Computers and casinos share more than just the use of chips. Casino games and even casino interiors have influenced video games, leading to improved mechanics and unique visual elements. Read on to learn more about casino game design and its influence on video games.
RNG and Randomisation
One of the more apparent video game design influences is RNG. While RNG in casino games keep the outcomes fair and unpredictable, in video games, it can be used to create more engaging gameplay. Sometimes a character can miss a hit or get lucky and deal double damage. RPG games use RNG mechanics the most for things like:
- Determining the loot a player earns
- The chance of inflicting a status effect on an enemy
- Likelihood of succeeding in speech checks
Games like Fallout use RNG to show a player’s chance at succeeding in tasks like convincing people to do something. Meanwhile, one of the characters in Fate/Grand Order has the chance to kill an enemy instantly. Randomisation is just as crucial for casino games, which is why we picked out some trusted casino software providers to show how it’s used.
Randomisers and Nuzlockes
Experienced video game players sometimes like to challenge themselves by modding gambling mechanics in video games. A popular result of that is randomisers, which are mods of existing games that make them more unpredictable by changing the order of bosses or where players gain certain items.
For example, players could get the Biggoron Sword in Ocarina of Time within the Kokiri Forest, while usually you’d need to go through a long quest to obtain it. Other popular randomiser games include:
- Super Mario 64
- Metroid
- Castlevania
Another way people have introduced casino game design is through Nuzlockes. This is a ruleset that changes how people play Pokémon games by making them release any defeated Pokémon. The randomness comes from players having to catch the first creature they see on a route, which varies in the later stages of the game. Randomisers can also be applied to Pokémon games, which can result in players getting legendaries as starters.
Rogue and Procedural Generation
Casino game design has also led to the creation of Rogue and the roguelike genre. In these games, players always start from level one and have to build their characters up by getting random skills and power-ups when levelling up or beating a stage. Some roguelikes, like Balatro, even emulate casino games like video poker, with the goal of unlocking every deck. Other popular roguelikes include:
- GODBREAKERS
- Mewgenics
- Hades
- Slay the Spire
- Darkest Dungeon
Roguelikes also often incorporate procedural generation, one of the biggest video game design influences stemming from casinos. When a player starts a run, the game creates a new map or level with different items and features. Sometimes this can lead to areas with more treasure chests, or cause tougher enemies to appear earlier.
Casino Levels and Games
Many games take further inspiration from casinos by making entire levels based around them. Games in the Sonic the Hedgehog series often have players running through glamorous areas, jumping on dice or even activating slots to get rings. Other games also have casino levels or casino-themed levels. Some of the more popular ones include:
- Caino of Envy in Persona 5
- Inkwell Hell in Cuphead
- Casino Palace in F-Zero GX
- The Strip in Fallout: New Vegas
Some games will even go further and implement actual casino minigames like slots or blackjack. The Trails series of RPG games features casino rooms where players can play roulette, blackjack, poker, and slots. Sometimes players need to beat a sidequest and obtain chips to exchange for prizes. The Yakuza series also often has casino games, which can provide extra money.
Casino Games and Gambling Mechanics
Players can also find actual casino games to play for fun. Player vs Dealer Blackjack lets players simulate a blackjack game, while Hard Rock Casino for the PS2 lets them complete challenges while playing games. Some titles, like SimCasino, even let players run and operate their own casinos, giving a better perspective on how casinos operate. Other popular casino games include:
- Governor of Poker 3
- Monopoly Poker
- Poker Night at the Inventory
Gambling mechanics in video games can also exist outside of the casino themes. Some titles, like Limbus Company, determine a character’s power through coin flips and losing it can lead to losing a fight. Meanwhile, roguelikes can offer the player a small chance to win a bonus item or trigger a tough fight if they lose the RNG check.
Gacha and Loot Boxes
Randomness has also become a part of in-game monetisation and loot. Many mobile games use gacha mechanics, where players roll on a banner for a chance to get specific characters. While a prize is guaranteed, players often aim for a specific top prize, and most rolls yield random rewards. Gachas can also have systems that help players get specific rewards through:
- A pity system that gives the character or weapon after a certain number of rolls
- A spark system that lets players buy the character after earning enough in-game currency
Meanwhile, other games have introduced loot boxes. Anytime a player levels up or completes a challenge, they can earn a box that provides random rewards when opened. That can range from new characters to equipment or even skins. However, some people have expressed concern that lootboxes can entice children to gamble. That’s why the UKGC considers them a potential risk.
Conclusion
Casino game design influences video games in more than just the monetisation schemes. Stages can be themed around casinos or introduce gambling elements, such as a coin toss, to enhance gameplay. Video games can also let players try casino games without spending real money, and they can even run their own casinos.
