The new licensed Lexip Naruto Shippuden Range is available now from Amazon and coming soon to other leading retailers
The new licensed Lexip Naruto Shippuden Range is available now from Amazon and coming soon to other leading retailers
From fight game franchises to fun, stress-free arcade games, there are plenty of genres to explore. However, you know as well as anyone else how pricey games have become recently. What’s more, many of these games aren’t even finished and require DLC or further add-ons to enjoy the full experience.
Even passionate gamers understand this pricing is unsustainable and are more careful about their gaming purchases. Still, they need to scratch that itch in some way, so what about knowing how to find free (or at least cheap) games?
From Stream to Epic and beyond, you cannot play many of the latest titles without game launchers. Because of this, it seems like there’s no better place to start when looking for cheap or free games.
The good news is that you can find just about anything on these platforms, while search and filter features help you whittle down your options to much more affordable games, especially if you’re looking for a few options. Some of the most popular games of the past ten years have been free, too, so you can start there.
And you never know, you might come across a game you’ve always heard of but never purchased and there it is, sitting on the list for pennies. It would be rude not to buy it, in that case.
If you’ve exhausted your launchers, there’s always room for the classics and you can find an array of free-to-play games on various websites across the web.
These options include the likes of Solitaire or Backgammon, where you can play against the computer, a friend, or a stranger who is unusually passionate about Backgammon.
Besides these online options, your computer likely has a host of games built into the system, so check that out if you’re looking for something simple and even comforting as it reminds you of days gone by when you spent your computer lessons at school doing anything but work.
Nostalgia always sells, and with the nineties definitely back in, especially in terms of fashion, you can also find gaming bundles that tap into this nostalgia. Go into any electronics shop and you might see the familiar sight of a PlayStation complete with a variety of games you remember playing back in the day.
These packs feature all the games on a single hard drive, so you can access them whenever you like. While the entire bundle isn’t cheap, it works out to be much more affordable per game, and you’ll only be spending a couple of Euros per title. Besides this, you can’t put a price on nostalgia, anyway.
You may have spent your life hearing about Steam sales or other deals that your friends take advantage of, yet you always seem to miss out on these deals. It happens. Life gets in the way or you are trying to cut back on your spending.
However, you can keep abreast of possible deals and discounts by setting up gaming alerts. Learning to set up Google alerts and inputting keywords like Steam, sale, discounts, or even free means you can be one of the first people to take advantage of the sales and finally get your hands on titles that have eluded you for so long.
You don’t always need to search for the most in-demand titles. Instead, looking for something new is a great way to discover amazing titles that you’d never come across otherwise.
Every online gaming store has a selection of free or cheap titles for you to try. If you like the look of any game, just buy it. The low cost means you won’t feel you’ve wasted your money, and you can support indie developers by purchasing their games. If you enjoy it, tell your friends to download it too.
Online marketplaces have proven to be an amazing way to connect gamers with their white whales. These are the games they played a little back in the day but never completed or they get sidetracked along the way.
While you will always come across people charging over the odds for a game, finding those legitimately selling video games, such as during a clearout or because they know they won’t play them anymore is an excellent chance to try the best games of all time. You can find individual games or gaming lots that include multiple titles so you’re guaranteed to get your money’s worth.
Sales can seem like cheating, but it’s part of the beauty of online games. Along with your alerts, make a habit of checking out Steam’s special offers to find popular games for cheap. Besides the most common platforms, you can also explore discount stores which will provide you with a code to download the title. These are usually discounted compared to buying them outright from Amazon or other retailers.
However, you need to be careful with such purchases. Although some are legitimate, others could be scams that steal your credit card information. Check reviews and avoid sites that look slightly off to protect yourself and your finances.
Back in the day, you probably shared a lot of your games with friends. You might complete a title and lend it to them, and they’d do the same for you. Unfortunately, the era of digital downloads has taken this away, while some companies suggested locking titles to prevent them from being played on multiple consoles.
This is why a game share system is so beneficial. Being able to share your favourite titles with friends and family means you don’t have to spend a penny to experience as many games as possible. The gaming companies may not like it, but gamers know this is all part of the culture.
