What Influence Does Pop Culture Have On The iGaming Sector?

Pop culture has long since ceased to be confined to the pages of comic books or even to screens—it has gone beyond those boundaries. It has a direct influence on the aesthetics of digital products, but that’s not all: the rules of interaction with the audience are also dictated by pop culture. In areas where functionality used to be the top priority, priorities are now changing. This has become particularly noticeable in the iGaming industry. Previously, it simply held players’ attention, but over time, it began to give them an emotional experience. Now it can be compared to watching your favorite TV series.

It may seem that digital games and cinema have very little in common, but this is not the case. For example, images associated with tension and luck are deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness. There are numerous movies that not only visualize a particular atmosphere but also set the tone for how a specific part of visual culture is perceived. Many movies have been box office hits, but that’s not the main thing — the main thing is that they’ve been a source of inspiration for thousands of designers. Video games, online slots, and simulators—many of them clearly show the influence of cinema.

Modern platforms operating in areas such as iGaming have begun to incorporate this language into their UX design. Everything, from blur effects to color palettes, as well as glass interfaces and fonts, is a reference to the classics —specifically, the 1980s. Aesthetic motifs directly inspired by pop culture can be seen in projects from Push Gaming and Relax Gaming. Interestingly, they can draw inspiration from a variety of sources, ranging from direct references to old-school arcade games to the general mood of retro futurism.

However, it’s not just about visuals — pop culture is also infiltrating mechanics and scenarios. For example, the trend for short gaming sessions originated there. It’s similar to how people consume content on social media. On TikTok, the average length of videos that go viral is between 21 and 34 seconds. Game design uses the same principles — user engagement increases depending on how quickly they receive feedback. Research also confirms this: if a mobile app offers a gaming session lasting less than 60 seconds, it is easier to retain players. On average, 18% more players prefer them compared to longer gaming sessions.

Mini-formats have been rapidly developing lately. Players only need a few seconds to get visual pleasure and results from them. In addition, they can start over right away — not only in casual clickers, but also in iGaming products that focus on instant effects. Games that require no training or even learning the interface, i.e., those that are understandable from the very first seconds, are particularly in demand. Players become hooked on them because they provide a visual high and a pleasant feeling of randomness.

A good example of this is games whose creators were inspired by television shows from the 1980s and 1990s. One of the most famous concepts is the game Plinko, which consists of a board with small obstacles that a ball rolls through. The prize you win depends on which slot the ball lands in. This game first appeared on The Price Is Right. It immediately won the hearts of the public, and now it has found a new life in the digital world. Modern versions of Plinko can be found on various platforms. The game is perfectly in line with contemporary trends — it does not require the player to learn anything, and they are instantly immersed in the process, as all they need to do is watch.

The game’s popularity has led to the emergence of numerous information sites offering selections of the best Plinko casino sites. With their help, those who wish to do so can quickly find suitable sites for placing bets.

This game is a good example of how nostalgia works to the benefit of the digital age. Interestingly, the younger generation does not view them as relics of the past—such games appear to be an organic part of the digital ecosystem.