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The companies behind some of the most loved television shows now earn money in more ways than simply syndicating their programs. Characters, formats, and images can all be licensed out to make additional revenue streams. One modern way in which properties are earning money is through the online casino and gambling industry.
As the industry grows and adds more games, these opportunities become more plentiful. Below, we discuss how television properties are using online slots for new revenue streams.
The Current State of Play
The first slot game to do this was created by Microgaming, which used the Tomb Raider movie and video game franchise as a starting point. Since then, it has expanded to include a range of different, varied shows and formats. Now, you can enjoy the best slots online that already use a range of television properties. Some may have obvious links to the structure of slot games, such as Who Wants to be a Millionaire? Yet others even use formats that are less tried and tested, such as titles like Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen reality show.
All these sit alongside brand names and licenses unique to the online slot world. This helps games appeal to a wide range of players. People who may not be familiar with slots are attracted to properties they know and recognize, while others who have played for a long time do the same with names, they have come to be aware of through online portals.
The Future of Licensing
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While licensing to slots is common practice, it is the future of the industry that holds the most promise. Online slots are evolving, going much further than the basic game. Here, it is often the case that symbols on the reels are changed for ones more reflective of the property. For example, in the Knightrider slot game, symbols that may normally be fruit or bar signs are replaced with icons from the classic eighties action series.
Yet where these games come into their own is with the bonus rounds. These can be tailored to suit the theme of the show, and some add a wholly unique flavor to the game. They may allow access to cutscenes from the show or play the format if it is a game show. Technology is also playing a huge part in how enjoyable these are. They have now evolved from video slot bonus rounds to live interactive experiences.
The Evolution of Online Licensing
This has led to a whole new genre of online gambling, both borrowing from slot games and being unique to them. Previously, this kind of hybrid game had only been tried with the property known as Slingo. A bingo of sorts, it also had a rotating slot wheel at the bottom of the screen. Players would accumulate points based on how many numbers appeared and were crossed off their board.
However, live bonus rounds have seen interactive gameshows take on a whole new life of their own. Take Endemol’s Deal or No Deal property, which has now been turned into an online game. When people enter a bonus round, they essentially become players in the popular title. Other players from around the world are also involved at the same time. This takes the action directly to the player, letting them participate in the show without ever visiting a studio.
Quite how this will evolve any further remains to be seen. The main difference is that these versions are paid to play, unlike a real gameshow where players are selected by the producers without a charge. It is certain that the licensing of slots will only get more innovative in the coming years.
