Innovation continues to lead the way in the online casino industry as operators seek to make online gaming more accessible and engaging. So far, they have integrated advancements such as swift payment options, mobile-first designs, and blockchain technology. But the top online casino sites, are far from ceasing their pursuit of convenience, and this has pushed them to look into the role that virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can play in user experience. We take you through how these technologies have been changing the playing experience and what this spells for the future.
Virtual Reality’s Role
The gap between the physical and virtual realms has always been evident in online casino games, and this has affected the playing experience to some extent. Casinos have been addressing this gap through VR which allows players to interact with the virtual elements, which makes them feel like they are in an actual casino. So, how has this played out?
- Players feel like they are in the casino. Rather than feel like they are playing the games from their homes, players can transport themselves to the virtual casinos by wearing VR headsets and accessories. Not only can they control the gameplay by making physical movements, but they can also explore the casino, including its architecture and gaming halls, by moving around the space.
- The games feel more realistic. The divide between the virtual and physical worlds is sometimes so obvious that it can distract players. But with VR, players get to enjoy the same sights and sounds that are native to traditional casinos, which makes the games feel more real.
- Players can connect more with others. The typical social scene in any casino is vibrant, which is a key attraction for most players. With VR, players can customize their avatars and use them to interact with other players. They can talk to each other as if they are in the same room, play the same games, and even share a virtual meal or drink.
This technology makes the experience feel much more immersive and realistic while affording players the convenience of playing from home.
Augmented Reality’s Place
Many online businesses use AR as it enables website developers to make images seem more real. For example, in the real estate industry, developers use it to make their models realistic, which allows potential buyers to get a glimpse of what they will get once the construction is complete. The same concept has borne fruit in the casino industry in the following ways:
- The videos and images mimic real-life settings. When online casinos first came into the market, the developers relied on early technology where the images were a far cry from reality. As such, it was always clear to players that they were not in an actual casino. But now, developers use this technology to create images and videos that are so realistic that the whole playing setup feels like being at a table game or playing on a slot machine in the typical casino.
- The live games are more engaging. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of players who want live games. After all, nothing is as exciting as logging into a game where you can interact with the dealers and other players. But with casinos catering to millions of people, hiring actual dealers to keep up with the demand often proves challenging. As such, they use AR to create holographs that serve the role of dealer, which makes the games much more exciting.
Casinos also use this technology in their overall interface to make the site more attractive to players from the minute they log into their accounts. It is all about the sensory experience.
A Look at The Future
There is no doubt that these technologies will pave the way for more immersive and engaging playing experiences coupled with more socialization, which will improve the casino experience for the better. Even so, it will be a while before VR takes over the scene due to its high startup costs at the moment.