“DSC_5368” by (CC BY 2.0)
When developers look for inspiration for new online slot machines, many will look towards their own favorite pastimes and those of the wider population.
Gone fishing
There are plenty of games available which are based around the world of fishing. The images these games display transport us to a relaxing fishing trip out at sea. If you go to play Fishing Frenzy online, you will see symbols such as an adorable fishing boat, evoking the expeditionary feel of fishing out on the high seas. Spinning the reels may, in this instance, take you back to those memorable fishing trips you may have been on with your friends and family.
Looking at fishing as a sport, it remains a popular activity in the US, continuing to increase in participant numbers since 2007 to reach a massive 49.4 million in 2018.
Sports and other activities
Research undertaken by Statista asked participants what activities they were involved in outside of the home. Activities such as going to the cinema, attending sports events and traveling were all popular activities and could all provide inspiration for slot machines.
A look across the world wide web will show how many slot machines may have already had this inspiration. Horse racing has always been one of the world’s most popular sports, a popularity that has been retained since the sport’s inception. It is the obvious inspiration behind this Ruby Walsh Champion’s Gold slot machine.
Further online searches online indicate the sheer number of online slot machines that have a sporting element. Soccer, golf and tennis slot machines are all playable online.
Television
Reports from Nielsen provide information on television viewing figures, they indicate at a wider level the popularity of television. This could, in theory, provide evidence for developers to continue using television shows as themes for future slot machines.
Just a few of the #RickandMorty art department’s favorite season 4 shots. pic.twitter.com/Bf76G5Ql1g
— Rick and Morty (@RickandMorty) March 4, 2021
Rick and Morty is a hugely popular American animation that was initially inspired by the Back to the Future film series. Its fourth season launch in 2019 had an audience of over two million. In 2017, it was also seen as the preferred TV comedy of choice for millennials and is now also a popular slot machine.
A further look through slot games selections will point you towards the vast array of machines that also have a connection to a television show. This includes game shows such as Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and Deal or No Deal.
Future inspiration and the next generation of slot machines
First of all, when looking into the future of online or virtual slot machines from a developer’s perspective, it is worth making sure these games are optimized for mobile devices. Research suggests that the average millennial uses their phone for three hours per day.
There is further evidence to suggest that bookmakers are aware of this and most will have their own dedicated apps for users to play their favorite casino games and slot machines.
It’s also worth looking at activities that playing demographics are involved in. Research indicates that popular activities and hobbies for millennials include camping and fitness. Could these activities translate well into future slot machines?
