The Impact of Cultural Trends on Casino Game Design and Themes
May 9, 2023When creating a casino game, it’s essential that developers take into account the needs and expectations of players through user testing.
Digital games have long taken cues from broad cultural trends, especially as gambling commodities become more visible and accepted within society.
Action and adventure
Casino games have long been at the forefront of mobile gaming, possibly due to their appeal among those seeking an exciting gambling experience without needing to leave home or spend money.
Social casino games such as Slotomania and DoubleDown’s slot machines operate like multiline video slots and can feature many winning lines – often hundreds! For newcomers to online gambling, this can make the games difficult and complex to understand.
Young (2010) notes the gamblification of gambling play and its subsequent normalization within casinos or venues promoting aleatory leisure activities as an additional benefit of these games. As highlighted by Young (2010: 261), such an approach to risk normalization commodifies and normalizes risk in an enjoyable form for gamers.
Pirates and sailors
Roguish scoundrels with parrots perched atop their shoulders, cutlasses in their hands, and chests full of gold are out to live a short and memorable life while making an impressionful impact. Rum-drinking pirates may make for entertaining companions but ultimately set out on an ambitious path toward lasting greatness and making their mark upon history.
There is also the ‘pirate leader’ – those who refuse to abide by rules and create chaos within their crew’s operations. Though usually not high up the hierarchy ladders, these individuals tend to stand out for some reason and become widely recognized leaders of their crews.
Maintaining a 17th/18th century sailing ship required hard work from everyone involved – captain to rigger, each played their part in keeping it running smoothly and safely. Resupplying regularly was essential; no ship could stay afloat for years on end without needing food, water or repairs which most often required stopping in port for replenishment.
Movies and TV shows
Casinos have long been an alluring film setting since cinema first took shape. From seedy underground gambling in “Casino Royale” to luxurious Las Vegas in “The Godfather”, casinos have captured audiences with their thrilling themes and characters.
Casino movies often boast captivating plotlines that are engaging to watch, culminating with their protagonist winning a significant sum of money – an experience which provides viewers with the satisfaction that gambling can be lucrative even when losses occur. These depictions reinforce the notion that gambling can be profitable activity even when losses occur.
TV shows focusing on casino gaming have also proven successful at raising awareness of this industry, such as Deal or No Deal’s dynamic approach of having participants choose an unknown case containing cash and trading it for other cases containing less. Such interactive experiences play an integral part of casino games as it gives feedback when they reach milestones within them.
Music
Casino game soundtracks are an essential component of the overall gaming experience, helping people connect with and immerse themselves in the theme of each game. Furthermore, it must sync up with visuals for an immersive and captivating journey.
Sound effects, too, are used to encourage impulsive gambling behavior – particularly with slot machines where constant sounds of money dropping into a pay tray or winning combinations is designed to spur more gambling behavior and make people want to gamble even more.
Many casinos rely on music from popular bands or DJs to create an unforgettable gaming experience, drawing customers in while increasing revenues. Music also helps keep customers entertained and brings them back – known as “casualization of chance”, this trend has quickly become one of the hallmarks of success for online casino games as well as other products and services.