Microgaming

Microgaming is one of the primary software developers in the online casino sector because the company sets high standards for itself and then does all it can to meet those standards. While it’s impossible to officially declare Microgaming as the company who gave us the “first ever online casino”, there’s no doubt that the company have always been well ahead of the game and continue to be so to this day.

A big contributor to Microgaming’s overall strategy is their ability to pitch, and win, big contracts. Therefore, if you see a slots game based on a big movie or other cultural phenomenon, chances are that Microgaming developed it. The people behind Microgaming recognise that a big reputation can open doors for them; but more importantly, they realise that reputation has to be backed up with the skills to do the job perfectly every time. Their achievements on that front speak for themselves, as we will discuss in more depth.

In line with the top brands in most industries, Microgaming’s mission statement can effectively be boiled down to one sentence – set ambitious targets, and do whatever it takes to meet them. Their commitment to excellence in every aspect of every game means that whenever Microgaming release a new game, there is a rush from casino sites to get it on to their platform. Whether it’s a Hollywood tie-in or one of their many original ideas, casino sites tend to bank on the past record of Microgaming in this field.

Years of pushing that envelope mean that Microgaming have a solid track record when it comes to delivering stunning graphics, innovative bonuses and top-level execution of their original ideas. Although you may know them for their big-name tie-ins – on which we’ll have more in a moment – they’ve an equally impressive record when it comes to putting their own concepts into action.

Microgaming develop games for all areas of the casino – poker, bingo, roulette and blackjack among others are all part of their offering. However, the most eye-catching games, and the ones that have made them stand out as a top casino gaming brand, are more or less invariably on the slots side of things. Below, we’ll have a look at five of their finest creations.

Let’s start off with the very best. Mega Moolah has turned some players into millionaires due to the fact that it’s a progressive slot. This slot game which has been out in the market for over 10 years now has a Wild Africa theme with a very simple layout. The game is made up of 5 reels and 25 paylines. Along the way you will encounter animals including monkeys, giraffes and elephants. The jackpot is randomly awarded and can be won during the bonus game. During this round, a player has to spin the wheel and can snatch up a mini, minor, major or mega jackpot.

Immortal Romance is perhaps the ultimate Microgaming slot – an original development which is the company’s take on the vampire fantasy genre. This dark vampire-themed slot offers 243 ways to win and comes with a variety of fang-tastic bonus features. With its haunting, specially-composed soundtrack and well-drawn characters (say Hi to Troy, Sarah, Michael and Amber!), this progressive slot keeps things interesting with plenty of bonus rounds and win-ways.

Hot as Hades: This ancient Greece-themed online slot takes you back in time. Immersed in Greek mythology, the game comes with two bonus game features in a 5 reel, three row and twenty fixed payline slot.

But let’s discuss the superb features of this slot without any delay. First, there’s the Super Mode feature which rewards you with 5 free spins. Additionally, three extra wilds are added to reels and will stay in the put until the last free spin has been spin.Then there’s the Quest for the Crystal Helm feature. This is a fairly easy concept. Just work your way through four rounds and pick cash prizes along the way.

Among the many tie-ins that have been entrusted to Microgaming, Jurassic World is certainly one of the biggest names, and they’ve done justice to the movie with character images popping up on the reels alongside the usual win symbols. You’ll find the Wild square – which is the movie’s logo – puts in more appearances than in most games, which is nice.

Speaking of tie-ins, they don’t come much bigger than Game of Thrones. With bonus rounds dedicated to each of the Baratheon, Targaryen, Stark and Lannister clans, the game stays faithful to the world built by George R.R. Martin. Like the show, it’s visually stunning and fortunately, when you win a jackpot, you don’t need to face The Mountain in order to keep it.

Back on the original developments, Zombie Hoard showcases a fun side from Microgaming that they don’t get to show off that often. The undead are on the loose, and they’ve taken over this five-reel slot. The zombies themselves are more Scooby-Doo than Walking Dead, and the game clips along at high speed, scattering free spin icons (in the shape of brains) with wild abandon.

Thunderstruck II: This Norse mythology themed online slot is based on Nordic gods including Valkyrie, Odin, Loki and Thor. What this game successfully delivers is an enticing online slot that features free spins, wilds aplenty and four bonus features. The bonus round, which is triggered by landing three or more Bonus Hammer symbols can reward you with up to 25 free spins, multipliers and wilds. And if that’s not enough, online slot Thunderstruck  II comes with a small 1,000 coin jackpot to keep the entertainment factor riding high.

Finally, plenty of points in the “Oooh” and “Awww” columns go to Arctic Fortune, a Scandinavian-inspired game which brings you face to face with Vikings, longboats and an extremely cute Arctic wolf. There are 1024 ways to win, an epic soundtrack and plenty of bonuses. It’s a beautifully-designed, thrilling game and showcases Microgaming’s skills perfectly.

Microgaming have developed upwards of 450 different games in their time in the industry – the vast majority of them being slots, which is the area where they have become an unquestionable market leader.

Among their portfolio of games, there are adaptations of epic Hollywood movies and TV shows, all designed with maximum respect for the originals. There are also original developments which range from madcap zombie capers to secret agent mysteries, and the one thing that unites all of these games is that Microgaming have found a way to make each of them endlessly playable. Their place at the top of the industry seems assured for the foreseeable future.