Gaming is a revolution. Trends that were popular often cycle back into fashion and both connect with a new fanbase thanks to their interesting gameplay or theme, and reinvigorate the original set of players. The constant sequels, remakes, and remasters of games aren’t just the norm because there’s a readymade audience, but because there are those who aren’t yet an audience to tap into. For example, Spyro and Crash both launched back onto our screens with direct remasters of the original games – changing no gameplay but updating the graphics and style. Pokemon launched on the Switch with Let’s Go Eevee and Let’s Go Pikachu, modifying the gameplay to appeal to a new crop of Pokemon trainers. While the untapped market responded well, so too did those who had already played. The digital adaptation of classic casino games is another example of how the gaming revolution brings to us what is popular, from poker to blackjack, roulette, baccarat and slots.

Poker

Poker is one of the classic online casino games and while scores of fans play the game online, there is a new audience to tap into. So, games developed Microgaming worked to develop video poker titles, which combine the gameplay of traditional poker with top-of-the-range graphics and a modern twist. Contemporary fans may find the appeal of the stylish way the game looks, while diehard poker fans will still be pleased with the gameplay they have carefully learned and expertly mastered over the years. Combining traditional with modern allows a cross-section of the gaming population to find something enjoyable about the game.

Blackjack

Blackjack is another evergreen popular game, but one that also benefitted from a modern twist to engage with a new crop of fans. Blackjack benefits from being online due to the skill and strategy required to succeed in the game. Traditional fans may have learned the ropes, but the market remains empty for those who don’t feel comfortable with the game’s rules yet. That’s why blackjack strategy for beginners can be found online and allows new players to learn the basics of the game while they play. The learning as you go approach is more difficult away from an online platform and has thus further energized the game to give it a comeback.

Roulette

Roulette is a staple of casinos and a game that might seem difficult to translate to an online setting. But, the game has definitely found its digital legs. Some game developers have added a live element to roulette, which sees a real-life dealer spin the roulette wheel and showcase to the player whether they won or lost. This live element helps to retain the excitement and immersive environment that comes from playing roulette and most importantly shows that updating games into more of a digital way of playing can definitely improve them – and shows promise for the future of gaming. For the record, non-live versions of roulette also exist online in several different variants, since online casinos aren’t subject to the confines of physical space offline brands have to take into account. This means that visiting just one online casino can give you several different roulette options, unlike land-based casinos.

Slots

Slots have probably had the greatest divergence from their original form with the scope of being online. The slots gameplay often remains the same with the three- or five-reel ability, but with the addition of digital elements to create an immersive experience. Slots can take visuals and sounds to create themes and even bring in elements of franchises, especially with high-quality video. Branded slots, such as those based on Game of Thrones and Jurassic World are popular and allow players another chance to connect with the franchise they love. Some slots can even have elements of puzzles in them, such as Rabcat’s Castle Builder slot, which gives winning combinations in-game prizes as you attempt to construct buildings from the ground up. The added elements and bonus rounds retain the basic gameplay, while using modern methods to embrace what digital can mean for gaming.

Baccarat

The favourite game of James Bond has also been adapted to be played online. The standard card gameplay hasn’t really changed, but the online ability means that the more strategic elements of the game can be practiced. Plus, the game is more traditional than some others and can allow those unfamiliar with the rules and gameplay the opportunity to play along. Live casino elements also come into play for baccarat and feature a live dealer, which adds to the immersive casino-like experience. The digital world means that more traditional rules of games and those which are less likely to be kept on are able to find a new audience and have their renaissance.

Once a game establishes popularity, it remains in the psyche of the gaming community. Developers may move onto new pastures, but its almost a given that they’ll return to modes of gameplay that served them well before and keep the revolution turning. This can be seen from poker and roulette to classics such as blackjack and baccarat and even the huge reinvention of slots.