Hyper-casual games have taken the world by storm in recent years. They have become some of the most successful titles on both major smartphone platforms, constantly topping the charts. And, as most of them rely on ads instead of in-app purchases, they have generated considerable revenue for their publishers.
For some, these games might look familiar: they are, in many ways, similar to those you can play at ZAR Casino and other online gaming outlets. So, today we’ll take a look at what casino games and hyper-casual games have in common.
Simplicity
Both hyper-casual games and online casino games are designed with simplicity in mind. Elaborate rules and complex controls work in most games, but not with these two. Here, the idea is for the games to be easy to pick up and play, with minimal time spent learning them. This makes both of them perfect for inexperienced and casual players.
Simple mechanics
When you look at a slot machine, you’ll see that the basic principles of its functionality are very simple: they have spinning reels that stop at random combinations of symbols that will either win or not.
Hyper-casual games have different mechanics, but they also rely on simplicity – they can be controlled with simple taps or swipes.
Instant gratification
When you play an online casino game, you’ll win some rounds, and you’ll also lose some. In general, wins come often enough for the player to feel gratification quite often. The same is true for many hyper-casual games: their rounds are short, and they give their players frequent satisfaction of winning.
Endless play
While the rounds themselves are short, both casino games and hyper-casual games can be played for as long as you like – even endlessly. You can pick up the game at any time and put in a session of a few minutes or a few hours with the same ease.
Mobile-friendliness
Slot machines and smartphones are a match made in heaven. The game’s form factor makes it perfect for play in landscape mode, with simple, even one-hand controls. The same goes for hyper-casual games, although these seem to prefer portrait mode. These are clearly designed with smartphone players in mind.
Randomness
Finally, let’s not forget that random outcomes play an important role in both game genres. In casino games, their role is obvious – they don’t call them “games of chance” for nothing. In hyper-casual games, randomness often manifests in level generation or the placement of baddies. Tomb of the Mask, for example, comes with each level procedurally generated, offering a unique experience with every playthrough.
While slot machines and other casino games don’t fit into the hyper-casual category, they do have many things in common with hyper-casual games. They are simple, mobile-friendly, provide instant gratification, and have an element of randomness embedded into them. They are both simple genres that you can quickly pick up and stop playing just as fast.
