Video games are breaking the mould in the entertainment industry. Over the last decade, gaming has become one of the world’s most popular pastimes. As such, major titles like Counter-Strike and League of Legends have made their way into headlines. Even music and fashion fans have likely heard of these titles even if they’ve never played a video game in their lives.
But just because a game is a huge hit for global audiences, that doesn’t mean that everyone enjoys playing. In fact, this is true across entire genres. Massively multiplayer online (MMO) fans might not automatically like first-person shooters (FPS) just because they’re both highly successful genres. The same goes for action-adventure games, sports simulations, and open-world RPGs.
Each has its own unique set of challenges, gameplay, and even worldbuilding that make them popular with various gamers. The idea is that there’s something for everyone—including even casino gamers. In the gaming industry, casino titles are clumped under the umbrella of iGaming.
And while you may hear about iGaming less than hits like League of Legends and sports simulations like FIFA, that doesn’t mean it’s not a popular genre. In fact, iGaming is one of the world’s most ubiquitous ‘ways to game’ and unwind. If you think this industry is far behind others, then think again.
Let’s explore some of the biggest trends in Canada’s iGaming industry, along with recommendations on how to get started. First up: slots.
Starting with Online Slots
Canada is one of the best places in the world to find and play casino games. Virtual and mobile platforms are the most convenient way for players to access their favourite casino games, from slots to blackjack & roulette. But of all the games offered on virtual casinos, online slots are the most popular choice.
That’s partly thanks to the simple setup that doesn’t require hours of studying to learn and partly thanks to the highly imaginative and varied themes that players can choose from. Each slot game transports players into a unique world, most of which include high-quality audio and visual production, bonus rounds that unlock new levels, and unforgettable characters.
A Canadian recommendation to sample dozens of slots is Betano. Betano includes all of Canada’s favourites as reported by Yahoo! Finance, including Starburst and Book of Ra.
The Live Dealer Experience
Starting out with slots is a great way to dive into this new genre of gaming. There are tons of different providers that players can explore. However, the biggest trend in Canada’s iGaming sphere is the live dealer experience. These games have brought on the magic and allure of live-streaming, which was popularized by video game platforms like Twitch.
Today, this technology has been used to create innovative new ways to game. Live dealer games involve a live video link that connects a remote player to a real-life dealer. Through live-streaming capabilities, this dealer facilitates games like blackjack and roulette the same way they would at a brick-and-mortar casino.
This is important for two reasons. First, the live dealer experience offers a highly immersive approach to casino gaming. Second, it replicates one aspect of the real-life casino experience, which is when players prefer to play with specific dealers, developing camaraderie along the way.
Beyond iGaming: Indie Games
Let’s step away from the iGaming industry to concentrate on another type of unique game that will help you step out of the mainstream video game zeitgeist. These are indie titles, which can be found on platforms like Steam (indie category) and Itch.io, which focuses more squarely on indie titles.
Indie games, though they often fly under the radar, buck traditions in a variety of ways. Some do this with their narrative, like Spiritfarer, while others instead totally revamp gameplay mechanics, like Endustry and Crystalline Fission. In other words, there’s always an imaginative new take on gaming in the indies category, so if iGaming isn’t for you, you can sample these types of titles instead.