Every gamer is always looking for that next new game they will spend hours working through, but you don’t have to spend too much to find engrossing titles that remind you why you became a gamer. Many indie titles are waiting for you to uncover them, while classic titles may go on sale to make the investment worth it. However you find cheap or free games, you can scratch that itch.
In the world of slot games, design plays a crucial role. From the first glance at the game to deep immersion in its mechanics, graphics attract and hold players’ attention.
Effective design combines attractive visual elements, intuitive interfaces, and unique game features, creating a distinctive gaming experience. In this article, we will explore the art and successful strategies of slot game design.
Studying the mechanics of slot games allows a deeper understanding of how these games are developed and function. The key elements include reels (vertical columns), symbols, and paylines, as well as special features and bonuses that add a level of interaction and winning opportunities.
Slots can have varying numbers of reels, usually from three to five, but there are games with even more reels offering more symbols and opportunities for winning combinations. Modern slots often feature numerous paylines, reaching into the thousands, providing players with more chances to win compared to traditional slots with a single payline.
Initially, symbols in slot games were images such as fruits, bells, and numbers, which had to align in specific combinations to win. Over time, the repertoire of symbols expanded to include more complex and diverse themes.
Slots are divided into classic and video slots. The main differences lie in the number of reels, paylines, the presence of special symbols, and bonus rounds. Video slots offer more complex and diverse game features, such as free spins, bonus games, jackpots, and innovative technologies like 3D graphics and VR.
Each symbol is a part of visual art, and they should be bright and memorable. Paylines connect symbols; their design helps players see winning combinations. Symbol combinations are calculated to make the game engaging and fair. In turn, random Number Generators (RNGs) ensure randomness and fairness of the game. They make each spin unpredictable.
The best way to capture the attention and interest of a wide range of users is to use a player-centric approach, according to the designers at Inkration, a slot game art company. This approach begins with a thorough analysis of player preferences and behaviors: studying their demographics, geography, cultural nuances, and gaming habits.
Understanding psychological aspects, such as reward and achievement mechanisms, helps create games that support long-term engagement.
Game development starts with choosing appealing themes and narratives capable of eliciting an emotional response from the player. From adventures to fantasy, each game aims to immerse the user in a unique world where they can experience a sense of participation and achievement.
An important part of the process is tuning the audio-visual elements: graphics, animations, and sound, to enhance immersion and create a unique atmosphere.
Gamification elements, including various levels, tasks, and reward systems, contribute to additional player motivation. They not only deepen engagement but also provide a sense of progress and achievement, which are key to retaining user attention.
Designing the user interface and overall user experience (UI/UX) plays a critical role in the game’s success.
An interface that is easy to understand and use enhances the overall gaming experience. It should provide easy access to all necessary functions while remaining unobtrusive and not overloaded.
For example, the game “1 Million Megaways BC” by inkration demonstrates how thematic design, combined with a clean and functional interface, can enhance the gaming experience. This game uses a prehistoric theme to create a unique visual style, complemented by an intuitively understandable layout of control elements.
An important aspect of design is the flexibility to adapt to different screens and devices. This ensures that players receive an equally high-quality experience, whether they are playing on a mobile phone, tablet, or desktop computer.
Bonuses add depth and motivation for players. The free spins feature, popular in games like Starburst, allows players to get additional chances to win without placing bets. Interactive bonus rounds, such as choosing objects for rewards, add an element of participation and exploration. Wheel of Fortune Triple Extreme Spin offers an interactive bonus “Wheel of Fortune,” further engaging players.
Progressive jackpots, where a portion of each bet increases the overall jackpot, create a huge winning potential. Mega Moolah, for example, is known for its changing jackpots. Introducing free spins as a bonus increases the chances of winning without additional costs, maintaining the interest and engagement of players over time.
Creating the art of slot game design is a multi-faceted process that requires a deep understanding of game mechanics, audience preferences, and an innovative approach to designing unique game features.
