The Future of Video Slots

Slot machines have come a long way from the first machine developed by Sittman and Pitt in New York in 1891. Over the 125 years that have followed they’ve undergone numerous changes and reinventions from becoming fully electronic in the 1970s to going online in the late 1990s. But what does the future hold for video slot? And what will be the next great slot reinvention?

Improved Technology

One of the turning points in the history of slots was the development of video slots in the early 1970s. Video slots are slots with no moving parts, all of the action takes place on a screen with a graphical representation of slot machine. They are essentially a slot machine video game which means that there’s limitless potential for new game and gameplay ideas. As technology continues to advance at an exponential rate games developers are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible with video slots, improving graphics and adding more and more complex gameplay ideas and bonus features. As technology continues to advance games developers are becoming more and more creative making it an exciting time to be a slots player!

Skilled Based Games

Many online casino experts predict that over the next five years there will be a shift in popularity from traditional chance based online casino games such as slots towards more skilled based ones like poker and blackjack. In response to this, slots developers have started to add skills-based components to their games and more social features. Many online casinos now also run slots tournaments or races, adding a competitive edge to their games.

Slots Stories

Modern day video slots are also no longer just about how they’re played. To create a more immersive gaming experience video slot developers are now using scriptwriters to create games with detailed characters, backstories, game development and character arches. The aim is to develop new games which don’t just follow the simple, linear narrative of spinning and winning but take players on a journey to create a more engaging and enjoyable experience.

Special Occasion Slots

The ease at which online casinos can add to and update their platforms has seen the emergence of a new group of seasonal slots that target a particular group of players. These slots can be tie-ins with the latest movie releases or large sporting events such as the Olympics or World Cup. They can be quickly uploaded to a platform and then removed by the time the event has finished or the movie has left the theatres.

Virtual Reality Slots

Many predict that virtual reality (VR) will be next great technological development. Although the technology is still being developed the possibilities offered by VR has seen it garner a huge amount of attention. A VR headset transports the user to a whole new setting creating an immersion-based gaming experience. The gambling industry is investing huge sums of money in VR technology with the aim of developing virtual reality casinos that players can access at any time and anywhere. Some popular slots including Gonzo’s Quest and Starburst are already available to play in VR mode if you have access to a headset and it’s a truly unique experience watching jackpots fall from the sky!

Check out our article on the History of Online Slots now!