Microgaming
For every online slots player and casino aficionado, Microgaming is a name that we recognise from the get-go. It’s almost the “Adam” of the first online casinos – all other developers since have been vying for the position of Eve. But Microgaming claims that it’s the world’s first online casino when it launched back in 1994 and, to be honest, we can’t go back any further to dispute that. But that’s not to say that Microgaming is the grumpy old man of online gaming. It’s stood the test of time, adapted with the multitude of changes in the industry and is perhaps one, if not the, biggest name in online gaming.
It’s always good to be the first at something. It feels nice. It feels special. Which means Microgaming must have a happy, buzzing feeling all the time, as the Isle of Man-based slots developer is a pioneer in many a thing. Not only in bringing online games alive, but in licensing top slot titles such as Game of Thrones all the way through to the epic Jurassic World. It gives us snippets from films, character likeness and always manages to get its slots out ahead of the competition. Then, it was the first to get behind eCOGRA, an authority that provides trust marks to casino operators. When you see that label on an online casino, it’s been backed by the big boys in online gaming and that includes Microgaming. Basically, it’s a big seal of Microgaming approval.
And we can’t forget the bread and butter – the games. Variations of casino classics such as Microgaming’s Gold Series Roulette, Blackjack and Poker can be enjoyed in abundance, as can the high-quality Live Dealer variations. But it is the studio’s slots that are even more popular across the globe, with titles like Thunderstruck and Avalon II, giving us enhanced features and 243 Ways to Win. Did Microgaming invent the 243 Ways to Win movement? A pioneer all the way, the studio’s progressive jackpots available are mouth-watering, and Microgaming isn’t one to shy away from the big buck jackpots. Just type in “Jon Heywood” into a search engine and you’ll see what we mean. But, just in case you don’t want to do that, it’s a story about a soldier who won over £13million on a 25p spin on one of Microgaming’s slots. The stuff of dreams.
Like me and you, Microgaming likes to make. That’s why it’s partnered with indie studios like Skillzz Gaming and Just For The Win to add more strings to its bow. New technologies and platforms enable new games, such as Fruit Blast, an innovative casual game. As Microgaming say (probably): “keep your friends close, your enemies closer and if possible absorb them into your business”.
Microgaming deserve its title as one of the most elite gaming developers and it’s been recognised for its contribution to online gaming. In fact, it’s been recognised so much that even its own website can’t mention all its awards. It actually has to separate them by award categories. Imagine the physical versions. Where do they go? In a new office on the Isle of Man? A hidden vault under the sea, looked after King Neptune and the eponymous mermaid from Mermaids Millions? Just like the secrets to Microgaming’s success, we may never know.