Despite having existed for many years, the appeal of video games has skyrocketed in the past few years. According to Forbes, iGaming is one of the sectors with the highest growth. Game creators are getting increasingly creative to stay ahead of the competition, thus putting mini-games to use.
If you’re looking for a good place to begin, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite games where poker mechanics are integrated naturally into the setting.
Red Dead Redemption- Texas Hold ’em
Since its initial release in 2010, Rockstar Games’ western-themed open-world adventure has been a critical and commercial success. It has been hailed as one of the most transformative games of today’s generation. The card game of poker also features prominently in Red Dead Redemption and its sequel, Red Dead Redemption 2, and plays a vital part in many games’ objectives.
Gamers can locate tables in both games, particularly virtual versions, in various locales. The guidelines of the game are based on no-limit Texas Hold ’em.
Apart from online gaming, poker fans now have the chance to participate in and follow up on tournaments such as WSOP. You can easily get the entire 2023 World Series of Poker schedule and how to register for the event online.
Grand Theft Auto V – Three Card Poker
The online component of the Grand Theft Auto V 2013 release, which quickly became one of the best-selling games ever, has kept it relevant and popular with players worldwide.
In addition to the numerous bank heists, competitive and cooperative missions, and side quests available in GTA Online, the game also features The Diamond Casino & Resort. Here participants can enjoy traditional casino games such as slot machines and roulette using the same guidelines and wagering methods as they would in a land-based casino.
You can play some great games at the casino’s three-card poker tables. Guests may compete with other players at tables or the house with varying wager limits and a beautiful design that exactly mimics the top Las Vegas casinos.
Watch Dogs
Since mini-games have become standard fare in open-world games, it’s no surprise that Watch Dogs took cues from other titles in the genre, particularly ones published by Ubisoft. In a massive environment like the Chicago clone, having more options to kill time and discover the map is always welcome.
Playing poker is introduced in Watch Dogs through a mission, and while the initial taster is cut short, you can return and play four rounds of this Texas Hold ’em-inspired mini-game. To round out the story, Aiden can also utilize his hacking abilities to deceive by, for example, spying on opposing hands through security cameras or determining the emotional state of others through their technology.
Even though the game’s protagonist was pretty dull and the plot was a little thin, Watch Dogs managed to satisfy in many areas.
Final Thoughts
Many video games have included poker, or some variation of the game, either as the main attraction or as a mini-game for players to enjoy. Mini-games based on playing cards have been present in video games for quite some time; in fact, even early ’90s classics like Leisure Suit Larry included them. Since that time, there has been a proliferation of these kinds of side quests in recent open-world games.
