Immersion is the keyword of any entertainment experience of the past few years, including gaming. Users crave a sense of community and belonging and are attracted by engaging, interactive storylines.
Some platforms even allow users to explore slots that pay real money, combining digital entertainment with the thrill of tangible rewards.
Through the many technological innovations of these years, players will be even more involved in their entertaining experiences. They will choose platforms, co-create storylines, and actively participate in live games.
The digital reinvention of gambling
Gambling is no recent invention: it’s been a beloved entertainment for centuries. But digital innovations are reinventing it, recovering the communal aspect and the thrill of the game. In rural 1500s England as well as 1800s France and roaring 20s USA, gambling was a group experience.
People would come together in fancy aristocratic palaces or hidden speakeasies to enjoy their favorite games and share the excitement of winning and losing with friends.
For some time, that sense of community seemed to be over. People would play slots in poorly lit arcades or on their home computers, without any fun element. Immersive experiences, live game modes and interactive platforms are taking back the fun and entertainment and inviting players to share their favorite games.
Video games beyond the screen
Video games have been at the forefront of technological innovations for decades now. It was only natural that they would guide the interactivity and immersive experiences too. Games with a strong community element create new exciting opportunities for authentic connection.
From long-lost childhood friends to complete strangers, players can now create communities, establish friendships, experience true connection across countries and continents.
What was once an isolating activity has become a tool of connection and worldwide relationships, especially craved by the younger generation after traumatic experiences such as the Covid-19 pandemic and its subsequent lockdowns.
Virtual reality: entering a new world
Traditional video games have enhanced the interaction and connection through people, while new technologies help navigate a completely made-up world. It’s the best and most innovative angle of virtual reality, which makes players visit exciting fantasy worlds or experience a place far away in space and time.
The line between real and virtual blurs and people can experience physical spaces and digital environments all at once. It’s a new opportunity offered to everyone who wants a complete break from their reality, their everyday problems, even their physical homes.
And it could give a new unexpected meaning to words like accessibility and affordability. Everyone can go everywhere.
The invisible enhancer: artificial intelligence (AI)
If virtual reality helps create compelling narratives, artificial intelligence is the right tool for personalization. Two players can have a completely different experience playing the same game, based on their personality and preferences.
Complex algorithms analyze gaming experiences, levels of difficulty and even the user’s mood in order to create a more enjoyable vibe.
Platforms, games and storylines become adaptable to the single player, in order to give them the experience they crave in that exact moment. AI also makes platforms safer and more responsive, immediately capturing fraudulent or deceptive behaviour.
A new era of gaming is coming
Video games lovers know what to expect from the next few years: a more immersive, interactive technology that will put them front and center.
Players are no longer passive recipients of storylines and games, but they co-create the narrative and help the story progression.
This way, they feel even more personally attached to their favorite games and characters and more loyal to gaming platforms, with mutual advantages for both producers and audiences.
