About Software Companies
Slot games are designed and created by software providers. These are software companies that specialize either in making just slots or other casino games as well. They are organized like large video game companies and do pretty much the same job.
Software companies have teams of designers, engineers, and math experts who make slots games from scratch. Some of them make just online casino software, whereas others make slot machines for land-based casinos as well.
Some slot developers have been around for decades and have just recently started making online slots. But recently, there has been a real boom in the number of new companies that make just online casino games. Therefore, the choices players have and the diversity offered is pretty spectacular.
How to Choose The Providers and Which Ones to Play?
Now that we’ve seen how online casino software providers differ from one another, how are we supposed to choose which to play?
The best way is to play a lot of them and see which one you like the most. If you like Asian and animal themes, you should try Red Tiger gaming. But if you like modern slots with complex gameplay, try NetEnt.
You should also consider the RTP (Return to Player), type of variance, and other players’ experiences, as all of these can help you choose.
How Software Providers And Their Games Differ?
The number of casino software providers out there is huge and it’s constantly growing. The reason why there is always room for another company on the market is that most of them are unique and develop different types of games.
If you are an experienced slot player, you will be able to guess the creator of most slots you play because each one has a distinct style. Software providers and their games mostly differ in four areas:
- Design
- Graphics
- Themes
- Gameplay
Some companies such as NetEnt and Yggdrasil make elaborate slot games with 3D graphics, complicated animations, and well-developed themes. Others, like Bally or WMS, prefer keeping it simple and sticking to 2D slots with simple gameplay. All of these can be good, depending on what you prefer.
Almost all slot games have special symbols and bonus features that make games interesting. These differ significantly from one software provider to another. Some like experimenting with unique symbols and features, like Play’n GO and Microgaming, whereas others stick to tried and tested ones, like Playtech or Barcrest.
Best Vegas Software Providers
Las Vegas is the most popular gambling city in the world. This is the place where casino game software is born and where its destiny is determined by experienced players. A large number of casino-related companies are founded in Las Vegas, or at least focus on it as their main market.
Here are some of the best ones:
Aristocrat
Aristocrat is an Australian casino software provider that produces all slots types. They started back in 1953 and have been providing the world with Vegas slots machines for a long time. Recently, they started making online casino software as well, which is equally as popular.
Bally Technologies
Bally Technologies is a real Vegas software provider — they actually have a land-based casino located in Las Vegas. They have been in business since 1968 and they make some of the best slot machines. Their video slots are getting more popular as well.
IGT
If you go to a land-based casino, chances are that you will find at least one slot machine built by IGT. They are the biggest casino software company in the world, having acquired several other popular companies, such as Barcrest.
Cadillac Jack
Cadillac Jack is not the most well-known software provider, even though they have been making slot machines for the American market for a long time. They make both Class II and Class III machines, as well as progressive jackpot games.
Top Land-Based Slots Developers
Even though online casino game software is slowly taking over the market, land-based slot machines are far from dead. Many companies began by making slot machines and many of them still make them today.
Here are the best ones:
Novomatic
Novomatic is a German company that has been making land-based and online slots since the 1980s. They predominantly focus on European and Asian markets, but they recently moved to the USA as well.
Playtech
There isn’t a single slot lover who has not heard about Playtech or played at least one of their games. Their main focus today is on online slots, but they haven’t forgotten their land-based beginnings either.
Barcrest
Barcrest is one of the oldest companies on the market — they have been around since 1968. However, in the 1990s they got acquired by IGT and then resold to Scientific Games in 2011. Still, the brand lives on and keeps creating awesome slot machines.
WMS
WMS is another company that has a long tradition. They were first known as Williams Gaming but later changed their name to WMS. They are most popular for their land-based slot machines and video lottery terminals, even though they make fantastic online slots as well.
Amatic Industries
Amatic Industries slot games can be found in land-based casinos around the world. They specialize in slot games, but they make other types of games too. So far, they have earned numerous awards for innovations and great design.
Best Rated Online Software Developers
As the Internet became more widely accessible in the 1990s, online casino software developers started appearing all over the world. Online slots are the most popular type of casino games today.
These are the best providers to consider.
NetEnt
NetEnt is the best of the best when it comes to online slots. Their games are unique, have fantastic design and graphics, as well as modern and elaborate themes. NetEnt slots can be found in almost all online casinos out there.
Microgaming
Microgaming is one of the oldest and most authentic online gaming providers. They have been in the business since 1994, which is when the online market started developing. They are the creators of Mega Moolah — one of the most popular progressive slots ever made.
Yggdrasil
Yggdrasil is one of the youngest online slot companies out there. They make very modern slots that have breathtaking HD graphics and are jam-packed with animations. Their most popular work to date is the Vikings trilogy.
NextGen
NextGen is an Australian casino software company that has been around since 1999. Their name stands for Next Generation, which depicts their games accurately. They often experiment with unique symbols and bonus features.
Realtime Gaming
Realtime Gaming (also known as RTG) is known as a budget casino software company, as it is usually found in low-budget casinos. Still, they make fantastic video slots such as the Real Series games that are still very popular today.
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Conclusion
Slot software providers come in many different shapes and colors. If you are new to this rich world and you do not know where to begin, the names that we shared today are a good starting point.
If you like modern online slots that resemble popular video games, check out NextGen and Yggdrasil slots. If you, however, prefer the good old 3-reel fruit machines, you can rely on Red Tiger and RTG to provide those for you.
Even if you still prefer playing in land-based casinos, you have a wide range of companies and slots to choose from. Each one offers something different, so it’s best to experiment until you find a perfect match.
