The Secret Behind the Success of Themed Slots

The gambling industry continues to go from strength to strength all over the world, with the rise of online casinos a particularly important selling point for players. Right at the forefront of that success are slot games, with over half of English-speaking gamblers in a recent survey stating that slots were their preferred casino game.

While slots do come in all shapes and varieties, themed slots are among the most popular options out there. What is it about those games that makes them so successful and keeps players coming back from? Here's some amateur psychology (and some actual science) which could explain why themed slots are such a popular choice among online casino enthusiasts.

Engaging narratives

If there's one thing that unites humanity, it's our universal love of a ripping good yarn. Stories have been handed down through civilisations from generation to generation for millennia, imparting wisdom and knowledge at the same time as entertainment and excitement. By latching on to that need for a narrative, themed slots wrap up their gameplay inside a story that players can tap into it and invest in.

Take one of the most popular themed slots, for example. Every year, countless gamers play the Book of Ra Deluxe online. While that popularity is partly down to the prizes on offer, its compelling gameplay and the theme of Ancient Egypt is a huge draw for many people. By becoming invested in the search for the mythical Book of Ra, players can connect with the game in a way they couldn't otherwise.

Familiarity breeds confidence

You may have heard the phrase "familiarity breeds contempt" before – and that may well be true for stale marriages or incompatible housemates, but familiarity can be instrumental in establishing a sense of trust, respect and confidence, as well. That's true in all facets of life, from the mating pairs of wild animals to the marketing strategies employed by global brands aiming to enhance their exposure.

The same principle is at play when it comes to themed slots. By creating an environment which is instantly recognisable to the player, the game is able to put them at their ease and encourage them to enjoy themselves. If there's a tinge of nostalgia thrown in for good measure, all the better. In a setting that's as familiar as this, a gamer is far more likely to come back in the future.

Knowledge not necessary

Finally, it's imperative that the theme of a game doesn't overly impinge upon its playability. The look and feel of a themed slot should enhance the user experience, but the latter shouldn't be entirely dependent on the former. To return to the Book of Ra example we mentioned earlier, a player should feel impressed by the graphics and the gameplay – but they shouldn't need to know anything about Ancient Egypt to improve their chances of winning.

Otherwise, the game would appeal only to those with a broad knowledge and a specific interest in the subject, thereby narrowing its target audience significantly. That's not what game developers or casino operators want; instead, they prefer their games to appeal to the most people possible. That's why any external knowledge of the slot's theme can add to their enjoyment – but it's not necessary for that enjoyment to occur in the first place.