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Is Play’n GO the King of online slot franchises?
With a rapidly growing portfolio of intriguing and thrilling online slots, Play’n GO is undoubtedly one of the coolest iGaming developers out there. The Play’n GO journey began back in 1997 when a group of software developers banded together to offer their services to larger companies.
After finding out that the iGaming industry was seriously lacking in terms of truly imaginative online slots – Play’n GO were determined to change that. Trust, Energy and Quality are the three values that are the cornerstone of everything that Play’n GO does which is why it’s no surprise that the developers are one of the leading creators within the industry.
As soon as you see the Play’n GO logo on an online slot, you know that you are in for an exhilarating time. The same can be said for Play’n GO’s extensive online slot series collection which expands year after year. This is why it can be easily argued that the iGaming giant is the King of the online slot franchise and here are the reasons why.
Trendsetters within iGaming
It’s hard not to find an adventure slot with a dashing hero leading the journey – but did you know it all really started with Play’n GO’s Rich Wilde series. Back in 2012, Rich Wilde and the Aztec Idols released and catapulted the adventure theme into being relevant again.
Unsurprisingly, the Rich Wilde series continues to grow almost 10 years after the original with a new online slot, Rich Wilde and the Wandering City, slated for release in November 2021. It wasn’t just the Rich Wilde series that expanded, many developers were inspired and tried their hand at creating their own adventurer franchise.
Pragmatic Play generated their own hero in the form of John Hunter, whilst Stormcraft Studios produced Jungle Jim as their adventurer. Amazingly, the John Hunter series has developed its own identity with a new slot coming out every year.
Moon Princess was released at the end of 2018 with an anime-inspired slot that saw three school girl heroines save the world. Fast-forward to 2021, and you have a multitude of slots influenced by Moon Princess as it’s hard not to love the creativity in combining anime with online slots. Play’n GO slots definitely follow the beat of their own drum and it’s only inevitable that others would be inspired by their work.
Bigger and better sequels
There’s an unfortunate trend within the media that the sequel is often worse than the original or at least not on the same level. Thankfully, that’s not the case with Play’n GO as the company often goes above and beyond with their sequels – such as the case in the King Arthur and Gemix series.
Although the original slots for these franchises were positively received by players, the developers enhanced the sequels (and subsequent titles in the series) by amplifying the brilliant parts and minimising the criticised elements.
Each new title within the King Arthur and Gemix series improved the win potential through higher RTP and bigger payouts. Not only is the win potential drastically better than the originals, but the graphics are enhanced and the gameplay is upgraded with additional features.
Unafraid to shake up existing franchises
The original Charlie Chance in Hell to Pay features only 3-reels with 5 paylines but keeps the slot modern by adding a variety of features. With the quirky art style matching vintage cartoons such as Felix the Cat and Betty Boop, it’s little wonder that players adorned this slot.
Instead of repeating the same slot with a different background for a quick cash grab, Play’n GO decided to do something different with Charlie Chance XReelz. Foregoing the simplistic 3-reel, 5 payline formula, the slot opted for 5-reels with 243 paylines as well as the new XReelz mechanic.
Shifting the Charlie Chance series even further, Charlie Chance and the Curse of Cleopatra ignores reels completely and utilises the Cluster Pays mechanic instead. Whilst the original Charlie Chance in Hell to Pay set an expectation for the rest of the franchise, Play’n GO subverted everyone’s expectations by doing something completely different with each other game in the series.
Battling against tough competition
It’s no secret that Play’n GO is absolutely dominating with their online slot franchises – but that doesn’t mean that there is no competition for the developers. iSoftBet’s infamous Twisted Tales series is constantly growing and getting better with each addition, similarly Thunderkick hosts a huge number of franchises that could rival Play’n GO’s crown in the future.
The previously mentioned John Hunter series from Pragmatic Play may appear to have been inspired by Rich Wilde, but the latest John Hunter slots, such as John Hunter and the Quest for Bermuda Riches, have found their own unique style within the adventure slots genre.
Not only that but Pragmatic Play’s Great Rhino, Sweet Bonanza and The Dog House series are expanding in size meaning their collection of beloved franchises is constantly evolving. Similarly, Playtech’s Age of the God series is one of the biggest within the iGaming world and the developers also have a variety of other huge franchises as well.
