Have you ever played a game and wondered why the graphics didn’t look better? If you have, I have good news for you. The future of next-generation casino game graphics could be right around the corner, thanks to Epic Games’ Unreal Engine 5.
Inside Unreal Engine 5: The Next Generation Unveiled
Unreal Engine 5 is the latest Unreal Engine 3D computer graphics engine. Basically, this is the software programmers and game developers use to build their graphics. Along with Unity, Unreal Engine is one of the two most popular graphics engines in the world.
Despite its recent release, several major AAA games use Unreal Engine 5. Fortnite, The Matrix Awakens, and Silent Hill 2 Remake are just some new games to hit the market that utilize Unreal Engine 5 for their graphics. Programmers use Unreal Engine 5 to create games ranging from AAA titles such as “The Witcher” to indie games from small studios.
For example, when you are flying through the air at the start of a “Fortnite Battle Royale” round, everything you see around you is created using the Unreal Engine.
Unreal Engine 5 and the Evolution of Casino Gaming
Unreal Engine 5 has been the force behind some of the most realistic-looking games of the last five years. These games utilize ray tracing and other cutting-edge technology to deliver lifelike visuals in crystal-clear 4K at 60–120 frames per second.
If you haven’t played these games, imagine playing blackjack with a dealer so lifelike, you’d think they were standing right in front of you. That is what’s possible with next-gen casino game design powered by Unreal Engine 5.
The recent impact of AI on online casino games
Increasingly, online gambling sites are using artificial intelligence (AI) to create a better gaming experience for players. Models and algorithms are key to tracking player behaviour, suggesting new games, and also fighting money laundering.
With virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and ray tracing in casino games also developing rapidly, you may soon be able to immerse yourself in an ultra-realistic live gaming environment from the comfort of your home that will make you feel like you’re in a real Las Vegas-style establishment.
Are AAA Graphics the Future of Online Casinos?
Unreal Engine 5 has the potential to completely revolutionize online gambling forever, but is a revolution even necessary? Mega Moolah, Starburst, and many of the other most popular casino games of all time have extremely basic graphics.
Big-name software providers such as Microgaming use their own game engines that they adapt for each title. Some small, independent Metaverse games providers use Unreal Engine for their games.
Are next-gen graphics necessary to enjoy online casino games?
The question remains, do players really need AAA graphics to stay engaged and enjoy playing online casino games? I think the answer is yes, although it’s a complicated question. Let me explain.
It’s undeniable that many players can enjoy their favourite games without high-quality graphics. This isn’t true for all players, though. Live dealer casino players would be some of the first people to tell you how important graphics and animations are to enjoying their games.
While many players might be satisfied with casino graphics in their current state, next-gen graphics could take the gaming experience to the next level, making play even more enjoyable.
Mapping Out the Next Frontier of Casino Gaming
The possibilities of Unreal Engine 5 casino games are endless. Though, I think it will be a while before we see AAA graphics at online gambling sites in Canada.
Unreal Engine 5 is free for any casino software provider to use. However, its Unreal Engine End User License Agreement (EULA) prevents its use for illegal purposes. The previous version of the EULA stated that casino games and gambling were prohibited uses of Unreal Engine. Although the current EULA doesn’t have this ban, but it’s still a bit of a grey area due to online gambling being illegal in many jurisdictions.
These potential developments are something I will be watching very closely. What do you think about the future of casino game graphics? Are you optimistic? Should casino platforms aim for AAA-quality graphics, or is gameplay king? Let us know!
