It’s actually true that innovation is the norm of the online slot sector. And if you were to think about anything and maybe search for slots associated with it, you may possibly find.
This is why, according to Zion Market Research, the sector has grown to become a more than $9.5 billion industry, with expectations that it could reach $13.4 billion by 2030.
Remember, getting this industry to where it is now has taken a lot. For example, as technology evolved, players’ expectations also changed alongside, with most demanding more immersive experiences.
However, the simple, traditional game designs could not meet this desire. And that explains the popularity of trends like thematic slots, which will be looked at in depth in this article.
Where we have come from
Are you familiar with the ancient coin-operated casino machines invented in 1894 by Charles August Fey? The first three-reel slot would later follow towards the late 1890s – which integrated automatic cash payouts.
Fast forward to the late 20th century, when the first online slots were launched. This innovation greatly transformed the industry as players could access casino entertainment conveniently from anywhere.
But there was still something lacking: intuitiveness in the design. The classic slots, with their static fruit symbols and monotonous gameplay, began to lose taste as players began to expect richer experiences. This is when developers started adopting engaging themes to attract new players and retain existing ones.
Storytelling is increasingly used to make games more immersive and appealing to fans of certain themes. It’s like the adage, ‘facts tell but stories sell.’
The games have ceased to be just mere environments where players can spin reels – they now allow players to experience the depth of game themes through engaging visuals and gameplay. And this is actually one of the reasons online slots are very popular.
What is the appeal of themed slots?
Themed slots are based around topics that we are familiar with. For example, if you love watching UFC you may show an interest in a slot game themed around popular UFC fighters. Having a theme also makes it more relatable so that the wheels don’t seem entirely new, so that the experience feels more familiar for fans of that theme or sport.
And have we even mentioned how powerful graphics and soundtracks can make the experience more realistic? Actually, this is one of the highly sought-after features in this industry, and developers are doing all they can to ensure players find such.
Examples of popular themes
History and culture-themed games
A good number of people love exploring history just to know where they came from and all that. A popular study by the American Alliance of Museums found up to 96% of Americans believe history is important in forming the future of generations.
And for content creators, such statistics are vital. Of course, you want to come up with a game that will appeal to most, if not all, tastes. So, for instance, to appeal to this particular audience, creating games with ancient civilization themes can really help.
See an example of popular history themes below:
- Oriental themes that capture the cultural wealth of East Asia
- Ancient Egypt – Some of the games that have adopted this theme include Cleopatra, Book of Dead and so on. They often allow players to explore ancient Egyptian elements like pyramids and pharaohs.
Adventure themes
Do you love traveling and exploring the world? Whether exploring dense jungles or cruising perilous seas, every step into the unknown makes the experience more engaging. Here are a few categories:
- Exploration and treasure-hunting titles like Riche Wilde and Temple Quest
- Jungle and Safari games, including Raging Rhino, Call of the Wild, etc.
Movie themes
For this category, games normally take advantage of symbolism to enrich their plots. You may come into face-to-face contact with ancient heroes after spinning each reel.
Among the most depicted mythology is the Greek in titles like Age of the Gods and Medusa. Others, like Thunderstruck II, often rely on Norse Mythology to add the feeling of power and mystery of the gods.
In Finishing
As you can see, the slots industry has really come a long way. From the days of the simple static fruit symbols to now, when games feature high-visual graphics, the changes have been quite remarkable.
At least, almost every taste or preference can be catered to by the multiple variations in the sector. As thematic depictions allow developers to improve player engagement, most will likely adopt even more engaging themes to stand out.