It’s easy to associate software with the Zuckerbergs of the world, working in Silicon Valley, separated from the rest of humanity. Although it can be seen as a geeky interest, it actually holds a lot more importance than we may have realized.
Where Did It All Start?
When looking into the history of software developers, especially those that revolved around online gaming, we’ve got to look back to the nineties. The nineties were filled with simplicity and bad graphics — think back to the first design of Lara Croft for the Tomb Raider series in 1996.
Developers, at first, kept the games incredibly similar to their in-house counterparts, not wanting to shy away from the original look. Therefore, it took a while for developers to smooth out the edges and start designing games that were more than just recreations.
The rise in interest in iGaming led to software companies designing their own online casinos with their own versions of each game. Flash forward to today, this is why certain games can only be found on specific websites. Because even now, online casinos partner with different software developers — and there are plenty of them.
What Makes It So Important?
There are several reasons why software developers are important — globally, not just for the use of iGaming. For one, they’re responsible for the graphic design behind each online game. Whether using bright colors, 3D images, or animated segments, it’s all thanks to them.
They also update these graphics over time and make sure there are no errors within the system that would cause a game to lag or crash. Some are even turning to VR to create a different experience for their online casinos, although this option may not be suitable for everyone because of motion sickness.
Software designers integrate bonuses into online casinos too, and tailor them to each game. The bonuses usually come with Terms and Conditions with some fine print saying which game they will work on and any limits or minimum deposits required.
It’s so much more than just design, though. Developers also protect the data and security of the casino’s players and are often trusted with securing the licensing for the online casino to even exist legally. These licenses transform online casinos from unregulated to regulated, bringing more prestige and stronger security.
To remove any unwanted middleman risks, many developers have also embedded an SSL to keep the information flowing between the two most essential parties: the player and the casino operator. To check if the website is SSL encrypted, check the top search bar to see whether the URL starts with HTTP or HTTPS, the latter of which is encrypted.
Finally, they guarantee a game’s fairness, which is achieved through a Random Number Generator. This does what it says on the tin, leaving the chances up to fate and not the house. Commonly used for slots and roulette, these RNGs can be found across almost all platforms — except maybe the unregulated ones.
How to Find the Ideal Software Designers
Many people rely on shortcuts when searching for the best online casinos to use, which in turn has made informational databases a popular choice. These platforms explore the internet, selecting which casino sites stand out, offer a great bonus, or are an unnecessary risk altogether. Just some of the reasons why these platforms are becoming a sought-after step for many avid players.
Information sites like Casinomeister maintain an ever-expanding list of the most trustworthy casino websites, including their rank based on multiple factors and players’ feedback. Casinomeister has already put together a list of the best software providers and their online casinos — which is ideal for saving players time and energy.
What Software Providers Are There?
We won’t list every single software designer that has ever set foot on this earth, but there are a couple arguably seen as “some of the best”. The first provider to look at is NetEnt, which focuses on the aesthetics of their design. They have been in the business for over twenty years and have a really good outlook on responsible gaming, even promoting it on their website.
Another common software provider is Playtech, which is self-proclaimed to be the “source of success”. Interestingly, their focus isn’t solely on iGaming and it seems they’re expanding their empire into the world of retail, though I’m not sure how desirable that would be.
Similarly to NetEnt, they have a strong moral focus on safety when gambling online, and even created a buddy system for bettors to keep each other accountable.
Turns Out They’re Fairly Important
Effectively the heart and bones of the operation, software providers are responsible for everything that keeps online casinos alive.
So let’s celebrate this and use them more mindfully, thinking about the time and effort that went into each game. In a way, providers have built the industry as we know it, who knows what’s in store for the future?
