Similarities between video slots and video games

The modern gaming industry seems to have collided with the video game industry. The implementation of video game mechanics has added a whole new dimension to online slot games.

This makes games livelier and more immersive for online slot players. We’ve also seen some gambling mechanics added to video games, showing that the relationship is not one-sided but rather benefits are shared.

In this article, we take a closer look at video slot games and their specifics and explore how gambling mechanics work in comparison to video games. Read through to find out more about the relationship between video slot games and gambling mechanics.

Video slot game specifics

Video slots are among the most popular game options available. The key features or basics of video slots boil down to these things:

Reels and Paylines – With most video slots, you have 3 to 5 reels and multiple paylines. Modern slots today can offer 6+ reels. These lines are upon which winning combinations land and award a win.

Symbols - Every video slot game has different-style symbols that offer different payouts. These icons can include fruit, numbers, letters, or themes. The value of these symbols determines your payout.

Random Number Generator – A random number generator or (RNG) is used to ensure that the outcome of each spin is completely random and fair.

Bonus Features - Video Slot Games come with different features such as:

• Wild Symbols – These symbols substitute for all other symbols apart from other special symbols and help create winning combinations.
• Scatter Symbols – Scatter symbols are quite special as they can award an instant payout on 2 or more symbols and be used to trigger the bonus rounds or free spins.
• Bonus Rounds - A slot can offer different types of bonus rounds, which increase the entertainment and your chances of winning. These include free spins, re-spins, and click-and-win bonus games.

How do these video slot mechanics work?

There are a couple of mechanics that are a top focus in slot games, including the RNG, the grid layout, your paylines and the payouts with their odds. So, how do these work?

What are video game mechanics?

With video games, there is a wide range of mechanics, including Core Mechanics and Primary and Secondary Mechanics.

Core Mechanics

The core mechanics are fundamental to how you play the game and the actions you can take.

• Jumping – With many games, you can make your character jump hurdles and do anything that might cause damage.
• Shooting - Think of a game like Call of Duty, a first-person shooter. In this type of game, shooting is one of the main mechanics for the character.
• Building and Crafting – With games like Minecraft or The Forest, you can build up your space in the world. So, the main mechanic is the ability to build and create.

Primary and secondary mechanics

These are different categories of mechanics that are added to enhance the experience and your mobility.

• Primary Mechanics – Like core mechanics, it’s an added action that tends to be used the most. With a racing game, your primary mechanic would be driving.
• Secondary Mechanics – These are added actions that aim to support the primary mechanics. So, with a racing game, you’d have the opportunity to customise your car or improve your racing skills with power-ups. These are considered your secondary mechanics.

There are other mechanics that are crucial to the gameplay in terms of entertainment and engagement. This includes:

• Inventory Systems - Some games come with an inventory system where you collect and manage your items, which can improve the gaming experience. For instance, in Call of Duty, you can collect different weapons to improve your skills and shot accuracy.
• Health/Lives – With video games, there are health and lives to consider. So, with a game like League of Legends, you need to keep an eye on your health and mana, which are key to being effective on the battlefield. Other games give you a select number of lives, so every time you die, one of those lives is taken away.
• Level Up - Another mechanic in games is the requirement to build up experience points to increase your character's level and abilities.

Key features shared by gambling mechanics and video slots?

There are a couple of connections between video slot games and gambling mechanics. Below are some of the key features which make them highly engaging and increase the potential for addiction.

Graphics and interface

The first thing you notice about these types of games is that they prioritise visually appealing and engaging graphics. They use vibrant colours, detailed designs, and high-quality animations to attract their players.

Themes and storytelling

With both types of games, theme and storytelling play a big part in the creation of the game. Themes and storytelling elements make it a more immersive experience, where you can visit different worlds for a fantasy, mythology, or even adventure-themed adventure.

Progression

One of the most entertaining things about video slots and video games is that they implement progression systems where you have the chance to climb the ranks, unlock new levels and more. Video game players have the opportunity to unlock different levels, earn points, and gain new abilities. And for video slot players, there’s the chance to win payouts, unlock bonus rounds and achieve higher levels.

Monetisation

Many video games incorporate gambling-like mechanics, such as loot boxes, which you can buy for real money and then unlock/ win different virtual items. In many ways, this type of financial risk and reward structure follows that of traditional gambling.

Sound and music

Sound effects and music play a big role in video games and video slots. They enhance the gaming experience, creating a more immersive betting atmosphere. Sound can directly impact your mood or your experience, which is why in both video games and video slots, there’s a focus on quality soundtracks that complement the theme.

Randomness and chance

It leads to a more exciting experience as you rely on luck or chance to throw the dice in your favour.

Rewards systems

Another thing that has an impact on players in both these types of games is the reward systems in place. Players are kept entertained and engaged with the different jackpots, bonus rounds, and other rewards offered by slot games. And with other gambling, there are rewards such as the potential to win big prizes or cash payouts.

Immersive and interactive

There is no denying that slots give off a quite similar feel to the gaming environment. With the use of bright lights, sounds, and engaging graphics in slot games it enhances the sensory stimulation, which makes it even more appealing. All in all, this is quite similar to the feeling we get from the live casino environment with the lively sounds, bright lights and different games.

Goals and challenges

Something that’s also considered similar in both video games and video slot games is the addition of goals and challenges. These drive you to continue player as you are determined to tackle the specific tasks and complete them.

Psychological triggers

Another thing these two have in common is their different types of elements which trigger a psychological response. The design itself is created in such a way that it keeps pulling players in.

With video slot games and gambling, there’s always that hot and cold experience. Where you aim to win but don’t succeed, so you feel the need to try again. In the same way, video games have that very effect; the minute your character dies or you fail a mission, you’re eager to try again.

It's clear that there are many elements in video slot games and video games that connect. These elements are proven to enhance the experience, providing immersive gameplay while keeping players locked in while playing.