Have you ever wondered how different cultures influence the design of online slot games? Many casino experts, such as Miguel Costa, an experienced gambler from Casino-Portugal.com.pt, a player’s guide to the gambling world, dealt with this topic. Based on their insights and our own research, we created a short guide in which we’ll talk about the most popular cross-cultural themes in slot games.
We’ll also provide a list of the most prevalent cross-cultural themes on casino online platforms in Portugal.
Understanding the global phenomenon behind slot games
Slot games enjoy great popularity in all parts of the world, regardless of the cultural background of the players, because they offer fast, straightforward, and engaging gameplay and high potential payouts.
Online slots are also popular because they come in a variety of themes inspired by unique cross-cultural origins. In this guide, we’ll talk about the various cross-cultural themes found in these games, and we’ll explain how cultural elements influence the design and themes of slot games.
How does culture influence slot game design
Every gamer would love to play a game that incorporates elements of their culture. Inserting cultural elements into slot games will not only make players feel represented but will also improve their gaming experience.
Each culture will leave a different mark on games. For example, Egyptian-themed slots will include symbols that are consistent with their culture, such as pharaohs, hieroglyphs and scarabs, while Norse-themed slots will incorporate runes and Vikings.
However, game developers must be very careful when creating slots that refer to a certain culture since every culture has its own specificities. Misinterpretation of symbols can harm the image of software developers. To prevent this, game providers must maintain the authenticity of a particular culture.
That said, here are the most popular cross-cultural themes.
Asian-inspired themes
Asian culture has greatly influenced the design of slot games. On that note, most Asian-themed slots will incorporate symbols associated with spirituality, luck, and prosperity, such as dragons, cats, and lucky coins. Asian-inspired slots also incorporate traditional, meditative music and red and gold colours. They usually make up 5% to 25% of casino games.
Egypt and ancient civilizations
Fascination with ancient civilizations, especially Egypt, is most present among players from Western cultures, who have shown interest in this culture since the 19th century. Many Hollywood films, such as The Mummy, have also contributed to their popularization.
The symbols you’ll most often find in Egyptian-inspired slots are pyramids, Ankh, pharaohs, scarabs, and hieroglyphs. You’ll also find historical figures like Cleopatra.
Western and cowboys
Although cowboy themes are something we associate with Western culture, more precisely, the USA, these types of slots are the most popular among players from Eastern cultures. Western-inspired slots include symbols like guns, saloons, cowboys, and outlaws. They often come in 3D and feature animations that look like graphic novels.
Mythology and fantasy
Mythology and fantasy-inspired slots are very common on online platforms that accept Portuguese players, such as Luckia Casino Portugal. Fantasy-themed slots incorporate magical realms, mythical creatures, like dragons and phoenixes, and ancient gods, like Zeus and Athena. Likewise, these games often come with high-quality graphics and epic soundtracks.
Cultural celebrations and festivals
Many slot games are inspired by popular world festivals and celebrations, such as Christmas and the Chinese New Year. Reels of these types of slots include food, bells, lanterns, and candles. The goal of these types of slots is to capture the spirit of joy and fun. That’s why they include a comfy atmosphere accompanied by cheerful music.
Africa and Safari
Safari-themed slots, in which the main characters are animals like lions, giraffes, monkeys, and elephants, make up the majority of African-inspired games. The most common symbols, besides animals, include tribal motifs and beautiful landscapes. Another thing that makes these slots stand out is their stylized graphics.
Vikings
Of all world mythologies, Norse mythology is definitely the most popular, at least when it comes to slot game designs. Viking-themed slots contain symbols that are characteristic of the Nordic culture, such as runes, Norse gods, helmets, and Viking ships. What’s more, many game developers are based in Scandinavia, which contributes to their quantity.
Music and entertainment
Pop culture and its main representatives – music and film – had a great influence on the design of online slots. On that note, you’ll find a large number of games that feature iconic musicians and bands, like Ozzy Osbourn, Alice Cooper, and Guns’n Roses, as well as movies and TV shows, like Jurrasic Park and Game of Thrones.
What to expect from cross-cultural slot themes in the future
We believe that in the near future, game developers and casinos Portugal online will provide more and more cross-cultural slots, which will contribute to the growth of cultural fusion in game designs.
The importance of cultural fusion in slots
As you can see, the culture of many nations has inspired the design of online slot games, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. This blend of tradition and modernism will not only contribute to the global appeal and enjoyment of slots but will also help promote cultural values.
