In 1996 the world was introduced to two new and hugely influential gambling innovations. These were the first online casino and the first online video slot. Obviously the casino came first and this offered traditional table games, but slots were about to make their appearance on this new virtual platform too. The first-ever online casino was called InterCasino and the first video slot was called Reel Em by WMS Industries Inc. It was the first slot to take the player to a second screen for the bonus round. It was a gamble, so to speak, by the gambling industry itself, to move its products online. However, sometimes a gamble pays off and for this industry, it was the most successful piece of innovation ever. The success of the first online casino and slot game surpassed all industry expectations and now there are hundreds of online casinos and slots to choose from. Slots have become the biggest success, revenue wise and their popularity has led to a studio system of slot developers being created. There are the major studios with large numbers of employees who release new games every month. These also have the most financial clout that allows them to purchase the rights to major movie and TV franchises. Then there are the up and coming studios that are slowing but surely making their mark on the industry. Finally, there are those smaller independent design houses that are behind the more-quirkier releases that creative freedom allows – click to play Slotsbaby.
Microgaming
As slots developers go, they do not get much bigger than Microgaming, both in slot production and standing within the gambling industry. Microgaming developed the first online casino software in 1994, prior to the first online casino release and they have consistently remained market leaders due to the large number of online casinos that use their platforms. Their software comes in both, instant play or a downloadable interfaces. To add to this accolade, they have also produced slot games that make many punter’s top 10 list of best ever slots. Games like Thunderstruck II and Immortal Romance remain firm favorites with slots players.
Playtech
The biggest of all slots studios at the present time is Playtech. This is despite Disney removing their Marvel license back in 2017. Like Microgaming, they produce casino platform software, including software for bingo, poker, sports betting and of course they excel in producing top slot games too. The company was established in Estonia back in 1999 and began their online casino journey to success in December 2001. Apart from super hero slots, they are also famous for the Age Of The Gods series of slots and the new Fire Blaze Jackpot games.
Eyecon
One of the smaller, more independent slots studios is Eyecon. They are famous for quirky games that do not push the boat graphics wise, but their games like Fluffy Favourites still gain a cult following amongst gamblers. Eyecon was founded in 1997 in Brisbane Australia and Fluffy Favourites still remains their most successful release to date.