You don’t have to look far before you come across Egyptian-themed video and iGaming games. The online casino sector is the branch of the industry that’s the most synonymous with the theme because there are thousands of slots based around the civilisation. However, it’s not the only player to enter the market.
The fact that Assassin’s Creed: Origins is set in the mysterious world of Ancient Egypt says a lot about the relationship between gaming and the genre. After all, Assassin’s Creed is arguably the biggest franchise available. So, why do studios and developers continue to lean on the theme when they release new titles?
Ancient Egypt Has an Alluring Quality
There’s no doubt that modern societies are interested in the past and how people used to live. This is heightened when the focus centres around a successful civilisation like Egypt that ruled for centuries and developed many things that are still used today. For example, makeup such as eyeshadow was invented thousands of years ago on the banks of the river Nile.
It’s not only the things they created but the individuals whose legacies have managed to stand the test of time. The boy-king Tutankhamun is one of the most famous examples because the search for his tomb was considered an epic quest that lasted for centuries. To this day, the tomb continues to cast a spell on the world.
Cleopatra is another monarch who has captured our imaginations and has been portrayed in films and TV shows by legendary actors like Elizabeth Taylor. Plus, tens of millions of tourists visit the country annually in a bid to see ancient artifacts such as the pyramids and the Sphinx. In 2019, 13 million travellers spent 136 million nights on Egyptian soil.
What the above highlights is that the world, particularly the west, has a powerful connection with Egypt, one that the gaming sector looks to benefit from by developing releases that pique gamer’s curiosity. The strategy is effective as our example from the video gaming industry, Assassin’s Creed: Origins has shown, having sold over ten million copies globally.
As for the online casino industry, they host an array of Egyptian-related games in their libraries, from Scarab Gold to Crypt of the Dead. The Eye of Horus slot is an offering at Buzz Bingo that is insanely popular due to its 10 pay lines and a mixture of familiar Egyptian symbols that create a bold and ambitious experience that puts a smile on everyone’s face. Therefore, it’s no surprise the likes of Buzz Bingo are among several platforms that make up a billion-pound industry in the UK alone as the attraction and intrigue of Ancient Egypt is strongly felt by many punters.
Egypt Is Progressive
You might assume that an ancient civilisation couldn’t be progressive, yet the way gaming developers use it today ensures it continues to push boundaries. Of course, the fact that technology has advanced incredibly far in recent years means that several different variations of accessible titles are found online. For example, the slot machine game Cleopatra was released in 2012, so it didn’t have the same type of features you would expect today. However, IGN negated this by releasing an up-to-date sequel that implements more grids, reels, and pay lines. It’s also compatible with in-demand software such as video slots.
There is another reason Egyptian themes are progressive – studios can take inspiration from the real thing. Studies have revealed that the civilisation had a strong connection with gaming through games like Mehen and Senet that were loved by ordinary citizens and royalty. Therefore, whenever game developers are struggling with a creativity block, they can look to the past to inspire them to design original titles for the future that players will love.
As you can see, the link between Ancient Egypt and gaming runs deep because gamers love the pull of the theme and uniqueness it offers, both of which take the user experience to the next level.
Image Credits: Adam Bichler
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