The concept of video slots, what they are, and how to play them?
Video slots are slot machines presented on online platforms and land-based gambling halls. The main difference between slot and video slot machines is the absence of physical reels with symbols. The operation of video slots machine is based on computer programs and electronic control mechanisms.
Today the concept of “video slots” is used as a synonym for all types of slot machines, therefore it has lost its primary special meaning. With the advent of new computer technology, slot machines have moved from mechanical designs to electronic ones. The software capabilities made it possible to abandon bulky devices with a lever and drums and move to digital development.
The games are offered through the best platforms in the industry and come from the most popular providers around. These include the likes of NetEnt, Microgaming, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, Thunderkick, Red Tiger Gaming, and Evolution Gaming, among many, many others.
But what makes a good casino software company apart? Several factors come into play. Let’s divide them into 3 broad categories, which are listed below:
- Variety: Games should feature a variety of themes, from historical to mythological, fantasy to science fiction. Some vendors even bring licensed slot machines for movies and TV series, as well as for any number of other franchises.
- Technology: Casino gaming software should have interesting and exciting features. There can be free spins triggered by special symbols or scatter symbols, or jokers that give the spins different effects. Some games use the same symbol as the wild and scatter, while others have random modifiers that affect the reels.
- Industry awards and reputation: How does the industry recognize casino software providers? The best providers on the market can be seen for their licenses, not to mention any industry awards they may have.
Top providers are also generating positive feedbacks and reviews on forums and social media as players gather online to share their gaming experience, not to mention their features and RTP.
In terms of technology and software development, online casino games have come a really long way from simple 3-reel slots powered by Flash software to modern HTML5 video slots.
Games have become not only more advanced in terms of animation, graphics, and sound design, but also significantly changed in terms of the gameplay itself. The best software providers create games packed with interesting and addictive gameplay features that add dimension to the game.
Let’s take a look at some games developers, and take a closer look at some of the well-known game manufacturers.
The ubiquitous Microgaming brand has transformed the online gambling sector for the better by providing operators and players alike with their best designs. Over the years, this innovative provider has been relentlessly raising the level of game quality.
The company recently expanded its portfolio with the launch of an independent line of software: StormCraft Studios. Continuing to evolve and never giving in to tough challenges, Microgaming truly deserves a place in the ranking of the best casino software providers.
Net Entertainment or NetEnt. It should be noted that along with Microgaming, NetEnt is one of the leading gigantic providers in the online casino industry. It is this developer who owns the beloved Gonzo’s Quest, Jack and the Beanstalk, and, of course, the key slot machine of the entire industry – Starburst.
Today NetEnt sees its mission as challenging standards and creating high-quality innovative casino games. NetEnt is also on this list of top providers because it owns its own brand of live casino software. This sets it apart from the rest because it shows that NetEnt is not afraid to take risks and ditch the templates.
Play’n Go. The company, which cannot be called a newcomer, even in comparison with the aforementioned luminaries of the industry, was founded in 2004 by a team of talented developers and continues to develop, creating high-quality and entertaining games for all tastes.
Under the name of this company, you will find games with gorgeous colorful graphics and a suitable soundtrack that harmoniously combine with the theme of slot machines. By choosing nostalgic themes like the Hugo video game franchise, while releasing classic slots at the same time, Play’n Go manages to meet the needs of all players.
WMS Slots was founded in 1991 and started creating video lottery terminals and slot machines. In a couple of years, the company managed to create several successful slot machines. WMS slot finder has built a strong name for itself, and in 2013 Scientific Games Corporation bought it for $1.5 billion.
While the developer has started with video lotteries, it is a slot-only creator in the online space. However, it does not affect the company’s success anyhow. In this WMS slots provider review, are highlighted the WMS’s best releases and the most interesting facts about this developer.
How does online casino software work?
Before the advent of smartphones and tablets, the only way to spin the reels of an online slot was a good old computer. In those early days, mobile phones simply weren’t advanced enough for the technology required for games to function properly. At the time, slot machines were powered by Flash, an animation software from Adobe that allowed providers to create decently decent online slot machines.
Of course, this technology is very outdated these days, which is why most modern and innovative providers have moved to the full-featured HTML5 platform.
Why make games in HTML5? There are several reasons for this:
- Making an online game in HTML5 is the right way to create a game. It not only allows you to create clearer and smoother animations and graphics but also allows you to play games on any device.
- HTML5 is supported by all browsers, including Internet Explorer, and it also allows players to play their favorite slots on mobile phones without losing quality. Thus, players can be assured that they will experience just as much fun while playing games on the go as when playing on a personal computer.
- A good provider never forgets the importance of the mobile version when creating a concept for a new game. After all, this is the 21st century!
Live Dealer Game Providers
Live dealer casino online games stand out because their development and high-quality live streaming require a lot of work from the provider’s team. Here are some of the live dealer games providers:
- Evolution Gaming is the well-known leader of the live gambling industry. A wide variety of baccarat games, blackjack, roulette, poker, as well as craps, Monopoly, the Wheel of Fortune – this is not even a complete list of games offered by this developer.
- Ezugi is another manufacturer familiar to fans of live dealer games. Most of the products are blackjack, baccarat, and roulette variations, etc. A distinctive feature of the company’s games is the ability to launch the product in a free demo mode.
- Pragmatic Play also boasts a collection of dozens of live games, including roulette, baccarat, blackjack, sic bo, and a money wheel.
Lesser-known live game providers include Authentic Gaming, Betgames, eBET, MediaLive, SAGaming, Super Spade Games, Vivo Gaming, and ProGramming.
Why pay attention to a game provider?
Two types of software use are common on online gambling sites: the use of online casino games by one software developer and the cooperation of the casino with several developers on different platforms at once.
We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with the exclusive online casino’s page, where you will find casinos not only running on the platforms of various software providers but also offering unique features for players.
Note that the reliability of the software development companies is reflected in the overall quality of the casinos that work with these providers. It is worth paying attention to the reliability of the provider in order to feel safe when playing in the casino for real money.
Remember, it is extremely important to go and read online casino reviews first before starting to play in any sites or apps that you found to be interesting. If you are a Canadian resident and searching for an online casino, first read this review of the best online casinos in Canada.