Online slot games are the undisputed most popular product that the iGaming industry has. When most people visit an online casino, they are met with a massive variety of slot games, featuring similar mechanics. It is precisely that quality that creates a problem for many slot developers.
The similar mechanics of slot games make it so playing any slot game feels the same as playing any other. If you want to try some real money slots, you will find that, for the most part, they are quite similar. Which means that online casino game developers have to find ways to make each interesting and unique.
The Introduction of Themed Slots
The primary way that game developers diversify the slot market is by introducing a theme to the game. What a theme is, is simple; it is merely an aesthetic quality that adds a unique character to the game. Themed slots might have an interesting backdrop, original symbols, unique mascots, or all three.
The introduction of themed slots to iGaming may not seem like a big deal. However, it has played a huge role in diversifying the online gambling world, and making slots a ton more interesting to new fans. To that end, it would be nice to go over some of the most popular themes in online slots.
Historical
Historical slots are, of course, a staple of online casinos. As you probably could have guessed, historical slots take inspiration from actual human history. Specifically, from the Ancient Civilizations that we are all familiar with, either intimately, or casually.
An example would be the numerous slots inspired by the Romans. You might find games that carry the names of famous Roman emperors, statesman, or simple the city itself. They are often created to emulate the aesthetic we usually associate with the Roman Empire, and might feature unique symbols such as:
- A Legionnaire’s Helmet
- A Gladius Sword
- The Roman Eagle
- A Banner Reading SPQR
Similar slots exist emulating other notable civilizations, like Egypt, Greece, China, and the Aztecs. Historical slots are appealing because most people around the world have, at least a passing familiarity with these symbols.
Fantasy
Fantastical stories have captured the human heart and mind since the Ancient World. However, today, fantasy is mostly associated with elves, dwarves, dragons, and of course, The Lord of the Rings. The success of the fantasy genre has led to many online slot developers to incorporate elements of it into their games.
Science Fiction
The “sister genre” to fantasy is science fiction. If a story is set in the future, space, or in a world where technology dominates the daily life, it can accurately be described as science fiction. For some people of the past, online gambling would be considered science fiction. So, it is somewhat apropos that sci-fi slots are as popular as they are.
Like historical or fantasy slots, sci-fi slots might have unique backgrounds and symbols. For example, a UFO saucer or a little green guy are pretty popular images associated with sci-fi. Unsurprisingly, a lot of slot developers use those symbols to indicate that a slot is, indeed, inspired by the vast cosmos of science fiction.
