Multiplayer Slots: Essence and Gameplay Rules

 

The slot machine industry is always evolving, incorporating new technologies and features. The latest slot machines boast 3D graphics, animated characters, unique bonuses, and immersive soundtracks. One of the notable innovations is multiplayer slots, allowing several players to enjoy the game simultaneously at online casinos.

What are multiplayer slots?

Multiplayer slots enable players not only to play individually but also alongside other online casino visitors. Users can create a "virtual room" and play the same machine simultaneously. Each participant sees not only their own reels but also those of other team members.

Each player makes independent bets, and although the symbols and combinations may differ, the multiplayer mode allows sharing the jackpot and bonuses among participants. For example, if one player triggers a bonus game with specific symbols, it activates for everyone. However, the further game depends on each player's luck. In some games, there's a competitive element during the bonus round: players who won more frequently or placed larger bets gain advantages and more valuable prizes.

At one time, a virtual room can accommodate 5 to 6 people.

Launching the game in multiplayer mode requires simultaneous action. If players want to enjoy the game together, it's advisable to coordinate beforehand. Alternatively, they can join other online casino visitors.

Advantages of multiplayer slots

The main reasons why players choose these games:

• Increased chance of triggering bonus games. Even if only one player gets the bonus, everyone has a chance to win a big prize.
• Social interaction. Multiplayer slots feature a special chat for real-time communication. This allows players to not only have a good time with friends but also receive advice from more experienced players.
• New experiences. Multiplayer slots are an excellent choice for those tired of standard slot machines. They don't differ in gameplay mechanics, making it easy for newcomers to the world of virtual gambling to learn them.

Illustration of Multiplayer Gaming Concept

"Fishing with Buddies" marks Playtech's pioneering venture into multiplayer gaming, inviting players on a virtual fishing expedition. With a 5x3 grid and 20 paylines, this slot features scatters, wilds, and a two-stage bonus round. Up to 5 players can engage simultaneously.

Upon entering the game, players not only encounter their own reels but also observe small screens displaying fellow players' machines, all in real-time. An online chat is positioned in the top right corner, while familiar functional buttons like Start, Info, Bet, etc., line the bottom.

Particular attention is drawn to the bears fishing at the top of the screen. Initially, all bait levels are equal, but with each player's bet, their hook plunges deeper. The higher the wager, the deeper the plunge.

Once a player accumulates 3 or more scatters on their reels, the bonus round featuring the bears commences.

Various fish species will swim across the screen. As they bite the hook, they explode into cash prizes. Shallow waters host small, inexpensive fish, while deeper waters harbor larger, more lucrative catches. Hence, players who previously placed larger bets reap more generous rewards.

Among the five participants, the top three earners progress to the second stage of the bonus round.

Previous round winners can cash in their catch for additional monetary rewards.

To emphasize the competitive aspect, the provider displays a leaderboard at the end of the bonus round, showcasing the team's rankings.

Following this, players return to regular gameplay.

Which Providers Offer Multiplayer Slot Games

One of the pioneers in the realm of multiplayer virtual slots is Microgaming. With nearly a dozen similar games under its belt, this provider has successfully adapted its popular slots to the new format, allowing players to immerse themselves in familiar themes.

Another company that has ventured into the realm of multislots is Playtech. It has already developed 2 popular multiplayer games with unique storylines.

Examples of Slots with Multiplayer Mode

Some of the most popular multiplayer slot games include:

• Terminator 2: Inspired by the renowned sci-fi movie by James Cameron, this slot from the iconic provider Microgaming boasts impressive animations, vibrant graphics, and user-friendly features. Featuring a 5x3 grid and 243 paylines, the game includes scatters, wilds, and free spins.
• Sure Win: A vibrant video slot dedicated to horse racing. With a 5x3 layout and 20 betting lines, this slot offers a high maximum win, scatters, and free spins.
• Avalon: An adventurous video slot that transports players to a world of knights, kings, and untold treasures. With a 5x3 layout and 20 betting lines, the game features scatters and free spins, enhancing its appeal.
• Everybody’s Jackpot: A unique progressive slot from Playtech. Featuring a 3x3 layout and 8 lines, to participate in the multiplayer game, players must have placed at least 50 credits on the slot within the last 24 hours. When any player in the team hits the jackpot, all players win. 70% goes to the lucky winner, 15% is evenly distributed among the remaining participants, and the remaining 15% is distributed proportionally based on their bets over the last 24 hours.

These slots can be found on the official websites of licensed online casinos such as Joycasino, Omni, Riobet, and others.

Conclusion

While multiplayer slot games represent a promising direction, their popularity remains confined mainly to land-based casinos. Providers developing software for virtual platforms are cautiously exploring multislots and are not entirely convinced of their profitability. Therefore, the gaming collection currently comprises fewer than 20 titles.

Online casinos are also not rushing to acquire multiplayer slots en masse.

After all, for users seeking competition, tournaments already provide a solution. Furthermore, existing multiplayer games currently lack modern and high-quality graphics.