Game formats: From scrolling shooters to puzzles
1) Introduction
Arcade gambling is increasingly integrating game mechanics from traditional video games, creating unusual formats for gambling entertainment. Instead of the usual spins, players can shoot at targets, complete levels, collect combinations or solve puzzles, while retaining the element of bets and wins.
2) Major interactive gambling formats
2. 1. Scroll shooters
The essence: the player controls a ship, plane or character, moving around the screen and destroying targets.
Gambling mechanics: each destroyed target can bring a multiplier or monetary gain; bonus levels increase the bid.
Features: high dynamics, spectacular graphics, the need for reaction and accuracy.
2. 2. Action platformers
The point: moving the character through the levels with jumping, fighting and collecting items.
Gambling mechanics: Items can be "bets" or "winnings," and the difficulty of a level determines payoff ratios.
Features: combination of arcade gameplay and gambling elements.
2. 3. Racing formats
The bottom line: competition in speed and maneuverability, where the player controls the transport.
Gambling mechanics: a bet is placed on the result of the race, while control affects the chances.
Features: high involvement due to the competitive element.
2. 4. Puzzles and puzzles
Essence: solving logical problems, composing combinations, solving quests.
Gambling mechanics: each correctly assembled combination is converted into winnings, complexity affects the multipliers.
Features: focus on thinking and mindfulness, less on reaction.
2. 5. Match-3 formats
The bottom line: the player swaps elements, creating combinations of three or more identical characters.
Gambling mechanics: each combination gives a cash equivalent; chain reactions increase payouts.
Features: familiar mobile mechanics adapted for bets.
2. 6. Reaction minigames
The bottom line: quick tasks where you need to press a button or perform an action at the right time.
Gambling mechanics: reaction speed directly affects the size of the winnings.
Features: ease of development and instant result.
3) How game formats affect engagement
Dynamic formats (shooters, races) keep attention due to constant action.
Logical formats (puzzles, match-3) stimulate strategic thinking, creating a sense of "controlled luck."
Hybrid formats combine reaction and strategy, which expands the audience.
4) Technical implementation
Engines: Unity and Unreal Engine provide 2D and 3D visualization for shooters and racing.
Networking features: Multiplayer modes allow betting against other players.
Flexible RTP setup: different formats allow you to adapt the math of payments to the pace of the game.
5) Prospects for the development of formats
AR/VR versions of shooters and races for full immersion.
Mobile integration of puzzles and mini-games with the ability to quickly start and bet.
Tournament modes for all formats, where the winnings depend on the place in the ranking.
Cross-platform - the ability to play the same format on PCs, consoles and smartphones.
Conclusion
Arcade gambling formats extend far beyond traditional slots. Scrolling shooters, puzzles, races and platformers turn bets into full-fledged gameplay, where the result depends not only on luck, but also on the player's skills. This approach makes gambling closer to the world of video games and expands the audience, especially among the younger generation.
Arcade gambling is increasingly integrating game mechanics from traditional video games, creating unusual formats for gambling entertainment. Instead of the usual spins, players can shoot at targets, complete levels, collect combinations or solve puzzles, while retaining the element of bets and wins.
2) Major interactive gambling formats
2. 1. Scroll shooters
The essence: the player controls a ship, plane or character, moving around the screen and destroying targets.
Gambling mechanics: each destroyed target can bring a multiplier or monetary gain; bonus levels increase the bid.
Features: high dynamics, spectacular graphics, the need for reaction and accuracy.
2. 2. Action platformers
The point: moving the character through the levels with jumping, fighting and collecting items.
Gambling mechanics: Items can be "bets" or "winnings," and the difficulty of a level determines payoff ratios.
Features: combination of arcade gameplay and gambling elements.
2. 3. Racing formats
The bottom line: competition in speed and maneuverability, where the player controls the transport.
Gambling mechanics: a bet is placed on the result of the race, while control affects the chances.
Features: high involvement due to the competitive element.
2. 4. Puzzles and puzzles
Essence: solving logical problems, composing combinations, solving quests.
Gambling mechanics: each correctly assembled combination is converted into winnings, complexity affects the multipliers.
Features: focus on thinking and mindfulness, less on reaction.
2. 5. Match-3 formats
The bottom line: the player swaps elements, creating combinations of three or more identical characters.
Gambling mechanics: each combination gives a cash equivalent; chain reactions increase payouts.
Features: familiar mobile mechanics adapted for bets.
2. 6. Reaction minigames
The bottom line: quick tasks where you need to press a button or perform an action at the right time.
Gambling mechanics: reaction speed directly affects the size of the winnings.
Features: ease of development and instant result.
3) How game formats affect engagement
Dynamic formats (shooters, races) keep attention due to constant action.
Logical formats (puzzles, match-3) stimulate strategic thinking, creating a sense of "controlled luck."
Hybrid formats combine reaction and strategy, which expands the audience.
4) Technical implementation
Engines: Unity and Unreal Engine provide 2D and 3D visualization for shooters and racing.
Networking features: Multiplayer modes allow betting against other players.
Flexible RTP setup: different formats allow you to adapt the math of payments to the pace of the game.
5) Prospects for the development of formats
AR/VR versions of shooters and races for full immersion.
Mobile integration of puzzles and mini-games with the ability to quickly start and bet.
Tournament modes for all formats, where the winnings depend on the place in the ranking.
Cross-platform - the ability to play the same format on PCs, consoles and smartphones.
Conclusion
Arcade gambling formats extend far beyond traditional slots. Scrolling shooters, puzzles, races and platformers turn bets into full-fledged gameplay, where the result depends not only on luck, but also on the player's skills. This approach makes gambling closer to the world of video games and expands the audience, especially among the younger generation.
