As the world of video gaming expands, so does the slots sector. Real money gamers enjoy slot machines as a way to relax in-between other types of casino games and other types of computerized games. Slots aficionados enjoy the old-fashioned fun of lining symbols up on lines to trigger payouts along with many of the new interactive features that these games offer.
Slots game designers have never been as challenged as they are today. Not only do they want to make each game more exciting and more captivating but they want to create immersive environments in a way that engages on multiple levels.
How are game designers incorporating more compelling themes, symbols and characters in today's slots? Grande Vegas sets out on an exploration of these game elements.
Themes
Today you can visit the online casino and find games with storylines that meet any interest or fantasy. There are slot machines with themes of science fiction, whimsy, suspense, history, adventure, mystery, animals, travel sports, mysticism, animals, mythology, comedy, romance, intrigue, magic, folklore, sports, and more.
Today's slot designers employ a number of techniques to add depth to the slots gaming experience. They start a new game design by creating immersive storylines that meet players' interests, emotions and fantasies. They start with a backstory and move on from there so that the gameplay will feel like a part of a larger narrative.
Today's slots often feature cultural and/or historical motifs that highlight historical eras, legendary figures and special events and holidays to which players can relate. The themes are accompanied by high-quality visuals and audio that enhances the immersion so that each gamer can feel as though they're part of a compelling world, as opposed to simply sitting and spinning the reels.
Some of the most popular current slots make use of popular media and franchises including movies, TV shows, comic book characters and other media "personalities." These types of games tap into existing fan bases whose members enjoy games that connect to familiar themes.
One of the biggest innovations in today's slots involves the slot machine's additional gamified and interactive elements – mini-game, bonus rounds, jackpot competitions, etc – that tie to the theme, increasing the richness of the storytelling for a more engaging gaming event.
In the future, casino advisors predict that personalization and customization of slots will become standard so that players can customize themes or select story arcs which will deepen their personal investment in the games.
Characters
Some slot machines don't feature characters but increasingly, designers are integrating characters into the gameplay because they add to the narrative and help to turn the gameplay into a storytelling experience. For example, an adventure-themed slot machine may feature explorer characters or a mythology-themed slot may display characters that enhance the regional myths being featured.
Graphic artists are using high-quality animations, dynamic movements and facial expressions that bring the characters to life on the reels for a more interactive and impactful gaming experience.
Game designers are looking at ways to upgrade character placement in slots. For instance, gamers may soon see feature progression and rewards that are tied to the characters – character upgrades, story chapters that incentivize continued play, unlockable costumes, etc.
Some developers are looking at ways to incorporate voice acting and sound design where characters feature voiceovers. Thematic sound effects are already present in many themed slots.
Slot franchises, where the same characters and theme appear in multiple slot releases, give players the chance to become acquainted with specific characters and see their progression and growth from one game to another.
In slot machines that are connected to other types of media, beloved characters can appear in the slot game to encourage gamers to leverage the emotional attachment that they have with the character.
Symbols
The evolution of symbols in slot machines is similar to the development of slots characters – symbols that are recognizable from different franchises and different media, symbols that boost the game's theme and animated symbols that catch the player's attention and draw him into the gameplay on a higher level. The thematic symbols align with the game narrative which makes these icons more meaningful and immersive.
Game symbols are developed in a way that supports the graphics and animations so that even simple symbols become dynamic elements that captures the player's attention and adds excitement to the gameplay. Narrative-driven symbols often advance the game's storyline and unlock additional content as the game progresses.
For individuals who enjoy playing cultural-themed games, symbols that are inspired by different belief systems or cultures appeal to diverse player interests by adding depth and intrigue to the action.
Many games feature special symbols like Wilds, Scatters and Bonus symbols that trigger special features. Some games feature symbols that change or evolve as the game progresses which creates a sense of anticipation and progression. Oftentimes, special symbols can trigger bonuses and jackpot prizes.
By blending these elements, game designers are able to craft more engaging, memorable and emotionally resonant slot experiences. These developers have moved slot machines to a new gaming world as they take them beyond simple spinning reels into rich thematic adventures that you can enjoy at your leisure.
