Slots games have undergone a massive transformation since the first game was invented by a San Francisco mechanic in the 1890s.
Charles Fey was the man responsible for the Liberty Bell – a purely mechanical machine that was the catalyst for an industry that has since become a worldwide phenomenon.
Advancements in technology have played a major role in the evolution of slot machines, particularly over the past couple of decades, making this game very exciting and with easy access.
Read on as we look at how technology has changed the way slots games are developed and how this has benefited players all over the world.
Fey leads the way
The Liberty Bell would not win any awards for innovation today, but it was undoubtedly a ground breaker when it was launched at the end of the 19th century.
The game was extremely simplistic, containing just three reels, five symbols and a jackpot payout of 50 cents. However, it was a big hit with players.
Several other manufacturers copied Fey’s design as the foundations were laid for the slot machine industry to become a global behemoth.
Slots soon became a common sight across the United States, although there were obstacles placed in the way of progress in selected jurisdictions.
Restrictive gambling laws in some regions forced venues into awarding food prizes rather than money, but this did not hinder their popularity.
However, it was not until the early 1960s before the slot machine industry was able to take off in a massive way.
It’s all about the Money Honey
The introduction of revised gambling laws fired slots games into another stratosphere and the boom has continued apace since then.
The launch of the first fully electromechanical slot machine in 1963 was a game-changer, helping patent holders Bally become a household name.
Money Honey was the first slots game with a bottomless hopper and featured an automatic payout of up to 500 coins without needing to call an attendant.
Electronic games eventually replaced mechanical slots, and things took another leap forward with the launch of the fully functioning video slot machine in 1976.
After being approved by the Nevada State Gaming Commission, video slots soon became a common site across Las Vegas and further afield.
The decision by International Gaming Technology (IGT) to purchase the technology in 1978 proved to be inspired, helping them become a big player in the slots industry.
Game features add to the excitement
The arrival of video technology transformed how slots were made, allowing developers to push the boundaries in terms of additional game features.
Bonus rounds played on second screens became commonplace in Australia during the 1990s, bringing slots closer to video games in terms of the gameplay experience.
Developers continued in the same vein when slots gravitated towards the internet, with the second screen bonus game generally viewed as being more important than the base game.
The last couple of decades have witnessed huge progression within the slots industry as developers have expertly leverage technology to create sprawling slots games.
Base games have multiple reels and extra features, while the bonus levels are more akin to playing games on an Xbox or PlayStation.
With slots themes such as game shows, music and superheroes adding to the excitement, it is easy to see why slots games have become a multi-billion-dollar business.
Why players love slots games
The expansive nature of modern slots goes a long way to explaining why the games have proved to be such a big hit with players across the world.
Some studies have shown that many players place more importance on the gameplay experience as opposed to actually winning the jackpot.
The sounds and music incorporated into slots helps to suspend a player’s grasp on reality while playing the games, effectively making them a form of escapism.
Advancements in mobile technology have also been hugely beneficial to players, helping to make slots games more accessible than was once the case.
Online slots games are now available around the clock – all you need to play is a suitable digital device and a stable Wi-Fi connection.
This greater level of convenience has contributed greatly to the boom in the slots industry and this is unlikely to slow down any time soon.
The future of slots games
As we have just alluded to, improvements in mobile technology have been a key driver for growth within the slots industry in recent times.
This will continue apace over the coming years as developers continue to push the boundaries of the software that powers the games.
Emerging technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) have also been forecast to have a major impact on slots now the supporting hardware is living up to expectations.
One of the main leaders of innovation in this area is Evolution Gaming, who successfully launched a live slots-style game in 2021.
Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt VR received widespread acclaim, with the 360-degree video content providing players with an immersive gameplay experience.
Further VR slots are expected to hit the industry over the coming years, which will help to keep the games at the forefront of public consciousness.
