You can feel too for sure. There’s a feeling of change in the air like never before, a restless and intense motion. We’re looking ahead to some truly huge steps in terms of technology development and we’re eager to see how this wind of change will be affecting online casinos.
The progresses made with both VR and AR technologies will be changing how casino games are produced, the way they’re played and experienced by players. We’re being taken to new heights, will the stakes get bigger and bigger?
What does VR do really, or what can you do with VR? We know it’s already been highly promoted in the general gaming world, but will it be able to make a statement in the gambling world?
Virtual reality basically creates a 100% digital environment, where players can interact between each other or with actual game avatars by using VR headsets and special motion controllers. You’ll jump in a 360-degree virtual world, making you feel like you’re really in the bonus round of Gonzo’s Quest, on your quest for adventure. Gonzo was just one example, basically you will be able to enjoy much more the setting and perception will count a lot more when playing the reels. Is there any value to it for a casino player though? Or does a casino customer just mostly care about winning real money from it? Debatable, but it’s unlikely this huge change won’t apply to gambling too, at least in a certain degree.
Augmented reality, on the other hand, is perhaps more lilely to be a hit among casino players. AR is basically mixing the digital world with the reality, mainly through devices like smartphones, tablets, and AR glasses. It’s a cool and fun mix really, you can remain comfortable with your surroundings, but still be surprised by all the game characters and elements.
We’ve done our research and tried to see just how many online casinos have embraced the technologies, or at least tried to. Turns out not so many at this point, and a few sort of failed in the process.
PokerStars VR
PokerStars had an iniative with VR games, and it looked exciting as hell! However, it seems things didn’t fully work out. The game was renamed Vegas Infinity a few months back and according to players’ reviews, there are plenty of bugs which are stopping players from actually trying the game anymore.
Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt by NetEnt
AR is perhaps a better and more realistic touch for online casinos. An online live game show and the first live casino game that combines live and slots-style gameplay, and also offers VR (virtual reality) play. This new live game show from Evolution is based on NetEnt’s popular Gonzo’s Quest online slots title, and is inspired by the famous Gonzo character. This game is a hybrid of live and slot games that represents “a whole new direction” from Evolution. Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt proves that AR can be used for creating engaging slot games which have the real show vibe.
VR and AR open up new promotional opportunities for online gambling operators. Virtual casinos can host exclusive events, tournaments, and interactive experiences that attract players and create buzz. AR can be used to offer location-based promotions, encouraging players to visit physical locations or landmarks to unlock special bonuses and rewards. These innovative promotions can drive player acquisition and retention, giving operators a competitive edge.
While VR and AR technologies do offer exciting possibilities for the gaming world, there’s a lot to consider, many challenges that at the time being might not seem worth it for the average player. For instance, the cost of VR hardware and the need for really solid devices can be quite a hiccup for some players.
Still, as it continues to advance and become more affordable, the adoption of VR and AR in gaming is expected to grow. The future of gaming will likely see more seamless integration of these technologies, with improved hardware, more immersive experiences, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The online gambling industry, in particular, stands to benefit from these advancements, offering players new and exciting ways to engage with their favorite games.
VR and AR are slowly starting to show their signs in online gambling too, although in a less obvious manner than other gaming sections. It’s only the beginning, but we’re sure things are about to dramatically change, surprising us all as to how far we can get.
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