How Slot Game Mechanics Are Shaping the Future of Video Games

 

Slot games and video games have lots of overlaps and in future developments, we will see many more. With the global popularity of casino slots growing rapidly, it is no surprise that video game developers are taking notice and looking for ways to integrate some of the successful formulas into the video gaming world.

 

With around 1 in 5 of all adults having tried online gambling globally, and online slots being the most popular type of gambling in most regions, the developers have clearly found a way to attract and retain players. Slot game designs have benefitted from heavy investment in innovative technology and many of the popular slot game mechanics have influenced video game features. Here are some examples:

Spin-to-wins

The spin-to-win concept that appeals so much to slot players has been incorporated into many video games to provide an extra level of excitement and heighten anticipation. Some games have a spin-to-win offering for players to win items, skins and energy, for example. Fortnite often runs spin-to-win promotions to engage players by giving regular opportunities to win items to keep players coming back to play and feel rewarded for long-term gaming.

Loot boxes

Another idea taken from slot game mechanics is loot boxes where a randomised prize is collected. The loot boxes can be purchased with real money or by using in-game currency, helping developers to generate revenue by offering an exciting gambling element to play. Loot boxes are featured in popular video games such as Mario Kart Tour and FIFA. 

 

The concept of loot boxes is designed around the psychology behind the thrill of variable rewards. The uncertainty of whether you will receive a rare reward on something less valuable drives engagement, with players driven to keep playing. It is a similar draw to playing slots, where you can win smaller prizes but ultimately players are hunting the big jackpot win.

 

Randomized prizes cause a dopamine spike, and encourage the player to continue trying to win even more prizes. A near miss motivates the player to try again, visualizing that they will be more successful at the next attempt.

Sensory elements

When you win even a small amount on slot machines, you’ll see flashing lights, hear celebratory jingles and other effects that stimulate your senses. Video games also use these sensory elements including controller vibrations, colorful explosions and dramatic music to provide a more immersive experience both for celebrating victories and also during game actions such as combat or crashes to feel closer to the action.

 

This sensory feedback encourages the desire for repeat experiences, helping to extend playing time and increase the engagement with the game format.

Gamification rewards

Gamification has become a popular feature in slot games, with progression bars and reward schemes being prominent in games offered by casinos such as Impressario casino. The Carnival themed casino site offers a VIP program with tiered levels of Spectator, Cashier and Juggler, encouraging players to obtain more points to move through the tiers to claim the highest rewards.

 

Video games have similar reward systems such as accumulating points or being awarded badges as a reward for reaching a new level. This is another feature that leans into psychological principles to drive deeper engagement. Being close to the next level provides extra motivation to keep trying to reach the next level to prevent interest from dropping.

Engagement loops

Another idea that video games may have taken from the proven success in casino slot games is the engagement loops that have no final conclusion. Historically, video games would have a final completion stage and once a player had achieved this feat, the game would end. Of course, you could play the game from the beginning again but the excitement decreases when you know that you have already completed every stage of the game.

 

From around the 2000s, infinite video games were increasingly introduced, maintaining play through further missions even after the main mission was completed. GTA is a good example of a game that offers players the chance to continue exploring areas of the game through different types of experiences with an evolving platform.

 

This endless playing environment mirrors the looping process of slots, where the game session continues for as long as the players feels engaged and motivated to play. There is no final completion, with many players continuing even after a big win, driven by the pursuit of a winning streak.

 

These are just some of the examples where slot game mechanics have been employed in video game designs. The psychological principles that work so effectively to increase revenue in casino games are becoming more evident in video gaming and new technology developments will bring even more commonalities.