Thimbles: The Game That Inspired a New Era in Slot Design

Thimbles: The Game That Inspired a New Era in Slot Design

For decades, slot machine manufacturers have been looking for ways to create games that stand out from the rest of the competition. With so many options available, it’s no wonder that some companies are willing to push the boundaries and take risks on innovative new ideas. One such game is Thimbles, thimbles-play.com a unique title released in 2017 by Barcrest Games. While not an immediate hit upon release, Thimbles has since gone on to influence a new era in slot design, with many modern games incorporating elements of this quirky classic.

The Origins of Thimbles

Thimbles is a traditional English game that dates back centuries. Players would take turns drawing wooden thimbles from a bag and attempting to pick out pairs. The game was often played at social gatherings and events, but it also had its roots in Victorian-era England as a way for children to learn about probability and chance.

So why did Barcrest Games decide to turn Thimbles into a slot machine? According to interviews with the development team, they were looking for new ways to incorporate social interaction into their games. With Thimbles, players could compete against each other in real-time, sharing wins and losses on leaderboards. The game also featured unique bonus rounds and power-ups, making it stand out from more traditional slots.

Innovative Features

One of the most innovative aspects of Thimbles was its use of social features to enhance gameplay. Players could invite friends to join their tables and compete against each other in real-time. As players won, they would earn points that were displayed on a leaderboard, giving them bragging rights over their opponents.

The game also featured unique bonus rounds, including the "Thimbles Frenzy" feature. In this round, players would be awarded with 20 free spins and a series of random power-ups, such as wilds, multipliers, or stacked symbols. These power-ups could be used to increase wins or trigger additional bonuses.

The Influence of Thimbles on Modern Slots

While Thimbles was not an immediate commercial success, it has since gone on to influence the development of many modern slots. Several key design elements have been borrowed from this game and applied in new titles. Some notable examples include:

• Social features : Games like Playtech’s Age of Gods and NetEnt’s Gonzo’s Quest have incorporated social features, allowing players to compete against each other or share wins on leaderboards.
• Unique bonus rounds : Slots like Microgaming’s Lara Croft: Temple and Troll and Blueprint Gaming’s Thunderstruck II have introduced new and innovative bonus rounds that are designed to keep players engaged.
• Power-ups and special symbols : Games like Yggdrasil’s Vikings Go Wild and Quickspin’s Sakura Fortune feature unique power-ups or special symbols that can be used to increase wins.

The Impact of Thimbles on the Industry

Thimbles may not have been a massive commercial success, but it has had a lasting impact on the slot machine industry. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible in terms of game design, Barcrest Games helped pave the way for more innovative and engaging titles.

The influence of Thimbles can also be seen in the rise of social gaming platforms. Companies like Playtech have developed dedicated platforms for social slots, allowing players to compete against each other or share wins on leaderboards.

Conclusion

Thimbles may not be a household name, but its impact on the slot machine industry cannot be overstated. By introducing innovative features and pushing the boundaries of game design, Barcrest Games helped create a new era in slot development. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s likely that we will see even more games incorporating elements of Thimbles.

The future of slots is looking bright, with many developers exploring new ways to incorporate social interaction, innovative bonus rounds, and unique power-ups into their titles. With Thimbles as a starting point, there’s no telling what the next big innovation in slot design will be. One thing is for sure – we’re excited to see where the future of slots takes us.

Recommendations

For those interested in exploring more games inspired by Thimbles, here are some recommendations:

• Playtech’s Age of Gods : A social slot that incorporates leaderboards and real-time competition.
• NetEnt’s Gonzo’s Quest : A popular title featuring innovative bonus rounds and power-ups.
• Microgaming’s Lara Croft: Temple and Troll : A slots game with unique bonus rounds and special symbols.

These games showcase the evolution of slot design, influenced by the innovative features introduced in Thimbles.