What Differentiates Video Games From Online Casino Games?
When people refer to “iGaming,” are they referring to video games like Counter-Strike or casino games such as online pokies and slots? The answer is, it could be both. iGaming is an umbrella term that encompasses both categories of games. Both iGaming and video games are played online, which can lead to confusion. However, video games often have a narrative, and objectives to be achieved and may require skill and strategy to play. On the other hand, casino games are typically based on chance and have specific rules to follow.
Casino Games Have Been Around for Much Longer
It was 1952 when a British professor at the University of Cambridge, A.S. Douglas created a game called OXO. Based on tic-tac-toe, the game is thought to be the first computer game in history. However, It was the 1980s when the video game industry really kicked off with the releases of such classics as Pac-Man (1980), Super Mario Bros. (1985), Tetris (1989), and others. Still, the graphics, gameplay, and special features of those games are primitive in comparison to those games released over the last couple of years. In fact, the top five highest-selling video games of all time were released in the 21st century.
The history of casino games dates back much further than video games. A primitive form of dice games can be traced back to ancient China, while the first casino in the world was established in the 1600s. The game of roulette was invented in 1720, and the first slot machine, known as The Liberty Bell, was invented in 1895. Modern online casino games are digital versions of these traditional gambling games, they are based on the same principles as the originals, the only difference is the platform they are played on (computer or smartphone).
Video Games Are All About Skills, Not Chance
Online casino games can be generally categorized into slots, roulette, blackjack, etc. They may have different appearances and features, but the basic premise remains the same. For example, the goal of slots is to get a winning combination of symbols on the reels.
Video games, on the other hand, are more complex. There are thousands of different computer games, each with its own set of unique rules. To win in a video game, players need to master the specific skills required for that game. This is why an expert in one game, like World of Warcraft, may not be as skilled in another game, like Call of Duty.
To make a living from video games, players need to become highly specialized in one game. eSports players like Johan “N0tail” Sundstein earn millions of dollars by playing games like Dota 2, but they also spend countless hours training and practicing.
In contrast, winning money in online casino games does not require any experience, and luck is the most significant factor. However, players do need to wager their own money to win money from online casino games. Video games also require an investment, although they may take a different form. Some video games are free-to-play, but many modern video games require a monthly subscription fee, usually around $50.
Are There Any Similarities Between the Two iGaming Categories?
Both video games and online casino games are played on electronic devices such as computers, smartphones, or gaming consoles. The main similarity between these two types of games is that they are both designed to provide entertainment to players. Video games challenge players to use their cognitive and motor skills to complete tasks, while online casino games offer a way to relax and leave the outcome to chance. However, this doesn’t mean that players should completely disengage their minds while playing online casino games. Certain games, such as poker, require a level of knowledge to increase the chances of winning. Similarly, not all video games are complex, some have simple rules. For example, in a first-person shooter game like Counter-Strike, the objective is to kill the characters controlled by opponents.
Final Thoughts
Video games and online casino games are both types of iGaming that are played on electronic devices. While both types of games are designed to provide entertainment, they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Video games have a narrative and require skill and strategy to play, while online casino games are based on chance and have specific rules to follow. The history of casino games dates back much further than video games, and the origins of both types of games can be traced back to different times and places.
While video games require skill to master and can be a source of income for professional players, online casino games are based on luck and require players to wager their own money. Both types of games require an investment, whether it be in the form of a monthly subscription fee or money wagered. While they may have their differences, both video games and online casino games share the commonality of providing entertainment to players.