Successful design combines an intuitively understandable interface, captivating bonuses, and responsiveness to different platforms, providing a smooth and engaging gaming experience. Creating games that retain players’ attention through appealing themes, high-quality graphics, and innovative bonus mechanics is the key to success in the slot game industry.
ViewSonic Corp a leading global provider of visual solutions, introduces its first OLED gaming monitor, the XG272-2K-OLED. Engineered for gamers seeking ultimate immersion, this 27-inch monitor’s OLED panel delivers exceptionally vivid colors and stark contrasts. With its Blur Busters Verified certification, the monitor combines a rapid 240Hz refresh rate and an up to 0.01ms pixel response time to ensure crisp visuals and ultra-responsive gameplay in fast-paced gaming scenarios. The monitor’s sleek, ergonomic design elevates the aesthetics of any gaming setup with its white finish and smooth contours.
“ViewSonic recognizes gamers’ surging interest for OLED displays, driven by their superior color performance and faster response time,” said Oscar Lin, General Manager of the Monitor Business Unit at ViewSonic. “With the launch of the XG272-2K-OLED, we’re bringing gamers impeccable visuals and speed, thanks to OLED technology, and ensuring exceptional clarity with the Blur Busters Verified certification. We are committed to delivering innovative and high-quality products that exceed the expectations of our gaming community.”
Rich Colors Meets Rapid Response
Leveraging OLED panel technology, the XG272-2K-OLED delivers exceptional color accuracy, enhanced brightness, and a superior contrast ratio, bringing video games to life with vivid visuals and wide viewing angles. The adoption of OLED display not only enriches the visual experience but also achieves an up to 0.01ms pixel response time, enabling users to react in an instant and gain a competitive edge.
Sustaining a rapid 240Hz refresh rate, the XG272-2K-OLED is Blur Busters Verified and features AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible support. These combine to effectively minimize image blurring, ghosting, tearing, and stuttering. The blend of high-speed performance with superior visuals ensures smooth, clear, and low-latency gameplay, enabling swift reflexes in fast-paced games, resulting in deeply immersive gaming experiences where each frame is rendered with precision and clarity.
Striking Design with Convenient Remote
The XG272-2K-OLED monitor blends style, functionality, and versatility in its design. The radiant white finish of the monitor is complemented by the customizable RGB lighting, creating a captivating ambiance perfect for gaming. Ergonomics are central to the monitor’s design, with its height-adjustable stand and the ability to tilt, swivel, and pivot the screen for a comfortable and personalized gaming experience.
Additionally, the monitor comes with a wireless remote controller, conveniently nestled in the stand base, which ensures seamless play through effortless menu navigation and game mode selection. Coupled with extensive connectivity options—including dual HDMI 2.1 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C with 15w charging, and various USB-A and USB-B ports—that guarantee broad compatibility with PCs and consoles, it facilitates smooth switching between gaming devices.
The product will be available in Europe from the end of April, with specific timing and pricing varying by country. For the most current information, please visit the ViewSonic website.
Ireland has emerged as a strong contender in the global gaming industry, drawing the attention of enthusiasts and game developers. To dig deeper, PayPal commissioned a study conducted by Censuswide in November 2023 that polled 1,000 consumers who play online games to unveil latest behaviour and trends. PayPal’s gaming insights revealed that a quarter (25%) of gamers surveyed in Ireland started or continued earning money via gaming in 2023, with a further 22 per cent of those who will spend more money on games in 2024 considering it as an additional way to generate income.
Turning play into pay
The most popular ways of making money through gaming for respondents who started/ continued to earn money via gaming in the past 12 months were revealed as taking surveys (38%), ads (26%), and time playing or Mistplay (24%).
Going forward, some 31 per cent of gamers plan to increase their spend on games over the next 12 months – with the expected average spend expected to be €451 for respondents who spend money on online games. Using gaming to generate additional income through streaming was a driving factor for increased budgets among 22 per cent of respondents.
Gaming can form connections
As an industry, gaming has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, and has become a leading form of entertainment in Ireland especially those in the age group of 25-34 years of age. Entertainment was the top motivation cited by 53 per cent of respondents followed by stress relief (47%) and escaping reality (37%).
