Video games are no longer a niche hobby, and we are seeing more people of all ages around the world taking an interest in PC and console games. As a result of video games taking centre stage in mainstream entertainment, retro gaming has also seen renewed interest in consumers of all ages – and, this has become a major inspiration for online casino game developers.
The Retro Gaming Revivial
Kids who grew up during the golden age of video games, when the Nintendo Entertainment System and Sega Megadrive were revolutionary technology triumphs, are now adults with plenty of disposable income and a strong sense of nostalgia.
Console manufacturers have caught wind of the trend, and they are cashing in. Nintendo’s new mini-NES console (which comes with 30 pre-installed retro games) sold 200 000 units before Christmas last year. So, there is a tangible benefit to the retro gaming revival – and online casino developers are starting to cash in.
Retro Gaming-Style Pokies
In 2016, we saw plenty of developers create retro-themed pokies. The great thing about this trend is that there are so many different possibilities. It’s unlikely that you’ll see two gaming-themed pokies with similar aesthetics. Some of our favourites are: Mega Boy: iSoftBet has created its own retro video game character, who seems to be a cross between Mega Man and Super Mario.
The aesthetic of the game features 16-bit graphics with bright colours, so you feel like you’re playing a game from the original SNES. Street Fighter: This Amaya Gaming title is based directly on the Street Fighter series that gained its fame on the SNES console. It features all of your favourite characters, like Ken, Ryu and Chun-Li, and there is even a battle bonus where you take on M. Bison!
Arcader: Thunderkick’s Arcader pokie has a unique arcade cabinet look, which adds an 8-bit spin on traditional fruit machines. This game should strike chord with players who are grew up playing at arcades in the 1980s.
Crucial For Online Casino Demographics
The average slot machine player is 50 years old, and casino operators want to attract a younger generation to their sites and venues. Millennials now account for 1/3 of the American population, and it seems crucial for the survival of the gaming industry to appeal to this demographic. Nostalgia marketing works well with Millennials, so it seems only natural that online casino developers would want to capitalise on this trend.
Of course, it’s not just about creating slots based on retro games. Attracting younger players will require plenty more adjusts to current trends pokie gameplay. The inclusion of skill-based bonuses and social gaming features will also go a long way to bringing more Millennials into casinos.
We can’t see the retro gaming trend going anywhere anytime soon. So, we’re excited to see more pokie developers creating games based on and inspired by our favourite video games from years ago.
About the Author
