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Back in the day, casino games were usually standalone offerings. Sure, slots would have different themes and symbols, but some of them would even have their own unique names. However, the instances of branded games that existed as part of a series were rare.
Certainly, table games never required branding and simply attracted players due to their iconic nature. Times have changed, though, and now it’s all about strong branding in every part of the iGaming market. Indeed, branded franchises are likely to rule the roost in the years ahead.
One thing that’s noticeable in the booming online casino industry is that it’s now highly saturated, and players are spoilt for choice. This means that studios have to do more than ever to stand out from the competition and ensure their games are noticed. In the past, standalone titles with attractive visuals were able to draw in players. Now, games need to be part of a brand to be instantly recognisable.
That’s why the biggest developers have started developing game series that span multiple titles. These give them a greater chance of being seen by players, but it also means that if a player liked a certain title, they’ll seek out others in the franchise. One of the most notable online casino franchises at the moment is Fishin’ Frenzy, and you can’t seem to visit a site without seeing one of the games in the series. It’s popular for its classic themes, but it also offers the opportunity for massive wins.
The online casino industry is clearly mirroring the marketing approach that has worked so well in other areas of the entertainment industry. Take Game of Thrones for example. The HBO fantasy became one of the biggest series of all time because it spanned into other media during its run. There were mobile apps, board games – you name it. The streaming service is doubling down on that success now with its House of the Dragon spinoff, and there are others set to follow.
Some brands have found that branching into online casinos can be an excellent way to boost their marketing efforts, and it’s usually a win-win situation for these brands and the online casino studios that make their games. Monopoly slots, for instance, are among the best franchised games available, giving players a new way to enjoy the classic board game. There are numerous options to choose from including Monopoly Money Grab, Monopoly Travel World Tour, and Monopoly Megaways.
The branding is so strong and distinctive on these titles that they instantly grab players’ attention. This makes it even harder for regular slot games to compete. Therefore, it’s going to lead to an even greater push towards franchising in the online casino market.
One thing that the modern marketing model has highlighted is that franchises can exist as multiple products. Some people may not like watching movies, and instead they may turn to television shows. Likewise, certain people like mobile apps and others enjoy casino games. Sometimes this can work well but, other times, it can be a tad complicated.
The online casino industry has crossovers, but they are much simpler than some of the complex Hollywood universes. Some top slot game brands are now being represented in table games or in the live casino market, allowing people who enjoy diverse game types to experience the same themes.
Branded games have boomed in the online casino era, and they’re only going to continue growing in the years ahead. Soon, every title in the iGaming industry could be part of a wider franchise.