They’ve always been worlds apart, but not anymore. Online casinos and video games are closer than ever. Additionally, the 5G network is ushering in a new era where everything is connected. Video games have evolved a lot, too. Until not too long ago, only two or four players could play at once. Now it’s possible to join MOBA (Massive Online Battle Arena) straight from a console. What to expect from the convergence between video games and online casinos?
Late For the Party
PCs and smartphones have evolved to be great gaming devices. Computers used to be much more capable than consoles until quite recently. Smartphones are better than ever and close the tech gap between them and PCs. Yet, today’s video games, by no means, lack the potential for the online casino world. In fact, they’re much closer to an entry-level computer than ever before. Video games developers have great expertise in designing ultra-realistic games. Besides, they already make broad use of VR and AR technologies. Such know-how is expected to apply to casino games. Some developers are even creating entire virtual casino environments. Check below two names that are already making a splash among gamers.
The Four Kings Casino
The Four Kings Casino has created a whole virtual venue where players can walk around and explore the “building”. It’s a 3D game where players interact via their 3D avatars. It offers several casino games, from roulette to card games. The title has a Las Vegas vibe, which makes the game even more entertaining. Digital Leisure Inc released this game in 2015.
High Roller Casino
High Roller Casino is like The Four Kings in goals and methods. It also brings a 3D rendition of a Las Vegas casino, although with a few different games, like craps. Stern Pinball Arcade released High Roller Casino in 2001. The scenario explicitly references some of Sin City’s landmarks, such as the Bellagio and The Venetian.
A Centuries-Long Passion
The fascination that casinos exert on gamblers precedes video games and online casinos by a few centuries. The first casino in history opened its doors in 17th century Italy and has only grown in popularity since. The online experience attends to an old demand of not having to travel miles to find a land-based casino.
No wonder why online casinos are so popular these days: one can play them anywhere. Find some Finnish Pay n Play casinos with your favorite games and the fastest registration process here. Yet, some polls suggest a generational clash going on in this market. Millennials and Gen Zers have completely different interests from older generations.
Slot machines are top-rated among more senior players, who love not needing skill or interacting with people while playing. It’s precisely the opposite of the newer generations. Younger players are pushing for more skill-based games, and also value social interaction. So, land-based and online casinos alike try to close this gap and bring younger audiences to the mix.
For such, some land-based casinos are replacing slot sections with the esports section. Online casinos are following the trend by including esports in their folios, not only for gaming but also for sports betting. Some new skill-based slots games use hand-eye coordination and other features in their gameplay. James Murren, CEO of MGM Resorts International, believes that the future of casinos doesn’t include slots.
Crossed Parallels
Thanks to fast internet and smart TVs, online casinos and consoles can meet on a single screen. Such development would be unthinkable in the early 2000s when the first consoles that could connect to the internet hit the shelves.
The online gambling market is expanding at a staggering speed. This market is expected to reach USD 92.9 billion by next year, and projections point to a steep upward trend in the next few years. VR and AR gear is getting cheaper now that giants like Google, Facebook, and Samsung are disrupting the market.
Like it happened to all cutting-edge technology before it, VR headsets are getting cheaper with time and soon will be widely available. Virtual casinos are still in their infancy. Still, after the industry unlocks its true potential, we’ll have more immersive casino games.