The world of video games is huge. We have many different categories and types of games all offering unique virtual game experiences for the players. The gaming industry is growing at the moment, and thanks to technology and the change of generations, it should reach around $380 billion by 2027.
But as the gaming industry grows, we are seeing other industries like social casino entertainment that introduce gamification elements just to attach themselves to the latest trend in video games.
The world of online casino games has also advanced over the years, and now casino games are much more similar to video games than ever before. With the introduction of online casino games, the industry has changed drastically, and now we have many other options that offer a unique aspect of online gambling, like social casinos.
Social casinos are the latest trend in the world of online gambling that has changed how we interact with traditional casino games. This concept is based on entertainment rather than money, which is quite unusual for the gambling industry.
Social casinos offer free-to-play casino games to people with one main focus on entertainment. On top of that, they’ve used some of the traditional video game methods of online social interaction through chat, communities, clubs, and more.
Exploring the Gameverse
I don’t think we need to introduce ourselves much to the world of video games. This concept of creating a unique virtual environment that is realistic, interactive, and gives players a lot of freedom is not new. The only thing that is new in the world of video games is the advancement of video game mechanics, graphics, and gameplay.
Here you can play everything you like, from epic role-playing games (RPGs) to first-person shooters (FPS) or racing games, the potential is limitless. All of the games are designed with one purpose, and that is for people to have fun.
Modern video games include cutting-edge graphics that are scarily close to reality, engaging storytelling, and many multiplayer options.
That’s why it shouldn’t surprise us that they’ve become a cornerstone of modern entertainment.
Popular gaming titles such as Fortnite, League of Legends, and Call of Duty boast millions of active players, showcasing the immense popularity of gaming worldwide.
The Rise of Social Casino Entertainment
On the other hand, we have social casino games. So, you might be wondering how casino games can be related to traditional video games. – Well, this relatively new concept changes all the rules of the online gambling industry.
First of all, the main focus of social casino games is on entertainment, the same as video games. Additionally, we’ve started to see new and unique games that go beyond the traditional slots, poker, or blackjack. There are social casino games that actually have gameplay and story (not as compelling as video games, but still decent), as well as in-game purchases, online communities, and more.
On top of that, you don’t need to deposit real money to play social casino games. They are completely free!
It is worth mentioning that some of them have in-game purchases, but even video games like Fortnite have this option, and this isn’t considered gambling at all.
The biggest change for the online gambling industry with the introduction of social casinos was the ability to play, interact, and communicate with other players. This brought back that good-old physical casino experience created in the virtual world.
The level of interaction with other players, the profile-building stats, communities, tournaments, and more give a unique edge to social casino games that come closer to traditional video games.
The social casino market is projected to surpass $11.8 billion by 2028, driven by increasing digitalization and the growing popularity of social gaming.
Social casino platforms like Huuuge Casino have a lot of active users, highlighting the widespread appeal of casino-style gameplay in a social setting.
How Are Video Games and Social Casino Games Connected
The connection between traditional video games and social casinos is now more evident than ever before. This synergy has given rise to hybrid experiences that blend unique gameplay, social interaction, and new gaming elements with traditional casino games.
In other words, we are talking about the gamification of the online casino space. Here are some of the ways that these two industries are connected:
Gamified Casino Experiences
Game developers are integrating casino elements into popular games, creating gamified experiences where players can earn virtual rewards akin to casino bonuses.
Examples include mini-games within RPGs that simulate casino gameplay, offering in-game rewards for successful outcomes.
Virtual Economies and In-Game Purchases
Social casino platforms are adopting virtual economies similar to those found in games, allowing players to purchase virtual goods and enhance their gaming experience.
This convergence has led to the introduction of in-game purchases in social casino apps, offering cosmetic upgrades and exclusive content.
Cross-Platform Integration
Players can now seamlessly transition between gaming and social casino experiences thanks to cross-platform integration that allows for continuity across different digital realms.
For instance, a player can earn rewards in a game and use them in a social casino app, creating a cohesive ecosystem of entertainment.
Community Engagement and Live Events
Both gaming and social casino platforms emphasize community engagement through live events, tournaments, and social features that foster interaction among players.
This convergence has blurred the lines between traditional gaming communities and casino enthusiasts, creating a diverse and interconnected player base.