Slot machines have been in existence since the late 19th century, and the changes that have taken place are immense, slot machines have been in existence. If you have played for some time, you will have seen major changes even over a short period. Understanding how a physical slot machine works is quite easy, but what about the ones that are played online? There are many differences, the main one being a button is pressed and no arm to pull, and while there may have been some basic slots at the beginning, they are certainly some interesting and advanced games now.
Basic Video Slots Technology
Before playing, it is best to understand the technology. Some will not change in the near future, but some will become more advanced. RNG is included – random number generator. This is the technology that decides which symbols show when the spin stops. This is random and cannot be altered by anyone. All games have an RTP, and this shows the chances of winning. Again, it can’t be controlled but the higher the percentage, the better chance of winning.
Lastly, there is volatility and the amount won, and the times there is a win decided by this. Low volatility equals small wins often, while high volatility equals rarer higher wins.
Extra Features
If you think back thirty or more years to the games that used to be found in arcades, there was extraordinarily little to be excited about. Fruit symbols like in the Power Stars slot were popular hence the name fruit machines in some countries, while some games were made up of Xs and bars. The layout and topics have been improved in several ways.
- Bonus rounds. Certain combinations lead to special features being unlocked. These tend to be in the form of free spins or selecting items for cash or added wilds. These are improved year on year, and 2021 will be no different.
- In-game purchases. This varies and can range from actually using cash to buy a bonus or paying for an extra spin that can add to what has already appeared.
- Megaways. With more ways to win, there are going to be a raft of games using this system. This started with Bonanza when there were around 117,000 ways to win. It is going to be included in new games, and in some cases, added to older ones.
Improved Graphics
In the beginning, the graphics of slots were suitable for the day. Now the basics are not enough. With video games having such a high level of graphics, players want the same level from a slot machine. Younger players find this important. 3D has been one of the bigger advancements. The reels appear to be 3D when viewed, but there is no need for the user to wear glasses as they would when watching a 3D film.
Designers realize that they have to make the characters appear lifelike or the game will not be attractive. The advanced ways of coding newer games are drawing in younger players. Codes such as Python and JavaScript are helping to lead the advances. Video slots can be a lot more creative than the original games as the graphics and audio are continuing to improve. More often than not, there will be a specific location where the game is based, and they could be as wide-ranging as royal palaces or the land of the dinosaurs.
Bringing in Younger Players
To encourage a new generation of players, the games have to be of interest to them. This will be the job of the casino and the slot developer. The online casino can offer good sign-up bonuses, but the developer has to provide enticing games. They should also support:
Mobile Gaming
As most young people have smartphones, the games will have to be compatible with them. Games can be played on the go as well as from home. The numbers of players have soared as a result of the pandemic, and the industry does not want to lose new players, so they will do all they can to create games they want to play. It is HTML 5 technology that has made this possible.
The phones can cope with hosting the games as well as virtual reality that is expected to pick up in 2021. As there is no need to download the game, this will be another attraction. The VR device would produce the effect of playing from inside a casino and allow the player to feel they could interact more and have an enhanced experience.
Security
This will always be an issue, and the safer an online casino can be, the more people will trust it. Young people are used to being able to stay safe online and will not want to take a risk with their money. AI is going to be the keyword here for 2021 as algorithms can be taught to machines, and they will be able to massively increase cybersecurity.
The big advantage is that AI can pick up on areas such as suspicious IP addresses and be aware of malicious files attempting to access the site. Speed is often of the essence when preventing a data breach, and AI is nothing if fast. There will be much less emphasis on humans tracking security threats, and this will leave them free to improve the games and interactive gaming experience.
Cryptocurrency
Wins stay the same in video slots very much and will not alter depending upon the number of people playing. Jackpot games are different, and each spin adds to the figure that can be won before reverting down again once it has been won. The big change in video slots now is the way that money can be staked. There no longer has to be local currency staked, as cryptocurrency can be added to the site and used in the same way local currency is used. When money is staked in cryptocurrency, wins are paid out in it. The main advantages of using cryptocurrency include:
- No local restrictions as there is no specific government controlling it.
- Web wallets do not allow the user to be identified, so it is harder to track a user for tax or illegal reasons.
- With banks not being involved, there is a low transaction fee.
- Even international transactions can be performed quickly.
Augmented Reality
Augmented reality has not been explored to a great extent, but this is likely to change in 2021. When used, it is possible to add virtual items into our reality – or at least into the reality we can see at the time. It will be used in video games in the same way it was used in Pokémon Go.
Conclusion
All in all, 2021 will see the video slot industry improved in a variety of areas. It will be both that the games made will be more attractive and the casinos themselves will be upgraded to include the latest productions. This is aimed at encouraging younger players into the casino to play the latest games and no longer just be playing on their home equipment. Ideally, the games will be easy to understand but with a high entertainment level and will be the stepping stones for the games of the future.