Latest News
Can any of the upcoming slots dethrone Starburst in 2021

Starburst is the video slot created by NetEnt back in 2012. Despite its age, it is still one of the most popular slots currently, and probably the most played video slot game of all time! What makes this classic 5×3 slot so special that is still played by millions today, and can anyone find the secret behind its success, and create the slot which can dethrone Starburst in 2021? We will analyze the facts of what makes Starburst that popular, and take a look at some of the upcoming slot releases from the first quarter of 2021 and try to give an answer to that question. Also, if some of you, by any chance, still haven’t tried this amazing slot, Starburst free play is available. Try it now and see why it is so popular.
The Building Blocks behind Starburst Popularity
At first glance, we can see that Starburst’s graphics and design are impeccable. It is still modern, although it is more than eight years old! Although this is just makeup, it is very important for slot longevity.
With the fast evolution of technology and the fact that graphics are becoming more sophisticated, even slots that are only two or three years old can look outdated. After that, their player counts go to the abyss. With Starburst this didn’t happen, and we even believe that it won’t, because graphics are that sophisticated, and yet so simple, that we won’t see a huge dip in their popularity anytime soon.
The second reason behind Starburst slot popularity is its simplicity. Some of the slot game providers experiment with a huge number of reels and rows, many different features, and various cosmetic additions to keep the players entertained and happy. Starburst makes all the things simple, with its classic 5×3 design. Some players argue that Starburst is boring, but it is not a coincidence that the 5×3 design is the most popular slot design ever. It is not too plain and boring, and not too complicated as well, because slot game players want to win some cash, and not feel overwhelmed by design and gameplay.
Starburst has a huge betting range, from âŹ0.01 to âŹ100. That allows both casual players and high-rollers to play this slot. Although high-rollers don’t like this slot very much, because it is not volatile, casuals adore it. There are many more casual players than high-rollers, so they again targeted a broad audience.
We mentioned that Starburst has low volatility and therefore is not that popular with the players who want to win big. However, casuals love to see many small wins, because they have a feeling that they are generally winning, although they actually don’t – the wins you will get will often be smaller than the bet you made, but some of the players somehow don’t notice it. The sessions are usually long if you play for the smallest amounts, so you can have fun, even if you lose money.
For all these reasons, Starburst retained its popularity over the last eight years. Although it is not the best slot in terms of the chances of winning big, all the reasons we mentioned make it appealing for most players, which happen to be casuals.
We will now take a look at some of the upcoming slot releases and try to guess whether or not they have a chance for dethroning Starburst.
The Most Anticipated Slot Releases 2021
January is not over yet, and we already got some exciting slots this year. For example, we got an exciting video slot from Gamomat, an independent slot game provider, called Crystal Strike. It is a highly volatile slot, beautifully designed, with classic features such as respins and wilds.
Nolimit City released San Quentin xWays. This slot is based on the infamous US jail, which is a theme that wasn’t widely used, so it can be hit or miss, but we expect to be popular, especially among the younger audience.
iSoftBet, another award-winning games supplier, released Mighty Stallion Hold & Win, the Wild West theme-based video slot. It is another slot that uses their Hold & Win mechanic, but the theme is not inventive, nor the slot itself is offering something new – it is basically the type of slot we get from them all the time, only with a slightly altered theme.
Play’n GO released Miner Donkey Trouble, while Pragmatic released Mysterious Egypt. These slots feel like they were already seen before, and there is no chance that slots that use the same, boring theme, such as the Ancient Egypt flourish and dethrone Starburst.
Pragmatic Gaming has a more interesting release scheduled for February – Dragon Kingdom: Eyes of Fire. This slot should be way better and way more popular than Mysterious Egypt because it has a flawless design and many features attached. Dragons are still a popular topic, and they aren’t overused in video slots such as Ancient Egypt, so we can see this release gaining popularity right off the bat.
