The mobile industry has changed the way people interact with products and services. This is not just the case for individuals but governments too. Mobile enabled e-commerce, mobile government programs and increasingly, mobile gaming including online slots. Most people are aware of casinos’ embrace of online slots but few are aware of how mobility influences this game in particular.
What are Mobile Slots?
Slots are traditional casino games that have been adapted to offer comparable gameplay on mobile devices. They are usually simpler and faster than their counterparts in land-based casinos and are known for the ‘random payout’ feature. The reason for this is that slot online were among the first games to be developed for online casinos and at the time, there were no regulations in place, which means that online casino owners could decide the payout percentages themselves.
Game Modes
The first games released on mobile devices were often known as either ‘slots-lite’ or ‘mobile slots’ and they offered similar functionality to those available online at the time. The main focus at the time was user convenience, which is why so many games could be played directly through SMS messages, which allowed players to bet right from their mobile phones. As technology advanced, developers started rolling out new features such as bonus rounds and more advanced graphics and sound effects.
It is now more common for slots to be tailored to the mobile user, with games being designed with ‘licking’ in mind. In 2010 the concept of ‘looting’ was introduced by the first mobile casino slot, which meant that players could win large amounts of money by tapping on different items. This was later refined and became a staple feature of most slots. This was also the same year that ‘in-game purchases’ were introduced, which allowed players to buy additional spins.
The Feedback Loop
As players have grown accustomed to playing slots on their mobile devices, developers and designers have responded by making changes to the gaming experience that are now considered standard for slot developers. This cycle of change is known as a feedback loop and it is prompted by the increasing numbers of people who play on mobiles.