While the diverse world of global gaming has long enjoyed popularity, the last ten years have seen the industry transform from a leading entertainment sector into something of an unstoppable force, amassing a huge player base while generating record revenues in the process. Driven largely by the rise of smartphones and high-speed internet, gaming has benefited greatly from the digital revolution, creating a space where players can build relationships, share ideas and create communities.
A more subtle reason for success, though, has been the vast improvement in gaming mechanics. From the blockbuster releases on the latest consoles to the newest mobile casino platforms, the core elements that shape gameplay today have greatly improved over the past decade – no doubt influencing the sector’s rise in popularity. To get some insider perspective on this, we sat down with Jemma McColgan, Senior Content Editor at iGaming directory Casino.org, who gave us her insights on how gaming mechanics have impacted online gambling as well as their influence on the greater gaming landscape…
Great to speak with you today, Jemma. Before we get stuck into the details of our topic today, I wondered if you could just explain to our readers a bit about your background and what your work involves today?
Hello, thanks for having me. Yes, of course. My background is largely within the iGaming industry, a space I’ve been working in for over a decade now. Across this time, I’ve worn many hats; however, most of my work has involved reviewing casino sites and creating informative pieces to help players find the best platforms that suit their preferences. Since 2023, I have been working at Casino.org as one of their Senior Content Editors, where my main focus has been the rapidly emerging markets in the US and Canada.
Thanks, Jemma. So, across your time within the industry, have you witnessed the evolution of gaming mechanics firsthand?
Without a doubt. I feel the iGaming sector has presented a great example to see this shift quite clearly. The improvements that have been made to the playing experience on mobile platforms and online sites are stark, with games transforming from simple digital versions of traditional gambling products into interactive and engaging entertainment experiences. While game mechanics have undoubtedly improved across the general gaming industry, I think you can really see the shift when you look at iGaming as a case study.
Within iGaming, what are some of the key changes that you feel have really had an impact?
I think a great place to start is to talk about the mobile-first approach that many developers now take when creating new games. As I’m sure you know, mobile gaming has quickly become the dominant force in the iGaming scene, and I would say the biggest change to design principles has been the alteration of game mechanics to better suit the smartphone screen.
After this, I would say the general gamification of products has been hugely impactful. Modern slots, for example, now more closely resemble console video games, incorporating immersive features like story-driven narratives, unlockable levels and daily challenges. These elements have all significantly improved the repeat playability of online games. We are also seeing the use of things like in-game currencies, which are further bringing iGaming releases more in line with other game formats. This is particularly obvious when you look at the thriving US sweepstakes casino scene – an area my team and I have been working in and where the quality of different platforms can now be checked via Casino.org.
And what about now, are gaming mechanics still evolving?
The short answer – yes. In fact, I would say that currently the industry is experiencing some of the biggest changes to game design and direction that it has ever seen. Emerging technologies like virtual reality and, increasingly, artificial intelligence have made new realities possible that look set to shape the future direction of the industry. For example, while the proliferation of live dealer platforms has already brought the online experience closer to the real thing, the arrival of VR casinos looks set to further maximize this immersion.
Elsewhere, we are also seeing gaming experiences become tailored to the individual through advanced data-driven analytics. Modern iGaming platforms can now analyze player preferences and gameplay patterns to tailor promotions and game recommendations, bringing a new meaning to the word personalization. These mechanics have not only improved user engagement, but they have also helped operators better understand their customers.
Looking ahead, do you predict a further convergence between iGaming and other gaming formats? And does this present any potential challenges?
That’s a good question. iGaming and traditional video gaming remain distinct industries, especially from a regulatory perspective; however, I think many of the mechanics, technologies, and engagement strategies that have come to define modern gaming are increasingly being adopted across both sectors. Whether we’re discussing the gamification of gambling, the rise of social features across both formats, or the open-armed approach to new technologies, the lines have become increasingly blurred, and I would say that this convergence will likely continue over the coming decade.
The challenge will be to continue to create that distinction, and that is where effective regulation, strong communication and industry cooperation will be needed to ensure that a safe and responsible online playing environment is maintained right across the gaming sphere.
Thanks very much for talking with us today, Jemma; it’s been a very informative discussion.
You’re very welcome. I hope you and your readers have a little more insight into the world of online gaming mechanics.