A significant proportion of respondents who will spend more on games in 2024 revealed that gaming is their favourite hobby (37%) and a way for them to make friends (28%) and are some of the reasons why they plan to spend more on gaming in 2024. Over half (56%) of gamers in Ireland say playing games brings them closer to other people.
Gaming can also be beneficial for mental wellbeing with 34 per cent of those who will spend more on games in 2024 identifying it as their source of motivation. Twenty-one per cent turned to gaming to alleviate loneliness, while 25 per cent use games to socialise and connect with others. More than a quarter of gamers who will spend more on games in 2024 (28%) have fostered online friendships through gaming, and 27 per cent view it as a means to connect with friends and family.
Speaking about the findings, Jonas Breding, General Manager for PayPal Northern Europe, commented: “Our research highlights that there is a dynamic gaming community in Ireland, where gaming means more than just entertainment. For some, it serves as a tool for relieving stress and making connections. For others, they are transforming their passion for gaming into an income stream. We understand that safety is always a concern and provide gamers a more secure way to pay with PayPal for games and accessories.”
Cost and safety concerns
The research found that certain factors would stop respondents gaming or spending money on it. More than two thirds (69%) identified high living costs and inflation as a potential deterrent, while concerns about fraud (34%) and the unavailability of payment options (29%) were also noted as being game-changers in this regard. PayPal was the most popular payment method used by 35 per cent of gamers surveyed in Ireland who spend money on online games.
Safety is a priority for 64 per cent when buying or playing games. Furthermore, 67 per cent per cent are giving more consideration to safety when it comes to choosing a gaming platform and a similar proportion (69%) said safety increases their loyalty towards a game.
This is understandable given that 30 per cent of gamers have encountered safety concerns while gaming during the past year and more than a third (36%) have previously felt unsafe when completing a game purchase.
The most prominent safety concerns respondents have encountered while gaming in the last 12 months were revealed as abuse on gaming platforms (31%), loss of money or gaming funds (29%), bullying (28%), hacked gaming accounts (26%), and falling victim to fraud (22%).
Nearly 7 in 10 (69%) of respondents say that their loyalty towards a game increases when they experience safety. This is also the case for selecting a gaming platform.
An exciting pairing collaborates this March to continue to fuse the realms of gaming and fashion together. Celebrated international jewellery brand THOMAS SABO becomes the latest groundbreaking real-life fashion brand to partner with innovative fashion game Pocket Styler.
Pocket Styler has already worked with highly regarded designer David Koma for his SS23 resort collection and esteemed German premium label Marc Cain to celebrate its 50th Anniversary in September 2023. With talks in progress for additional international fashion brands to join the gaming revolution.
Introduced by Nordcurrent in May 2021, Pocket Styler swiftly emerged as a trendsetter in the gaming realm, offering enthusiasts a gateway to the glamorous universe of fashion. This game doesn’t just let players dip their toes but fully immerse themselves in the experience. Bridging the gap between virtual style and real-life expression, players take on style challenges and compete with others at 10 venues in New York including iconic locations Central Park, The Met and Times Square.
In the vibrant world of Pocket Styler, players are not just players; they are style architects. The game encourages them to create looks with utmost precision, starting with a personalised avatar adding apparel, accessories, footwear and make up, as well as premium presets and consumables like perfumes and facial glitter. These elements contribute to the final submitted style challenge looks and an expansive array of rewards and bonuses, ensuring that every player’s journey is as unique as their sense of style.
THOMAS SABO is one of the leading international jewellery brands, offering versatile designs since its launch in 1984. Its iconic collections inspire season after season and its SS24 offering is no different. The focus of the in- game collaboration will touch on some of its seasonal collections as well as beloved favourites. A few highlights include pieces from collections below:
Cosmic Amulet collection, focusing on round pendants artistically designed with filigree cut-outs to imitate orbital paths and planetary rings. The focal point of these pieces is a raised and detailed eye that represents foresight and intelligence and is embellished with violet stones.
