Slots games have progressed a long way since Charles Fey invented the first mechanical machine during the mid-1890s.
The Liberty Bell had just three reels, a handful of symbols, and a 50 cents jackpot. Anyone hoping for additional features would have been sorely disappointed.
Fast forward to today and modern slots are hugely immersive affairs, with their exciting themes, multiple reels, and thrilling bonus levels keeping players occupied for hours on end.
One of the most important elements of any modern slots are the sound effects, which help to add to the sense of fun on the game. But why are they used? Let’s take a closer look.
Generating Feelings of Positivity
The nature of slot machines means that not every player is lucky enough to win. Sound effects play an integral role in making any losses feel less important.
They are used to generate feelings of positivity in the player, thus making them feel happy regardless of the overall outcome on the game.
Developers generally incorporate sounds that are played in the ‘C’ key, which has been found to evoke positive spirits in most human beings.
By blending the sound effects with flashing lights, players are cajoled into a mindset where the gameplay experience matters as much as winning.
The Psychology of Sound Effects in Slots
Even Fey recognized the importance of positive sounds by incorporating a metal tray in the Liberty Bell which generated iconic ‘tinkling’ noise when coins were paid out.
Advancements in technology have provided developers with the tools to expand on this ethos, allowing them to add other positive sound effects to the games.
Research has shown that slots sounds can stimulate a player’s senses, much in the same way that video games can lead to increased states of arousal.
Sound effects make slots more enticing to players, providing them with psychological and physiological boosts that quieter games struggle to match.
Science Supports the use of Sound Effects
A study by a group of iGaming experts in Canada discovered that players are more inclined to play slot machines with loads of sound effects.
They found that participants would happily choose to play riskier games that featured ‘casino-related cues’ which were ‘associated with payouts’.
This essentially feeds into the belief that the gameplay experience on slots is as important to players as actually winning the jackpot.
Sound effects undoubtedly help to suspend reality for the player while they are on the game, transporting their minds into a near fantasy state.
