Casino game developers are open to innovation, as their goal is to create products that will attract players more and keep them playing for longer. To this end, they try to make traditional gaming more engaging using many innovative and creative mechanics. However, perhaps the most effective solution is to combine different game genres and create “hybrids.” Role-playing game (RPG) mechanics have long included features that will keep players playing for hundreds of hours and integrating them into casino games can be surprisingly effective. Let’s take a look at how this scenario could play out, along with the possible uses and potential problems.
Understanding RPG Elements
RPGs feature immersive storytelling and character development options, and the ultimate goal is for the player to grow stronger throughout the game and reach the end of the story. Gamblers usually take on the roles of characters in a fictional universe and start very “weak.” However, they take on quests, level up, collect items, acquire new skills, and grow stronger. In short, the main elements are:
- Character Customization: Players can create and customize an avatar. These avatars represent them in the virtual world and allow them to personalize their experiences.
- Progression Systems: Players earn experience points (XP) as they progress through the game, which they use to level up. Each level allows them to gain new abilities and become stronger.
- Quests and Goals: An engaging storyline drives gamblers to complete quests and goals. When these are completed, the player is rewarded with in-game currency or items.
- Social Interaction: Many RPGs have multiplayer features that allow players to cooperate or compete with others.
So, how feasible is it to integrate all of these mechanics into casino titles? Despite appearing very different at first glance, slots, roulette, blackjack, and poker actually offer gameplay that fits these elements.
Integrating RPG Mechanics into Casino Games
Integrating RPG elements into gambling titles can happen in different ways. Of course, this won’t be a one-to-one adaptation, as the player will still need to be able to start playing right away and try their luck after a short adjustment period. However, every mechanic/feature we listed above can be transferred to online casino games without losing their essence:
Character Customization: Gamblers can also create avatars that represent themselves when creating a new gambling account. For example, when you complete the ICE Casino login and open your profile page, you can see a virtual avatar whose appearance you can customize. You can participate in casino games such as slots, poker, and roulette with this avatar, and unlock new skins according to your performance when playing. In other words, it will be possible to take advantage of new customization options as you continue playing (for example, a special outfit that unlocks when you win 10 spins in a row).
Stories: Gambling titles can also tell a story that can be told through cutscenes. For example, when you hit a certain number of jackpots or win a certain amount in poker, you will see the next cutscene and progress the story. Advancing or completing the story can grant rewards such as free spins.
Customizable Experience: Players can unlock different character classes or specializations in return for their wins and level up in their choices. Each class can have unique bonuses that affect the game mechanics. For example, a Level 10 player can start a bonus round that normally gives 10 free spins with an extra +2 spin.
Multiplayer Features: Social elements such as guilds or teams can be added. Players can join together in shared community challenges (for example, completing 1,000,000 spins in a week) or compete for leaderboards. This is already offered to some extent through tournaments and live dealer experience.
So, how can these hybrid games benefit both gambling enthusiasts and iGaming operators?
Potential Benefits
The most important benefits of integrating RPG elements into casino games include:
- Increased Engagement: Traditional casino games feature passive gameplay where players simply spin the reels or place bets. RPG elements make games more dynamic with more active gameplay.
- Progression and Achievements: RPG mechanics allow players to earn experience points (XP) or unlock new features as they play. These progression systems can be just as attractive as payouts, as they provide gamblers with long-term goals and motivation to continue playing.
- Narrative Depth: Following a storyline or completing quests to see how the story will end encourages players to continue playing. Similarly, games that feature multiple endings based on player decisions increase replayability. All these story elements can significantly extend play time and engagement with the game.
- Community and Competition: Social features like leaderboards, cooperative challenges, and multiplayer modes create a sense of community among players. This social interaction encourages them to share their achievements and interact with others, which leads to increased customer loyalty.
- Attracting New Players: The integration of RPG elements can attract a wider demographic, especially younger players who may not normally interact with traditional a casino game. This can help casinos expand their player base and increase their revenue potential.
However, there will also be some problems with this approach, as pointed out below.
Potential Problems
The biggest problem with these hybrid gaming solutions will be the legal regulations. Licensing authorities like the UK Gambling Commission can be quite strict about the type and nature of the interactive elements that can be offered to players. In other words, such titles may not be allowed because of concerns that they may increase the problem gambling issue. Striking the right balance will also be a problem. Hybrid games can cease to be casino games if they include too many RPG elements. Few game developers can pull off this integration successfully, and even those that do will struggle.
Nevertheless, combining RPG elements with casino games is an exciting idea and offers a potential worth exploring. The innovation that game studios are looking for could come from these hybrid solutions, and perhaps, we will see online gambling platforms offering them shortly.
