The advent of modern
You see, games are not developed by the casinos themselves. Instead, they hire studios that develop games for them, which then enter an agreement with the casino that allows their use. There are many powerhouses that thrive in the slot software market.
The three most powerful names that exist as of 2024 are Evolution Gaming, Microgaming, and NetEnt. Let’s take a look at what they can offer and why they have become such big players in this competitive market.
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From Latvia to Sweden
The first company that we are going to discuss today is Evolution Gaming. This company began its operations in 2006, initially creating forms of entertainment for the casinos of the time in Latvia.
However, soon they began to experience a surge in activity and revenue, which convinced those behind the studio to relocate to Sweden.
Specialists in all kinds of games
Evolution Gaming is a renowned player in table games such as blackjack and
- Monopoly Live
- Football Dreamcatcher
- Who Wants to be a Millionaire
These forms of entertainment have contributed to Evolution Gaming being valued at $1.6 billion in 2023. This valuation is incredibly impressive, surpassing the value of some studios tasked with developing other games for PC and consoles.
The oldest company of its kind
As mentioned earlier, Evolution Gaming was established in 2006. However, another company appeared more than a decade earlier, 12 years to be precise. We are talking about Microgaming, which is another cornerstone of the current online casino slots that we see today.
Interestingly, despite the age difference between these companies, they are not always competitors. In 2015, both Evolution Gaming and Microgaming signed a strategic deal that established a collaborative relationship between them.
Pioneering many concepts
Microgaming was established on the Isle of Man in 1994. If there is a word that could characterise what the company has done over the years, it would be pioneering. The same year the company was established, they also launched the first online slot machine ever.
This was a significant novelty, as gaming on the Internet during those years was in its early infancy.
Since then, the company has done nothing but grow and lead the market. For example, in 2003, when the first devices that resembled current smartphones began to emerge, this studio also created the first mobile slot ever.
High-quality games
Microgaming is also recognised for the high quality of the games it produces. Their great forms of entertainment have been adopted by some of the most popular online casinos that currently exist. Some of their most popular games include:
- Mega Moolah
- Immortal Romance
- Jurassic Park
- Thunderstruck II
Amongst these games, Mega Moolah is by far Microgaming’s biggest success. In 2018, an extremely lucky player ended his gaming session at Mega Moolah with no less than $20 million. This certainly makes this game a very attractive prospect.
Besides Mega Moolah, the company has created more than a thousand games since its establishment. These games cover various themes but consistently maintain the high quality that has become instantly recognisable for casino users.
Another Swedish powerhouse
Evolution Gaming is not the only slot software company based in Sweden. Many other companies call the Scandinavian country home. Another of those companies is NetEnt (now owned by Evolution).
This company is also praised for creating some of the most popular games in the industry. Some of the games they have created over the years include:
- Gonzo’s Quest
- Mega Fortune
- Starburst
- Guns N’ Roses
- Mega Joker
All of these games come with great prizes and features, which have made them a mainstay in a wide range of online casinos.
Generous and beautiful games
Mega Joker is one of the best-paying slot machines out there. It has an RTP (Return to Player) of 99%, which means that for every ÂŁ100 that you deposit to play, ÂŁ99 goes out in prizes. This incredibly high RTP makes this game a very popular option in all the casinos that feature it.
Guns N' Roses and Gonzo's Quest are particularly important to the company. Guns N' Roses is a tribute to the legendary rock band and has captivated music fans and slot enthusiasts alike.
Gonzo's Quest is pioneering, as it was the first game to introduce the concept of cascading reels, where symbols fall into place rather than spinning. This innovative feature added a new dimension to the gaming experience.
These revolutionary games have significantly contributed to NetEnt’s success and popularity. As a result, the company boasted a healthy value of more than €1.9 billion as of 2023.
Great forms of entertaining and rewarding players
The three aforementioned companies are only a small fraction of what exists in the current market. These three slot software providers are amongst the top entities in the market because of the extraordinary games they have created over the years.
All of them have succeeded in creating a fantastic casino experience. Here, not only the prize itself matters, but it is also important to create an attractive and appealing experience that can convince you to return for more.
Key elements of a great casino experience
Engaging gameplay: The games developed by these companies are known for their engaging and interactive gameplay.
Whether it’s the innovative cascading reels in Gonzo’s Quest or the live dealer experiences by Evolution Gaming, these features keep players entertained and invested in the game.
- High-quality graphics and sound: The visual and auditory aspects of these games are top-notch. High-quality graphics and immersive soundtracks create an appealing and realistic gaming environment that enhances your overall experience.
- Generous rewards and bonuses: Attractive prizes and bonuses are a significant part of why players keep coming back. Games like Mega Moolah and Mega Joker offer impressive RTP rates and potential for substantial winnings, adding to the excitement.
- Innovative features: Each of these companies has introduced unique features that set their games apart. For example, Evolution Gaming’s live dealer games and NetEnt’s cascading reels have brought new dimensions to online gaming.
- User-friendly interfaces: Ease of use is crucial for player retention. The intuitive and user-friendly interfaces of these games ensure that you can navigate and play without any hassle, making the gaming experience smooth and enjoyable.
These key elements have ensured that Evolution Gaming, Microgaming, and NetEnt not only attract new players but also retain them.
By focusing on these aspects, these companies have created a loyal player base that appreciates both the entertainment and the potential rewards offered by their games.