Mini-games have been a part of the video game experience at least since the 80s. They provide an opportunity to change pace, take a step back from the game narrative, and refresh a bit for a moment. They can even be a way for companies to test their new products, which can later become standalone games if they prove to be popular.
Mini-games often revolve around gambling. This is not surprising, as there is a close connection between gambling and video games – just look at online casinos, and the multitude of video slots on offer, which often have graphics that are almost as good as a video game’s. One good example is the video game The Darkest Dungeon where gambling doesn’t come in a form of a mini-game – the video game characters can visit the Tavern to gamble and reduce their stress level, but you as a player can’t actually engage in it, as this is only a venue where some characters can go for a week. Its purpose is realism and relaxation, not actual gambling.
But, today, the usual choice for video game creators is to include actual mini-games inside of their products, and often they choose gambling. If you discover that you like these games, you can try their stand-alone versions – Gwent for example, from the Witcher universe. Alternatively, you can always look for online casino websites and play real casino games with minimum deposit bonuses. This way you will be able to access every game in the online casino, but without putting a lot at stake.
In the meanwhile, don’t miss out on trying gambling in some of the most popular video games. Here are some of the best examples.
The Witcher 3
The Witcher 3 is a complex action role-playing game, with a great storyline, addictive gameplay, and an immersive world for you to explore. And throughout playing this 2015 hit, you will get the chance to indulge in the amazing card game – Gwent. Excellent for those who enjoy sitting around a casino table playing card games.
So, in between killing monsters during your main quest, you can kill time by playing Gwent. The game has three rounds, and the round is won by the player whose hand is superior to the opponent’s. You can place your bets indirectly, by buying different cards. If you win two rounds – you won the game.
Gwent was so successful among Witcher fans that it got its own stand-alone edition in 2018.
Red Dead Redemption
It was clear that Red Dead Redemption would be a success and a huge hit even before it was published, simply because the game was made by the creators of GTA.
When you want to take a break from hunting your former friends to save your family, you can try a little gambling. One option the game offers is to play poker, Texas Hold’em style. As the game aims for realism, you can even cheat while playing. If you manage to not get caught you can earn a huge amount of money, but if your opponents catch you cheating they will challenge you to a fight to the death.
Another option for gambling is a dice-based game called Liar’s Dice. It can get you hooked instantly and, like many players, you can spend hours and hours playing it. This can even be helpful for your main quest, as playing the game unlocks one of the scraps for the Bandito Outfit.
Watch Dogs
This is an open-world action-adventure game, so it just had to include some gambling options as well. In fact, some gamers think that the two gambling mini-games are the best part of Watch Dogs.
The first one is a pretty straightforward poker game. The map is dotted with available poker tables, so you can take a break from the main story when you want. The other game is a bit wilder. It’s a drinking game in which you pay-to-play, and it’s a really fun way to put your skills against other characters.
Final Fantasy VIII
If you are a fully-fledged gamer, chances are if you aren’t already completely immersed in Final Fantasy, that you have tried playing at least one of the games from the series.
Triple Triad is a gambling game created by battles system designer Hiroyuki Ito, which first appeared in Final Fantasy VIII. It’s a card game in which two players face off to one another on a 3×3 grid. One is playing as “blue”, the other as “red”, each has five cards and the goal is to capture the opponent’s cards by turning them into your color. The ultimate winner is the player who changes the most cards.
Gambling mini-games are a great way to rest for a moment from the main gameplay or narrative of the game, but also to immerse you to an even greater degree into the game’s world. When playing these games, you can discover if gambling is for you or not, and have a lot of fun while doing it.