Innovation in Slots: the Next Step in Casino Evolution
Experts of the Rosloto company will tell you how casino games have changed over the past 70 years and what technologies determine their present and future.
Evolution of Slot Machines
The history of land-based entertainment of this type begins with the mechanical solutions of Charles Fey in the late 19th century. Since then, they have undergone several changes, including due to the introduction of technologies:
- Until the 1960s, most automatic products were mechanical. The reels rotated using one or two side levers. Prize combinations were formed of card values and fruit symbols.
- In the early 70s, the Bally American brand introduced the Money Honey slot. This is the first electromechanical entertainment in the world. The mass production of electronic solutions began with it.
- In 1976, Fortune Coin Company released the first video game. Its design included an additional coloured reel manufactured by Sony Trinitron. It displayed the results of sessions and launched bonus rounds. At the same time, linear slot machines and products with jackpots appeared in the niche.
- The end of the 90s was marked by a huge technological leap in the industry. Many casinos have switched to an online format. Such well-known firms as Playtech, Pragmatic Play, and NetEnt have appeared in the gambling sector.
- In the mid-2000s, there was another round of development of slots. Innovations are associated with the growth of mobile technologies and their penetration into the entertainment sphere.
Over the past few decades, modern games have undergone an extensive transformation. This is affected by the introduction of new products and the active audience’s demand for high quality, uniqueness, and security.
Modern iGaming Software
Dozens of companies regularly release solutions. Among them, there are both iconic brands (Microgaming, Novomatic, and Playson) and young studios with an unconventional view of content creation.
Key characteristics of relevant casino program components:
- improved speed;
- addition of innovative features;
- development of an attractive interface with UX and UI elements;
- introduction of immersion graphics, 3D, and animation;
- flexible and personalised settings.
To remain competitive, providers need to constantly improve their software and add effective promotional tools, as well as advanced mechanics. It is very important to improve products in all areas, including design, gameplay mathematics, bonus options, and storylines.
Modern slot machines should bring a stable income to operators. For this reason, solutions with a high RTP (Return-To-Player) are rarely found in the market, although they are extremely popular with users.
Games where this indicator is between 95 and 99% can leave business owners with almost no earnings. All money goes to pay out prize money, including bonuses and jackpots.
An excellent choice would be to buy video slots with a floating RTP. Entrepreneurs can independently change a given parameter, focusing on the casino audience and the nuances of working in the selected region.
NetEnt was the first to introduce slot machines where this metric was customisable.
Today, such products are offered by many developers:
- Pragmatic Play;
- Amusnet Interactive;
- Microgaming, etc.
Advanced Game Mechanics
Large brands have become pioneers in the field of innovation in the entertainment niche. They changed the procedure for calculating prize money and proposed original algorithms for the accrual of bonuses.
Megaways from Big Time Gaming
This is a cluster mechanic aimed at forming winning combinations. They can take the shape of quadrangles of different sizes. The panel also changes: it increases due to the addition of reels and cells around the perimeter.
A distinctive feature of Megaways slots is the huge number of ways to win. In many solutions, this figure reaches 117 thousand or more.
Dragon Born and Bonanza released in 2016 are the first games with such mechanics. Over time, similar products appeared in the catalogues of many other vendors.
Blueprint Gaming is the first company to purchase a patent for the use of Megaways algorithms.
Cascading Spins by NetEnt
These innovations first appeared in the Gonzo’s Quest slot in 2011. Here, the symbols that created winning lines automatically disappear. Other icons take their place, thus increasing the duration of the gameplay.
With each new avalanche, the value of the initial multiplier grows. It can reach x10 or more if the user is truly lucky.
Hold and Win from Playson
This is a series of re-spins with an alternative set of symbols. When the feature is activated, the same images appear on the digital reels but with different multipliers. Sometimes customers see jackpot indicators, thanks to which the basic bet increases several hundred times.
The mechanics were created by the Playson company. In July 2020, the provider released the Buffalo Power Hold and Win slot with a three-level cumulative prize pool. These are Mini, Minor, and Major draws that are launched during re-spins.
Among the most popular solutions with this algorithm, we can name:
- Hot Coins;
- Legend of Cleopatra;
- Wolf Power;
- Diamonds Power, and many others.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
These are immersive technologies that guarantee the most authentic gaming experience.
AR (augmented reality) is integrated into the surrounding space in various forms but usually in graphic elements. The most vivid example is the Pokemon Go multiplayer entertainment from the Niantic American brand.
