cThere is a certain appeal to playing unpredictable games; pure chance can carry a lot of excitement. But does skill come into these games at all? Is it truly all luck and chance, or can players do something to give themselves a bit of an edge?
Unpredictability in online casino games
One of the biggest parts of the gaming industry that is largely based on chance is certainly the online casino and gambling industry. Games like Crazy Time Strategy have become rather popular recently, largely due to their variety in gameplay and different ways to play.
Of course, these games are unpredictable by their very nature, but that doesn’t mean that there is no strategy to them at all. A player can develop different tactics and strategies in who they like to bet on; this may not have a direct effect on the outcome of the game, but can help the player’s mindset.
Is it really all chance?
Largely, yes, it is all down to chance; the nature of an RNG-based game means it is random and can be very hard to predict. But like previously mentioned, that does not mean there is no strategy at all. Players may develop different strategies based on their play styles, how often they are likely to bet, and how much their average bets are. These are all things that can affect the chance of a win.
Why can these be so appealing?
If these games are purely chance, what makes them so appealing? Why do people flock to these games in droves when they have little input in the outcome of the game? Well, it’s almost something innate in humans to be fond of this type of entertainment, the chance to make your imagination run with “what if’s?” and that concept is inherently appealing.
What are some examples in the gaming industry?
Games of chance are not limited to the gambling industry either; there are many examples in the wider gaming industry. For example, there is a big trend in the current live service game landscape that promotes the idea of loot boxes. These items offer the player the chance to figuratively roll the dice on a nice piece of equipment. This model has maintained massive popularity in recent years, and for good reason. It is, of course, rather lucrative for the game providers and offers the player a level of excitement.
Another trend in the gaming industry that promotes the feeling of chance is in the genre of “Looter Shooters,” such as Destiny and the Borderlands franchise. These games and their communities focus on the idea of fighting a boss over and over to get a rare loot item to drop. In essence, this is very similar to that of a gambling platform. The chance may be rare, but there is still a chance that the item you want may drop.
Enhancing the community
This form of game design is bound to result in a stronger community, as thousands of players all try to acquire extra rare loot. It’s not hard to see how that can boost engagement in online chat rooms and community pages, which in turn can bring the community closer together, allowing players to team up to get the loot they want. This community feeling is likely to grow the audience even further, and this community-wide chase to get rare loot can be incredibly engaging and fun to be a part of.
What comes next?
Both the online casino industry and the wider gaming industry is progressing at a rapid pace; it has been for decades now and shows no signs of slowing down. Trends come and go rather often, so it can be hard to say whether this one is going to stick around or it will change in the future.
With that being said, it looks as if games with chance features are here to stay for a while. Although they have changed a lot, they are not a new trend or addition to the industry. Even series like Borderlands found their footing almost two decades ago now, and with the success of the recently released Borderlands 4, it is clear that there is still a massive market for this style of chance in video games.