In the online pokies world, big names like Microgaming, NetEnt, BetSoft, QuickSpin, Play’n Go and NYX Gaming have made the biggest names for themselves, but there are plenty of smaller, more boutique software developers who are launching out at online casinos. Take a look at five of the up and coming pokies studios to add to your watch list, and give these games a go to see what the smaller developers are capable of.
Playson
Playson is a dynamic new casino game developer operating out of the Malta gambling jurisdiction. The company already employs over 250 staff worldwide, offering over 40 Flash based games including pokies, video poker, roulette and blackjack. The Playson brand’s focus is on providing instant-play games that use advanced, high-def graphics and new technologies, with titles that are also mobile compatible. As far as pokies go, we’ve been very impressed with what we’ve seen from Playson so far, with fun, entertaining games that have been well designed to maximise player engagement and are definitely easy on the eye. The software reminds us of a blend of older NetEnt games with a bit of BetSoft flavour, with colourful graphics and unique bonus features. Some of our favourites from Playson include Dracula’s Family, Skyway, Aztec Empire, Aquatica, Eastern Delights and Fruits n Stars.
Red Tiger Gaming
Red Tiger Gaming was founded in 2014, so this software is very much in its infancy, however the brand was started by a group of individuals who have vast experience in the casino industry, and their knowledge is evident in each of their titles. The collection of Red Tiger pokies is pretty small at the moment, but will no doubt expand quickly as this software studio gets its feet on the ground. Red Tiger games seem to have a particular focus on the Asian market, with many of its games seeped in red, the colour deemed most fortunate in Chinese culture. This is a smart move on their behalf, with the Asian online gambling market considered to be one of the fastest growing demographics for online casinos. Red Tiger Gaming is situated in Malta, with casino licenses from the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Committee and UK Gambling Commission. Stand out pokies from Red Tiger include Dragon’s Luck, Red Phoenix Rising, Five Star, Lucky Wizard, Chinese Treasures, God of Wealth and Winter Wonders.
1X2 Gaming
1X2 Gaming was established in 2003, with offices based in the UK tech hub of Brighton and Hove. While this software developer does have quite a few years behind it, we don’t often see 1X2 Gaming pokies at our recommended casinos, as the brand has a stronger focus on virtual sports, keno and table games. Despite the company’s major attention on virtual football, we’re starting to see some pretty cool pokies emerge from 1X2 Gaming, and although the collection isn’t huge, there’s some decent titles out there. While these games aren’t particularly ground breaking, they offer some good game themes and fun animation, with holiday and light-hearted themes to appeal to the more casual player. Some of our favourite pokies from 1X2 include Kickass, Red Dragon, Gladiator of Rome, Halloween Horrors, Downtown, Treasure of the Pyramids, Kitty Cash and Yule Be Rich.
Games OS
Games OS is a game developer for the online casino industry, offering a high quality suite of casino games available for both desktop and mobile. Along with a large collection of pokies, Games OS also develops table games, card games, video poker and arcade style games for real money play, providing full turn-key solutions for online casino vendors. One of the reasons Games OS has earned a place in our top five developers to watch is that the brand offers a selection of smaller progressive jackpot games, which are always highly popular with slot players. Titles like New York Gangs, Hot Sevens, Gold Bars and Fruit Salad Jackpot give players the chance to win progressive jackpots to the average tune of $5,000 to $10,000 while playing simple, straight-forward slot games. Other highlights from the Games OS pokies portfolio include Mr Monkey, Magic of Oz, Sea of Gold, By the Rivers of Buffalo, Maverick Saloon, Maya Wheel of Luck and Golden India.
Saucify
Saucify has been in the online gambling business since its inception, although this software developer is only just starting to make it onto our radar. Saucify is a privately owned company which is funded by an anonymous equity group in the UK, with a management team consisting of some of the leading pioneers and innovators in the casino industry. The brands mission is “to provide operators with the best possible tools and support they need to get on with the job of building their casinos into renowned brands of excellence,” which they achieve through a large offering of pokies, video poker, roulette, blackjack, craps and scratch cards. Their pokies collection is quite large, sitting at 70+ instant-play games, with graphics that aren’t quite up to par with some of our favourite software providers, but still offer some fun themes. Some of Saucify’s more recent games hold some tight potential, so we reckon pokies from these guys are on the way up. Titles we recommend you try include Lucky Leprechauns, Age of Spartans, Tails of New York, Mermaid Serenade, the Purse of the Mummy and Fistful of Dollars.