Creative types often laud some of the stellar work digital designers do in the gaming world. Games such as Horizon Zero Dawn, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, and Okami are as complex and aesthetically pleasing as any art you’ll see in a gallery. However, as loud as the applause for artists in one part of the gaming industry is, the silence is almost deafening in another. What we’re referring to is the apparent lack of credit designers and developers in the online casino gaming sector receive.
Online casino gaming has been around since the turn of the millennium. Back then companies such as Playtech were only capable of creating basic-looking games. Indeed, at that time, making sure the random number generator (RNG) software was functioning correctly was the main concern. However, once casino operators had mastered the mechanics of offering fair games, it was time to get creative. Since then, developers have been given free rein to create all manner of weird and wonderful-looking games.
Bringing Casino Games to Life Online
For example, anyone with access to gambling at Paddy Power’s online casino will see a bold mixture of game art and logo designs. There are slots that hark back to the days of one-arm bandits sitting alongside visual feasts such as Atlantis Megaways which features vibrant aquatic creatures and a mystical underwater backdrop. Then, of course, there are live dealer games that combine physical components with virtual ones. Finally, classic table games, such as blackjack and roulette, have been given a makeover. Some are almost photorealistic representations of live gaming tables, others are more artistic.
The point here is that there’s no shortage of creativity in the online casino world. In fact, one of the main reasons online gambling is now worth over $58 billion worldwide, according to Custom Market Insights, is the artistry of games. Yes, the inherent appeal of casino games draws people in. However, to keep people stimulated, the visuals need to be right. Essentially, the aesthetics need to be engaging and entertaining without being overly garish. Indeed, if the aim is to create a relaxing experience that people want to enjoy over a sustained period of time, there can’t be too much going on at once.
Balancing Competing Forces for the Perfect Product
Source: Pixabay
A great example of this fine balance between art and practicality is a slot called Gonzo’s Quest. This game’s backdrop has rich 3D art which, as described on VSLB’s website, requires several stages to create, including modeling, texturing, and rendering processes. In the game, the center grid is where the game plays out but, surrounding them, are flying birds and the main character (Gonzo). These birds aren’t flying across the screen at all times, nor is Gonzo walking around a lot. However, they can spring into life at random times.
In fact, they spring into life just enough to keep you engaged but not so much they distract from the action. These qualities are common among the best casino games. They’re visually appealing and stimulating, but not so overwhelming that players can’t focus on the game itself. Balancing these qualities isn’t easy but creative types in the casino gaming world do it perfectly. That’s something worth talking about. Even if these developers don’t have the same budgets and exposure as their video gaming counterparts, we can’t overlook their skills, creativity, and artistic talents.
