Over time, slot machines have undergone significant evolution in terms of both design and gameplay mechanics. Slots have evolved from traditional payline formats to things like Megaways (boasting 117,649 ways to win), Pay Anywhere and Cluster Pays. Gameplay has been enhanced with the addition of special Wilds and Scatter symbols, along with mini-games, bonus rounds, gamble features, free spins, win multipliers, and even the option to purchase free spins directly.
The reel system itself has also seen changes from the slot machine’s humble beginning, moving from 3 reels to 5, then to sometimes 6 and 7 reels, eventually reaching the Infinity Reels mechanic offered by the newest slot releases. In the past two years, however, the market has seen the launch of a new format – simulator-style slots without reels.
In this innovative new format, a player simply places a stake and presses the spin button as normal. But instead of reels and symbols forming winning or losing combinations, an animation plays out to reveal the result.
The online casino market is fiercely competitive. For instance, the UK market, one of the most developed in the world, has over 2,000 operators, and to stand out in such a crowded space, casinos rely on different strategies. Some attract players with casino sign-up offers that come with straightforward terms, while others focus on rolling out fresh game types to keep people interested. And the introduction of innovative slot formats plays a crucial role in this.
So, are reel-less slots truly the new sensation in online casinos? Will they manage to surpass traditional slot systems, or will players remain loyal to classic formats?
How Do Reel-Less Slots Capture Players’ Attention?
Slots have continuously evolved, captivating players while retaining three defining features: reels, RTP, and volatility. The random spinning of reels and the appearance of symbols are among the main reasons why more than 80% of online casino players prefer slots over table games. Simulator-style slots, however, replace reels with animations, as seen in BGaming’s titles Fishing Club and Winter Fishing Club.
Gameplay in these slots is simplified as the player selects a risk level (1–5), sets their stake and activates play. The fisherman casts a line, and the outcome reveals whether the player has won (caught a fish) or lost (failed to catch one).
Instead of spinning reels, the animated action unfolds from a first-person perspective, which is a familiar element of video games, an industry that attracts 3.32 billion players worldwide each year. Could this feature be what draws some PC and console gamers, who have not previously engaged with slots, into online casinos?
Fishing Club and Winter Fishing Club are not the only reel-less slots. Galaxsys has released similar games, including Ninja Crash 500 and Slap Shot. In Ninja Crash 500, the player places a bet, and then cakes, lollipops, ice creams, and other sweets fly across the screen. The player must slice them, earning payouts and the more sweets that are cut at once, the greater the winnings.
In Slap Shot, the player sets a stake and must strike an on-screen character (such as a ghost, a slime creature, or a mummy) with objects like slippers, fish, or gloves. The character dodges, meaning the player has three possible outcomes: hitting it, missing it, or stunning it (which awards 15 free slaps). Like the other titles, the game is played in first-person perspective, further enhancing its resemblance to video games.
Video and Mobile Games – A Source of Inspiration for Reel-Less Slots?
Fishing Club, Winter Fishing Club, Ninja Crash 500 and Slap Shot all feature elements typically found in video and mobile games. The number of mobile gamers worldwide exceeds 1.9 billion and continues to rise, mirroring the growth in video gaming more broadly. By comparison, online casinos currently count around 112 million active players, meaning there is significant growth potential in this segment.
Developing slot games that resemble mobile, console, and PC titles represents an effective way to attract players from these categories. Beyond the vast audience, the range of potential inspiration is equally impressive, as there are around 183,000 titles in the App Store, 264,000 in Google Play, and more than 100,000 video games hosted on platforms such as GOG and Steam.
With such a wide source of inspiration available, slot providers are expanding their catalogues with new titles where reels are replaced by alternative gameplay mechanics. These innovations not only drive the development of the slot industry but also enhance the entertainment value for players.
