Stories are quintessential to humanity. They represent the basis of our cultures, religions, and spare time. We organize our biographies into a narrative structure, our memories and our whole identity. It is safe to conclude stories are not just things we use for fun when we have nothing else to do. They represent the way people organize the reality that surrounds them. As such, stories are our inner mechanism.
For this article, our CasinoOnlineCA experts have prepared a deep dive into narratology, the science of storytelling. We will learn what it is, how it works, and how online casinos use its structural forms to engage players even more. So, prepare some snacks and a beverage of choice, and let us tell you a little story.
The Art of Narratology
Narratology is a discipline that studies the way humans tell stories. It is a crucial field within cultural anthropology and other social sciences like literature and language studies. By learning how stories function, one can reach a more profound understanding of a culture, time or an individual. Stories, ancient or modern, share commonalities like structural elements or psychological archetypes. We respond to them because of identification, empathy or intrigue. Our inner being is perfectly constructed to be able to understand other people’s stories, even if their experience is drastically different than ours.
Casino games tend to be based on two major elements. Tempting luck and social interaction. While playing poker or baccarat, people enjoy each other’s company, compete, test each other’s limits and engage in a social context.
On the other hand, narrative games are those that focus on the story. They draw us in with the engaging plot, twists and turns, relatable characters, and stunning atmosphere. But how can casino games become more narrative? Read on to learn the answer.
Storytelling Casinos: A New Emerging Game Style
People love books, movies, TV shows, video games, and comic books because they are different types of narrative media. In an attempt to keep their players on their toes, casinos started developing variants of the standard casino games with a narrative twist. Let’s analyze this phenomenon. Why would casinos turn to narrative games in the first place? What are the benefits? We will present you with several.
Immersion
Yes, players are perfectly capable of enjoying non-narrative games. However, a story enhances immersion, which is a vital aspect of online casinos. “Because they lack a direct interaction department, they have to invest a lot of creative energy into the process of reaching higher levels of immersion,” emphasizes James Segrest, an avid player and the editor-in-chief at CasinoOnlineCA. “They achieve this with live-streaming games, gamification, live tournaments and storytelling,” he adds.
Competition
With the ever-rising competition, casinos are constantly alert to their environment, trying to figure out how to be better than their peer brands. This creates an atmosphere of constant integration of novelties. It seems competition is the mother of innovation.
Appeasing the Player
Without customers, services are nothing. Naturally, brands will do everything in their power to satisfy the growing appetite of contemporary players. The more we receive, the more we want, so it’s safe to assume that future casinos will have even more demands on their hands. To learn how and why online gambling became so popular in North America, click here.
Slot Tales: Spin the Stories
Storytelling slot machine games are all the new rage. The level of player engagement is at an all-time high with this type, so it is no wonder more and more casinos invest in them. But what is the grand difference between a regular slot machine game and one with a story?
The latter has a driving narrative that takes you from one level to another, enticing you not only with the colours, funny sounds and the promise of a win but also with the setting, characters and tale. Here are some examples of narrative slot games. Make sure to try some of them. You won’t regret it!
Heroes Hunt Slot
Like the best mystery stories, the opening segment of this game reveals a strange cave where you get to choose your character and meet others. This is just the beginning of your mutual adventure. As you proceed, you get to accomplish missions and visit locations. It is a great choice for fantasy and mystery lovers.
Blood Suckers Slot
Bloods Suckers sounds like a perfect game for the current season of the witch. This slot game takes you to a gothic setting where you deal with vampires. It is haunting, atmospheric and just the right amount of creepy. Horror buffs will spend hours engaging with it.
Call of Duty 4 Slot
Call of Duty is a classic, well-known to many gamers. No wonder there is a slot version. Action-packed, adventurous, and bringing all the chaos of the battlefield to you. Burn your extra energy by fighting in this virtual war and win some money in the process.
Zuma Slot
If you like Indiana Jones, this game might be right up your alley, with a jungle setting and an Aztec treasure hunt. Have fun deciphering ancient symbols, exploring the long-forgotten realm and getting lost in the wilderness.
Castle Builder
Do you prefer to build some castles? No problems. Castle Builder will take you to the Middle Ages and enable you to test your architectural skills. Enjoy the medieval setting while you wait for that win.
Hitman Slot
If you are in the mood for something more sinister and gory, try Hitman Slot. You will step into the role of a dangerous assassin and get to go on a killing spree. As you can see from our shortlist, there is something for everyone. Regardless of your taste, you will find a slot machine game with a story, characters and settings to your taste. To learn more about online casino games inspired by video games, read this article.
But who is behind narrative slot games? Turns out, all of your favourite, most trustworthy game developers, like Microgaming, RabCat, NetEnt, and more. With such experts behind the driving wheel, rest assured the games will offer the highest-quality experience.
Engaging the Audience in the New Era of Online Gaming
Online casinos are among the most lucrative industries of our time. However, their success is a double-edged sword. Thanks to their progressive mindset and the incorporation of new, better technological solutions, they have spoilt their audiences in a way. The standard gaming offer is no longer enough for many. This is exactly why, to remain relevant and ward off the competition, casinos are constantly developing new tricks. Narrative games are just one of the aces on their sleeves.
Keeping up with the expectations of contemporary customers is a heavy task. We expect speedy and diverse transactions, low fees, accessibility, security, a diverse game portfolio, available customer support, various playing platforms, and constant engagement. The casinos are, luckily, up to the task. We can expect more innovation and pleasant surprises from them in the future.
Where do we go from here? Well, eventually, we will be seeing the incorporation of VR and AR into online casino sites. Who knows, we might see narrative card games. After all, there already are role-playing cards out there. It could be a welcome addition to blackjack, baccarat and poker. Of course, regardless of the innovations, the standard games are hardly going anywhere. A casino is a casino for a reason, and that is exactly how we like it.
Conclusion
There is nothing that can engage people as a good story can. It has been so since the tribes gathered around the fire, and it is no different in the realm of modern online casinos. The existence of a narrative thread keeps us more invested in the game and nudges us to spend more time on the site. Also, even though standard casino games will always be a part of the gambling allure, contemporary players want more than just an ordinary day at a casino. They want innovations that will make them want more. The emergence of narrative games is a turn in the right direction to achieve a higher level of player engagement.
