Five Trends That Will Change Mobile Slots in 2016

Future Road SignThe world of mobile slots is ever-changing and expanding, making it a pretty exciting time for any iGaming fan. As the number of slots players soars, the competition for software designers is tougher than ever before. Slots developers need to engage with a very mixed range of players and need to have the edge over other brands to secure their place in the market. This is why they’re always on the hunt for emerging trends and new ideas, so that they can offer casino users something original and fresh. Here are some of the trends that we think could impact the way slots are designed and produced this year.

 

1. Personalisation

Rainbow Riches Pick and Mix ScreenshotThis is a trend that’s been on the rise for quite some time, but looks to develop even more in 2016. Studies show that giving players the option to change how the game plays out, based around their preferences, forges a connection and, therefore, they’re more likely to return to play the slot again. This is why slots offer the ability to change wager sizes and how many paylines are played.

In recent slots, we’ve also seen software designers offering players the choice to pick their volatility. Some players like small yet frequent wins, whilst others enjoy waiting around for a big payout. The facility to make the game act how you, as a player, want it to, creates a customised experience that suits your needs.

In the same way, more slots are offering optional gamble features which allow players to risk their wins for a bigger payout. This creates the idea that the game is in the players hands and that they can determine their own fate. Games like Rainbow Riches Pick n Mix are leading the way in this department, as the new game allows players to select which bonus games they’d want to see appear throughout the slot.

 

2. Simplification

Starburst SymbolsFor quite some time we’ve seen slots get bigger and more complex as they develop. Multiple bonus rounds, lots of loaded symbols, flashing graphics and non traditional layouts are all things slot designers have introduced to grab their players’ attentions. However, this year we’ve seen numerous slots go back to basics and offer consumers a more retro approach.

It could be argued that slots like Starburst launched the trend, as they became exceptionally popular even though they were relatively simple in design. There is some science behind this trend, as players engage better and quicker with a simple game. It’s easy to understand why too. The more simple the game, the faster you can get a hang of what’s going on and the more likely you are to keep playing as you’re now focused.

This trend is also a dream for software developers. It seems like a risk at first to launch a paired-back game into the saturated slot market, however it does mean they can produce a higher number of slots at a quicker pace. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone in one game, they can create three or four different slots that appeal to different people. The trend of simplified slots seems to be going nowhere, however we must say we’re a bit bored of the retro Starburst copy-cat games – to keep this trend thriving designers need to come up with more original ideas for game themes and graphics.

3. Playing Together

Men Playing Mobile Games TogetherAnother big trend for 2016 is the idea that slots can be a social or competitive activity. The explanation for this trend is simple – slots can become incredibly monotonous. We’ve all sat there before, mindlessly clicking the spin button and realising we’re bored out of our minds. This is a crucial concern for any slots designers in 2016, as creating engaging games is detrimental to their success.

The idea of playing together alleviates this problem as it introduces something new without having to change the design of their games. Essentially, designers are profiting off players amusing each other. For example, a chat function at the side of a slot, like those seen in bingo rooms, creates a social atmosphere.

Even if you’re bored of the slot, you may continuing playing because you’re enjoying the conversation. We know that online bingo remains incredibly popular, and slots designers would do well to copy some of it’s unique traits. We’ve seen games like Slingo appear this year to much success, so it looks likely that the multiplayer aspect of the game would be copied and reproduced in slot games too.

4. Gamification

NetEnt Aliens SlotGamification has been a trend that both casinos and slot developers have been touting for a while. By definition, gamificiation is the application of typical elements of game playing (e.g. point scoring, levels) to other areas of activity to encourage engagement with a product or service.
The trend seems to originate from the popularity of mobile games such as Candy Crush Saga. These games persuade players to keep playing to progress through different levels in order to receive rewards.

In slots, gamification is executed in various ways, but a perfect example can be seen in NetEnt’s Aliens. The slot includes different locations, items to collect and battles reminiscent of arcade video games. Mostly, slots incorporate gamification through financial rewards, but even something like a  character that accompanies you as you play can be traced back to this trend.

5. Geocaching?

Pokemon Go LogoThis trend is a bit of a wild card as we haven’t seen it in action yet, however it’s something slots developers will be forced into considering this year. Geocaching is most easily described as a worldwide scavenger hunt that’s played using the GPS on your mobile. You visit certain locations, log them on your phone and receive rewards.Whilst this doesn’t sound like it relates to slot games, the recently released (and hugely popular) Pokemon Go harnesses the same technology.

The roaring success of Pokemon Go will no doubt be on slot developers’ radar. It’s hard to ignore isn’t it. We don’t know if the technology will be used for slots, but it’s an interesting concept none-the-less. Imagine having to play slots in a certain location or that specific locations allow you to pick up jackpots and more frequent wins. Geocaching also promotes social activity through getting you out of the house, which is something of importance to many problem gambling support charities.



Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *



Back to Top
Footerpoint