Heritage Glam collection, chokers, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and cocktail rings are adorned with lavish, hand-cut stones in octagonal, teardrop and round cuts. Distinctive cocktail rings are ideal for making a grand entrance and feature a central gleaming stone in an octagonal cut, with stones in teardrop and round cuts artfully placed around it in the shape of a flower.
The timeless elegance of the Heritage Glam collection features carefully co-ordinated pink zirconia stones and precious cuts, ensuring every piece of jewellery shines to its fullest.
Eyewear collection, THOMAS SABO’S eyewear combines metal hues of silver and gold, with acetate colours from Havana. Style statements complimented by comfort, UV protection and outstanding quality.
The collection will contain a total of 46 items including jewellery, sunglasses and watches. The collections are now available online via THOMAS SABO’S website and selected stockists and will be available in game from 18th March.
With the mobile gaming industry to bypass TV by 2025, mobile games have become a major visual entertainment category and Pocket Styler offers real life brands the chance to join its project. From brand awareness to an increase in sales the integration of real-life fashion brands into the game is an exclusive and innovative way to reach and engage with new audiences. Pioneering brands such as THOMAS SABO will see its collections engaged with via game play but also see players connected to its own e-commerce site with integrated in game shop links allowing players to buy products both in game and in real life. Redefining the intersection of fashion and gaming, this collaboration offers players an unprecedented opportunity to engage with the world of fashion in a truly immersive and creative way.
Victoria Trofimova, CEO of Nordcurrent comments that “the lines between digital and physical fashion are blurring. Pocket Styler’s mission is to provide a platform for its players to experience fashion, develop a sense of style, learn to make decisions, and make new friends. Introducing real fashion brands in Pocket Styler is a natural progression as the game evolves, and millions of players enthusiastically support it. Today we are proud and happy to host the marvellous THOMAS SABO on our fashion platform.”
Aurore Melot, THOMAS SABO Creative Director: “THOMAS SABO collections invite you to dream. Explore our jewellery in a playful and digital way through Pocket Styler, discover the symbolic nature of our designs, and the endless possibilities of personal styling.”
Pocket Styler has already amassed 22 million downloads since its initial launch along with players totalling up to 20,000 hours of game time daily.
In its 23 years since its beginning discharge, RuneScape has ever so continuously opposed the chances to cement its put inside the gaming world. Over 300 million accounts have been made around its more than two-decade history, demonstrating that the appeal of greatly multiplayer online role-playing recreations (MMORPGs) will never really blur. And exactly as penned within the stars of 2014, RuneScape remains an inconceivably well known and well regarded pillar of the gaming community.
Players proceed to be captivated by the domain of Gielinor because of its broad vistas, differentiated environments, and broad backstory. Gielinor includes a wealth of openings for enterprise, extending from the bustling cities to the risky wild. Having energetic non-player characters (NPCs) within the diversion, each of whom has their own story and objectives, includes abundance to the general gaming encounter and guarantees that no two encounters are ever the same. Those who are fascinated by quickening their travel through Gielinor can take advantage of inexpensive RS3 gold from dependable sources. This will permit them to move forward in their general gameplay encounter and handle troubles with superior effectiveness.
Journeys proceed to be a basic component of RuneScape’s gameplay, as they donate players the opportunity to drench themselves in locks in stories and impact the improvement of Gielinor’s history. As a result of the journey administration system’s capacity to bolster consistent organization, players are able to set out on epic ventures that are personalized to their tastes and aptitude levels.
RuneScape’s continuing success can be ascribed to the game’s adaptable gameplay choices, which can be custom-made to meet the inclinations of a wide assortment of players. Everybody can discover something to their enjoyment in Gielinor, whether they are seeking out for a calm and unwinding skilling encounter or a heart-pounding fight.
Woodcutting, farming, and development are cases of non-combat capacities that give players with openings for unwinding and profit. These gifts too empower players to progress within the amusement without having to lock in in conventional fights. On the other hand, the combat framework, which comprises skirmish, extended, and enchantment capabilities, offers a well-balanced framework for energizing experiences against extreme enemies.
