2021 marks the beginning of a new decade but also a fresh technological adventure. Technology is continuously changing to keep up with and challenge the demands of users. These alterations are daily occurrences that lead to developments and advancements in fields like that of online slots. Some elements of slot machines remain consistent since their invention. For instance, rewards are granted randomly, icons appear on reels, and no skill can be used to conduct gameplay. Even with these constants, specific trends shape the industry at different times. With technology being more advanced than ever, some trends are likely to shape the pokies in 2021 more than they did in 2020. Here are the most notable trends likely to gain traction this year.
Enhanced Aesthetics
Many gamblers use pokie machines’ visual quality to determine whether they are suited for gameplay or not. Therefore, online gaming software developers are constantly pushing visual stimulation boundaries to get players’ attention. When slot games first emerged, they focused on win provisions over aesthetics, and the next machine was identical to the previous one. Slot themes emerged in the late nineteenth century alongside video pokies, and they have become part of slot culture ever since. Themes let gamblers explore a title within a storyline such as ancient civilizations, precious gems, and animals. These themes are delved into using game visuals. The graphics and animations used have evolved to make the games as immersive as possible.
In 2021, software developers aim to upgrade gaming software for even more stimulating experiences. Punters can expect titles laden with modern imaging and alluring aesthetics that keep one coming back for more. These elements are predicted to use friendly interfaces to keep players in a gaming mood as they spin.
VR and AR
Virtual reality and augmented reality are among man’s best attempts at imitating life. These innovations are predicted to disrupt a lot of industries, including slots gambling. The reality-warping tech has been around for a while, but they have yet to fully thrive in the gambling business. Nonetheless, all they need is a push in the right direction to take over. These fields will be explored more in 2021 to add to the limited collection available online. Pokies that have portrayed the potential of VR include Necromancer by and Sprinkles by Evoplay. Using VR headsets, players are immersed in the pokie. The slots are also available for regular gameplay in online casinos.
AR also holds a lot of potential in slots gambling if pushed in the right direction. The technology achieved a lot of success with Pokémon Go in 2016, which was downloaded more than 500 million times. The tech has yet to break ground properly in pokies, but it holds a lot of promise for the coming decade.
Safety Data Systems
Security is of utmost concern by casinos and players, especially with the virtual nature of online gambling. As technologies continue to improve the entertainment and payments in slots, they also modernize data systems’ safety to ensure fairness during gameplay. 2021 is likely to be AI’s year, which includes machine learning algorithms that boost cybersecurity confidence and speed. Online casinos are regularly exposed to threats, and artificial intelligence is an effective way to seal off vulnerable networks exposed to cyberattacks. These technologies learn how to identify threats like suspicious IP addresses and malicious files. AI eases the task of breaking down every threat by deciding in as little as seconds. That way, action can be taken immediately if the situation turns out to be a threat.
Mobile-Optimized Games
Mobile affinity is one of the most focused on modern slots’ features with all new releases including it. Mobile use continues to rise across the globe, with more than four billion people owning the gadgets. Slot developers continue to exploit the market with titles compatible with the operating systems used to run the devices, including iOS and Android. By the end of 2021, almost all online titles will be available for gameplay on smartphones and tablets. The trend of instant play games using HTML5 technology is bound to keep up, allowing punters to play with no download requirements.
Cryptocurrency Adoption
The emergence and advancement of blockchain technology is causing a disruption in slots gambling among many other industries. This decentralized system is the foundation for digital money, including Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and Bitcoin Cash. Cryptocurrencies continue to gain popularity, and more casinos will adopt the mode of payment in the coming year. Numerous benefits fuel the success of cryptocurrencies including;
- Widespread access with no location restrictions since they operate on decentralized systems that do not answer to specific governments unlike conventional currencies
- Anonymity during transactions thanks to the use of web wallets that are not pegged to personal identities
- No tax requirements due to the lack of a central authority to regulate transactions
- Low transactions fees due to the lack of middlemen like banks
- Speedy local and international transactions, which are in some cases instantaneous
Interactive Gaming Systems
Online gambling eliminates interaction since the slots come to players on their devices. Nonetheless, slot providers are exploring ways to provide entertainment in engaging settings such as luxurious lounges or location-based casino floors. The games run online and can be accessed using wall panels, tables, and touch-enabled kiosks. The interactive gaming systems aim to bring the popularity of online and social casinos to location-based gambling clubs. These systems attract young crowds that are familiar with online gaming options.
Megaways Revolution
The Megaways label was all the craze with some of the most successful titles of 2020 featuring the engine. The feature as invented by Big Time Gaming and popularized by the Bonanza slot machine. The engine allows games to play with up to 117.649 win ways. The Megaways feature is so popular that other developers have adopted it to create new titles or revamp old popular ones. More releases will be included in the category in 2021 to add to the collection.
Wrap Up
These changes will take slot machines to the next level, but the games remain as straightforward to engage as before. Nonetheless, some changes alter the gaming experience, and 2021 has a lot of them in-store.