Casino games have been mostly unchanged for decades. We had the omnipresent slot machines and the traditional table games, with only a handful of experimental games breaking the norm. But then, something happened: an obscure crypto gambling game stole the spotlight from more established formats. The Aviator game went from zero to hero in just a couple of years, becoming the hottest title in casinos worldwide.
Where did it come from and what made it such a major hit in the world of iGaming?
The Humble Beginnings
It’s hard to believe that crash games turn 10 this year! The trend that’s now taking online casinos by storm was born on the Bitcointalk forum in 2014, with Eric “espringe” Springer’s “MoneyPot”. Remember, this was the time when 1 Bitcoin was worth around $300, and it was little more than a fun experiment.
Espringe’s Bitcoin gambling game was successful. A year later, it was bought, rebranded, and growing. Bustabit, as it became known in the community, attracted an ever-growing number of players. But still under the radar of the majority of mainstream gamblers.
Breaking Through
Aviator’s history begins in 2019 when Spribe, a Ukrainian game developer, created its first version for a Georgian betting site. In just a few months, the game becomes a resounding success, so the time comes for going global. Aviator’s current version was released in August 2019. At the time, it was still flying under the radar – but not for long. An ever-increasing number of online casinos added the game to their library, and players started to flock to it. Last year, it became one of the most popular online casino games across the world.
What Makes Aviator Different?
Spribe’s Aviator game has gone against the trends in many ways. First and foremost, it did away with the flashy graphics of the average casino game with its minimalistic user interface. Then, it added a social element to the game, allowing players to see each other’s bets and chat live. But the most important thing that sets it, and other crash games, apart is the level of control it gives players.
In Aviator, it’s up to you when you cash out. When you play slot machines, the only decision you can make is whether to play the next round. In Aviator, you decide when you cash out, you decide what level of risk you are comfortable with. This may seem like a small thing but it means more than meets the eye.
Crash games have been around for a decade. During this time, they went from an obscure crypto-gambling game to one of the biggest hits in online casinos. Aviator’s success pushed Spribe among top-tier casino software developers and started a revolution: an ever-increasing number of mainstream game providers are now trying to replicate its success.