The future of Play’n GO
Despite all of these developers having an impressive collection of online slot series, Play’n GO still has the edge with the diversity of all their titles. It’s clear that Play’n GO is a trendsetter with regards to online slot series as the company decides what to work on instead of following other developers. If Play’n GO decides to create an Egyptian slot series, you can bet that it’ll be original and unlike anything else.
What makes Play’n GO the King of online slot franchises is the fact that there’s a huge assortment of different themes within their slot series collection and it’s constantly evolving. Any of their latest titles such as Wild Class or Sparky and Shortz could easily develop into an iconic series and that’s the brilliance of Play’n GO.
The future of Play’n GO could lead anywhere but it’s obvious that the online slots and franchises created will be fan-favourites. Play’n GO’s CEO, Johan Törnqvist, is committed to the enjoyment of the players – even if that means losing revenue. At least for now, Play’n GO remains the King of the online slot franchise and other developers will have a lot of work to do if they want to take their crown.
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Betandyou shortlisted for three international awards
Despite the cold winter, the iGaming industry is entering its hottest season — awards season. This is the time when international experts evaluate the most innovative products, technologies, and services, highlighting the companies that set the standards for the year ahead. This season, Betandyou is kicking off with a strong start, making it onto the shortlist of several prestigious international awards.
Betandyou has been named a finalist at the European iGaming Awards in the category Sports Betting Platform of the Year, which recognizes brands delivering exceptional innovation, operational excellence, and user experience. At the same time, the brand has been shortlisted in the same category at the International Gaming Awards, one of the most influential global iGaming awards, where judging focuses on technology, UX, responsible gaming, and platform reliability.
Additionally, Betandyou has made it to the finals of the LCB Awards, earning recognition in three separate categories. This award is particularly meaningful because it combines expert evaluation with feedback from the real user community, reflecting both industry acknowledgment and players’ trust.
The Betandyou team commented on these nominations:
“This is an important milestone for us and a sign that our approach to product and service resonates with both the professional community and our users. We are grateful to the experts, partners, and players for their trust. Being shortlisted is already an achievement, and the wins are just the next step.”.
The team would like to thank partners, industry experts, and users for their support and high evaluation of the project. Awards season is just beginning, but Betandyou is already gaining international recognition as a strong player in the sports betting market.
Betandyou is a next-generation sports betting platform offering a seamless and secure experience for players worldwide. With a focus on innovation, fast payouts, and user-friendly design, Betandyou continues to set new standards for the online betting industry.
The post Betandyou shortlisted for three international awards appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
Latest News
Betandyou shortlisted for three international awards
Despite the cold winter, the iGaming industry is entering its hottest season — awards season. This is the time when international experts evaluate the most innovative products, technologies, and services, highlighting the companies that set the standards for the year ahead. This season, Betandyou is kicking off with a strong start, making it onto the shortlist of several prestigious international awards.
Betandyou has been named a finalist at the European iGaming Awards in the category Sports Betting Platform of the Year, which recognizes brands delivering exceptional innovation, operational excellence, and user experience. At the same time, the brand has been shortlisted in the same category at the International Gaming Awards, one of the most influential global iGaming awards, where judging focuses on technology, UX, responsible gaming, and platform reliability.
Additionally, Betandyou has made it to the finals of the LCB Awards, earning recognition in three separate categories. This award is particularly meaningful because it combines expert evaluation with feedback from the real user community, reflecting both industry acknowledgment and players’ trust.
The Betandyou team commented on these nominations:
“This is an important milestone for us and a sign that our approach to product and service resonates with both the professional community and our users. We are grateful to the experts, partners, and players for their trust. Being shortlisted is already an achievement, and the wins are just the next step.”.
The team would like to thank partners, industry experts, and users for their support and high evaluation of the project. Awards season is just beginning, but Betandyou is already gaining international recognition as a strong player in the sports betting market.
Betandyou is a next-generation sports betting platform offering a seamless and secure experience for players worldwide. With a focus on innovation, fast payouts, and user-friendly design, Betandyou continues to set new standards for the online betting industry.
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MENA Emerges as Global Growth Engine for Blockchain Gaming, BGA 2025 Report Finds
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has emerged as the fastest-rising region in blockchain gaming, now representing nearly one-fifth of all industry professionals surveyed by the Blockchain Game Alliance (BGA), according to the newly released 2025 BGA State of the Industry Report.