The innovation is actively used in live casinos where customers can drop the chips, sort out tokens, and spin the wheel of fortune.
VR (virtual reality) completely transports gamblers into a fictional space. This could be an undiscovered planet, a tropical jungle, or an Arctic land. The environment is distinguished by high-quality visualisation and powerful special effects.
VR and AR Software Vendors
The most well-known developers of program components for online casinos are:
- NetEnt. The company was the first in the world to release a virtual reality slot called Gonzo's Quest. It is characterised by a realistic gaming world and exciting interaction features. Today, the brand is one of the leaders in the creation of VR slots. Its assortment includes Jack's World, Starburst, Scarface, and other interesting items.
- Microgaming. The firm offers video poker and several types of roulette. To play, users need to connect an Oculus Rift DK 2 headset and a Leap Motion 3D controller. The devices allow the casino visitors to observe the movements of their hands and the actions of other participants at the table.
- CASEXE. The manufacturer produces high-quality and reliable software that can be launched on personal devices. Besides, the developer provides professional support for virtual reality-based iGaming platforms.
Prospects for VR and AR
The future largely depends on how quickly the world’s leading IT companies begin to produce budget equipment.
The first affordable gadget was presented in 2016 by the Oculus American brand in partnership with Facebook. The VR helmet was distinguished by its minimal weight, comfortable use, and high-quality 3D images thanks to the liquid crystal HMD display.
Currently, users can buy devices from the following enterprises:
- Oculus;
- Sony;
- HTC;
- Valve;
- Samsung, and other top firms.
Blockchain in Slot Machines
Content is created based on DApp applications. The ready-made games have bright visualisation and support provably fair results.
The latter option is present in all blockchain entertainment. The technology guarantees the correct formation of winning combinations, as well as protection against any changes and manipulations of the session’s outcome. The availability of such a feature shows that a digital casino works honestly and transparently.
The prototype of the solution appeared in 2011. It was initially designed to test the algorithms of online betting platforms and virtual lotteries. Over time, it was added to many games for money.
Blockchain is also being used to develop original products. The most famous example is crash entertainment, the popularity of which is growing rapidly.
Key characteristics of such content:
- “explosion” mechanics with an increasing multiplier;
- simple and laconic interface;
- multiplayer mode;
- acceptance of bets and payment of prizes in cryptocurrency;
- large selection of additional functions;
- continuous play 24/7.
BGaming is considered a pioneer in the field of the development of crash solutions. Its catalogue of offers includes Space XY, Plinko XY, Limbo XY, Minesweeper XY, and other attractive items.
The Main Things about Innovations in Slot Machines
The Development of Slot Machines
New Software for Online Casinos
Key Features
Innovative Game Mechanics
- Format: cluster-based combinations, expanded game field
- Winning Opportunities: up to 117,000 ways to win
- Mechanic: cascading reels, multiplier increase up to x10 and beyond
- Example: Gonzo’s Quest
- Mechanic: Respins, multipliers, jackpots
- Examples: Hot Coins, Legend of Cleopatra, Wolf Power
Virtual and Augmented Reality in Games
Technologies
VR slot Gonzo's Quest, Jack's World VR-compatible video poker and roulette 
Support for VR casinos The Use of Blockchain in Slots
- Provably Fair: ensures fair outcomes
- Applications: algorithm verification, creation of new games
- Crash Games: increasing multiplier, cryptocurrency betting
- Developer: BGaming (Space XY, Plinko XY, Limbo XY, Minesweeper XY)
Over the past 70 years, casino games have undergone a transformation from floor-based mechanical objects to universal mobile products.
Key features of modern online casino software:
- It is distinguished by excellent graphics, increased playback speed, and support for innovative functions. Manufacturers are actively introducing 3D elements, animation, and powerful sound effects.
- Some of the advanced mechanics include Megaways, Cascading Spins, and Hold and Win. Their unique algorithms improve user experience and make the results of sessions more unpredictable.
- Virtual and augmented reality technologies are responsible for the most realistic images and authentic gameplay. To fully enjoy video slots, customers need a professional VR headset.
- Crash content based on the blockchain is characterised by continuous play and multiplayer support. The Provably Fair feature guarantees the honest formation of winning combinations.
The Rosloto studio recommends purchasing software only from trusted and licensed vendors. We offer operators gambling solutions for sale, rent or the development of HTML5 slots based on individual sketches.
From us, it is also possible to order the following useful products and services:
- turnkey online casinos;
- White Label platforms;
- installation of payment systems;
- promotion of iGaming projects, and much more.
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