Another highly anticipated release should be the Playtech Age of the Gods series’s next release – Book of Oracle. This slot should be the first to come from Playtech in 2021, and they decided to go big right away. Age of the Gods series gained a significant amount of players which is getting bigger with every new slot release. We expect that this slot will be masterfully done in terms of the graphics and interface (since we still didn’t have an opportunity to see it), and the features should be similar to the ones from the previous slots. This is a volatile, progressive jackpot slot, so it will draw attention from the high-rollers.
What Features Should a Slot Have to Beat Starburst
Since we know what is behind Starburst’s popularity, and we saw what the first slot releases are in January 2021, the question arises – does any slot from this list have the features and traits required to dethrone Starburst? We can never know for sure, but the answer is probably – no.
To be as popular as Starburst, the audience must be predominantly casual players. There are some amazing, volatile slots you can make a fortune on, but there are not enough people who would risk big money to try it out. Long, interesting sessions, with lots of small wins, which give you the false impression that you are an overall winner, are the key to the slot popularity.
After that, the slot must have an impeccable design that will age well, so it can stay relevant with time, and must have simple, but yet unique and interesting features. You should overcomplicate, but the slot can’t have a dull theme or average graphics.
Summary
We eagerly expect more great slot releases in 2021. In January and February, we should get several amazing slots from the biggest slot games providers, but in terms of popularity, we don’t think that any slot will be able to dethrone Starburst anytime soon.
However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try out new slot additions, especially if you are a high-roller. There is a trend of more progressive jackpots, mega ways, and other great features incorporated in new slot releases, and in general, it seems that the average volatility is getting higher, which is excellent news for the ones chasing big wins.
Latest News
Russell Ferris appointed Managing Director at Racecourse Media Group

Â
Racecourse Media Group (RMG) has appointed Russell Ferris to the new role of Managing Director.
Russell, currently CEO of Weatherbys Ltd, will be joining RMG on August 18.
He can count on more than 20 years of senior management and directorial experience in the racing industry, including as Managing Director of Limerick Racecourse and Director, Ireland for At The Races. He joined Weatherbys Ireland in 2016 and was promoted to Weatherbys Ltd Group CEO three years later.
Nick Mills, CEO of RMG, said: âRussell is highly regarded within the industry and will bring a wealth of expertise, experience and enthusiasm to RMG. Russell will oversee and further align the Commercial and Broadcast departments and help take the business to new levels in terms of innovation, engagement and revenues. I very much look forward to welcoming Russell to RMG in August.â
Russell, who also sits as a Non-Executive Director on the Boards of Racing Digital and Venture Bio, said: âI am delighted to be joining a great team at RMG and very much looking forward to the new challenge. RMG play a pivotal role within the industry both domestically and internationally, and I am excited by the companyâs vision to further enhance the sportâs appeal, reach and engagement to ensure a bright future for all.
âIâd like to thank the Weatherbys family for the opportunity provided to me. It has been fantastic to see the business develop and diversify in recent years, and I know that I leave it in great hands with Sharon OâRegan and a talented team across the business.â
The post Russell Ferris appointed Managing Director at Racecourse Media Group appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Industry Awards
SOFTSWISS Named Online Casino Innovator in CEE 2025

Â
SOFTSWISS, a global tech provider, won the Online Casino Innovator in CEE title at the GamingTECH CEE Awards 2025 with its forward-thinking Game Aggregator. The award celebrated companies that drive innovation, excellence, and leadership in the iGaming and tech landscape across Central and Eastern Europe.
SOFTSWISS continues to lead online casino innovation in the CEE region with its Game Aggregator â one of the largest and most advanced game hubs in the iGaming industry. The solution offers over 27,800 exclusive games from 280+ leading providers, supporting more than 1,250 brands. Operators can integrate it via a one-time API as a standalone product for any third-party platform or as part of the SOFTSWISS Casino Platform.
