One would think casino games and video games are similar from a development standpoint. But we all know that when it comes to developing and launching a slot machine, the things may be way different from what it may actually need to properly launch a triple A game.
Therefore, we want to learn from someone that already has experience on this topic, so we went on Tumblr where a game developer opened an AMA specifically on this topic. We will also do our own research regarding how casino games start to implement triple A mechanics into their games, so stick with us to learn more!
The Comparison Through The Eyes Of An Expert Game Developer
So, after going through everything the expert had to say, we were not surprised to learn that video games and casino games are not that similar after all. Actually, both games will require completely dissimilar steps before the development team to successfully conclude the project. Remember that there are casino games developers out there that launch one slot machine per week.
For a video game, it can take months to years before the product is ready for open access. Here is what we learned from our expert:
- Online slots are superficial: From a technical point of view, an online slot machine only has two main components that ensure its functionalities. The first and most important thing is its paytable, which requires the work of mathematicians to make sure the overall payout numbers are fair and work smoothly. The other component is the collection of elements that make a slot stand out in an appealing and attractive way.
If you want your online slot machine game to be successful, try to make it as appealing as possible and let math experts do their work in order to achieve a perfect payout balance. Then, casinos will do their own thing by offering bonuses, incentives, and promotional packages in order to promote the product to a wider audience. For instance, the 30 free spins no deposit bonus is one of the most popular you would probably see online.
- Games generate value: A core distinctive element that separates online slot games from actual video games. For instance, the only valuable aspect of a slot game is also the reason why you are playing it for money. Other than that, an online slot has nothing to offer. $500 will be $500 no matter who wins it, what he decides to do with it, or how this win was obtained.
On the other hand, a video game or an online triple-A game has several systems through which a player can find value. Think about the storyline itself and the single-player experience. Then, switching to multiplayer, various game developers implemented loot boxes, rewarding systems, battle passes, skins, emotes, weapon skins, emotes, items and even characters. All these elements hold different values for different players.
On top of that, developers will keep releasing updates with new content, which will keep the players returning to try it and obtain those unique items, skins, collectables, etc. Also, video games are more collaborative, with teamwork systems, group quests, trading systems, and so much more.
Video games, especially triple-A games, are way more complex and require more human resources and bigger financial efforts.
- Blueprints and law: While video game success is guaranteed by the level of uniqueness, experience and gameplay, online slots are nothing else but a blueprint that developers use in order to create similar mechanics over and over again, giving it a different aesthetic every time.
Slots function based on RNG systems. This means that no matter how hard you try, you simply cannot master the mechanics. On the other hand, video games will definitely require you to become better in order to proceed through the stages, storyline and quests.
Shared Aspects Between Slots And Video Games
The most main thing video games and online slot machines have in common is that they borrow elements and systems from each other in order to implement new ways of keeping their audiences hooked.
For instance, we have the Batman slot machine which actually paid a license to the game owner in order to use all its elements and create a themed slot aiming to convince all the Batman lovers to try it.
While casino game developers are using this strategy to develop new games, video games developers are taking the RNG systems and use them to generate income within the triple A worlds they have developed.
The “Online Gambling in Video Games: A Case Study on the Regulation of Loot Boxes” study made by Leon Y. Xiao shows that loot boxes are a contemporary monetization innovation in video games.
Players have to actually buy them with real money without the guarantee of obtaining the item or skin they wish for. The problem with this system is that some of them are spending huge amounts of money chasing certain rewards, and video games developers tend to focus more on monetization than offering a true virtual gaming unique experience.
Social Interaction
Another component we believe casinos are starting to understand and implement is the social context. In the digital era, online players would only bet and play on their own. While video games are extremely social, especially those where you can join as part of a multiplayer experience, casinos are now starting to develop social casinos with gamified systems where players can join and just enjoy the thrills of competition and share their experience with other players.
Conclusion
Even if the development process differs, video games and online slots share several similarities. Both want the same thing: to be able to keep users logged in for as long as possible. So, do not be surprised if the future will bring more gamified casino games to the table or more video games with gambling mechanics attached.