VR could spark renaissance of classic casino games
Online casinos are leading the way in the gambling industry, as technology makes it possible for them to storm ahead of their land-based counterparts with developments and innovations.
Some of the classic casino games of old have undergone extreme makeovers in this online world, and it has helped to boost the appeal of the games even further. But some much-loved games have been found to be unsuitable for the online market. Craps, for example, is a hugely popular table game at casinos, but online sites have not been able to recreate the rush and enjoyment of playing the game at a table in the casino. This could soon be about to change, though, with virtual reality just around the corner.
Which games worked?
Roulette and blackjack are two of the classic casino games that managed to seamlessly make the transition to the online format. This is because they were popular to begin with and they are easy to play. Online casinos were able to include rules and instructions, easily attracting new users, and the simplicity of the games meant that they were well suited to the computer screen.
In both games there is not much for the player to do, as the croupier spins the wheel in roulette and the dealer hands out the cards in blackjack. Players only have to make a few selections as to how they will bet, which they can do with a straightforward click of the mouse.
Slot machines have thrived in the online setting, as the graphics and game engines have enhanced their playability and the amount of things users can do on them. Nearly every online casino has them in abundance. Join today at Betway and discover over 400 slot games based on popular themes like Tomb Raider, Jurassic Park, and The Dark Knight Rises.
Craps must be represented in VR
All the slot games listed above are created by Microgaming, one of the leading developers in the online casino industry. The company now has grand plans for VR, and has recently showcased its VR roulette game. The game received excellent feedback from customers and big players within the industry, and could be a stepping stone for greater things. It allows players to put on a VR headset and enter a virtual game room in which they can play roulette.
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This kind of scenario would be ideal for craps. One of the reasons why the classic dice game hasn’t really been able to garner mass audiences in an online setting is because part of the thrill of the game is the fact that players get a chance to roll the dice themselves. Crowds gathering around a craps table (see above) and cheering while a player is on a winning streak is one of the classic casino visuals. VR could bring this kind of electric atmosphere to the online casino world.
Representatives from Microgaming have already stated that they are trying to visualise how the industry will look in five years’ time, and prepare for this future. It seems reasonable to assume that once the VR roulette game has been trialled in a number of online casinos, then other games will follow suit. Obviously blackjack and slot games are due VR makeovers soon, but a renaissance of some of the classic games like craps could give online casinos an added element that has been missing.
Which other games might be given a new lease of life in VR? Or will the developers go all the way and create giant VR replica casinos? Only time will tell, but these are certainly exciting times for fans of the forgotten classics.
