• Title:Could Casino Games Be Released On Consoles?
  • Created at: 10 January 2022

 

Two of the biggest names in the gaming industry, Microsoft and Sony, are preparing for a showdown of who releases the better console later this year. But even before they release Xbox X and PS5, video game fans have an idea of who will win.

The Xbox comes with a slightly more powerful processor, faster clock speeds, and a tad more advanced graphics. It will be cheaper too. However, fans will have the final say when both companies release their consoles this holiday season.

In the meantime, the primary question on every casino player is: when will consoles take casino games seriously? Both Xbox and PS5 will feature highly sophisticated video games. So, what about slots and card games?

The Technology is Present

Next-gen consoles have the technology needed to run slot machines, blackjack, and poker. That was never in doubt. The only thing in doubt is whether developers and publishers have the will to feature gambling games on consoles.

On the one hand, some developers might not benefit from developing slots for Xbox when there’s a market for these games elsewhere. After all, there’s almost no chance of Microsoft and Sony, allowing real money gambling games on their consoles.

On the flip side, there’s a growing demand for casino games on video game platforms. On Twitch, for example, casino game streaming channels have over two million fans. There many more fans and channels on YouTube.  As such, some developers might want to fill the existing market gap.

There’s a Demand for Casino Games

Seldom a month passes by before a new casino pops up online. And this goes to show the demand for slots and table games is increasing. 

The average operator has 200+ slot machines and over a dozen table games. These games come from software providers from all over the world.

The bottom line is that there’s a demand for online casino games, and it keeps rising. Will console video game developers take advantage of this growth? If they don’t, casinos will continue to dominate the industry’s market share.

It’s Been Done Before

Casino games have been present on video game consoles for a while. Ever heard of the Four King Casino & Slots? It resembles the Diamond Casino & Resort from GTA V online. You use an online avatar to represent you while you move around to play blackjack, roulette, or slots.

Another casino game offered on both Xbox One and PS4 is Pure Hold’Em. It’s a multiplayer game with super graphics and lots of competitions. You can play it with friends, but keep in mind you can’t play for real money.

Perhaps the game most people want to see in the next generation of consoles is Casino Nights. Armed with Virtual Reality, this gambling title lets you play blackjack, roulette, and poker like you’re in Las Vegas. Will it feature in Xbox X and PS5? Time will tell.

Legality is Not a Problem

Legal issues could be a big reason why console developers avoid casino games. They could argue that these games are banned in some countries. Or they could avoid these games on morality grounds.

But when you think about it, there’s a way around nearly every concern people have against casino games. First, developers don’t have to create real-money games for console players. And this would eliminate the worry that they offer gambling games illegally.

Additionally, they can use parental controls to help people skip casino games; they don’t want their children to play.  Without an option to gamble on real money and parental controls in use, developers wouldn’t have a problem with governments or parents.

In this age of nearly every state legalizing online gambling, it’s also possible to have a real-money casino game for consoles. It could be offered online exclusively and to adults in states where gaming is legal. It might not become an overnight success. But it’s worth an attempt.

Developers Know What People Want

Another reason to have casino games on consoles is that developers already know what their fans want.

  • High-quality graphics
  • High-payout rates
  • Creative narratives and themes
  • Entertaining games
  • Great controls and mechanics

With all this information, developers are certain they can create games people will embrace and love. There are numerous themes to experiment: sports, TV, movies, video games, politics, music, and adventure, to name a few.

With the input of technology, there’s no reason consoles can’t offer fantastic games for casino players. Think of fully-fledged casinos like Caesars Place, Wynn Resorts, or Bellagio on your Xbox or PS5.

It’s glamorous in every sense of the word. Table games are available round the clock, and VIPs get treated like royalty. You know, a video game that simulates the best of Las Vegas: comps, chauffeur cars, lavish hotel rooms, and free drinks.

Cross-Generation Gaming

One of the best things about Next-Gen consoles is that they will support cross-generation gaming. This means they will offer many of the games we currently play on PS4 and Xbox One. Additionally, they will provide some classic games.

That’s good news for casino players who relish games from multiple generations. We mean people who love classic slots, video slots, regular roulette, and HD, VR-supporting variants.

Developers don’t have to introduce entirely new games. They can recreate familiar slots like Gonzo’s Quest and Starburst for consoles. And they can also feature Casino Nights, the Four Kings and more games offered in previous generations of consoles.

Conclusion

There’s a high chance we’ll see more casino games on next-gen consoles. First, the new PS5 and Xbox Series X will support cross-generation gaming. That means they could bring back some of the gambling games previously offered on PS4 and Xbox One.

On the flip side, there’s a growing demand for casino games. And with demands comes a market that needs to be fulfilled. To add icing to the cake, governments worldwide are becoming supportive of the industry, from the US and Canada to Britain and Malta.