How Casino Games Are Taking Inspiration From Video Games

Video gaming and casino gaming used to be distinctly different. Lara Croft versus a one-armed, three-reel fruit machine. They were as different as night and day. But these days, the line between gaming and gambling has never looked blurrier.

And it seems that as the online casino industry continues to evolve, it’s starting to adopt more and more elements from the world of video games. And why wouldn’t it? What’s not to love about video games? They’re fantastical, dynamic, and immersive, and they keep players engaged for hours. It’s no surprise that casinos are looking to emulate this.

Gone are the days when casino games were just about spinning reels or clicking buttons. These days, players want more… and developers are delivering. Many of the most popular platforms where players play slots online now have games with real stories, missions, reward systems, and even graphics that rival any console-quality game out there.

The Gamification of Casino Games

Gamification has become a bit of a casino buzzword… but in the online casino world, it’s a lot more than just a trend. This is a complete transformation. Taking a lead from video games, a lot of casinos have started implementing various gamification elements such as levels, quests, character progression, and some even have their own special in-game currencies.

There are some online slot sites where you can unlock new worlds as you keep playing – similar to how you might progress through different levels in a video game. Others will give you your own avatar that you can customise, items to collect – and even join teams or clans where you can compete in leaderboard challenges. It can be a great way to keep players engaged… and give them a sense of purpose other than just winning (or losing) money.

And it’s actually been proven that gamification actually does increase retention rates and gets players coming back for more!

Storytelling

A lot of these new slots these days also have stories and plotlines. More and more developers are starting to weave real, proper narratives into their slot games… and sometimes even table games.

Take games like Book of Dead and Rich Wilde and the Tome of Madness, for example. They don’t just offer great-looking visuals and animations; you’re actually following fictional adventurers on ancient treasure-hunting quests. And, of course, there are branded slots like Lara Croft: Temples and Tombs, which are essentially spin-offs of iconic Playstation games – making them perfect for anyone who loves the original game franchise.

By adding stories and narrative arcs, it can really add whole new dimensions to the experience – and make you feel more like you’re playing a game for fun and entertainment rather than just to try and win a bit of money, If you’re a player who likes a good cinematic trailer or character arcs, it can make the whole casino game feel more familiar and less like a transactional experience.

Interactivity

One of the biggest innovations that casino developers have borrowed from the video game world is the idea of real-time interaction. Live dealer games, such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, are played out on your screens via HD streaming – and they usually have chat functions where you can interact with dealers and players. This works in a similar way to multiplayer video games, where you’re playing alongside real people in real time.

And although it hasn’t yet been widely adopted, some providers are even taking it a step further by adding augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) features – so you get even more immersive casino lobbies and game rooms. Imagine this… you’re walking through a virtual casino and sitting at a VR poker table – and you genuinely feel like you’re right there in the casino. This type of VR experience only used to be found with video games, but it’s starting to trickle into the world of online casinos.

Loyalty Rewards

A lot of modern video games also have their own in-game economies… with virtual currencies and content you can unlock gradually. And online casinos are mirroring this by offering players increasingly sophisticated rewards systems.

Lots of casinos let you earn “XP,” points, where you can level up, claim daily bonuses, and unlock special content… all borrowed from RPGs. Some will even let you exchange your loyalty points for actual physical prizes – and sometimes even exclusive access to events, or even VIP status, giving them yet more reasons to keep coming back.

Esports-Style Tournaments

The concept of eSports – competitive video gaming has recently become really popular these days – and that hasn’t gone unnoticed by casinos.

Slot tournaments, blackjack competitions, and live roulette leaderboards have all started to become a lot more common. They add a bit of competition to your gambling experience and make it a more communal experience. Just like in esports, you can climb the ranks, earn bragging rights, and walk away with huge cash prizes.

Some sites have even included spectator modes, live streaming and chat features to make it all feel even more interactive and social.

A Whole New Kind of Player

It comes as no surprise, then, that the merging of the two styles has had a massive effect on player demographics. Traditional casino players were often older and simply wanted to win money on a fruit machine. However, there are now lots more younger, tech-savvy gamers who want something different.

For both game developers and casino sites, it means a lot more challenges… but also a lot more opportunities. Games still need to cater to the old-school gambler, but they also need to appeal to the Fortnite generation, and trying to strike that balance requires constant innovation.

The Future Is Hybrid

As technology gets better and better, it’s likely that the crossover between casino gaming and traditional video gaming will become even more obvious. So, if you’re someone who loves gaming but wants a bit more adrenaline, there’s never been a better time to play!