Simplistic gameplay experiences, special bonus features and, of course, big potential wins are going to be huge and instant draws for people who look to choose and play an online slot game, however there is something else that will attract them, as well.
Although it may not be a conscious decision that an individual may immediately make, the theme and the design of the slot game is something that will be something that a player will think about subconsciously, thus highlighting just how important game art design truly is to the online casino slot game world.
Visuals help to make slot games appear unique
With a huge and vast array of different slot games being created and produced on a weekly basis, there is only so much that developers can do to make their newest products any different from the ones that they have previously created.
Here is where many of them will turn to their art departments and the graphic design teams that they employ and request them to come up with something different and as unique as possible.
There are a number of examples in which they have managed to do over the years, with NetEnt’s Starburst slot game perhaps one of the best examples in regards to how important getting the right visuals and themes correct. The game has become an instant classic within the slot game industry and despite featuring some basic features in terms of gameplay, the classic, retro-style theme that the slot has is incredibly effective and has managed to catch the eye of many players in the past and present, despite having been launched in 2012.
Endless opportunities are available for developers
As mentioned, there are an endless number of opportunities that will be available to slot game developers when coming up with new titles to provide to the market, with art design perhaps being one of the only ways in which they can make things as different as possible.
Whilst there are a number of different types of slot games being created all the time, there are no boundaries or limits (within reason) when it comes to game design and the visuals, graphics and animations adopted.
One example is that many slots have taken inspiration from a range of different themes that have proven popular over time, including Ancient Egypt, Aztec, Greek Mythology and Norse themes, whilst another source of inspiration has come from brands and names that have already become established in various other entertainment genres, such as TV, film, video games and even comic books.
Top visuals mean a better chance of retaining players
It is unquestionable to think anything other than suggesting that visuals do not have an impact on retaining players to the slot game. In fact, it is arguable that the graphics, colors and animations used are the biggest influences on a player and whether they will return to play the game again or not.
Slot games do not require a lot of skill or even effort as many of them will be as simple as clicking their respective spin buttons and not much else. Therefore, players can get rather bored if they do not have something appealing to look at. This is where the visuals come in and play a huge role.
The colors and graphics used can help to tell a story about the game that has been created, whilst they can also provide bettors with an immersive experience that can see them zone out of reality and be fully involved with the reels that are being spun. There is no doubt that bettors would turn away rather quickly if the visuals adopted were not of the highest levels or failed to capture the imagination for even a split-second or two.
Conclusion
As can be seen from the various points highlighted above, the impact that art designs have on online slots and the industry as a whole is huge and is something that cannot go unnoticed. Although bettors might be more interested in the bonus features and the ability to win big jackpot prizes, there is no denying that a game can only be as enjoyable as the theme and art provided is, otherwise it can provide a rather painful and unenjoyable experience that players will not want to go through with again.