Progressive slots have become one of the standard types of slot titles found today. Of course, they have a great allure to them, as they can provide some of the biggest prizes possible.
Given the mechanics of how these games work, the jackpot can often reach the hundreds of thousands or even millions in terms of monetary value, promising one lucky winner the ability and potential to earn life-changing sums of money.
However, while they may feel like they are a newish introduction to the slot market, these games have been around a lot longer than most would have thought they would.
Progressive Slots: Almost 40 years old
First released in 1986, IGT was the first known software developer to provide players with the chance to play a slot title that would give them the opportunity to win a progressive jackpot.
They launched their title “Megabucks” almost 40 years ago, which began a new age for slot games and what could potentially be achieved from them. Slot creators saw the potential that these games had and how they had impacted the industry positively, leading to more games being created.
In 1996, a decade after the first release, WMS decided to create a more complex progressive jackpot title by introducing a bonus feature that would require a second screen. Their “Reel ‘Em In” title would allow players to view another screen where their bonus round would be played, thus adding a new experience to the games that were being enjoyed.
The main premise of the slot game hadn’t changed. Slots would still consist of their traditional reels and rows, using paytable symbols and basic gameplay mechanics that would be familiar to versions of the past. In fact, it’s possible to argue that progressive jackpots simply added a network that linked games together and made the prize potential more appealing.
Progressive Jackpot Slots today: A vast number available
Given the appeal that these games have and the development of technology that has been experienced in the nearly four decades that they have been around, it’s no shock that there are several titles that can be found within this game niche. A quick browse of a top slot library like the collection of 32Red online slot titles made available to their members will highlight just a small smattering of the numerous options that can be picked and chosen from. Original releases of classic games have been developed to feature progressive jackpots, with titles like Mega Moolah having been given this particular treatment.
Some developers have created their own jackpot networks to make their games more appealing to potential players. This helps to highlight just how popular these titles have become since they were first introduced into the market.
What is the future of Progressive Jackpots Slots?
The iGaming industry has been heavily reliant on technological advancements. Gamers have continually wanted the best experiences possible, and this has included slots.
They want to be immersed in the action and be gripped with each spin that they make, especially as a game like a slot can be pretty mundane in regard to how they are played. Developers know this, and while the allure of potentially winning big prizes is an attention grabber, it’s not always enough to keep individuals interested for long periods of time.
Most will understand that these games provide a very low likelihood of producing big wins or triggering the jackpot prize as it continues to climb. Although they know it has to be won, they appreciate the chances are slim. Instead, many will play these games because they are attracted to other things, such as the visual design or the mechanics used.
With technology continuing to improve, software providers must make sure they continue to harness whatever the latest developments are and implement them into the games to keep them attractive. As there are so many different options already in the market, being unique and providing variety is more likely to make a title successful.
Progressive jackpot slots have certainly come a long way since they were first introduced almost four decades ago, but there are certainly further improvements possible to make in the next four decades and more!
