We all know the thrill of spinning that wheel on the roulette table, heart pounding as you watch it slow down, eagerly waiting to see where it lands. That exact feeling is something that may have originated at the casinos, but it’s now spread far into the world of video games. In fact, you might not even realize just how much roulette-style mechanics have made their way into video games – but they’re certainly there and bringing players plenty of fun.
No matter if it’s the excitement you get when you’re unlocking a new skin on Fortnite, or the feeling of heading to the actual casino in Grand Theft Auto – you’ll be surprised to see just how these two forms of entertainment have collided in a multitude of ways. From casual party games with friends to the high stakes of online gambling, video games have found an abundance of new ways to integrate the very ethos of roulette right into the gameplay mechanics.
But why is this OG game loved so much? Roulette has been around since 18th-century France, and although it has made massive strides since those early days, the concept is still very much the same. We’re going to be exploring the matrimony of roulette and gaming and how this age-old concept has shaped the way gamers play online. Controllers are ready, and it’s now time to hit the jackpot.
Roulette Mechanics in Video Games
At its core, roulette is a game of chance and risk. The feeling of the complete unknown, the excitement of what might come next – that’s what roulette captures. Video game developers took this exact concept and built upon it monumentally to create exciting new games that bring the players that same sense of possibility and opportunity. You may not have even realized this, but in order for game developers to continually get better, they are consistently bouncing off older ideas and improving on what works to create something even better. The luck element of roulette is one they’ve grabbed with both hands.
Just look back to all the times during FIFA when you had to rely on luck. Yes, there are certain moves you can use and particular teams you can pick to have an advantage, but its ethos is still very much down to luck. Anyone who has played online roulette will recognize this mechanic from the core of the age-old game. If you log onto your phone or tablet to play online roulette in Canada, you’ll quickly see that the only determining factor is luck. It’s a heady feeling, trusting the universe to be on your side – and this is exactly the sensation that game developers bottle up and replicate. Perhaps you have spun a prize wheel in FIFA, hoping for the best team or player to be given to you. That, right there, is luck. It’s the anticipation that makes players want to return to the game and keep playing, which is the very same tantalizing thrill that classic roulette gives you.
And the merger of video gaming and roulette doesn’t stop there.
Some games take it one step further by including actual casinos and roulette tables in the game interface. In GTA for example, your character can drive themselves to the Diamond Casino – which is a place where you can place bets and experience the thrill of a real-world casino. Along with GTA, there is Fallout: New Vegas, which lets players test their luck in a post-apocalyptic casino (yes, really). Even in a world with mutants and pure chaos, there’s still a need for a good time at the casino. No wonder people are so excited about GTA 6…
Regardless of the genre of a game, if you look back in history, you’ll see that the idea of roulette is peppered throughout many entertainment options. There’s Mario Party, where you can spin a wheel and think about your next move, or actual casino-themed video games. These types of game mechanics keep games unpredictable and fun – so it certainly is a trend that will go on till the end of time.
Why do people love roulette anyway?
Whether it’s a casino or video game, it’s fair to say that this old-school classic has been satisfying people since day dot. But what keeps us coming back for more?
1. The anticipation
- That split second before you know what’s coming is a feeling not replicated anywhere else.
- Your brain releases dopamine, which is the chemical linked to pleasure and reward.
- Even if you don’t win, the process itself has enough fun that it’s still satisfying and makes you want to play again.
2. The possibility of winning
- No matter how small the odds, there’s always that chance of winning, enticing you to have another pop.
- There’s a “one more spin” mindset that captivates you and makes you eager to know what’s coming next.
At the end of the day, we all love roulette-style mechanics because they tap into something universal. That’s our love of surprises, our hope for a lucky break, and the sheer excitement of not knowing what’s coming next. Here’s to the best forms of entertainment coming together and continually making something great!
