Slots are a major reason for the global rise of iGaming and are ever popular at online casinos. Although these sorts of games have always been a hit with gamblers, they’ve reached an even bigger audience since digital casinos have taken off.
One of the main reasons for this is the awesome features that the best online slots pack in. These delivers a superior gaming experience and make them more appealing to try out. But what are the top features that players value most?
Slots based on a hit brand
Branded slots are games based on hit TV shows, films, superheroes or bands, and are most appealing to gamers who are fans of the brand itself. As a result, a familiar brand is one feature many players look for in online slots.
The key thing with these games is that they offer a more specific and personalised gaming experience. For players who are fans of the film, show, superhero or band the slot is based on, this makes them more thrilling to try.
These slots tend to use images, characters and soundtracks from the brand they’re based on to become even more attractive to fans. A few of the top branded slot games to try out include The Walking Dead 2, Rocky, and The Lost Boys.
Bonus rounds to trigger
Bonuses are a popular feature around iGaming in general, and bonus rounds are certainly one element that players look for in online slots. The most commonly seen features include:
- Pick and win.
- Free spins.
- Jackpots / progressive jackpots.
- Wheel of Fortune-type spins.
- Expanding wilds.
Bonus rounds are like small mini games in slots that are activated when a player lands the correct combination of symbols on the reels. Once this is done, the specific bonus round is triggered, and players get a chance to play for prizes.
This is a popular feature with online slot lovers because it makes the game more interactive. It also delivers more depth to the overall gameplay and brings the chance to scoop bigger prizes.
Interesting theme
If you take a look at the latest entertainment news, it’s easy to see how people gravitate towards choices that are based on cool themes. While branded slots are part of this for iGaming in particular, an interesting theme is another feature that slot players value.
The most sought-after themes include:
- Greek mythology.
- Norse mythology.
- Ancient Rome.
- Sci-fi.
But why are these features so popular with players worldwide?
A game that has a fascinating theme is more enjoyable and is likely to keep players engaged for longer. For those who are interested in a certain period in time or a particular culture, playing a game based on this is super-exciting. Slots that feature an interesting theme tend to stand out from the crowd and make it easier for players to differentiate them from others.
Next-level graphics, sound and animation
It should come as no surprise that players look for games that feature jaw-dropping visuals, super-smooth animations and attention-grabbing soundtracks. Pretty much all gamblers value these in slots online, and will pick out games that truly excel in these areas.
High-quality graphics, for example, make a slot more appealing to check out and more fun to look at. They also help to create a detailed gameworld that ties in with the overall theme and which people find it easier to become immersed in.
The same is also true for online slot soundtracks and in-game FX. A soundtrack that fits the theme and powers the action along adds extra depth to the gameplay, which players love. Once you add in smoothly animated characters in slots that help games connect with players, you can see why these features are so important.
Mobile-friendly game design
It’s believed that the size of the global mobile gaming market in 2024 hit around $100 billion, and these kinds of figures show how popular playing on the move has become. Due to this, mobile-first design is one thing gamers focus on when choosing which slot to check out online.
This approach sees game studios ensuring that titles work smoothly on mobile devices when creating them. By doing this, their slots offer a fast and easy-to-play mobile gaming experience. Slots that feature mobile-friendly design principles are loved by players because they fit well on the smaller screen and make playing while on the move a real thrill.
Easy to play
This may be one of the most obvious features that people look for in slots online but it’s very important, nonetheless. After all, no one wants to play a slot that is tricky to figure out or that has controls that are hard to operate. By the same token, no one wants to play slots that have masses of rules or complicated gameplay mechanics.
While slot developers are constantly innovating with bonus rounds or basic gameplay mechanics, they’re careful to keep things easy to pick up. Players love this because it keeps gaming sessions fun and allows them to quickly start gaming online.
Top features help online slots connect with players
Although the best modern slots come laden with amazing features, those listed here are most valued by players. They really do stand out when you look at what people value in online games – and slots in particular. If you plan to try out these kinds of casino games digitally, it’s worth finding slots that incorporate them.