One of the most recent trends in online casinos is slot games having gamified aspects. Considering how successful the video game market is, it’s only logical for casino software developers to start implementing these money-making elements into their own games.
But gamifying slots has a lot more to do than just making more money – they make slot games feel much more immersive, compelling and unique. If you’ve yet to experience a gamified slot for yourself and are wondering just how much better they can be, then the following overview is for you.
What is a gamified slot?
The term “gamified slot” can be a bit confusing at first, since slots are technically a type of game. Gamified slots differ from regular slots because they incorporate elements that are normally seen in video games. Essentially, software mechanics that are normally associated with console and PC gaming are combined with online slot reels.
Video games are loaded with extra elements that heighten and supplement the core gameplay. They can range from quality-of-life features to extra bonus functions that act as scorekeepers or mini-missions to complete. Adding these elements into a slot game has proved to be very successful, as there’s no reason to let video game gamers have all the fun.
For a few easy examples to get a sense of gamified slots, Online Slot UK is a good source of gamified slots that take iGaming to new levels. There, you will find the latest releases and keep up with which slots are the hottest at the moment. It’s the best resource for all things related to slots.
Achievements
Something that gamers of all kinds enjoy collecting is achievements. In the gaming world, achievements are like badges of honour stamped onto your gaming profile, proving you have bested a very tough gaming challenge.
When it comes to video games, achievements can be as diverse as beating the game in under an hour, or defeating the top-secret special boss. In the world of slots, achievements will often be in the form of hitting a max high score, spending a certain number of coins or hitting a rare wild symbol.
Achievements benefit slot players because they add another sort of mini-game inside of the game. When a slot game has its own progress bars and objectives to complete, it makes players want to come back. Sometimes these achievements can unlock their own little rewards, such as cosmetic changes or free slot spins. And it should be noted that achievements are normally optional and non-intrusive. If you don’t want them, you don’t have to bother with them.
VIP promotions and loyalty programs
Online slot casinos have been using VIP programs for a while now, but you might not know that they are in fact a form of gamification. This is because a lot of the mechanics and rewards that VIP and loyalty programs use come from video games.
One example is the experience or XP bars. These come from video games, most notably Japanese role-playing games, or JRPGs. When the experience bar fills, you level up and gain access to a new tier in the VIP program, which itself gives you access to better perks and rewards.
VIP and loyalty programs are a great enhancement for fans of casino slots because there is always something to look forward to and to work towards. Depending on the casino, you may be automatically registered into the VIP program for free, meaning you can start earning XP points immediately.
This is a great system, as it is always working in the background and requires minimal effort or input from you. Plus, the long-term benefits will keep you coming back over months and months, like the most compelling video games out there.
Leader boards
One of the subtler ways online slots enhance themselves through gamification is with the introduction of leader boards. A leader board is essentially a ranking list of all the top players in a game. They are normally associated with first-person shooters and highly competitive online games, but there’s no reason for slots to not include them.
Leader boards are fun because they are always being updated. How could they not be, with thousands of players participating from all around the world? If you’re a competitive player yourself, you might just want to get on top of the rankings as well.
Leader boards are also adding a bit of a social element to the slots gaming experience. Being allowed to track the progress of other players is not just a great example of innovation in gaming, but of a slot game’s commitment to its most dedicated players. Anyone who makes it to the top of a leader board will know they will be respected by other players, and that itself is its own reward.
Tournaments
One of the most obvious examples of gamification in slots is tournaments. Like leader boards, they tap into the competitive side of gamers, but they are unique events that come with equally unique prizes.
Depending on the online casino, the tournament may be a monthly thing or an annual event. Either way, they are a fun way to spice things up. They give players something very special to look forward to, and any top-ranking players can earn free spins, cash prizes and other goodies.
The objective of the tournament will differ from place to place. Some will be based off who gets the highest scores, and others are more about who can hit the highest number of jackpots. Others will incentivize more intense forms of play, such as who can win the highest amount of cash within a set period, usually a week.
