Just as in video games, the iGaming universe is one of fierce competition and constant innovation. The leading software studios are locked in a development race with one another, bringing in fresh gameplay mechanics, new art styles, creative takes on slots and other games, and making use of the newest technologies to broaden and improve the appeal of casino games.
Both casinos and players are selective about their preferred games, which has heightened the competition between studios.
Here are five of the foremost operators in iGaming software, how they’ve shaped and bettered the online casino experience for players, and some of their top games.
Microgaming
Microgaming is one of the top in iGaming software development due to a combination of being the first studio established in the industry and prolific creation and success in the ensuing decades.
Its first foray into online casino software was way back in 1994, and a decade later, the firm reached another tech milestone with the first mobile casino software.
Except for the internet itself, the rise of mobile gaming is perhaps the single biggest step forward the iGaming industry has seen. Players can now play from anywhere, at their convenience, whether out and about or while at home, watching TV and waiting for commercials to finish.
As a result, Microgaming (and other software studios) now design games from the ground up to be fully compatible with mobile devices as well as traditional laptops and desktops.
The firm also has some of the biggest and long-lasting slots around. These include the likes of branded games such as Game of Thrones and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.
Some of Microgaming’s top games involve gameplay innovations to spice things up, such as the 243 ways to win mechanic of Thunderstruck II and Immortal Romance.
The firm’s Mega Moolah is also a smash hit, thanks to this progressive jackpot slot making more millionaires than any other game.
RealTime Gaming (RTG)
RTG has also been around for a long time in the iGaming sector, having been founded in 1998. The company also has one of the broadest offerings of any developer, with slots, mobile, and table games all on the entertainment menu.
Its overall number of products puts this provider in the upper echelon of studios offering casino games today. Jackpot fans enjoy delving into the history of Aztec Millions, while Crystal Waters has a pleasingly high RTP (return to player) of 97.5%.
Players on the hunt for the top 10 RTG casinos can take the long road of browsing the internet themselves and checking details or take the snappier approach of using a third-party review site. This offers a quick and objective way to easily compare RTG casinos’ huge offerings so that the available banking methods, customer support, mobile platform, and general quality of an online casino can be swiftly assessed, leaving more time for playing.
NetEnt
NetEnt is one of the largest and most successful iGaming software developers, with hundreds of games and decades of experience.
One of the few software developers in the market with a substantial enough product suite to comfortably act as a solo provider to a casino, NetEnt has some of the biggest slots around. Gonzo’s Quest is perhaps the standout example, as this game features the eponymous Conquistador as he seeks to find El Dorado and fill his pockets with gold.
The game has been out for years but is significant for NetEnt as it was the first to feature the avalanche mechanic. This means with every win the involved symbols explode and new ones appear, allowing players to enjoy multiple wins with a single spin.
Another enduring classic is the simple and fun space game Starburst, and players who like high RTP slots have long loved the 98% of Blood Suckers.
Evolution Gaming
While the above software providers all have a broad portfolio, their focus has consistently been on slots.
Evolution Gaming is also a specialist in the area of live dealer tables. The use of live streaming technology has revolutionized television and video games and added a whole new dimension to iGaming as well.
While others do provide live dealer tables, Evolution Gaming is far and away the leader in this popular casino gaming category, providing live versions of classic table games such as blackjack, poker, and roulette, alongside game show diversions including Monopoly, Deal or No Deal, and Dream Catcher.
Better yet, their game shows and table games are optimized to work seamlessly on mobile devices, just like slots, so smartphone enthusiasts can easily access live dealer tables.
Playtech
Last but certainly not least on our top software developers list is Playtech, another major studio with a broad offering that can rival RTG casino software.
Their Age of the Gods series is a longstanding and expanding collection of slots with a focus on Greek and Norse mythology.
Another feature of the series is an assortment of different jackpots, including a six-figure progressive jackpot, making it a popular choice with myth fans and jackpot hunters alike.
History and film enthusiasts may enjoy the firm’s Gladiator slot, and while the jackpot isn’t progressive, the top prize is still a tasty 125,000x (and there’s a progressive version in the aptly named Gladiator Jackpot). Other branded content includes Superman, The Dark Knight, and Robocop.
Between them, Microgaming, RTG, NetEnt, Evolution, and Playtech are not only dominant forces in the modern iGaming world, but they’ve helped to shape the whole sector through innovative design choices and exploiting technological progress.
