The Top Online Slot Developers Shaping the Industry
It’s hard to believe, but the first online slots hit the internet in the late 1990s. At that time, most of the available games were simulations of the fruit machines that were common in retail casinos. It wasn’t until around 2010 that the introduction of HTML5 software development technology opened the door to what is now referred to as video slots.
At each step of the way throughout the history of online slots, it has been the same four software developers that have been setting the trends and forging the way into the future. The online casino industry’s “big four” in order of popularity are:
- Netent (formerly Net Entertainment)
- Microgaming
- Playtech
- Play’n Go
Let’s take a look at what drives the popularity of these companies as online video slot software developers.
1. Netent
Net Entertainment was founded in 1996. In the early years of online slot development, the company lived in the shadow of Microgaming. All of that changed about 10 years ago when the company’s software developers found their groove. Since that time, Netent has created what is arguably four or five of the most popular video slots in the world. Netent is most respected for innovating some truly amazing interactive bonus features and game matrixes.
The list of top Netent slots includes Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, Jack Hammer I & II, Jack and the Beanstalk 1 & 2, Dead or Alive, Blood Suckers, Dracula, Jimi Hendrix, and Narcos. Oh, there is one other important slot of note.
In response to Microgaming’s lucrative progressive slot “Mega Moolah”, Netent responded with its own lucrative progressive slot “Mega Fortune”. Over the last 10 years, these two slots have held fast to the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest slot payouts in history (retail or online).
It’s worth noting that Netent has also taken on a leadership role in the creation and development of live casino games and video slots for Crypto-only casinos. Also, Netent’s popularity has reached the U.S. online casino industry, which is still in its infancy.
2. Microgaming
Often considered the “granddaddy” of the online casino industry, Microgaming was founded in 1994. That made them the first software developer to create online fruit slots that were typically integrated with popular online sportsbooks like William Hill and bet365.
Through the years, Microgaming has introduced hundreds of video slots, covering a wide range of themes. Where the company really found a niche was with branded slots that were connected to popular movies and TV shows. Some of the company’s top branded games include The Dark Knight Returns, Terminator and Terminator II, Laura Croft’s Tomb Raider, Bridesmaids, Psycho, Jurassic Park, Jurassic World, several iterations of Game of Thrones, and the list continues.
That’s not to ignore that the company has also developed top unbranded games like Immortal Romance, Avalon and Avalon 2, Playboy, and the aforementioned progressive behemoth Mega Moolah.
Along with Netent, Microgaming’s slots can be found on over 600 online casino sites operating all over the world.
3. Playtech
Playtech was a little late to the game, being founded in 1999. That still makes them one of the great founders of the online casino industry. The company is arguably the largest online casino software developer in terms of revenue and headcount. Their games can be found on many casino affiliate websites such as nodepositbonus.cc
What distinguishes Playtech from the other three developers on this list is the company’s product diversity. In recent years, Playtech has been heavily involved in the development of online poker products, online bingo sites, crypt-only online casinos, live casino games, and “virtual” casinos.
Where Playtech really made its mark as an online video slot developer was in the comic book space with DC Comics and Marvel Comics. The company’s “superhero” catalog includes slots like Hulk, Iron Man I-III, The Avengers, Ghost Rider, Spiderman I & II, Wolverine, Captain America, and the recently released Justice League.
4. Play’n Go
Given life in Sweden, Play’n Go was originally founded in 1997 and given a facelift in 2004. Though significantly smaller than the other software developers on this list, Play’n Go is still the proud parent of over 150 video slots that are being played all over the world.
It doesn’t take long to learn that Play’n Go earned its place on this list through the innovative artistry of its software developers. The company’s slots are recognizable by the awesome graphics and some of the most amazing and creative interactive bonus features.
Here is a small list of some of Play’n Go’s best video slot efforts to date: Sabaton, the Hugo series, the Rick Wilde series, Reactoonz, Gemix, Wild Blood, Fire Joker, Pimped, Mon Princess, and more.
Conclusion: If there is one thing that sets these top online video slot software developers apart from the rest is each company’s willingness to lead the industry into the future with new innovations.
