How Slots Have Changed Over the Years
Over the years, slot games have undergone a significant transformation, evolving from their traditional, machine-based games to today’s expansive online slots world. Like many digital media forms, online slots have evolved with technological advances, increasing slots’ potential. Before technological advances, slot machines had very limited game mechanics, often offering little to no bonus features beyond the base gameplay. When comparing these traditional slot games to the online variants available today, there is a clear divide in quality, with modern games often featuring a range of features. In the modern iGaming world, many developers utilise bonus features and other features, such as game themes, to help differentiate titles that, decades prior, lacked them. This article is designed to create a timeline of notable innovations that changed the online slot industry forever.
The Early Years
Despite being extremely simplistic compared to what is seen today, the creation of the first slot machine had a huge impact on the gaming industry. Not only has the machine laid the foundations for following slot games, but it also rivalled some notable casino games at the time, including Blackjack and Roulette. The first slot machine was the Liberty Bell, developed by the German-born inventor Charles Fey in 1894. The slot machine made immediate waves in the gaming industry, as it was unlike anything seen before, prompting Charles Fey to produce the machines on a mass scale. The Liberty Bell slot machine had implemented some interesting game mechanics that remain utilised today, which is a credit to the inventor, and showcases how it laid the foundations. Notable mechanics that have evolved over the years include 3-reel mechanics, paylines, and symbols featuring classic playing card emblems.
The Liberty Bell machine earned the nickname ‘one-armed bandit’ because of the side lever that operated the slot machine. Despite lever-based machines losing popularity, the act of pulling a lever to initiate the spin has influenced the subsequent releases. An example in today’s expansive slot industry is that all games begin with players pressing a button, a feature similar to that of the Liberty Bell machine.
The Electromechanical Era
Until the 1960s, slot games lacked change, relying entirely on mechanical gears, springs, and reels. The first fully electromechanical slot machine was the Money Honey, released by Bally in 1963. This innovation marked a huge advance in the slots industry, introducing motor-driven reels and automatic payout systems that were previously unattainable. The impact of the Money Honey slot was huge, creating faster slot gameplay and payouts, as well as a more engaging gaming experience with flashing lights and fitting sounds. The success of the Money Honey slot machine revolutionised casinos, making electromechanical slots a popular choice among many brick-and-mortar establishments.
The Video Screen Change
One of the most notable innovations in the history of online slots is the introduction of video screens in the gameplay, which became popular in the 1970s. Before the innovation of video slots, physical reels displaying symbols were the industry-leading mechanic. The video slot era expanded online slots, allowing developers to introduce random number generators (RNGs) to power the games. These RNG systems were widely adopted in the slot industry and became the industry standard, reducing doubt about the legitimacy of slot machines and ensuring that all spins are fair. These video slots also allowed developers to incorporate more paylines in their games. The first-ever video slot was Fortune Coin, which became widespread shortly after its release in the mid-1970s.
The Online Slot Boom
After years of technological advances, the first ever online slot game was released in the 1990s, increasing the accessibility of slot games. The introduction of online slots changed the industry forever, allowing gamers to play from home rather than in previous years, when slots were limited to casinos and bookmakers. The online slot era has been revolutionary in the gaming industry, adapting to a more modern audience. One of the most notable innovations introduced with the first online slot was the use of digital payments instead of physical coins. The Cash Splash slot game by Microgaming, released in 1998, has been recognised as one of the pioneering slot games of the online era, which helped drive Microgaming’s growth.
Modern Online Slots
In the modern iGaming industry, online slots have expanded into a multi-billion-pound sector pioneered by innovation. There are numerous game development studios in the modern online slots industry, each of which has played its part in the expansion of slots. Some developers have played larger roles than others, creating interesting game mechanics that have boosted the variety of online slots. Big Time Gaming introduced the Megaways mechanic in 2016, which has since transformed the industry by enabling slots to feature dynamic playgrids.
In the modern online slot industry, technological advances have enabled more advanced graphics and animations in gameplay. These changes have made online slots more interesting, with detailed graphics that showcase specific themes and help build storylines during gameplay. Advancements in technology have not only enabled more slots but also led to the introduction of live casino games, creating more variety in the industry. Lastly, advancements in technology have also enabled faster transitions on online casino platforms, with deposits and withdrawals that are almost instant in today’s world.
Responsible Gambling
Please remember to always gamble responsibly.
