If film was the medium of the first half of the 20th century, and TV was that for the second half, then video games would be considered the medium of the early 21st century. They rely on the latest technology to look and feel more immersive. They also have served as inspiration for many industries that have arisen from the game world.
The best example here would be iGaming. Online casinos owe a lot to the world of games, from game engines to aesthetics. But there are those who would say that gamification is common in the gambling market on the internet. There are platforms like Christchurch Casino that wear their influence on their sleeve. But how exactly does gamification manifest in iGaming?
A Reward Based System
Video games are well-known for the inclusion of rewards and achievements. Most players who use Steam are well aware of how the system works. Any achievement results in a new badge attributed to their account depending on the game that they are playing. That system serves to encourage gamers to return to the game and continue to play it as much as they can.
That reward system has been adopted by the online gambling industry as well. Gamblers are now able to earn achievements, rewards and badges the more they engage with the industry. Some websites have even incorporated leaderboards to drive up the sense of competition that so many gamers are well-known for. The system seems to be working as intended.
Bonus Rewards
The biggest drawn of online casinos is the inclusion of welcome bonuses and loyalty programs. But some platforms have taken to integrating bonus rewards based on player achievements. This ties into the previous paragraph that talked about badges and awards. By using these badges, players can trigger some type of bonus games that yield spectacular offers.
Bonuses are a staple of the gambling market on the net. So it is hard to say that this feature is fully inspired by video games. But there certainly is some sort of connection between winning achievements in order to get a better chance at winning and classic video game enjoyment. If it is not a full example of gamification, then it shows a link between the two markets at least.
Mini Games at Online Slots
The slot market accounts for close to 50% of the overall traffic that iGaming websites attract. It is no wonder that most online casinos would focus on these titles. But how has gamification affected online slots? It has a lot to do with the inclusion of mini games during the downtime. Video games are well-known for giving players some mini games to help them relax or earn extra points. Slot developers have taken that principle to a whole other level.
Pokies fans can now take a break between spinning in order to play some interesting mini game that is largely inspired by the theme of the slot itself. Soccer-based slots will often feature a game where the player must shoot the ball in order to score a goal. The result is some sort of reward, whether it be an extra spin or the appearance of a wild symbol on the board.
