The success of slots has attracted a whole new fandom, many of whom are quite passionate about these fun games. But, on the other hand, many are also asking the question; how did slots become such a huge hit?
The question has been plaguing gamblers, both professional and casual, since the late 19th century, when the first slot came about. It especially is relevant nowadays, when Christchurch Casino and similar websites allow fans to gain access to slot games with the push of a button. So, in this article, we’d like to explore how online slots took over the industry.
Their Early Success
The success of slots today can, in ways, be attributed to their success over a century ago. In the late 19th century, an inventor called Charles Fey first introduced the slot machine to the public. By pulling a lever, players could trigger a mechanism which spins the reels, leading to a randomized result on the board. The goal, as many know, was to get the same symbols in a row.
That mechanic remains a staple of the slots market online today. Of course, game developers have found ways to diversify and complicate the gameplay, leading to more interesting titles. Yet, at the core of it all, the slot remains remarkably similar to Fey’s original vision. A simple and fun machine, that can keep fans entertained for a few minutes.
Their Simple Gameplay
That simplicity, in and of itself, is a reason for the dominance of slot games. Of course, the fact that these games don’t require much strategy attracts a large amount of people, who just want to unwind for a couple of minutes after a hard day. However, it goes further than that. The simplicity of the original slot machine made it easy for online developers to adapt the game for digital play.
The first internet-based slot games came out in the 1990s. The internet was not back then what it is today. It was more difficult for the average person to get online and play games. So, online games had to be simple and effective. Slots were the perfect choice. The simplicity made it a hit right off the bat, and to this day, slots are most people’s first exposure to iGaming.
Their Varied Themes
Over the years, online slot developers have done their best to keep slots entertaining. The repetitive nature of these games does not seem to detract from their popularity. In part, the thematic influences have an effect on this, or so we believe. Themed slots are those that have been infused with certain aesthetic elements, that set them apart from the rest.
The most popular themes are history, fantasy, science fiction, music, and even sports. They touch upon a passion that players have, immersing them in a world that they might be familiar with, at least on the most basic level. Themed slots have proven quite effective in boosting the popularity of the game, and have been instrumental in helping the iGaming market succeed.