In the modern online casino industry, slots are differentiated in numerous ways, with one of the most popular being in their themes. Developers implement themes across all releases, with hundreds to choose from, enabling incredible variety. Within a slot theme, there are many ways to differentiate the titles, and some have achieved greater popularity than others. One of the most notable slot themes in the slot industry today are Anceint Egyptian slots, whose growth is partly due to some popular individual slot titles.
There is a wide range of slots that draw inspiration from Ancient Egypt, and its culture in their releases, many doing it in unique ways. The genre is widely regarded as one of the largest in the modern iGaming industry, a testament to the quality of its releases. The popular way many games showcase this theme is through elements such as the iconic Egyptian pyramids and Egyptian deities, though some games opt for less popular ways. Some slot games showcase the theme through symbolism, using imagery of the eye of Horus, scarabs, pharoahs and more, all of which are notable elements of the culture. This write-up will explore what makes slots in this genre so special and look at some notable titles.
The Enduring Popularity of Ancient Egyptian Mythology
For thousands of years, Ancient Egyptian mythology has fascinated the masses and has influenced a range of modern entertainment forms. From films and TV to video games, it has been referenced in many contexts. The storylines of Ancient Egyptian culture are incredibly special, with powerful gods, hidden tombs, and curses that make for the perfect mix of mystery and adventure. Slot developers have embedded the Ancient Egyptian allure into their titles, making them an industry classic and instantly recognisable thanks to their imagery.
Common Symbols in Egyptian Slot Games
All slot themes have their recognisable elements, and in the Ancient Egyptian genre, the symbols are among the most recognisable. Like all genres, the symbols used vary in imagery, though over time, a select group has become the main ones. Through tried-and-tested methods, developers have experimented with new symbols as part of the culture, though they always return to their timeless ones.
The symbols commonly used in Ancient Egyptian slots have meanings beyond their imagery, making the genre even more special. These iconic symbols add more to slot games than just their design, with added meaning that represents broader meanings. Many slots in the genre have used the Eye of Horus as a symbol, which is an icon of protection, healing, and power in Ancient Egyptian culture. The Scarab Beetle is also a widely used symbol in the genre, symbolising rebirth and regeneration. Other symbols can include Ancient Egyptian deities, each with its unique meaning, or elements such as Ankh symbols or mysterious books.
Notable Titles in the Genre
Book of Dead
Book of Dead is one of the most popular Ancient Egyptian-themed slots, which was released by Play’n Go in 2016. The developers have built a respectable reputation in the iGaming industry thanks to their expansive range of releases. The Book of Dead title was created by drawing inspiration from one of the most popular traditional slot machine games ever made, Book of Ra, and features some similar elements.
To showcase the Ancient Egyptian genre, Play’n Go has situated the playgrid inside one of the iconic pyramids, with a tomb atmosphere that evokes the theme. In the view, there are stone pillars beside the playgrid, sculpted with intricate detailing reminiscent of hieroglyphs. The symbols further showcase the Ancient Egyptian aesthetic, with gold detailing on the classic playing cards and notable cultural elements incorporated into the higher-valued symbols.
Pyramid King
A more modern Ancient Egyptian slot is Pyramid King, released by Pragmatic Play late in 2020. The developers are among the industry leaders, achieving notable popularity thanks to their incredible range of slot games. Aswell as their range of slot releases, Pragmatic Play has also dabbled in the live casino online market, showing their versatility. The Pyramid King slot game is a great release by the developers, featuring an interesting visual display and innovative bonus features.
The theme is well expressed in the design of the Pyramid King slot, with gameplay set in an open environment near the River Nile. The river is visible in the background, as are other Egyptian elements, such as the iconic pyramids, which is fitting given the game’s title. The playgrid maintains this ancient Egyptian design, with a fitting structure and symbols that convey the aesthetic. Similar to the Book of Dead title, the lower-value symbols feature classic playing card imagery with golden touches, adding to the overall design. The higher-value symbols directly convey the theme, with the likes of the Ankh, a snake, a golden ring, and Anubis being featured.
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