in an article produced by Satta Sarmah-Hightower, Forbes referred to the use of algorithms as “black boxes.” Fast forward eight years and the online casino world is seeing the first hallmarks of that technology in action and the emergence of Crypto Casinos.
Online slots games will benefit from the ability to verify the outcome of each individual spin that takes place. The provably fair guide explains the ins and outs of the process. With more openness and trust created by the blockchain-powered provably fair software, further growth in the form of Crypto Casinos is expected with players gaining greater control on online slots games.
The Final Spin
The game of online slots continues to be the main driver of online casinos. Despite the introduction of other game types such as live casino play, online slots are considered the game with the most potential. Players are only seeing the beginnings of how animated and interactive online slots games can be.
With all the factors of the growth equation, including technological and software advances and growing usership, trending positively, game developers will continue pouring their ideas into the development of slots to take advantage of the digital era and elements such as VR/AR and blockchain technology to further evolve the classic casino game.
