Would you believe that blackjack has existed in one form or another for several centuries? The classic casino offering is still the most popular card game in 2022, despite the incredible rise of poker in the internet era. Part of the reason for blackjack’s success has been the way it has adapted and evolved over the years. Now, the contemporary offerings you’ll find online offer various new ways of playing. The fundamental aspects of the iconic game are still found at its core, though.
Blackjack Has Evolved Massively Thanks to Technology
In the internet era, developers have had to adapt traditional games to get them in line with the new direction of the industry. The name of the game in the online casino sector nowadays is variety, and when you play blackjack online this is the first thing you’ll notice. Along with classic versions of the game, players can choose from numerous diverse strains. These include titles like Frankie Dettori’s Magic 7 Blackjack and Multihand Blackjack. Both of these games involve the classic rules, so players know where they stand. However, there are also new elements for them to enjoy.
Technology has been the biggest reason behind blackjack’s amazing progression. Before the internet, the game hadn’t changed much over the years. Different countries had their own slight deviations on the standard rules, but that was about it. As soon as it became digitalised, things changed. Operators quickly realised that they needed to provide a range of options to attract as many players as possible and keep them away from their rivals.
Developers duly provided, with some of the leading studios coming up with fresh ideas about how to play. These included adding themes to the games to appeal to different demographics, along with new game mechanics such as multipliers and side bets. Developers didn’t stop at simply offering digitalised versions of the games, however. They have incorporated other technological advances and will continue to do so in the future.
One of the greatest technological integrations for blackjack has been live streaming. Online casinos introduced the platform more than a decade ago, but they have enjoyed increased popularity in this game category since Facebook made the platform mainstream in 2017. Since then, the live options for players have become highly advanced. Through live streaming, players can get a sense that they are sitting at a real casino table, across from a dealer. A lot of the time, there’s even the chance to interact with the croupier and the other players. This brings in a social element to the game, which has brought it more in line with the versions found in land-based casinos.
Different Variants Have Altered Rulesets
Blackjack has been able to endure for so many years because the general rules of the game have remained the same. In every strain of blackjack that you’ll find online in 2022, the aim of the game is to beat the dealer by getting the highest value hand without it totalling more than 21. Traditionally, players get two cards and then have the option as to whether they hit for another to improve their hand. The dealer usually acts last and has to try to beat the players.
New variants have brought about diverse twists on the standard format. For example, in Multihand Blackjack, players can play a few different hands at the same time to add to the high octane levels. Other versions of the game have introduced new side bets and multipliers. Quantum Blackjack Plus and Lightning Blackjack First Person both have multipliers that come into play after the hand has started. If players get lucky, they can see their winnings increase.
There are numerous new variants that have special features based on certain numbers in the deck as well. One option that players may find interesting is 777 Blazing Blackjack. In this variant, you can win extra returns on your stake if your starting hand includes sevens. One seven offers an added payout but landing two leads to even higher returns.
The Game Could Continue to Morph in the Future
Along with the altered rule sets between different strains of modern blackjack, developers have been inventive with their artwork, themes, and colour schemes in live studios. The internet has enabled a wealth of options and ways to drive the game forward, and it is clear that major studios have relished the opportunity to do so. With mainstream technological innovations already integrated with blackjack, it is reasonable to assume that the game will continue to morph and evolve in the future.
People have speculated for some time that virtual reality could have a massive impact on games like blackjack when it hits the mainstream. Microgaming already developed VR Roulette way back in 2015, when VR was expected to be the next big thing. It won an award for this forward-thinking idea back then, but it didn’t take off as VR failed to enter the mainstream. VR could be set to become a household item in the years ahead, however, and when it does, studios like Microgaming will be poised to come up with new games.
There’s also the question of how games like blackjack will be played within the metaverse. The VR world is expected to be massive by 2030, and people could be doing everything from working to socialising within it. For social settings, games like blackjack could be major hits, thanks to their simplicity and accessibility. Users may be able to walk into virtual gambling halls and play a few hands.
If you want to play blackjack in 2022, it’s never been easier. Not only is the game easy to find online, there’s also a wealth of choices available. New variants push the game forward in its evolution, and future technology like VR is set to advance it further.