Microgaming set to Continue Dominance after Expanding Independent Studio Network
Microgaming has long been a dominant force in the online casino industry, and the Isle of Man-based developer was responsible for one of the first-ever online gambling sites in 1994. The software is used by some of the biggest operators on the planet, and Microgaming has created some of the most popular games to date.
The software is used by some of the biggest operators on the planet, and Microgaming has created some of the most popular games to date. Now, the casino giant is looking to reinforce its stranglehold on the industry by branching out and developing a network of smaller independent studios in order to be able to create even more content. Here, we examine what this could mean for the company’s future.
Microgaming adds Gameburger Studios
Microgaming recently announced that it was adding the independent developer Gameburger Studios to its growing network of collaborators. The company is brand new and was created in 2019 with the aim to bring premium games to non-US markets. These games are typically designed with an American influence, and are all "big, bold, and full of flavor". Microgaming obviously saw the company’s potential and decided to partner up with the budding team of techies.
The first release from Gameburger after the Microgaming takeover was Break da Bank Again Respin, a sequel to Microgaming’s successful 2008 title. The new game’s mission is to take what players loved so much about the first one and crank it up to a much higher level. There are a number of innovative new features, including advanced visual elements and a respin mechanic feature.
In addition to the Gameburger partnership, Microgaming also recently hooked up with Rootz, another company which offers a wide range of iGaming solutions. By snaffling up all these smaller developers who are all creating great content, Microgaming can make sure that it continues to release the biggest and best games under its own brand name.
Still Focusing on Slots
Microgaming slots are a major selling point for a large number of online casinos. The developer has created some of the most memorable and popular slots in history and has even won awards. The Jurassic Park slot won the accolade for Digital Product of the Year at the Global Gaming Awards in 2015. This was due to its innovative use of parallax scrolling effects, which had never been done before prior to the game’s release. Microgaming is also responsible for more recent titles like Immortal Romance and Thunderstruck II, which are available to play at Ninja Casino.Simply having games like these on offer instantly increases the credibility of a site and fosters trust with players.
Microgaming has put a heavy focus on slots over the years because this genre of game continues to be the most popular among players in the booming online casino industry. But the world of slots is continuously evolving, and Microgaming will have to innovate if it wants to stay as a market leader.
Will there be more Virtual Reality Offerings?
Microgaming’s rival NetEnt is perhaps the main competition at the moment for the slots crown in the industry. The company is responsible for some of the biggest games around right now, including Narcos, which is based on the hit Netflix TV series. In addition to creating popular titles, there is also a heavy focus on virtual reality. NetEnt has already made Gonzo’s Quest VR and Jack’s World VR, and these games have shown the capability of the software when it comes to slots.
Microgaming has toyed with VR in the past and created VR Roulette in 2016. It won the Digital Innovation Award and was met with widespread approval. Unfortunately, however, VR was not mainstream at this point in time, and the game didn’t take off. But VR is expected to explode in the near future, with projections suggesting that 2023 could be the year.In fact, according to Statista, the industry could be worth $160 billion in six years’ time. If this does come to fruition, Microgaming will have to revisit its VR ventures and also seek to create slots which are compatible with it.This shouldn’t be a problem for the company, though, as they have already shown that they can adapt well to changes within the industry.
Microgaming is wise to look to smaller, independent companies as it aims to expand its flourishing network. These developers can help push through new and unique ideas, which will help the evolution of Microgaming titles for many years to come. With mainstream VR possibly around the corner, Microgaming may now seek to partner with up-and-coming businesses with expertise in the technology. From there, it will be able to increase its library of VR offerings, which will likely include slots as well as other table games.
