One of the most popular ways to pass the time in the digital age is by playing games online. If you have any doubts about that, just take a look at the user numbers for gaming platforms like Steam.
The rise of internet gaming as a pastime has included virtually all types of games. There can be little disputing that the slot games offered at casino sites are among the most widely embraced though.
Reasons for that include the fact that they feature fun themes and they are easy for people to play. Slot games are equally ideal for passionate fans and casual gamers.
They are also games that are constantly being changed and improved by technology. In this article, we will explore some of the ways in which that is happening.
- Predictive AI
Artificial intelligence is one of the most controversial tech developments in living memory. Most people agree that it will change all of our lives forever, but opinion is divided as to whether it will be for the better or worse.
One area where AI is already being used is in the creation and operation of online slot games. Casino sites are utilising it to gather data concerning the behaviour and choices of their customers.
This is where some observers view it as a sinister development, but it is not really. The data that is gathered is simply deployed to provide each customer with a more personalised experience.
It means a casino site can track the sort of online slots games a customer likes and recommend similar ones to them using the algorithm. Predictive AI can also be used to weed out fraud, by detecting suspicious behaviour patterns.
That makes the slot experience better and safer for honest online casino customers.
- Mobile apps
Mobile apps are a form of technology that casino operators are investing ever more money in. That is because they can see that it is where the future lies for their industry.
With every passing year, the number of people who are choosing to play casino games on mobile devices is growing. Furthermore, it is slot games that the majority of them are choosing.
Out of all of the various games that casinos offer, slot machines are by far the best suited to mobile play. The quality of the play is less affected by the smaller screens on those devices.
People who like slot games can make use of mobile apps to enjoy an even more portable and convenient gaming experience. Mobile phones can be fitted comfortably in the pocket, meaning that slot games can be played when out and about – not just at home.
- Virtual Reality
Virtual reality is an exciting step forward for the technology industry, but also for the gaming one. It has not yet impacted online slots in a big way, but it is only a matter of time before it does.
When that time arrives, VR will improve the slot experience for players in a significant way. It will make playing them much more immersive.
That is due to the fact that VR can provide gamers with virtual spaces where they are able to play against each other or chat. How this will fit into the world of slot gaming – which has always been solo – is something that remains to be seen.
One thing that we do know about VR is how much more immersive it makes games. It essentially creates a digital world that is as three-dimensional and tactile as the real world.
Therefore slot fans could use it to bring the themes of the games to life more fully than is currently possible.
- Gamification
Gamification is being applied to slot games now and it is improving them in a number of ways. The word is defined as meaning the application of game elements to other parts of life.
That seems odd when it comes to slots – after all, they are already games so must surely contain those elements to start with? Well not all common game features are part of a standard slot machine.
These games do not typically contain things like leader-boards, badges and other rewards. It is those sorts of features that the gamification of slot machines is focused on adding.
It is also leading to online slots that can be played against others in knockout tournaments.
It is an intriguing development and one that will have to be monitored closely.
All of these forms of technology are improving the slot gaming experience – or have the potential to do so. That makes them exciting for fans.