Social gaming has emerged as a global phenomenon in recent years, ushering in a new era of change that has swept across the world like a hurricane.
Unsurprisingly, social media is one of social gaming’s secret weapons, offering gamers a chance to challenge themselves against other players online, whether via a console or mobile devices.
This development is a far cry from the isolated experience of traditional gaming, creating a powerful sense of community like never before – one which transcends geographical boundaries.
Social media has become the perfect breeding ground for these interactive experiences as millions of active users constantly seek new ways to connect, and game developers have capitalised brilliantly.
Games designed for these platforms allow users to challenge friends, share achievements and compete for bragging rights, all within the familiar social media environment.
However, what truly sets social gaming apart is its remarkable accessibility, which has opened the door to a massive audience, including casual players who may not have considered themselves gamers before.
Social gaming has become a goldmine for developers. By offering free-to-play experiences with the option for in-app purchases and strategic advertising, developers have found a winning formula.
Games such as Candy Crush Saga, Clash of Clans and Farmville stand as testaments to this success, generating billions in revenue and solidifying social gaming’s place as a major player in the entertainment industry.
What Separates Social Games from Online Casinos
While the world of online gambling is a free-for-all in some countries, leading jurisdictions such as Australia have erected regulatory walls to keep things in check.
While the familiar whirring and flashing of pokies (slot games) dominate pubs and clubs across the nation, the online casino landscape is a little cloudier.
Online casino gaming is prohibited in Australia under the Interactive Gambling Act 2001. This aims to maintain a level playing field for existing brick-and-mortar casinos and lotteries.
However, despite the IGA’s restrictions, several exceptions exist. These include licensed overseas operators of real money casino games, who are able to welcome Australian players onto their platforms.
Multiple software providers enable online casinos in Australia to offer a wide range of games, including pokies. This has sparked a massive surge of interest in their social gaming equivalent, which is where Gambino Slots comes to the fore.
The range of games they offer are a crucial component of an online casino, and the Gambino Slots review reveals a world of fun and excitement for fans of pokies.
While Australia implements strict regulations on online gambling, the country’s social gaming sector thrives, considering it is a legal and popular pastime for Aussie gamers.
The key lies in the distinction between social gaming and its regulated cousin. Unlike online casinos, social games typically operate outside the purview of the IGA because they often lack the element of chance associated with traditional gambling.
However, the lack of overarching regulations does not mean social gaming is a free-for-all. Age restrictions still apply, and developers must ensure their games are designed for casual entertainment and do not fostering gambling habits.
Additionally, social gaming platforms need to avoid features that could be construed as gambling under Australian law and regulations, and this sweet spot has fuelled the growing demands for social games across the country.
What the Future Holds for Social Gaming
Farmville, Candy Crush and Clash of Clans were just the tip of the iceberg in a social gaming extravaganza that took the world by storm a decade ago.
Social gaming has come a long way since then, but those games have maintained their status as huge mainstream entertainment activities.
Unlike traditional video games requiring expensive consoles or powerful computers, social games are readily available on modern-day devices such as smartphones and tablets.
This ease of access has been a game-changer, attracting a wider audience. Anyone with a mobile device can become a virtual farmer, build a bustling city or battle friends in a quick round of words.
Social gaming has also found its way into prominent social media platforms such as Facebook, allowing players to connect, compete and collaborate within the virtual world.
This model allows players to explore their favourite games without paying a dime, but additional features or items requiring in-app purchases have become the cornerstone of social gaming.
This model allows players to enjoy the core experience at no cost but also caters to those who want to enhance their gameplay.
As mobile technology continues to evolve and internet speeds reach new heights, the future of social gaming is nothing short of dazzling.
On that basis, we can expect even more sophisticated and immersive social games to emerge over the next few years.
