Thanks to increasing advancements in technology, how we engage with media has changed. In the days of early cinema, for example, viewers could only watch and not hear the film being played. Nowadays, however, we can engage with media with almost all of our senses and can interact in countless ways.
When it comes to online slots the integration of new technologies has led to the rise of gamification in slots. So, if you want to learn what gamification is, and learn more about how gamification is creating interactive slot experiences like slots with quest features, keep on reading.
What is Gamification?
Gamification involves applying game design to non-gaming circumstances. It appeals to our love of games, competitiveness, and success. The term ‘gamification’ has been around for many years. It became common when console and PC gaming became popular and the scope for gameplay expanded into RPGs with massive storylines and hours of gameplay, as players needed a sense of satisfaction, progress, and achievement when playing, to ensure they remained engaged with the game. Since then, gamification tactics have been used on many platforms to engage users and promote desirable behaviours, from loyalty programs that reward repeat purchases to fitness applications that make daily steps competitive.
As technology has advanced, slot machines have become closer to mini computer games as opposed to simple digital spinning reels, so it was only natural that other aspects of such gameplay like gamification would be added to the online slot experience. Gamification in online slots entails adding video game-like elements. These can include interactive bonuses, narratives, level-ups, achievements, and more that we’ll explore during this article.
Why Developers and Platforms Prefer Gamification (And Players Do Too!)
Gamified slot games benefit the developer and the platform as well as the player in many ways, such as:
- Better Player Engagement: By including more interactive aspects, gamers get to engage with their favourite slots more deeply and achieve a more satisfying gameplay experience.
- Increased Player Retention: Similar to video games, online casinos now operate more as a community of players and the fostering of which requires retaining players. Adding gamification elements such as challenges and achievements encourages and motivates players.
- Inclusivity: As gamified slots are designed to have more engaging elements, they will appeal to a younger audience that grew up playing video games and now expect a more immersive experience from their online casino games.
Gamification In the Wider Casino Experience
The overall gamification of slots starts with the site itself as part of the overall gameplay experience. It is here that most sites share the same gamification elements that most players will already be familiar with, such as:
- VIP/Points Systems: Most sites will have some form of loyalty or rewards system. Players can accrue points by playing games, engaging in promotions, logging in consistently and so on. These points may increase a players level or status or may award set prizes, or a selection of options players can choose from.
- Tournaments and Leaderboards: Often used to encourage players' competitiveness, leaderboards and tournaments are popular among players.
- Daily Challenges/Personal Promotions: Platforms often include daily challenges or offers that encourage players to consistently return. There may also be a degree of personalisation thanks to AI integration.
Gamification In Slots
Gamifying online slot machines involves many components similar to those above, but with a game specific focus such as adding bonus rounds and leaderboards, connection with progressive and/or timed jackpot networks.
Personalisation is one of the most noticeable changes that gamification adds to slots. There has always been some level of autonomy in many online slot games, Wazdan, for example, is well-known for its free spins bonuses where players may pick the volatility. Similarly, bonus features such as gamble features and pick and win features also play into gamification as players assume control of the outcomes.
Gamified online slots also aim to encourage immersion with a strong visual style, though not necessarily HD quality, as long as a clear intention and considered stylisation is included. Along with this, the musical score used will be of higher quality and designed to enhance gameplay. It may change in intensity when bonus rounds are active, or include elements of a soundscape to set the scene. Similarly, the setting of the reels may change when bonus features become active. A common example of this is a shift from day to night, or a colour change.
Unique and expansive storytelling is also a vital consideration for gamified slots. If you’ve noticed recent slots with back stories such as Taco Brothers from ELK Studios or Ghost Father from Peter & Sons, as well as games which subvert the typical for their theme, like Blue Guru’s Leprechaun Heist, then you’ve already spotted some of the changes gamification is bringing in. A unique approach or an in-depth storyline increases player engagement and retention as players want to return to discover more, or find the slots' more unique concept memorable amongst the busy area that is online slot games.
Gamifying online slot machines also has the aim to make games as accessible as possible to all players of legal betting age. Gamification can help to optimize and streamline gameplay which helps players feel less intimidated. Also along this vein as a lot of gamification concepts come from the popularity of PC and console games, many of the tactics at play will be familiar and reassuring to the player.
Other gamification aspects are more practical and enhance the gameplay experience through quality of life measures such as battery optimisation models for mobile gamers, multiple language integration, and stored data such as play history.
Examples of Slots With Gamification
Some well-known and fan favourite slots have already started to dabble with gamification, including the following:
Gonzo's Quest (NetEnt) uses an avalanche mechanism instead of the conventional spinning reels. Multiple wins in succession are made possible when symbols create a winning combination since they burst and are replaced by fresh ones, creating a sense of unpredictability and excitement. The game also exhibits strong storytelling and is based on the historical figure Gonzalo Pizarro as he searches for El Dorado.
Vikings Go Wild (Yggdrasil) presents a voyage of saga-like storytelling with the Vikings crossing the ocean to raid. The game has high production value and incorporates animations to increase visual interest. It also used a randomly activated bonus game, triggered when a treasure chest lands on the reels to create a sense of anticipation.
Max Quest: Wrath of Ra (Betsoft) takes gamification one step further as it departs from conventional slot machines. Players are provided an interactive shooting experience rather than reels and paylines. Shooting at and beating foes earns players prizes. It offers a whole fresh experience by combining gambling elements with video games.
Remember to Gamble Responsibly
Experts are split on whether gamification encourages irresponsible gambling behaviours or if it helps increase player awareness, thus empowering them to make responsible decisions.
Those for increased gamification see tracking metrics like spin logs, progress meters, and timed challenges as a great way for players to be able to see what they have spent or how long they have played for in a way different to the current more somber anti-gambling rhetoric.
Those concerned with the rise in slot gamification are concerned that the drive to make slots more engaging, more entertaining, and more satisfying could make gambling addiction more common. Similarly, the drive for player retention will see the employment of methods from brands to tempt players to return, meaning that a players favourite slot game may be on their mind far more throughout the day than in the present.
No matter where you stand on the positives and negatives of slot gamification, it is important to remember to always gamble responsibly. Set yourself a budget and a time limit for your session and stick to it. Remember, as games of chance, no win is ever guaranteed, so never wager more than you can afford to lose, and do not chase losses. Playing slots is meant as a fun activity to be enjoyed in moderation, so if you’re not enjoying yourself or feel frustrated, end your session early and take a breather.
What’s Next For Gamification?
Creativity, innovation, and player engagement are the future of online slots. By following these trends, the sector can keep captivating viewers and leading digital entertainment. In terms of tech, we will likely see increased AI integration that provides more personalisation, as well as the use of VR to create more immersive games.
Gamifying slot machines is a daring industry move and one of the biggest changes seen since the transition from physical to online slot machines. These innovative slot machines engage and immerse players by incorporating video game aspects. This means that regulators and governing bodies will need to keep a close eye on this growing trend to ensure players remain safe.
At Spin Genie we always keep up to date with the biggest and best online slot releases so you’ll never miss out on the next big thing. For complete peace of mind we’re also licensed and regulated by the UKGC, and are staunch advocates for responsible gambling practices. So, if you want to get in on the gamification slot revolution, sign up and play today.
