Why Online Casinos Are Adding More TV and Movie Spin-Offs
The popularity of online streaming has changed the way we view movies and TV shows, but other technology has ensured that we can also enjoy our favorites in new ways.
There are some big reasons why we’re seeing a growing number of online casino slot games based on the most popular franchises.
Familiar Themes and Gameplay
Slots based on a movie or TV series immediately transport us into the world that’s already been created on our screens. The characters, settings, and plot can all be represented in the background and symbols, meaning that we feel a sense of familiarity with the game from the very start.
Examples can be seen in the Paddy Power Casino, where Squid Game and Gladiator Cash Collect are among their themed slots. The Squid Game slot by Light & Wonder has symbols that instantly bring the show to mind, such as the Dalgona cookies and the masked guards. It also includes a Red Light Green Light bonus game that shows how elements of the show can be added to the gameplay.
An Existing Fan Base Keen to Play Them
It’s no surprise that the biggest themed slots of this type are all based on hugely popular shows or movies. Squid Game is the most popular non-English Netflix show of all time, with Money Heist and Lupin quite far behind it.
We can also find slots based on King Kong, The Goonies, and Robocop, all of which are widely recognized movie franchises likely to appeal to many players. Someone new to online casinos might be keen to play a game that’s based on their favorite film, while others could visit a casino mainly because they learn about these themed games and are intrigued by the idea.
To Tie in with the Launch of a New Season or Movie
Building up the anticipation levels for a new release is another benefit of slots based on entertainment franchises. The Gladiator Cash Collect slot by Playtech ties in with the eagerly-awaited Gladiator II movie, which is based on Lucius Verus. Although the slot’s images show characters from the first movie, it’s an interesting way to help boost the visibility of a new release. Film studios typically spend up to 50% of the production budget of a new movie on advertising it and worldwide spending on movie advertising has risen steadily over the years.
1975’s Jaws was one of the first examples of a summer blockbuster benefiting from the hype built up around it. Universal Studios spent $700,000 advertising it on TV, which helped Jaws become the first movie to break the $100 million barrier in US revenue. Slots could provide a more cost-effective approach to reaching potential viewers in the future.
Taking all of these reasons into account, it’s easy to see why we should expect to see more themed slots of this type appear online. With our viewing habits changing and online casinos becoming more popular, this should continue to be an effective way to combine the two activities seamlessly.