Gambling and video games are two worlds that seem to fit together as they share a lot of similarities, but there are a few distinctions too. For example, iGaming mainly revolves around betting and casinos, while modern day video games are mostly focused on telling a story through games.
In recent years, the iGaming industry has taken notes from video games, which has led to some fascinating developments. This overlap has influenced everything from the game mechanics to the visuals in online casinos, as well as the overall user experience.
As a writer with years of experience within the iGaming space, I’ve seen how these innovations in video game technology, design, and community engagement have had a huge impact on the iGaming sector. In this article, I will explore how the video game industry has influenced iGaming and how it’s ultimately benefiting players, operators, and the gaming world as a whole.
How Technology Changed iGaming From Classic Casino Games to Digital Entertainment
Towards the end of the 1990s, iGaming had more of a traditional casino feel, with games like blackjack, roulette, and poker making their digital debut. These early online casino games had very basic mechanics with simpler and pixelated graphics. One notable example is InterCasino, which was launched in 1996, providing some of these classic games in this style.
As time went on, we saw a surge in the more sophisticated video game consoles with higher-quality visuals and interactive elements. iGaming developers saw potential in this and started incorporating these types of offerings into their own games, which has transformed them into the more engaging casino experiences we have today.
Gamification and the Influence of Video Games on iGaming
Another way in which video games have had an impact on iGaming is through gamification. This incorporates certain elements such as levels, rewards, and leaderboards to keep players engaged between slot spins or card game rounds—making them an exciting addition to their usual routine. With leaderboards, players can compare their performance against others, which has created a fun, competitive, and social environment.
These rewards can also unlock a variety of special features, like access to exclusive games and free spins. This now makes iGaming a more thrilling journey where players can make their way through levels by completing challenges—much like the unlocking of achievements in a video game.
In the case of iGaming, operators have adopted these innovative additions to make online gambling feel more like an interactive video game rather than the traditional casino experience that we’ve come to expect, and this appeals much more to a younger and technologically minded audience—making the games far more exciting and engaging.
The Psychological Aspect—How Video Games and iGaming Keep Players Engaged
The use of rewards, daily challenges, and loyalty programmes in both video games and online casinos have been used as a psychological method to entice players. The instant gratification and thrill of unpredictability draw them in while keeping things fresh and exciting. However, it is important to note that these strategies must be heavily monitored and regulated with all the responsible practices and tools necessary to ensure any gaming activity is safe and remains a fun place to be without encouraging any problem gambling habits.
Many casinos now have a number of measures in place to help players stay on track, as discussed below.
Setting Deposit Limits
Casinos now allow players to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits so that they never spend more than their set budget. When the limit is reached, no further deposits can be made until the new agreed period begins.
Reality Checks & Time Limit Reminders
Some sites now use automated notifications to remind players how long they have been playing, which will encourage them to stop or take a break if necessary.
Opting-out and Self-exclusion Options
Players now also have the option to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling for weeks, months, or even years. This shows how casinos are committed to ensuring that real boundaries are put in place if gamblers are struggling, in order to truly support them.
Loss Limits
Most online casinos today offer players the option to set loss limits. This is used as a way to restrict the maximum amount a player can lose over a certain period of time. Once the player reaches this set limit, they will no longer be able to play, as any further attempts will be blocked until the next period starts. This is an effective way to assist players in keeping control and minimising losses.
Wagering Limits
Setting wagering limits can be another useful tool to stay in control as it allows players to limit the amount they can spend within a specific timeframe. By doing this, you’re able to set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on any wagering activity in order not to exceed the limit.
The Impact of Social Gaming Features on iGaming
Social gaming is a popular trend in the world of video games, so naturally, it has also started to feature more heavily in iGaming—with the use of multiplayer modes, chat functions, and in-game communities that have not only improved the overall experience but also created a sense of community between players.
Incorporating these elements into iGaming has led to the development of social casino games, where players can engage with friends via live chat and participate in tournaments. This combination of social gaming and iGaming has helped create a more interactive, community-driven experience that attracts players seeking more of a social and collaborative experience.
The Increased Use of Skill-based Casino Games
While traditional casino games like slots and roulette are based entirely on chance, skill-based games require players to use a lot of strategy and thoughtful decision-making processes. Some modern iGaming platforms now offer games that blend traditional casino mechanics with interactive and more skill-based elements. These skill-based games attract younger players in particular as they grew up with video games and are very much used to this style of interactive and strategy-driven gameplay. This noticeable shift towards skill-based mechanics is not only helping to attract a broader audience, but it has also been a key component in the evolution of iGaming—turning it into a more engaging and dynamic form of entertainment.
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)—the Future of iGaming
In the world of video games, virtual reality and augmented reality have revolutionised how players experience digital environments by allowing them to immerse themselves in life-like settings in many innovative ways, like moving physically in a game—whether it’s walking through virtual worlds or moving digital objects.
Imagine a virtual reality casino where players can step into a virtual world, interact with other players in real time and experience games as if they were in a physical casino location. AR also has the potential to enhance mobile gaming by overlaying digital content in the real world and in everyday surroundings—much like the very popular Pokémon Go. Imagine spinning a roulette wheel right on your kitchen table or walking through the park and seeing the reels of a slot game spinning in the sky.
Final Thoughts—Video Games and Their Undeniable Influence on the World of iGaming
By using video game elements like gamification and social features, as well as cutting-edge technologies like VR and AR, iGaming has become a much more engaging form of entertainment. This shares the same dynamic energy and excitement which video games can bring to a newer generation of players. This not only attracts a newer generation of players but also creates a more interactive experience for gamblers.
As technology continues to advance and change with time, I believe it’s more than likely we’ll see further innovation, like fully immersive worlds with virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (VR) being added, which will offer players a unique and stimulating experience. As a huge fan of both the casino and video gaming space, I’m excited to see what they come up with next!