The findings were unveiled on stage at the Global Blockchain Show Abu Dhabi 2025 by Sebastien Borget, Co-President of the BGA and Co-Founder of The Sandbox, during a panel discussion titled ‘Web3 Gaming’s Big Bet’ with Yat Siu, Chairman of Animoca Brands, and Cathy Hackl, CEO of Future Dynamics, moderated by Wissam Younane, CEO, Entrepreneur Middle East.
“Sharing this year’s BGA State of the Industry Report in Abu Dhabi shows the promise and huge potential of blockchain gaming’s next phase, and MENA’s rapid growth is a big signal that new regions around the world are stepping into leadership roles,” said Borget. “What we’re seeing in the data is an industry becoming more global, more disciplined, and more focused on building great games for real players.”
MENA’s representation has surged from virtually no presence in the survey sample just five years ago — under 1% in 2021 — to 19.8% of respondents in 2025, marking the most pronounced regional shift since the survey began. When combined with Africa’s steady growth, rising from 0.5% in 2021 to 5.5% in 2025, the two regions now account for more than a quarter of all global responses to the survey.
This momentum reflects a broader realignment in the gaming and technology landscape. MENA has become one of the world’s fastest-growing gaming markets, underpinned by a youthful, digitally-native population and extensive government investment into gaming, esports, and digital infrastructure. As global capital increasingly flows into the region through strategic acquisitions, large-scale development initiatives, and major esports events, blockchain gaming’s rising professional footprint signals that MENA is actively shaping the future of the sector.
The BGA’s growth across MENA and Africa has been strongly attributed to the leadership and regional advocacy of Yasmina Kazitani, who was elected by the BGA membership as the organization’s first female Co-President in March 2025.
An Algerian-born ecosystem builder with deep ties across both regions, Kazitani has focused on community partnerships and grassroots outreach in emerging markets, broadening participation while championing access for previously underrepresented groups. She is also a long-standing advocate for gender diversity and inclusion as Co-Founder of the Women in Web3 Alliance, working to reduce barriers to entry and elevate female leadership within the industry.
“The survey results reflect what we see on the ground: new communities with new talent and stewardship,” said Kazitani. “With more voices entering the conversation, we are reminded that diverse representation is essential because this is what influences the ideas, products, and priorities that will define our industry’s next phase. A broader range of perspectives strengthens decision-making, contributes to a more resilient ecosystem, and ultimately underpins a global industry that better reflects its players and creates games that resonate across cultures.”
This increasing focus on diversity and broader participation was reflected directly in the survey methodology itself. For the first time, the BGA survey was offered in multiple languages beyond English, resulting in nearly a quarter of responses being submitted in other languages including French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Japanese, with the majority received in Arabic. This expansion has provided a more accurate picture of industry participation while lowering barriers to inclusion in non-English-speaking markets.
Beyond its geographic findings, the report provides a comprehensive snapshot of a maturing industry navigating a challenging market environment. Respondents highlight rising confidence in regulatory clarity as a key driver of growth, alongside an increasing focus on high-quality game development and sustainable business models. At the same time, industry professionals identify scams and fraud as the greatest threats to credibility, funding scarcity as the most pressing operational constraint, and AI-enabled exploitation as a growing concern.
Key takeaways from the BGA 2025 State of the Industry Report are highlighted below:
Respondent Demographics
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19.8% of respondents come from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), up from under 1% in 2021.
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22.7% female participation marks the highest level recorded in the survey’s history.
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32.6% of respondents work in studios or publishing, dominating industry representation.
Industry Drivers
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64.4% expect policy and regulation to have a positive impact on industry development.
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29.5% cite high-quality game launches as the primary driver of future industry success.
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27.5% point to sustainable, revenue-driven business models as a key growth factor.
Industry Challenges
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36.0% view scams and fraud as the greatest threat to industry credibility.
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32.6% report lack of funding or investment as their company’s biggest operational challenge.
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38.9% fear AI-enabled cheating, bots, and exploits as the largest risk of AI adoption.
The post MENA Emerges as Global Growth Engine for Blockchain Gaming, BGA 2025 Report Finds appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.
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