Slot games have been around for a long time and over the last couple of decades the game has evolved immensely as technology has developed. Now millions of people love to play slots online and enjoy the vast array of games on offer with their immersive graphics and exciting features.
It is now one of the top games on online casino platforms with most platforms hosting a diverse library of different titles to cater to all interests and gives players a great choice in games. For many, the simplicity of slots and easy to understand rules is all part of this game’s appeal.
In this blog post, we explore how the online slot experience has improved for gamers and the role that technology is playing in the development and evolution of this game. Firstly, we will look at some of the most important features in the game and what factors have enabled the game to improve. Then we will explore the technological innovations that are shaping the future of the online slots experience.
The gameplay features of online slots
Spinning reels are the focal point of the slot game, however in recent years many new features have been added as technology has supported the development and running of more complex games. Here are just some of the features that players most enjoy:
The megaways mechanic
The megaways mechanic makes the slot game much more dynamic and adds another element of unpredictability to the gaming experience. When playing a megaways slot game online there can be thousands of different ways to win prizes. While not all games utilise this mechanism, players enjoy having the option to experience something different from the typical slot game format.
Progressive jackpots
The progressive jackpot is another feature that isn’t available on all online slot games. With the progressive jackpot, the cash prize pot continues to get bigger as more people place their bets, once someone wins the jackpot it resets to a predetermined figure and can then be built back up.
Bonus rounds and mini games
Interactive elements help to make the game even more immersive and keep players intrigued for longer. Bonus rounds give players additional chances to win cash prizes and mini games also add something unexpected and different to the experience.
Lots of slot games have bonus features and new game releases bring new versions of these for players to try.
Factors enabling the improvement of online slots
Sound effects and background soundtracks
Audio is an important factor in all types of games, not just slot games. However, slot game developers do a particularly good job of incorporating a range of sounds and musical tracks into the game.
Sounds can include everything from the whirring of the spinning wheel to a celebratory jingle when a bet is won. The games can sometimes also feature voice actors for characters and backing tracks that can help to build suspense and excitement.
These sounds often match the theme of the game and help to try the visual and audio aspects together.
High quality graphical elements
Over the years, the graphics in slot games have improved greatly as the technology behind them has advanced and investment in their development has increased significantly. Slots now feature fun 3D animations and cinematic effects.
These graphics have also become more interactive giving the player more elements to click on and actions to take.
Bonus offers and promotions
The online slots and online casino industries have become highly competitive as the number of platforms have grown substantially in recent years. This means that sites are competing to attract and retain their players.
Running promotions is one way in which they achieve this and most sites will now have some sort of incentive for new players to sign up, such as free spins if they deposit into their account. These promotions come with wagering requirements that the player must fulfil.
Technological innovations impacting the evolving online slot experience
Mobile gaming
When online slots first made their way to the internet they were only available to play on the computer. However the development of smartphone technology soon prompted game developers to release slots for Android and iOS smartphones. These responsive designs are adaptable for all screen sizes.
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)
Both VR and AR are slowly making their way into the world of online slot gaming and the aim of incorporating them is to help create even more immersion in the experience. VR casinos would allow the player to play in a lifelike digital casino and interact with other players as if they were in the real world.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI is developing at speed and all industries, including slot gaming, are looking at ways they can benefit from this technology. From tailored promotions to chatbots, there are lots of uses for AI in slots.