We often take for granted the things that we see in front of us, like the amount of time that it takes to develop a video game. New game titles can take years to develop and test before getting published. There are multiple necessary steps behind the scenes that go towards producing a stunning end product.
Online casino slots can also be expensive and time-consuming to produce, but not on the same levels that video games are. While there are inherent differences in that regard between the development of video and casino games, there are also a lot of commonalities between the two in terms of game mechanics.
Random Number Generators
It is fairly well known that Random Number Generators (RNG) and enhanced Cryptographic Random Number Generators (CRNG) are used in both physical and online casino machines.
RNGs are essential for unpredictable chances within games because they are specifically designed to eliminate the development of any patterns which players could then potentially figure out to game the system.
So when playing on a casino slot, for example, it’s the Random Number Generators that keeps the systems fair for all players, giving the same chance on every spin.
It’s still worth only ever playing at regulated online casinos for guaranteed game fairness because licensed operators and slots are routinely checked. A good source for such platforms is AskGamblers UK. Their extensive research helps direct players towards new and established gambling platforms, as well as providing in-depth casino reviews and information about bonuses.
Less well-known is that RNGs are also used a lot in video games to control randomness and fairness. These are used for things like what items an enemy drops, the contents of loot boxes and for determining outcomes of events.
Rewards
Video game players look to earn rewards for completing a certain level, knocking over the next boss or gathering experience points from dedicated game time. If such situations didn’t come with some kind of big payout for the player, then they would stop feeling motivated and very quickly look for another title.
Rewards within video games go beyond the overall actual objective of a video game. It can be something as simple as earning points for a leaderboard to show off ranking. It is a big gaming mechanic that is used to motivate players and keep them coming back for more.
Rewards are a big part of online casino mechanics, beyond the obvious goal of earning winnings. Rewards mechanics are found in-slot features like bonus games. Through those, players can collect enhancements like free spins and multipliers to boost the gameplay experience. Again, these are designed to keep players motivated.
Progression
Video games would be pretty dour affairs if they were just one level that repeated over and over again without any increase in difficulty. Increasing levels continuously challenge players to grow and develop their skills.
That could be in the form of tougher puzzles to crack, or tougher AI opponents as a player levels up throughout a game. Completing quests is a video game mechanic that keeps players engaged in the title. It is also seen in casino games, especially progressive jackpots.
Progressives are a hugely popular type of slot machine, where a portion of each bet goes towards an ever-increasing jackpot for which the eventual payout is not predetermined. While this differs from video game progress mechanics because it’s not based on skill, players work towards jackpots by matching symbols that will trigger the bonus game that can lead to the big payout.
Another example of progressive mechanics within slots is bonus features, where players have to collect pieces of symbols through regular base play to eventually trigger a bonus or payout. Others are moving around a game board for better prizes, or unlocking different types of free spins having progressed further in a game.
Audio and Visual
Land-based casinos are not quiet places. That’s down to the big audio clues that modern video slots throw out into the environment. Sounds are a key element to building excitement and engagement while playing a slot and careful selection of sounds when something like a bonus is triggered does a lot towards that.
Visuals are another feature of slots that are designed to have tremendous appeal, with animations popping up, lots of flashing lights on-screen and carefully selected symbols to tie into the game.
Video games also rely heavily on these types of mechanics, using graphics and sounds to give a game the correct feel. It’s not always about having the greatest graphics that require Unreal Engine, as a game designed with a retro-vibe for example, will have simpler graphics.
Another popular model of video games is improving and updating skins for characters, to give players a more personalized experience. Throw some music on top, and both slots and video games are a feast for the eyes and ears.
Risk and Reward
Gamblers should always be aware of the risks of what they are getting into. Putting up real money as a stake will have a cost for the player and it is the big risk of tackling the game mechanics. Slots have different Return To Player percentages and volatility, while symbols are weighted differently as well. A slot with a high RTP for example will pay bigger returns but less frequently than low RTP ones.
Players therefore have a choice over the type of risk and reward balance by selecting games with mechanics that fit into their style of play. An example is, higher bets are higher risks, and progressive jackpots have to be played with a maximum bet to have a chance at the top jackpot.
Video games have a lot of risk and reward mechanics in them. This is where strategy comes in to try and manage it.
The measure of jumping head first into a throng of monsters, or carefully picking them off from a distance, will produce different levels of risk and reward. Risk also comes through the purchase of in-game items like loot boxes.
In Conclusion
While designed for vastly different purposes, there is some crossover between slots and video games in some of the core mechanics that they run. Essential elements like Random Number Generators and rewards systems are a key component of both.