The Game Aggregator offers a vast portfolio of RNG and live games for desktop and mobile, including slots, table games, crash, and casual games â many optimised for crypto gameplay. The content is fully localised to suit operatorsâ target markets, supporting multiple languages, currencies, and regional preferences.
The Game Aggregator is certified to operate across key markets in Europe, Africa, and Latin America, with licenses or compliance in countries like Greece, Romania, Spain, Brazil, Nigeria, and South Africa. The platform provides powerful innovations that help operators grow their business effectively:
- Tournament Tool: A versatile tool that enables operators to launch custom competitions in five simple steps. With mechanics like total bets, highest multiplier, and total wins, this solution saw an 80% growth in adoption by operators in 2024.
- Crash Games in Tournaments: A new integration that elevates engagement.
- Non-Monetary Prizes: Enhances reward variety with trips, gadgets, and more.
- GGR Report Builder: Aggregates performance data across all games and providers.
- Jackpots for Crash and Live Games: Implemented via the Jackpot Aggregator integration, leading to over 50% growth in average total player value.
Alena Bekus, Deputy Head of SOFTSWISS Game Aggregator, comments on the win:
âThis award is a meaningful recognition of our teamâs continuous efforts to build not just a product, but a powerful ecosystem that supports our partnersâ growth. We constantly listen to our clients, innovate based on their needs, and work to deliver a flexible, scalable, and forward-thinking solution that meets the evolving demands of the iGaming market.â
By focusing on operator success, player engagement, and industry adaptability, SOFTSWISS continues to deliver forward-thinking solutions that set new benchmarks. Winning this award reaffirms the companyâs role as a true innovator in iGaming.
Â
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The companyâs product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 27,800 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the worldâs first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
The post SOFTSWISS Named Online Casino Innovator in CEE 2025 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Latest News
BAFTA and DCM release star-studded cinema trailer to celebrate the art of video game storytelling

Â
- Actress Susan Wokoma stars alongside Baldurâs Gate 3 duo, Samantha BĂ©art and Neil Newbon, Doug Cockle (Witcher 3), Jane Douglas (games presenter), and Sir Ian Livingstone, co-founder of Games Workshop. Â
- The trailer launches in cinema ahead of the 21st BAFTA Games Awards on Tuesday 8 April.Â
- Research conducted by BAFTA found young adults say video games are important to their wellbeing and a form of social connection (YouGov)Â
BAFTA and DCM (Digital Cinema Media) have teamed up with award-winning actress Susan Wokoma to create a national cinema advertising campaign that promotes and celebrates the art of storytelling in video games. Itâs the third campaign delivered by the partnership and is releasing in cinemas ahead of the 21st BAFTA Games Awards on Tuesday 8 April 2025.
The 105 second trailer was produced by Common People Films and DCM Studios, with Jennifer Sheridan directing the film. Susan features alongside famous faces from games â such as Samantha BĂ©art and Neil Newbon from Baldurâs Gate 3 â who share their love for video games with cinema audiences nationwide.
Jeremy Kolesar, Creative Director, DCM Studios, âWeâve seen a flourishing intersection between games, film and TV in the UK. Whether itâs a franchise-inspired series or film, a narrative-driven game, or an engaging acting performance, each medium strengthens the other. Weâve tried to capture this in our third cinema campaign with BAFTA, which draws from the diverse UK games industry to inspire the next generation of talent with an adventurous cinematic experience.â
World-renowned for its annual Film Awards, BAFTA has been celebrating the craft, skill and creativity of the games industry for over 20 years, spotlighting the best games and talent in its annual Games Awards ceremony.
The cinema trailer explores the connectivity between film, games and TV, highlighting the depth of video game storytelling and the many varied games that captivate audiences worldwide.
