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The Evolution of Casino Videogames

Since the dawn of home computers there have been recreations of casino games and slot machines. From basic interpretations in the 80s to existing as mini games within more expansive titles they are a fun example of technology advances allowing for greater fidelity.

Now of course, online casinos like those accessible from portals like us-online-casino.us are big business and are embracing social aspects of the internet too, encouraging people to spend more time around others and naturally, on their sites.

I thought it would be interesting to visit the past and highlight some notable or interesting examples throughout gaming.

Fruit Machine (1984) - Amsoft

Notable for being part of the 12 game promotional pack included when buying the 8-bit Amstrad CPC464 alongside other memorable titles like Harrier Attack and Oh Mummy. This barebones take on a traditional fruit machine (a UK term for what are called slot machines elsewhere) had very realistic odds of winning.

Obviously you couldn’t win real money but it was oddly compelling nonetheless. Proving that the simple act of pulling the reels could be a compulsive proposition.

Fruit Machine Simulator (1988) - Codemasters

The Simulator craze was in full force in the 80s, with Codemasters slapping the word on the end of everything even when it made little sense. Fruit Machine Simulator by the Oliver Twins, the very same pair who gave the world Dizzy, however deserved the moniker.

Released on popular 8-bit home computers of the time it was still a relatively simple machine but it did add nicer visuals compared to what had come before as well as access to some skill games as part of regular play. Codemasters would follow up with a sequel in 1990 due to the games’ popularity.

Monte Carlo Casino (1989) - Codemasters

Gambling games proved surprisingly popular for Codemasters so they didn’t shy away from publishing more. They moved away from the slot machine-only concept onto trying to replicate multiple games.

Released on the popular 8-bit computers of the time, Monte Carlo Casino included Blackjack, Roulette, Poker, Craps and a slot machine. Each game was accessible from a menu and portrayed the activities with a quirky visual style.

King of Casino (1990) - Victor Musical Industries

King of Casino for the PC Engine aimed to bring the whole casino experience into videogames. It let you move from casino to casino engaging in a plethora of activities including blackjack, poker, slot machines and roulette.

Each of the 15 casinos provided a different challenge, functionally acting as different difficulty levels for the AI. Having access to your room and the lobby as well as a variety of information within each casino gave the game an almost RPG-like quality.

Red Dead Redemption (2010) - Rockstar Games

Standalone casino videogames don’t really exist anymore on console but the activities themselves still show up in other titles, most frequently in open world games like Rockstar’s Red Dead Redemption. Blackjack, Liar’s Dice and Poker all show up prominently across the saloons in-game and take the presentation above and beyond what was typically seen in dedicated titles prior.

Often used as side activities, the lure of gambling makes them a great choice for games such as this, where they act to break up your regular activity and provide something a bit more laid back.

As gaming immersion increases, it seems likely that gambling games will continue to show up. If not as standalone experiences then as activities in a larger whole. Fidelity continues to increase and that is only likely to further increase as we enter the age of virtual reality and more social gaming.