Technology is advancing quicker than ever before, and the world of iGaming is perhaps the clearest example of this.With the likes of virtual reality gradually becoming a more apparent part of the world of slot games in both land-based and online casinos, there’s recent advancements that can feel like things of the past already.One addition to the online casino world that it’s easy to forget is recent is 3D slots. 3D slot games feel like they’ve been a part of our lives for a long time now, but the truth is they are not actually that much of a long-term part of the industry.New(ish) or otherwise, there is no doubt that 3D slots are the most popular form of slot game in online casinos at this point.For new players, however, the world of 3D slots can feel quite intimidating, with so many options available, it’s hard to know where to start if you’re looking for an introduction to this particular type of slot game.As is our nature, we are here with a useful guide to tell you everything you need to know about 3D slots, how they work, what you need to know, and where the right places to start your 3D slots experience are.
What are 3D Slots?
3D slots were the logical next step in the evolution of slot games, adding another dimension, and therefore the ability for developers to bring more immersive and complex themes, graphics, and animations to their slot games.Where traditional slots were limited in their offering, despite still being entertaining, the introduction of 3D meant that there were few options that did not become available.Since the inception of 3D slots, a plethora of titles have been released, with more being added on a near daily basis, so if there’s one thing players can be sure of, it is that they will not struggle for choice.
Mobile Players
Another big part of the evolution of the online casino world over recent years has been the growing popularity of mobile play.Those who prefer to play their online casino games on their phone or tablet device were once a fairly overlooked part of the iGaming community, with only a few sites offering anything close to a decent range of options for mobile players.However, that has changed a great deal over recent years thanks to the increased number of mobile players, making it something the industry could not ignore.As a result, mobile players are now spoilt for choice, and that is no different in the world of 3D slots, with the majority of popular slot games (and a fair few less popular choices) now being available for mobile players with the same commitment to graphics and gameplay that desktop and laptop players can enjoy.
Gameplay
While the most apparent difference between 3D slots and their traditional 2D cousins is the quality of the graphics, there are differences that have an impact on gameplay too.The added option for animations in 3D slots means that features have been able to move into an entirely new dimension.Free spins features and more can be evolved using 3D graphics, meaning characters from the slot game can interact with the reels in an almost lifelike manner, making playing a 3D slot something similar to playing a videogame on a PC or console device.
The Best 3D Slot Developers
It would be impossible to list all the 3D slots that are worth playing here because there is a huge number of them, however, we are going to introduce you to a few slot developers that are well worthy of your attention due to the quality of the games they make.
NetEnt
The Swedish software giant is arguably the best known and most popular developer of online 3D slot games in the world, and you don’t get to that position without creating some truly breathtaking slot games.Going way back to classics from the developer such as Gonzo’s Quest and Starburst, slots which still maintain a high level of popularity even in the competitive modern market, NetEnt have had something close to a Midas touch when it comes to their games.The likes of Bloodsuckers with its 98% RTP, and the Cluster Pays series that started with Aloha! Cluster Pays, before moving on to The Legend of Shangri-La: Cluster Pays, and more (with even more expected in the near future) that add a sense of a Candy Crush type game by paying out for clusters of matching symbols as opposed to paylines, NetEnt have always been at the forefront of evolution.There’s no sign of NetEnt slowing down any time soon either, with the highly anticipated spooky spectacular Halloween Jack due for release in a month at the time of writing.The commitment that NetEnt have to keeping their fans happy is clear, and proven by the surprise news that another slot, Wild Bazaar, which is set in a majestic Moroccan marketplace, is to be released on the same day as Halloween Jack.Then there’s the progressive jackpot slots, including Mega Fortune, Mega Fortune Dreams, and Hall of Gods, which all make a few millionaires every year.If you’re looking for an introduction to 3D slots that gives you a strong sense of what these games allow you to do and can offer in terms of graphics and gameplay, the NetEnt portfolio is an excellent place to start.
Microgaming
Perhaps NetEnt’s biggest rival is Microgaming, a developer with a reputation for being fairly hit and miss with the slots they release, but with the hits being comfortably good enough to ensure this is a developer we all take note of when the news hits that there’s a new slot on the horizon.The most popular 3D slot in the Microgaming portfolio is probably Immortal Romance, another of those games that has been around for a few years now, but has lost no popularity amongst players.Clearly inspired by the Twilight saga, this tale of teenage romance amongst mythical creatures has been captivating players for some time now.Microgaming may have the edge on NetEnt when it comes to progressive slots, with the likes of Mega Moolah setting records for payouts, with multiple players picking up in excess of £10 million from the slot.Add to the collection classics like Thunderstruck II and Avalon II, both games where the sequel far outdoes the already impressive original title, and Microgaming is another excellent place to start.
Playtech
While there are many options available from Playtech, one of the most prolific developers around, there’s only one place to start with this provider.After losing the rights to the Marvel series some time ago, many expected Playtech to disappear into the shadows, but instead the company counteracted with the release of the Age of Gods series, which has seen multiple, epic, Greek mythology themed slots that are based on various characters from the ancient stories.With exciting gameplay, stunning animations, and a network progressive jackpot across all slots, if you’re going to try any Playtech games, it’s worth starting with the Age of Gods series!If this epic approach isn’t your thing, however, Playtech do have countless other options that are more playful, such as Satsumo’s Revenge and American Dad, as well as multiple movie themed slots including Gladiator, Robocop, and Dirty Dancing.
Yggdrasil
One of the newest developers to make a real impact, Yggdrasil (launched in 2013) surprised the world with its rapid climb up one of the most competitive industries in the world.The reasons are simple, however, not only has this developed continuously had an excellent business strategy, Yggdrasil have also been consistently releasing top quality games since the developer’s inception.Most of Yggdrasil’s slots come firmly out of left field, from the cute, adorable, and truly weird Chibeasties, and Reptoids, which affectionately mocks the idea that evil reptiles are at the heart of all world politics.The Yggdrasil titles that have probably made the most impact, however, are the Vikings game. From Vikings Go Wild, to Vikings Go Berzerk, to Vikings Go to Hell, this series of slots has upped the ridiculousness with every title while maintaining incredible graphics and animations, and the entertaining and varied gameplay that Yggdrasil have become known for.
Finding The Right Site
There are almost as many options when it comes to the right casino to play at as there are when it comes to slot games, so make sure you take the time to put your research in and find the right site for you.Always check that any online casino you intend to play at carries the correct licenses to operate in your jurisdiction, and read the reviews of each site within these pages to get a sense of what to expect, and you’ll find the right site to suit your taste in no time.Although there are other technological advancements on the horizons, the world of 3D slots still has a lot to offer players, and the near constant stream of releases that we can all currently enjoy is likely to continue for a long time yet.