Tony Roberts, Founder/ EP, Common People Films: âThis is the second time BATFA and DCM have asked us to bring their brand and message to life and weâre incredibly proud of the work we deliver for both of them. Having a diverse roster of talent, it was exciting to get our directors to write with a focus in games this time round and we think Jennifer has captured something very special. The games industry is a jewel in the crown of British industry and should be celebrated. Another great collaboration.â
BAFTA and YouGov researchÂ
As an arts charity, BAFTA supports the next generation of screen talent through various initiatives, bursaries and scholarships. Three alumni of BAFTAâs programmes were given paid roles on the production of this trailer â Jade Fabiyi (camera), Reece Grant (Art Department) and Shona Hart (Stagehand).
This ethos is reflected in the UK cinema placement of the campaign, which targets 16-34 year-olds during the preshow for multiple blockbuster releases. This includes the new A Minecraft movie, based on one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time.
Recent research conducted by BAFTA with YouGov found that:
- Adults aged 18-34 consider video games as important to wellbeing, with a third (31%) citing video games as a form of self-care (higher than Film â 28% or TV â 27%) and 39% of 18-34s consider video games as a form of social connection (compared to 30% Film/TV).
- Over half of UK adults see games as âa form of entertainmentâ (54%). However, only 1 in 5 consider games as great storytelling (20%) and there is lower awareness that games contain meaningful messages about todayâs world (9%) compared to TV (33%)
- Over half (53%) of 18-34s would trust the quality of a game that has been nominated or won a BAFTA Games Award.
- Two thirds (62%) of UK adults were not aware that some of the worldâs most celebrated games are made in the UK, and 1 in 5 would be more likely to play a game made in the UK (21%).
Donna Mathews, Executive Director of Engagement, Marketing and Communications at BAFTA said: âBAFTA is known for celebrating excellence in the screen arts and games are no exception. Our members recognise the craft, skill and creativity that goes into making every game and our Awards showcase the incredible variety of games on offer. Like TV and film, games are a way to explore stories and learn about the world around us and young adults see games as more than a form of entertainment, with many considering games important to their wellbeing and social connection. The UK games industry is a world-leading creative force, with talented people making games up and down the country, so with thanks to DCM and Common People Films we are putting games on the big screen to share our appreciation of this art form with audiences nationwide too.â Â
Susan Wokoma said: âFilm, TV and games are connected by the passion of the people who make it. It takes so many people to make these things and seeing people really take ownership of their story and their passion, thatâs the thing that threads throughout all of those mediums.âÂ
Jennifer Sheridan, director, said: âWhat makes gaming so captivating is its ability to fully immerse you in the story. It invites you to engage with the narrative interactively. The beauty of storytelling in games lies in how your experience can be completely unique, even if youâre playing the same game as someone else. This film celebrates that diversity and the incredible journeys that games can take you on.âÂ
The post BAFTA and DCM release star-studded cinema trailer to celebrate the art of video game storytelling appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
-
Aristocrat Interactive6 days ago
Aristocrat Interactive Delivers Custom Branded Game âCaesars Ultimate Starsâ for Caesars Sportsbook & Casino
-
Blokotech7 days ago
Blokotech appoints Nicolas Castearena as Commercial Director LATAM
-
BCLC6 days ago
BCLC Launches âWhatâs played here stays hereâ Campaign
-
Latest News5 days ago
Embark on an Epic Adventure with Jenny Nevada in the Diamond Temple at SlotsCapital.lv â Enjoy a 150% Deposit Bonus
-
Compliance Updates7 days ago
Continent 8 achieves ISO 50001 certification, championing responsible energy management in its data centres
-
Latest News7 days ago
Enhanced bonus play and stylish collects await in Blueprint Gamingâs Kong 3 Even Bigger Bonusâą
-
Compliance Updates7 days ago
UKGC to Introduce New Rules to Increase Safety and Simplicity of Consumer Promotional Offers
-
Cryptocurrency6 days ago
Slotland Entertainment Rolls out Dazzling New Slot, 8 Crystals, Across Multiple Brands with new Cryptocurrency Integration