For many years, themes related to tropical climates, dense forests, and wild animals have piqued the interests of modern-day gamers. As such, increasing numbers of developers have sought to explore the concept. Now, there are more jungle-related opportunities on the gaming market than ever before, which speaks volumes about the category’s recent surge in popularity. In turn, heightened focuses on the genre have left many wondering whether the subject matter can become the latest gaming phenomenon. Well, let’s analyze what the future holds for jungle themes in the video game industry.
Establishing Itself in the Online Casino Sector
As touched on above, jungle themes have become something of a go-to subject matter for developers in recent times. Because of that, the concept has found a home for itself within the ever-competitive online casino industry. Given that the dense forest land captivates audiences through biodiversity, vastness, and wildlife, there’s plenty for game creators to incorporate into their casino titles.
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However, it’s something of a misconception that the term jungle solely defines an area of land surrounded by tangled vegetation and tropical climates. Aside from forest-based explorations, those longing for nature-filled experiences can also enjoy jungle safaris. According to Travel Triangle, a jungle safari is now one of the most coveted experiences on offer, with audiences able to immerse themselves in Africa’s must-see locations.
Fascinatingly, this variation has given the theme a foundation within the online casino industry. In relation to jungle safaris, the Mega Moolah slot game at Royal Panda illustrates how the subject matter has risen to prominence. The Microgaming creation is a five-reel development set against the African plains. In seeking to replicate the real-world experience, the progressive jackpot game features various wildlife symbols, including buffalos, giraffes, and zebras. Because of that, the 2006 release has perfectly captured the excitement which surrounds jungle safaris.
A History of Jungle-Based Levels
Interestingly, there’s a distinct difference between mainstream game developers and casino creators concerning their jungle theme approach. Whereas those in the iGaming sector predominantly center their productions around the concept, console developers are yet to explore the category’s full potential. Instead, they incorporate jungle-themed missions into their titles. In fairness, they have done so effectively thus far, with many levels living long in the memory.
Take Sonic Adventure 2, for example. Following its release in 2001, the final title in the series for the Sega Dreamcast follows Sonic the Hedgehogs and Tails’ efforts to save the world. In seeking to bring variation to the much-loved franchise, Sonic Team USA title the game’s ninth stage White Jungle. Aside from merely being aesthetically different, this level features themed, playable objects, such as swingable vines, according to Blockfort.
In addition to Sonic, more recently-released titles have also sought to embrace jungle-related themes. Released back in 2018, IO Interactive’s Hitman 2 takes Agent 47 all over the world in his search for the Shadow Client. On his mission, the Three-Headed Serpent episode sees the character visit Santa Fortuna, a fictional destination that houses the Delgado mansion. Moreover, players can earn the Ghost of the Jungle achievement during the level. To do this, a specific loadout and method are required.
What Does the Future Hold?
If the online casino industry tells us anything, it’s that standalone jungle-themed titles can succeed. Because of the variation that’s on offer within the category, there’s scope for developers to explore numerous environments without compromising on immersion. Although episodic approaches have worked well within console titles, there’s nothing to say that a refined focus on jungle gameplay wouldn’t pique gamer interests should developers opt to explore that route in the coming years.
