Slot machines have changed a lot since their creation. Features and mechanics that would have been impossible to implement in the earliest slot games are now common features of modern varieties.

With that in mind, what are the defining features of a modern slot game? What is it that helps to keep modern casino Slots games so popular among players?

Advanced graphics and animations

One area that technology has really pushed slot games forward in is in their animations and graphics.

Early slot machines were limited to static images printed on their reels, where modern slot games have much more room to experiment with their visuals.

Stronger graphics cards and higher processing power have allowed developers to push their game visuals further than ever before.

Not only do modern slot games feature a brighter and wider range of colours, but they can also incorporate animations and cinematics into their presentation.

Combined with dedicated soundtracks and sound effects – which don’t have to compete with the sounds of other games within the online environment – this only adds to the strength of design in modern Slots.

Varied themes

Slot machines have dabbled in theming for decades. While the early fruit machines only used fruit symbols to represent chewing gum flavours it wasn’t long before games were leaning more into unique themes.

With the sheer volume of online slot games available, it’s no surprise that there is an even greater variety of themes on display.

Options are no longer limited by a lack of physical space, as online casinos can fit far more games onto a single page.

From mythology and wildlife to popular TV shows and films, online Slots offer themes to suit any player’s taste.

Multiple paylines and variable reels

Where classic slot machines only generally featured one payline, modern games can feature far more than that.

From multiple horizontal paylines to adding diagonals, zig-zags and other patterns, Slots these days offer an increased number of ways to win.

Some designs even do away with the concept of the payline entirely, in favour of a cluster-based approach to combinations.

These trigger when three or more particular symbols end up adjacent to each other on the reels, rather than requiring a specific line-up.

These utilise reels that don’t have a set symbol layout, with a randomly generated combination of symbols appearing on any given spin.

Progressive jackpots

Plenty of modern slot games still feature set jackpots, but an increasing number offer a progressive jackpot instead. Rather than having a set figure that stays the same over time, progressive jackpot games will see their jackpot figure grow as more players play a game.

A small fraction of each bet made on a progressive game goes into the jackpot, helping the figure to keep growing higher. This leads to the potential for jackpot payouts far larger than you’d generally see in a fixed jackpot game.

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Not only that, you can play modern Slots games on any suitable device with a solid internet connection. The number of options for players is one of the most defining features of Slots as we know them now.