The world of slots for real money gambling is a fast-paced atmosphere where innovation is prized and technological advancements come fast and furious.
Gamblers continue to be drawn into the vibrant atmosphere of casino entertainment, specifically the slot machines that captivate casino-enthusiasts with their engaging features, their alluring themes and their quick payouts.
21st century slots trends are reshaping slots gaming. Check out how these new innovations are making slots play more engaging, immersive, and thrilling than ever before.
Volatility
In order to attract a higher percentage of casual players while not alienating high rollers, a number of slot machine developers are focusing their efforts on changing game volatility in a way that will attract both types of players to the same games. That means that more energies are being expanded on making the games more visually appealing, more intuitive and more mechanically interesting.
Developers have begun to experiment with putting more features in one game. Today, more than ever, you can find one slot machine that includes multiple mini-games and other types of elements including feature buys, variance options, free spins, gamble features and more so that it will attract more people with a variety of preferences.
Some designers are experimenting with offering more diversity in the overall games lobby as opposed to diversity within each game. But the key seems to be “diversity” with the goal being to producing a wide range of entertainment experiences.
Some game designers are working to create more diversity in the games while others are focusing on offering a more diverse games lobby for their customers. The right combination has not yet been determined.
Skill-Based Slots
Many slots designers are examining the booming video gaming market and are considering emulating elements of that market by creating skill-based slot machines. That means that, instead of the results of the reel spins determined by random chance and luck, elements of skill will be added so that players can, on some level, influence the spins’ outcome through abilities.
These types of skill-based slots may include mini-games, arcade-style challenges and interactive bonus rounds where some measure of decision-making is involved, giving players the chance to play a more active role in the outcome of the game.
By giving gamers more control, developers believe, a new generation of slots enthusiasts – young gamers who have come to expect that player skill is an integral part of the gaming experience – will be attracted to the slots experience.
RTP
If you check out the Return to Player percentage listed on each slot machine, you might have noticed that many slots have started to feature higher RTPs. Older games generally offered RTPs of 95% or less but more and more, the newer slots deliver RTPs of 96% to 97.5%.
Today’s slots gamers tend to be more sophisticated than slots players of the past and many look at a game’s RTP before they even sign in to play for free since they’re not prepared to waste time or money.
Designers are aware that today’s players are willing to do the research that will show that they’ll enjoy the most rewarding RTP and in an effort to attract these serious players, the companies are prepared to push up the Return to Player.
Tailored Experiences
Video games are moving towards tailored experiences and that is expected to spill over into the slots world in the near future. Game designers are expected to find ways to create slot machines offer an individualized gaming event.
To do this, the designers use data-driven insights to identify player patterns, preferences and behaviors and then provide recommendations for the games, customizable themes game mechanics, betting limits other opportunities that align with gamers’ individual interests and preferences.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Slots
With Virtual Reality taking the gaming industry by storm, the online casino sector understands that it needs to keep up. Players are becoming accustomed to VR gaming that provides an unparalleled level of immersion and slots designers want to make sure that they are part of that wave.
With VR, gamers are transported to breathtaking virtual worlds. For slot players, that means that the reels can come to life before their eyes. Tech-savvy players are coming to expect that kind of sensory, realistic experience and slots designers are working to make that happen.
Augmented Reality enhances the VR with overlaid animations, graphics and bonus features so that the lines between the physical and digital realms become blurred. By blending realities, engagement levels are elevated and that, in turn, creates a dynamic atmosphere that appeals to both seasoned gamblers and newcomers alike.
Gamification
Gamification elements are being incorporated into slot machines, breathing new life into slot machines with riveting storylines, challenging quests, and progression systems that heighten player engagement and retention. The goal is to motivate players to return regularly to unlock achievements, earn rewards and complete missions which makes the slot machine experience more like a video game adventure.
Cryptocurrency
Online casinos are moving towards embracing digital currencies and part of that movement involves cryptocurrency integration in slot machines. Today gamers at many top online casinos can wager and receive payouts in cryptocurrencies. The casinos see this as a way of not only appealing to crypto enthusiasts but also of streamlining international transactions and provides a secure, anonymous gaming experience with lower fees and better currency conversion rates.
21st Century Slots
The future of slot machines is more dynamic than ever before as customer-centric approaches and innovative technologies drive the industry forward.
