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In the early years of online casino gambling, casino game software developers were using software development tools like Adobe Flash and JavaScript. At the time, these were state-of-the-art software development tools. However, they were very restrictive in terms of allowing end-users to be creative.
Fast forward to today and things have changed considerably. Now, players not only have a multitude of games to choose from but also how they deposit and withdraw funds. Perhaps the most significant being the integration of cryptocurrencies which are easily found on sites like Crypto Casino Codes.
Back in the early days, software developers like Microgaming and Netent (formerly Net Entertainment) were only able to create basic fruit slots and table games with sub-par video/audio features and highly restrictive bonus features. All of that changed around 2008.
HTML5 Software Development Technology is Introduced
Late in 2007, the online casino industry was at a standstill. The desire among UK and European residents to play online casino games of chance was there, but the game quality did not inspire. In the early part of 2008, a company that eventually came to be known as “WHATWG” introduced its HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language 5) software platform to the world. As the saying goes “the rest is history.”
HTML5 took the software development world by storm. The product was laced with amazing software development features that allowed software developers to become true creators. Since said developers were no longer burdened by having to use multiple plugins and drivers that were browser-specific, the chains that bound them had been broken.
What This Meant for the Online Casino Industry
In a highly competitive and fast-growing online casino software development community, speed and creativity held the key to survival and success. All of a sudden, top software developers like Microgaming were able to start mass-producing online casino games, especially online slots. It was game on between the industry’s “big boys”, being Microgaming, Netent, and even Playtech.
While development speed improved the size of online game libraries, it was creativity that moved to the forefront. Software developers were only restricted by their creativity.
Where HTML5 technology really changed online casino game quality was in four (4) areas: game speed, graphics, audio features, and game and bonus features.
Game Speed
It’s easy to forget that internet communication was still a bit slot in the early part of the 21st century. Combine that with gaming technology that was still rudimentary, online casino players were often struck by periods of communication lagging. That caused significant problems between operators and players because game results were not always recorded properly.
HTML5 brought speed and more speed to the online casino gambling experience. Not only were lagging issues all but eliminated, but casino players got the benefit of playing online casino games more quickly and efficiently, which helped create a more enjoyable playing experience.
Graphics
What HTML5 brought to the table in terms of graphics was nothing short of amazing compared to what was available in the past.
It was the quality of the graphics that really struck slot players. The colors were vibrant. The artwork was impeccable and helped bring games to life. Meaningful backgrounds became the status quo and game characters seemed to come to life.
Audio Features
In the early years, online slot audio features amounted to little more than the standard bells, whistles, and clanking of the tin tray that was common in a retail casino setting. In other words, audio features played little role in enhancing the gaming experience.
With HTML5 technology, characters could speak. If a gun was fired, players would hear a gun. Background music also made for a better gaming experience because the sounds of games would match the sights of games. Audio features really became part of the gaming experience when sounds could be tied to interactive game and bonus features, which we’ll discuss in the next section.
Game and Bonus Features
With the introduction of HTML5 technology, the coup de gras for online casino game developers was having the ability to start creating better game and interactive bonus features.
Thinking back to days gone past, slot players clicked a button, watched the reels spin, and incurred the results as they were. Sometimes, a game might offer free spins, but it wasn’t as common as it is today.
Today, the online casino gaming experience is rich with game and bonus features. Game matrixes have grown from 3 reels, 3 rows, and 3 pay lines to multiples in all 3 categories. It’s crazy that Netent software developers are creating slots with 8-9 reels, 5-7 rows, and thousands of possible pay lines. That’s all attributable to HTML5 technology.
As for bonus features, players now have access to interactive shooter and selection games, double-or-nothing gambling options, and free spins with respins and multipliers. Oh, and things just keep getting better.
Conclusion: In 20 years when online casino players look back in time, it will become clear that HTML5 technology was the catalyst that helped make online casino gambling the phenomenon it is today.
