The origins of slot machine symbols and their influence on video game iconography

Casino gaming and digital entertainment are more interconnected than one might think. The symbols seen on slot machines greatly influenced the visuals and functioning of video games. Over time, slot machines have become increasingly popular gambling devices in casinos worldwide. Made up of rotating reels featuring different symbols, they are activated by putting in a coin or token and either pushing a button or pulling a lever. Players achieve success by aligning symbols in specific patterns.

History of Slot Machine Symbols

Slot machine symbols have evolved with the machines themselves. These mesmerizing symbols have been a fundamental part of the betting sector for an extended period. Their development has had a substantial impact on casinos and influenced the visuals of video games. Let's delve into the origins of slot machine icons and examine their influence on the visual style of contemporary video games. We'll also see how slot machines have evolved.

The Birth of Slot Machine Symbols

• The Liberty Bell:

The journey of slot machine symbols began with Charles Fey's invention of the Liberty Bell in 1895. This pioneering machine featured symbols like horseshoes, stars, spades, diamonds, and the iconic Liberty Bell. The simplicity and recognizability of these symbols laid the groundwork for future slot machines.

• Fruit and Bar Symbols:

At the beginning of the 20th century, slot machines began showing fruit symbols like cherries, lemons, plums, and bells. These devices, commonly known as "fruit machines," utilized these icons to signify various chewing gum tastes, which players received as rewards. Slot makers did this to circumvent gambling restrictions in some US states. By offering gum as a reward they were able to classify their machines as vending machines instead of gambling devices. The bar symbol, which came from the logo of the Bell-Fruit Gum Company, represents a pack of gum.

• The Lucky Seven

The number 7 holds deep cultural and religious significance, making it a powerful symbol in slot machines. The ancient Egyptians associated 7 with eternity, and in modern popular culture, hitting the jackpot is often depicted with a row of 7s on the reels. The “777” combination became iconic in the 1950s, thanks to Mills Slot Machines' “7-7-7 SPECIAL AWARD” jackpot. Numerologically, 7 is considered both lucky and powerful, with some even linking it to blackjack, where three 7s add up to 21. So, when you see those lucky 7s, it’s a nod to prosperity and fortune.

Evolution of Slot Machine Symbols

• Classic Symbols

Classic fruit symbols and bar icons have become deeply embedded in slot machine culture. Their colorful, straightforward designs were eye-catching and easy to understand, making them a hit among players.

• Themed Symbols

As slot machines gained popularity, manufacturers began experimenting with various themes to attract a broader audience. Symbols inspired by popular culture, mythology, holidays, and history started appearing on the reels. This diversification made slot machines more engaging and visually appealing.

• Modern Digital Symbols

With the arrival of video slot machines, the possibilities for symbol design expanded dramatically. Digital technology allowed for intricate, animated symbols representing anything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to characters from blockbuster movies. It also allowed the popularization of new symbols, such as the bonus and free spins icons, and the addition of wild and scatter symbols. The wild symbol has the power to substitute for all other symbols on the reels, completing winning paylines that wouldn’t otherwise result in a win. However, it can’t replace scatter symbols, free spin icons, or other bonus symbols. On the other hand, scatter symbols offer winning payouts whenever they appear, regardless of whether they’re on a payline or not.

It should be noted that, despite all these advancements and changes, numerous online slots continue to feature the same classic symbols that were popular decades ago for various reasons. Some instances include Mega Joker and Sizzling Hot Deluxe, which retain the nostalgia of traditional slot machine iconography.

The Impact on Video Game Visuals

Slot machine symbols have significantly influenced the visual and interactive elements of video games in the following ways:

• Symbolism and Iconography

Simplistic and Recognizable Designs: The clean, bold designs of slot machine symbols have influenced the iconography in early video games. These designs ensured that symbols were easily recognizable, even with limited graphical capabilities. From Daytona USA to the Super Mario Bros. franchise, it’s not hard to find slot machine symbols all around.

Fruit Machine Games: Many early video games borrowed the layout and symbols of fruit machines, creating a familiar aesthetic for players. This cross-over helped bridge the gap between gambling and gaming. Even now, iconic symbols like the cherries and the Lucky 7 are featured in clothing and automotive customization in multiplayer games such as GTA, Saints Row, and Forza Motorsport.

• Visual Aesthetics and Themes

Bright and Flashy Effects: Slot machines are designed to attract attention with bright colors, flashing lights, and engaging animations. This visual style has influenced video game interfaces, particularly reward and bonus sequences.

Thematic Diversity: Just as slot machines use a variety of themes to appeal to different audiences, video games have embraced diverse themes to captivate a wide range of players. The versatility in visual storytelling has roots in the evolution of slot machine symbol design.

As many experts have shown on reputable third-party casino review sites, such as Trustnplay, the best online casinos nowadays boast advanced technologies, allowing them to seamlessly facilitate live casinos and even metaverse casinos. Yet, they still retain the similarities they share with classic games with symbols that continue to captivate both new and old players.

The development of slot machine symbols from basic mechanical images to intricate themed graphics mirrors a larger pattern in entertainment content, as the combination of luck, prize, and visual attractiveness remains appealing to viewers.