When it comes to gambling, slot machines are one of the most well-established and iconic games on offer. They have been around for over a century and have witnessed many significant changes and developments that have pushed the game into new territory.
One of the biggest milestones for slot machines was in the year 1996 when a video slot was launched. These are a little different to the traditional mechanical variations, relying on computerised algorithms instead of physical reels. This allowed players to enjoy a more dynamic and engaging experience with slot machines.
This development also led to the introduction of modern online slots and the ability to play them on smartphones and tablets. These are a much more user-friendly and sophisticated version of the original mechanical machines, and they are now a staple of many casino sites on the web.
The modern online slot has evolved from the simple three-reel, single-payline machine invented by Charles Fey in 1895 to include multi-reels and a variety of paylines, as well as symbols like horseshoes, diamonds and hearts that are still used today. The popularity of these machines led to them becoming very common in bars and shops, and many of the more famous slots have been given their own nicknames by fans. The British term fruit machine is a particularly popular choice for these machines, but they are more often known as the one-armed bandits in the US.
There have been some huge developments for slot games over the years, with developers managing to use pop culture themes in a big way to appeal to a wider audience. This has been made possible by the advancements in HTML5 technology, allowing for some very creative and innovative gameplay features to be included in slot titles. Whether it’s the songs of favourite bands played as the reels spin, or cut scene video footage from blockbuster movies being displayed in bonus round wins, slot games are now a true celebration of popular culture.
In recent times, iGaming developers have been able to secure the rights for some of the biggest names in entertainment to create official slots based on their most famous works. This has enabled gamers to get immersed in the world of their favourite TV shows, films and musicians while enjoying a game that is fun and rewarding.
For example, iGaming developer NetEnt has created a slot based on the hit Netflix series Narcos. This game has a back story that revolves around the Colombian cocaine kingpin Pablo Escobar, and players can win some impressive payouts by spinning the reels. A more recent branded slot title is Rotten from Hacksaw Gaming, which takes the player to a fair that has been overrun by zombies. It’s not a stretch to assume that the creators of this slot were influenced by The Walking Dead, which is an internationally successful TV show with a massive following. It is possible that this game will become a major hit too, although no one knows for sure just yet.