Within the year 2024, RuneScape highlights upgraded design and progressed visuals, accomplishing a consistent integration of wistfulness and unused gaming aesthetics whilst keeping up its classic appeal. Players that are seeking out for a nostalgic involvement that bring back recollections of the game’s early days will discover that Bequest Mode is precisely what they are trying to find.
With the appearance of gatherings and surveys, the interaction between developers and the player community has experienced a tremendous change. This has made coordinate communication and input much less demanding to realize. Players are certain to have captivating stuff to look forward to thanks to the game’s consistent upgrades and occasions, which keep the diversion at a new and engaging level.
There’s continuous dialog on the elements of pay-to-play, with participation memberships giving rise to a large array of substance that goes past the confinements of free-to-play accounts. In spite of the reality that there are those who accept that this approach confines success, there are others who see it as a way to bolster nonstop advancement and to ensure that the gaming involvement remains of a high quality.
As an elective to transactions that take out within the genuine world, players have the alternative of purchasing memberships using money that’s available within the amusement. Through this framework, committed players are able to pick up to premium substance by accomplishing certain gameplay achievements. This not only fosters a sense of achievement but moreover energizes players to lock in in the game’s ecosystem.
In conclusion, the enduring bequest of RuneScape within the year 2024 may be a confirmation to the game’s eternal request as well as the community of players who are devoted to the game. RuneScape continues to be an incredible case of the enormously multiplayer online role-playing diversion (MMORPG) class of diversions since of its immersive setting, diverse gameplay, and commitment to player interaction.
In spite of the rise of newer enormously multiplayer online role-playing recreations (MMORPGs), RuneScape continues to be unsurpassed in its capacity to supply a gaming encounter that’s both particular and pleasant. RuneScape could be an ageless classic within the ever-changing environment of online gaming since it permits clients to discover reassurance within the nature and charm of Gielinor, whether they are remembering recollections from the past or setting out on unused undertakings.
There are no signs that RuneScape will moderate down within the close future, as seen by its always advancing design, coordinated association between makers and players, and an energetic environment that is pressed with fabric. As the amusement proceeds to create and alter to the moving inclinations of its player base, it continues to keep the commitment of its long-standing community while at the same time pulling in modern players who are continuously looking for new encounters.
The LEGO Group has today launched two all-new play experiences within Fortnite, for fans of all ages to discover and enjoy together.
‘LEGO Raft Survival’ and ‘LEGO Obby Fun’ are the first in a new series of play experiences within Fortnite, dubbed LEGO Islands, a series of kid and family-friendly LEGO-themed experiences that have been created using Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN). They are available to play now within Fortnite, and are borne from favourite childhood memories of some of the LEGO Group’s own developers!
‘LEGO Raft Survival’ combines frenetic multiplayer problem solving with the classic LEGO Pirates theme, as the infamous Blackbeard challenges players and their friends to stay afloat on a raft in unfriendly waters! Players must survive on their raft against the cannon balls shot from the Barracuda Ship, collecting wood and treasures as resources and to build more rafts.
‘LEGO Obby Fun’ is the first official LEGO-themed obstacle course on Fortnite, that offers a LEGO-inspired take on climbing and problem solving through brick-built platforms designed by actual LEGO designers and packed with hot dogs, pizzas, unicorns and much more.
Players are spawned randomly on a section of course inspired by popular LEGO themes (including LEGO Friends, LEGO City, LEGO NINJAGO and LEGO DREAMZzz) and the experience offers a different challenge each time to put their skills to the test, either solo or with friends.
The two LEGO Islands are the first LEGO-themed experiences within Fortnite to follow 2023’s popular launch of LEGO Fortnite, an all-new survival crafting game where the magic of LEGO building and Fortnite collide. The LEGO Fortnite journey is just beginning, with new world building, gameplay features, and more LEGO Style Outfits arriving in updates throughout 2024.
LEGO Fortnite was the first play experience to come from the long term partnership between Epic Games and the LEGO Group to develop fun and safe digital spaces for children and families. All experiences in Fortnite, including LEGO Islands and LEGO Fortnite, utilize the Epic Games parental controls and safety features.
