Does anyone else remember that one summer in 2016 when people were roaming the streets with their phones out, hunting fantastical creatures? Without any doubt, Pokémon Go was probably the first taste of augmented gaming reality for most gamers around the world.
While AR games definitely still exist and some passionate Pokémon fans still stop by their local PokéStops every now and then, it seems like almost all the most popular augmented reality titles can be found on modern online casino platforms. The fact that this AR gaming trend rose and fell so quickly begs the question: are these kinds of games destined to fade into obscurity forever? Or, will there be a resurgence, thanks to the continued popularity of AR casino games?The existence of AR casino games: are they a gimmick?While Pokémon Go was able to ignite something of a global phenomenon, its popularity dropped off pretty fast when the novelty started to wear off. However, AR casino games are a little different because they have a distinct advantage. They offer real stakes and opportunities to walk away with real prizes.The thrill of potentially winning real money adds a layer of excitement that’s generally missing in most other AR gaming experiences. This financial incentive, together with the accessibility of playing in locations far away from physical casinos, might be the reason why AR casinos games continue to be developed.Unlike traditional online casino games that are limited by the size of a player’s screen, AR overlays digital casino elements onto the real world. While this isn’t particularly exciting for some, for others, the ability to place a holographic roulette wheel onto a living room coffee table is a compelling concept. AR casino games that capture a person’s real surroundings and add virtual elements are interesting. Sure, some might find it gimmicky, but not everyone feels the same way.AR games are another option at the casino tableThe reason why some of the best online casino real money platforms continue to thrive has a lot to do with the fact that they strive to offer options for every kind of player. For players who enjoy simple thrills, slots come in many different flavors and are easy to pick up and play.Poker and other card games will never stop being offered because many people enjoy bluffing and strategizing their way through every hand. At the end of the day, it’s all about personal preference. In the same way a local ice-cream shop might start offering vegan options to cater to select customers, casinos might offer AR casino games as an extra option for players to savor and enjoy.If a casino enthusiast has never tried an AR casino game before, they really should give one a go before forming an opinion. They can really add an extra layer of fun to live dealer experiences and make gambling from home feel a whole lot more immersive. These kinds of games can be a fun way to enjoy an afternoon spent on the couch.To avoid obscurity, innovation is keyIf entertaining AR casino games want to avoid the ultimate fate of most AR video games, the developers who work on them will need to continuously innovate. No matter how enticing an AR experience might feel at first, the need to hold up a phone in order to see what’s going on in the game might begin to tire some players out.These innovations could include making AR slot titles where the reels take up a person’s entire living room. Or, AR elements could come in the form of visual bonuses players will need to find to unlock. Whatever these new AR features might look like, there’s no doubt that iGaming developers are hard at work right now creating new ways to keep players engaged.Exploring the pros and consFor many, there’s a lot to like when it comes to AR casino games. This flashy new tech only needs a smartphone to work, unlike more sophisticated VR casino games online platforms also sometimes offer. They can be enjoyed almost anywhere and many include social elements allowing friends to play together. In some ways, they’re a breath of fresh air that the casino space potentially needs.It’s good to point out that they aren’t perfect in every situation. AR games can quickly drain a phone’s battery. Trying to play while a phone is connected to its charger can get frustrating after a while. Some players are also concerned that giving online casinos access to their phone’s camera should come with new regulations. Finally, the technology still needs a little refinement before it can offer buttery smooth gameplay experiences gamers crave.The future of AR gaming: Will it stick around?From here, it’s impossible to tell whether AR games will still exist in a few years. Maybe AR games outside of casinos will enjoy a resurgence someday. The future of AR casino games does appear to be a little brighter. Many gamblers enjoy them quite a bit, and will exclusively visit the platforms that offer them. If casino operators and developers keep making AR games smoother and more enjoyable for wider audiences, AR casino games might be less of a fad and more of a revelation down the line.
