Why Is Folklore Such A Seminal Part Of Slot Design?

If you are somebody who enjoys browsing through slot gaming sites like I do, then the chances are you’ve taken time to skim through some of the genres and themes in slot gaming and questioned the backstory of some of these titles. When Charles Fey first constructed his 3-reel lever-activated slot machine in the late 19th century, the concept couldn’t have been more straightforward - enter your coin, pull the lever, match the three symbols.

Back then, slots only used fruit symbols, the number 7, and the famous Liberty Bell, which is still a seminal part of fruit-themed games today. What Fey probably would’ve never envisaged is just how far the design of the slot machine would go in the space of 100 years.

To remain fresh and continue capturing a substantial global market, slot gaming developers have had to tackle numerous technological challenges and shifts in consumer demand. It hasn’t been an easy process, and there’s been plenty of trial and error involved.

Throughout the 20th century, however, folklore became an integral part of slot game design, drawing influence from various cultures, including Celtic, Roman, Norse, Egyptian, Irish, and Inca. So, how did it begin, where did the popularity emerge from, and how have they come to command such a massive presence in the current market? Let’s take a look.

The popularity of folklore and mythology remains a hugely influential presence in modern media. You only need to take a look at the number of TV shows and movies that have attempted to capture the lore of cultural mythology. While, in hindsight, the popularity of mythology slots is unparalleled in the world of slots, when developers first began to develop the idea, many were not as certain that it would be a success.

The global appeal of mythology means that players who access online slots in Australia can enjoy the same appeal and user experience as those based in other parts of the world.

We’ve seen this demand in the world of streaming. Aussies can watch their sports on an array of different streaming platforms, and as the global market champions the power of digital advances over traditional media, we’re seeing this become a growing part of

The ubiquitous nature of the global slot gaming industry has meant that it has broken down barriers that previously existed in localized markets, before the rise of online gambling. It has meant that notable software developers have been able to share ideas and yield a greater return from successful ones, as they are channeling their efforts into an audience of millions rather than a local audience in a conventional casino setting.

So long as mythology ideas are executed correctly, there’s colossal global appeal that can crossover into the mainstream. Game of Thrones was one of the more recent examples of this, although the less said about that final season, the better. However, the fusion of mythological ideas is often an extension of the cultures they represent.

From the outside looking in, people associate many folklore ideas with a culture and its people. From the Greek Gods, such as Zeus, to the Norse Gods, and elements of Irish culture considered seminal to its identity, including pots of gold at the end of the rainbow and myths about leprechauns.

Unlike conventional slot ideas that focus on sweet themes or more conventional, predictable elements, there’s not a real sense of mystery or aura about them. That’s not to say there isn’t a vast market for them if they are done right, but the added lore that often comes with mythology often adds a layer of intrigue that helps to sell the whole gaming package as an enigma to check out.

Online casinos have continued to experience exponential growth over the last few years. In fact, the demand has been so off the charts that slot gaming companies are working around the clock to find a truly innovative idea.

Recent developments in the world of cryptocurrency, and prominent coins like Ethereum soaring to new all-time highs has resulted in new payment options becoming the latest craze in the world of slot gaming.

Now, while it’s too early to say whether it will have the longevity that mythology-gaming ideas have had within this sector, it just shows how much importance developers place on creating ideas that feel innovative and fresh. With the pace at which online casino gaming is expanding into new ground, then the next theme idea that captures the global audience could be one of the most profitable the industry has seen.

It honestly feels at the moment that many of these ideas have been run into the ground, especially as the number of available slot games has exploded over the last few decades. Folklore will continue to carry weight, but if there aren’t any mythology-based ideas that feel genuinely new and inventive, then slot gamers might move into other areas to keep their interest piqued.