Video gaming has significantly influenced the preferences of a new generation. As this generation comes of age, their tastes are increasingly shaping the iGaming industry.
These players are drawn to features and dynamics that have become second nature to them in video games. This trend is driving the industry toward a blend of gaming and gambling. The focus is increasingly on innovation, social interaction, and engaging gameplay.
Who Are the Future Video Gamblers?
The new wave of players is most interested in:
- Bonus mini-games: Quick, engaging challenges that break up the main gameplay.
- Fast access to features: Immediate gratification with rapid progression through game features.
- Multiplayer concepts: A shift from playing against the house to playing against other players.
- Loot boxes and level transitions: Collecting rewards and progressing through levels, elements borrowed from video gaming.
These players prefer gaming and gambling combined in a seamless experience, always on mobile devices. They are unfamiliar with traditional casino games and instead seek out unconventional games that offer storytelling, unique features, strong engagement, and socialization.
Multiplayer Games: Building Community
Innovation in the iGaming industry is increasingly focused on social and community aspects, transforming the industry into one of entertainment and connection. At the heart of this transformation are multiplayer games, which are rapidly becoming the fastest-growing segment in iGaming. These games create communities around shared gaming experiences. Multiple players participate simultaneously, placing bets and receiving identical outcomes based on their wagers. This fosters social interaction through gaming, offering a competitive spirit and a sense of belonging.
Key Features of Multiplayer Games:
- Anonymity: Players choose nicknames to maintain anonymity.
- Real-time play and chat: Players enjoy real-time gameplay, chatting, and competition in tournaments.
- Social features: Chat rooms, leaderboards, and the ability to share strategies and results on social media enhance the gaming experience.
- Rewards: Players are motivated by points, badges, trophies, bonuses, and free spins, which encourage them to play more, try new games, and challenge each other within the community.
The Global Scene
- USA: Multiplayer slot machines, where up to six players can participate simultaneously, are gaining popularity.
- LATAM: The combination of multiplayer technology with gamification tools is particularly popular. Former gamers are joining online casinos to combine social interaction with competitive gameplay.
Conclusion
The evolution of these games is rapid, and it’s only a matter of time before they become as popular as slots and table games. Features like tracking progress in the game and choosing themes before starting are already under development, further enhancing the gaming experience.
The future of iGaming lies in the seamless integration of video gaming elements with traditional gambling. Providers who embrace these trends and focus on building strong communities around their games will be well-positioned to succeed in this evolving landscape. For more insights into the future of iGaming, stay tuned as we explore the latest developments and trends in this exciting industry!
Blog author:
Eleonora Milic
Head of Business Technology