The success of slots online is undeniable. The games have taken over the mainstream, and have enticed thousands, or even millions of people to join an internet gambling platform. Slots are simple to play, they are fun, and work as a great way to blow off steam, when played in moderation.
However, what inspired slot developers? Obviously, the original slot machines had a great impact. We wouldn’t be playing slots apps that pay money online today, if Charles August Fey had not come up with the original slot machine in 1894.
Video games have also inspired gambling quite a bit, to a point where many are saying online slots are undergoing “gamification.” But, we tend to forget the impact literature has had on slot games as well. In this article, we would like to explore the link between slots and books. 
Historical Works
The historical fiction genre has attained a pretty impressive following. Shows like Vikings, The Last Kingdom, and Deadwood are cult classics, or even fan favorites. Fans seem to enjoy a tale that is steeped in real world history, but still filled with drama and tension. It is a great way to learn more about history, while also being entertained.
Having said that, plenty of people are fans of non-fictional historical works, that not only give us insight about a certain time period, but also about the way people of the time would think and act. It is those works of historic non-fiction that we would like to talk about here. They are instrumental in helping us understand where we came from, and how our history ultimately culminated in the modern world.
But, what do they have to do with gambling? Well, if one were to visit an online casino, they’d note that slots often have certain visual themes. The most popular visual right now is “history.” Historical slots are inspired by the common aesthetics associated with past kingdoms and empires. Certainly, these visual tropes would not exist without history books.
Gambling Works
The works of historians is instrumental to our society. However, too often do we neglect the present in favor of the past. While historical non-fiction, and even historical fiction, play a role in the development of online slot games, gambling works written by contemporary writers are just as important to the iGaming industry.
Take, for example, the numerous cities written about Las Vegas, its history, and the culture there in. When gamblers think about casinos, they certainly imagine one of the most inspirational cities in the world. It is up to game developers to give the fans what they want, by providing slots that might remind fans of being in Sin City in the first place.
It doesn’t end there. Plenty of books written about gambling are dedicated to slots. The reason for that is simple; slots dominate the industry. Any newbie interested in casinos, is likely going to get their introduction to various slot machines, whether that be online or in land-based establishments. Authors understand this, and write books on the subject in order to help new fans, as well as capitalize on the games’ popularity.
Genre Fiction
In literary circles, fiction is usually divided into genre and literature. Literary novels are those that focus on language, themes, and real, personal experiences, while genre is anything that falls under the umbrella of fantasy, science fiction, mystery, or romance. Though some may scoff at the genre fiction section, there is a reason that these books sell a lot more than their “more serious” counterparts.
The popularity of genre fiction is also why online casinos are constantly and consistently influenced by works of fantasy, science fiction, and even mystery. Nowadays, we are seeing an increase in slot games inspired by genre fiction. The backgrounds often depict heroes slaying a mighty dragon, space-wonderers exploring distant galaxies, and fedora-crowned, noir detectives.
Developers might even take it a step further. Many are willing to create unique symbols that reflect the theme they are going for. For example, instead of the classic King, Queen, and Jack symbols, you might find a sword, crown, or scepter in a fantasy-themed slot game. Sci-fi slots may feature laser guns, bug-eyed aliens, and flying saucers. It is a way to pay homage to classics in the genre, while also capturing the imagination of new fans.
Horror Fiction
Even in the realm of genre fiction, horror is often overlooked. In fairness, many horror novels are simply not quite as scary as you’d want them to be. For a genre predicated on fright, a lot of novels end up being fantasy with spooky elements. Yet, there are plenty of horror books that have become classics. Think of “Dracula,” “Frankenstein,” or “Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” It is these works that continue to inspire to this day.
It is also these works that you will often see reflected in online casinos. Slot developers approach the horror genre in two ways; sincere and ironic. Sincere horror slots will do their best to create visually frightening aesthetics. You might see a blood-soaked vampire, a howling wolf-man, or a bizarre, decomposing mummy. Often, the visuals will be aesthetically pleasing, but they won’t invoke a sense of fright.
Some game developers understand that scaring their fans is out of the question. So, instead they go for pleasing the fan base. That is how “cute horror” came about. Instead of making the monsters scary, many developers make them cute, funny, or downright silly. You might see a vampire in his underwear, a wolf-man puppy, or a mummy wrapped in toilet paper. Though it may seem silly at first, horror/comedy-themed slots are actually quite a success, even more so than honest horror.
Thoughts to Conclude
Though the Republic of Letters may be veining, there are always people who are going to be reading books. Those same people will be inspired to write their own work, or maybe create a game. Certainly, many readers today work in game development. As we’ve shown in this article, literature has quite the profound impact on slot games.
