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Is Play’n GO the King of online slot franchises?

Published

4 years ago

December 7, 2021

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.

George Miller

George Miller (Gyorgy Molnar) started his career in content marketing and has started working as an Editor/Content Manager for our company in 2016. George has acquired many experiences when it comes to interviews and newsworthy content becoming Head of Content in 2017. He is responsible for the news being shared on multiple websites that are part of the European Gaming Media Network.

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From ‘Mummyverse’ to Crash Games: Belatra Reviews a Landmark 2025

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: Belatra has been a steady hand in the slots world for a long time, but 2025 marked a distinct shift in strategy. By entering the Crash vertical with Goose Boom Bang and winning big at SiGMA Africa, the studio is clearly pivoting to capture the high-growth, high-frequency players in emerging markets. They are no longer just a “classic slots” developer; they are diversifying the portfolio to ensure relevance in regions like LatAm and Africa.

The Full Story

Belatra Games, the specialist online slots developer, has issued a strategic review of its 2025 operations, celebrating a 12-month period defined by entry into new game verticals, significant franchise expansion, and high-profile industry recognition.

The year was characterized by a dual strategy: deepening engagement in established markets while aggressively expanding its content portfolio to suit local preferences in emerging territories.

Portfolio Evolution: Crash and Battles 2025 saw Belatra move beyond its traditional slot roots. The company made its debut in the high-demand Crash game vertical with the launch of Goose Boom Bang, a title designed to tap into the fast-paced gameplay preference of younger demographics.

Additionally, the studio introduced a fresh game concept with the launch of Battles, a new format unveiled for the first time in 2025, with further development planned for 2026.

The ‘Mummyverse’ Expands For fans of classic slots, the highlight of the year was the aggressive expansion of the Mummyverse. Belatra nearly doubled the size of this franchise over the year, making it the most extensive game universe in their entire catalog.

The developer also focused on B2B localization, releasing a number of exclusive bespoke games created specifically for selected operator partners to meet specific local market tastes.

Awards and Recognition The company’s strategic shifts were validated by industry accolades. Belatra secured over 30 nominations throughout the year, with standout wins including:

Best Slot Provider (awarded by BitStarz).
Most Played Game of 2025 for Make It Gold at the SiGMA Africa Awards.
Player’s Pick Award.

Management Commentary Misha Voinich, Head of Business Development at Belatra, commented on the studio’s momentum:

“This year has truly defined who we are as a studio – ambitious, creative and focused on building long-term partnerships. We’ve expanded our universes, launched new ones and entered exciting new markets that will all help us carry this momentum into the New Year.”

The post From ‘Mummyverse’ to Crash Games: Belatra Reviews a Landmark 2025 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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‘Chaos and Soul’: Ebaka Games Plots Global Expansion After Viral Launch

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: The “Instant Game” vertical (Crash, Plinko, Mines) is becoming crowded, but Ebaka Games is cutting through the noise with a distinct brand personality. By securing BMM Testlabs certification so quickly after launch, they are signaling to Tier 1 operators that despite their “chaotic” marketing vibe, the math underneath is solid and compliant. The backing of industry veteran Dmitry Belianin also adds immediate commercial credibility to the startup.

The Full Story

Ebaka Games, the fledgling studio that promises to bring “chaos and soul” to the iGaming sector, has outlined an aggressive growth strategy for 2026 following a landmark launch period in late 2025.

The studio, which officially debuted in November, reports that its initial rollout reached more than five million people worldwide. The launch saw its portfolio go live with the operator Menace, serving as the initial testbed for its mechanics and “Ebaka modes.”

The Product: Instant Games with Personality Ebaka is bypassing traditional slots to focus on the high-growth vertical of fast-paced, instant-win games. Their initial lineup includes:

Plinko
Mines
Tower
Limbo
Crash

Differentiation is achieved through unique mascots and signature gameplay tweaks designed to offer high win potential and distinct visual identities, moving away from the generic interfaces often found in this genre.

Regulatory Milestone Crucially for its 2026 roadmap, Ebaka Games has confirmed it has secured certification from BMM Testlabs. This accreditation validates the fairness and integrity of its RNG (Random Number Generator) and game engines, removing a major barrier to entry for regulated markets. With this certification in hand, the studio plans to launch with a number of “major brands” in the coming year.

Management Commentary Vitalii Zalievskyi, CEO of Ebaka Games, commented on the studio’s unorthodox approach:

“It’s only been a few weeks since we first introduced Ebaka Games to the world. The feedback has been breathtaking, and it vindicates the decision for us to take a different path to the rest of the industry. You don’t need huge marketing budgets to grab people’s attention if you are building something truly innovative.”

Industry Backing The studio describes itself as being “created by players for players” but boasts significant industry firepower in its corner. The team includes Dmitry Belianin, a well-known figure in the sector who is the co-founder of Blask and Menace, as well as Managing Partner at Already Media.

The post ‘Chaos and Soul’: Ebaka Games Plots Global Expansion After Viral Launch appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

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Racing Meets Nightlife: SBK Backs ARC’s New ‘Friday Night Live’ Series

Published

2 days ago

December 23, 2025

George Miller

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: British racing has a well-documented demographic problem; its core audience is aging. “Friday Night Live” is a direct attempt to fix this by blending high-stakes racing with the “experience economy” (DJs, nightlife vibes) that appeals to Gen Z and Millennials. Bringing SBK on board—a mobile-first, app-only sportsbook—is a perfect demographic fit, while the Racing Post adds the necessary credibility to ensure the actual racing product remains the focus.

The Full Story

Arena Racing Company (ARC) has unveiled the strategic commercial lineup for its upcoming Friday Night Live series, confirming SBK as the Exclusive Betting Partner and The Racing Post as the Official Media Partner.

Set to launch in January 2026, Friday Night Live is a new initiative created in collaboration with youth-focused events company INVADES. The series is designed to overhaul the traditional race day experience, featuring fast-paced fixtures under floodlights, DJ sets, and significant entertainment elements sandwiched between races.

The Commercial Deal

SBK: As the exclusive betting partner, the Smarkets-owned sportsbook will take naming rights and on-course branding for all 35 races. Crucially, these races will be broadcast live on mainstream television via ITV Racing as well as Sky Sports Research.
The Racing Post: As the Official Media Partner, the publication will provide content, coverage, and promotion across its digital platforms, aiming to bridge the gap between established racing purists and the new audience ARC hopes to attract.

A High-Stakes Experiment The series is not just a marketing exercise; it carries serious sporting weight. Each of the five scheduled nights will feature over £200,000 in prize money. The fixtures will rotate across three of ARC’s all-weather tracks: Wolverhampton, Newcastle, and Southwell.

Management Commentary David Leyden Dunbar, Group Director of Commercial Strategy at ARC, was clear about the target audience:

“We have been very clear that one of the aims of Friday Night Live is to engage the next generation of racing fans… Both [partners] have shown real enthusiasm to work with us… as well as using the platform that these fixtures will offer them to also engage with more established racing and sports fans.”

Adam Baylis, Marketing Director at SBK, added:

“Friday Night Live [is] a fresh and engaging concept that brings a new energy to British racing. SBK has always been built around sport… our focus is on enhancing the live race day experience in a fun, social and responsible way.”

The 2026 Schedule The series kicks off immediately in the new year: