The slot industry has undergone notable transformations in the modern era, largely driven by technological advances. These technological changes have significantly impacted slot games, enabling more advanced game mechanics and cutting-edge graphics that effectively showcase genres. The evolution of slot game mechanics in the modern era has been a major contributor to the industry’s growth, with modernised features that enhance gameplay. Not only do these features elevate the industry’s gameplay as a whole, but they also enable developers to differentiate their titles. Ranging from Free Spins features to the popular Megaways mechanic, this article will cover notable innovations in the slot industry.
The Inventor
The expansive slot industry as we see today is a result of continuous evolution, which all began with the Liberty Bell machine. Despite the invention being foundational to modern iGaming, many elements remain in contemporary releases. The Liberty Bell machine was created in 1894 by Charles Fey, a scientist. The Liberty Bell machine was unique at the time, and earned the nickname ‘one-armed bandit’ for its game features, specifically the lever to operate the game on the side.
The Liberty Bell machine features three spinning reels, a design that has remained popular in slots over the years, although adaptations have occurred. Also, the Liberty Bell slot machine featured symbols such as the Bell, horseshoes, and others, which became industry standards.
Electromechanical Era
For many years, slot machines relied exclusively on mechanical reels, prompting innovation in the 1960s. The first electromechanical slot machine was Money Honey, released by the notable developer Bally. This innovation transformed the industry, ultimately leading to the development of numerous other electromechanical machines owing to its features. The Money Honey slot machine featured a motorised payout system, a novelty in the industry, providing convenience for players. The motorised payout system enabled games to offer higher prizes, marking the early years of ‘jackpot slots’.
Video Slots
The introduction of the first video slot was a historic landmark for the iGaming industry, showcasing the gameplay on a screen, rather than traditional mechanical reel formats. The first slot machine to use this visual screen design was the Fortune Coin title, developed by Fortune Coin Company. This slot was tested in a Las Vegas casino, and its success soon followed, prompting the industry to gradually transition to these video slots.
Online Slots – The Start of the Digital Era
Towards the end of the 20th century, technological advances led to the creation of the first-ever online slot game. The first online slot game came soon after the launch of the first-ever online casino platform, which initially provided access to classic casino games through online software. In 1998, Microgaming launched the Cash Splash slot game, widely regarded as the first-ever online slot. This slot game was quickly published on many online entertainment platforms, including BOYLE Casino online, and was soon followed by new online slot games, marking the beginning of the digital era.
The Modern Technology Boom
The 21st century saw a significant shift in how slot games are created, with advances in technology enabling innovative game mechanics. Once the online slot industry was established, developers wasted no time, consistently innovating and trying to create the next big mechanic.
Free Spins Features
In the modern iGaming industry, Free Spins are the most common bonus mechanic, used by almost all development studios. Commonly, these Free Spin features provide players with bonus rounds in the slot, often with additional game features, such as multipliers. These Free Spins features are almost always played at the same bet stake as the spin that triggered the bonus feature.
The first slot game to feature a Free Spins feature came in the late 20th century, with the Cleopatra slot game developed by IGT. Despite this being the first, it was very basic to the industry standard today, which has come as a result of consistent innovation from developers through the years.
Megaways Slots
Until Big Time Gaming released the Bonanza slot game in 2016, all slot games operated with fixed payline counts. The Bonanza slot introduced the Megaways mechanic to the iGaming industry, enabling variable payline counts. Each spin on the Bonanza slot was unique, with a different symbol count making for different combinations and active paylines.
Following the release of the Bonanza slot game, many other development studios implemented the Megaways mechanic in their titles. This Megaways feature also enabled developers to create sequels to established titles, incorporating the dynamic mechanic.
Progressive Jackpot Slots
Globally, jackpots have long been a part of slot games, though advanced online casino platforms have elevated them, enabling individual Progressive Jackpot counts. Unlike historical jackpot slots, which had fixed counts, the value of these Progressive Jackpot slots can change over time. They would take a share of each bet stake placed and add it to the count, which may be randomly triggered during any spin. If the Progressive Jackpot amount is awarded, it will reset to a base value before being increased for each bet staked placed once again.