Players within Fortnite can experience LEGO Islands and LEGO Fortnite dressed in their favourite LEGO Styles, available from their Locker, bringing a new dynamic of LEGO fun to the creative games.
And there’s more to come – as the LEGO Group will unveil several more LEGO themed experiences inside Fortnite throughout 2024 and beyond.
“We’re thrilled to introduce players to the first of our creative and fun LEGO Islands series of play experiences within Fortnite,” said Kari Vinther Nielsen, Head of Play & Creator Growth at LEGO GAME. “The power of UEFN, in the hands of our creative teams, is what makes these experiences possible and allows us to expand new genres across Fortnite, infused with LEGO play. We can’t wait to introduce even more as the year goes on – this is only the beginning!”
More than seven billion people own mobile phones, accounting for more than 90% of the world’s population. With these numbers, it is not surprising that casino operators and game developers have optimised their sites to suit mobile game use. For example, a player who wants to enjoy casino games can simply log on to an online casino on their phone to play. And when using sites like Hellspin, the loading rates are as fast as the player would enjoy on a desktop or console. As a result, more people have opted to embrace mobile gaming in place of desktop gaming. We look at how tech innovations have supported this change:
By itself, mobile gaming is an innovation. Two decades ago, it was just but a dream. At the time, players who wanted to enjoy casino games or other games had to use desktops. These were bulky, expensive, and few, thus locking many players out of gaming. Mobile phones soon became common, and casino operators and mobile game developers took advantage of this popularity to introduce mobile-optimized games and sites. But this innovation on its own has not been enough. As such, operators and developers have used the following technologies to make gaming much more accessible and fun:
For a long time, players had to load mobile websites to play the games they wanted. Not only was this inconvenient for them, but mobile sites did not always offer optimal playing experiences. Now, operators and developers have solved this by providing players with apps that have the following advantages:
Best of all, logging into apps is much easier as players can simply find the app and enter their details, unlike mobile sites that require them to load an entire page before they can start playing. Security features are also much better on apps.
Playing offline games often appeals to many players who want to experience the gameplay in real-time. However, offline gaming comes with many challenges, including increased costs, limited accessibility, and strict gaming periods. Online operators have figured out how to merge the real-world gaming aspects with virtual elements to create an immersive experience. They do this through AR, which makes digital images look real to the player, thus making the game even more interesting. When a player interacts with superimposed virtual elements, it’s much easier to forget that they are not playing in a physical game setting as everything seems real.
On top of AR, many operators and developers have been looking into the use of virtual reality (VR). This technology is a step above AR as it allows players to step into an intermediary between the virtual and physical worlds. For example, a player can use VR aspects to tour a virtual casino, interact with other players, and enjoy the games, much like they would in an offline setting. While this technology is still in its early stages for mobile phone users, it already shows a lot of potential.
In the early 2000s, players had to download the games they wanted to play. As such, they had to invest in additional storage. Else, they could not install or run the games. Extra storage was also necessary as players levelled up and thus acquired more features. So, when mobile gaming became available, many players worried they had to buy devices with a lot of storage to keep up with these demands.
Cloud gaming saved the day by allowing operators and developers to host their games in the cloud. This way, players can enjoy games without downloading them. They only need to secure their logins and use them to access the games when they have stable internet access. Moreover, this technology makes it easier for players to interact with others from all over the world and even play the same games.
For players to enjoy mobile games, they need smart devices and stable internet access. The former has been made easy by the number of mobile manufacturers who have thrown their hats in the ring. Even with $20, a player can find a phone that can access the internet and allow them to play. But internet access is a whole other issue. Many players have often struggled with slow loading speeds despite having advanced mobile phones.
5G technology boasts fast connectivity and reduced latency, allowing players to enjoy smooth gameplay without crashes or lags. So, as the player makes a move, they can enjoy the real-time changes in the game. Not only does this make the game more interesting, but it also makes it easier for players to make good moves to secure wins.
Additionally, many operators have introduced blockchain technology to ease digital payments and secure transactions.