Video games have become dominant in pop culture over the past few decades. As gaming has grown into a massive industry, popular video game franchises’ aesthetics, characters, and features have influenced many aspects of media and entertainment. One area that has embraced video game themes and design elements is online slots. Major slot developers have incorporated imagery, characters, and features from hit video games into their games. This trend reflects video games’ mainstream popularity and recognition in contemporary culture.
Famous Characters Appear in Branded Slots
Over the years, video games have created some hugely iconic characters. Mario, Lara Croft, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Pac-Man are just a few examples of characters that are now internationally recognized. Their widespread popularity has led some slot developers to collaborate directly with video game companies to create branded slot machines. These showcase the characters, imagery, and sounds of the source material.
For example, NetEnt worked with Universal Studios to create branded slot machines based on blockbuster games like “Street Fighter II” and “Tomb Raider.” These branded slots allow fans to play their favorite video game characters while spinning for real cash prizes. The slots stay true to the artistic style and personality of the characters, strengthening brand recognition and providing an authentic experience for players.
Vibrant Graphics and Visuals From Video Games
Even without using specific characters and brands, slot developers can take inspiration from the eye-catching visuals of popular video games. Platform games are known for their vibrant colors and scenery, often presented in a cartoon or anime aesthetic.
First-person shooters, meanwhile, use detailed graphics and special effects to depict exciting gun battles and chases. Slots have embraced these aesthetics to provide stimulating and varied visuals for players.
The bright colors and varied environments of a Mario or Sonic game can be adapted for an exciting online slot. Equally, the gritty realism of war shooters like “Call of Duty” has inspired slot makers to integrate similar visuals and props like helicopters and heavy weaponry. Just like video games aim to please players visually, slots use engaging graphics and dynamic animations to deliver an immersive experience. This maintains player interest during play sessions.
Bonus Rounds That Mirror Video Game Features
In addition to visual presentation, video games have inspired slot features that provide extra gameplay variety. Popular mechanics like free spins, pick-and-click bonuses, and prize wheels resemble mini-games in video games themselves. These bonuses add layers beyond just the standard reel spins.
Many video games contain bonus levels and special missions that act as diversions from the main game. Slots simulate this experience with bonus features that offer the chance to win extra payouts. A common example is a free spin round with expandable wild symbols in most BetMGM slots, similar to a power-up in a platform game. Video game mechanics around unlocking new items and achievements have been adapted into slot features to increase enjoyment.
Themed Slots Based on Popular Franchises
Some slot developers have gone a step further by designing entire games around major video game franchises. These showcase symbols, graphics, characters, and bonuses that fully reflect the video game’s style and lore. Well-known examples include the “Hit It Hard” slot machine based on “Call of Duty” or the branded “Fortnite” slot game with characters like “Rust Lord.”
Making slots themed around popular games allows developers to tap into their successful formulas. Franchises like “Guitar Hero” and “Street Fighter” have huge followings worldwide, so launching related slots gives fans more opportunities to engage with their favorite games.
Themed slots also incorporate famous music, locations, weapons, and other elements from the franchises that players will recognize. This provides an authentic experience that video game fans will appreciate.
Slots Emerging in eSports Competitions
As competitive video gaming has grown into a huge spectator industry, some slot developers have partnered with esports companies to increase visibility. Slot tournament events are now emerging as part of major eSports competitions like ESL One and DreamHack. Top players battle head-to-head on themed slot machines based on popular competitive games.
This crossover between slots and professional gaming leverages eSports’ marketing reach among younger demographics. Streamlining slots alongside prestigious video game competitions also increases their legitimacy.
Just as video games have achieved mainstream recognition in recent decades, branded partnerships with eSports giants represent online slots stepping further into the mainstream, too.
Video Games Will Continue To Influence Slot Design
As video games continue to dominate pop culture, their styles and features will find their way into even more casino games. Slots draw on what makes video games so appealing, from stimulating visuals to exciting bonus levels. Branded franchised slots and eSports sponsorships also strengthen the link between these two major entertainment mediums. Given the immense popularity of gaming, slot developers will continue looking to popular titles for inspiration when creating engaging new machines. This reflects an interactive medium coming of age and cementing its place in the mainstream.