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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and the fact that graphics are becoming more sophisticated, even slots that are only two or three years old can look outdated.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 €0.01 to €100. 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.
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Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Spinomenal has expanded its successful Mythology series with the launch of Mega Zeus Hold & Hit 3×3. Set among the golden columns of Mount Olympus, Mega Zeus transports players to the realm of the mighty god of thunder.
Galaxsys proudly announces the launch of its latest slot game, Guardians of Glory, an action-packed game that combines medieval warfare, innovative slot mechanics, and massive win potential for players worldwide. Blending classic slot mechanics with high-octane action, Guardians of Glory is a 5-reel, 3-row cascading line slot designed to keep players on the edge of their seats.
Evoplay has launched Imperial Relics: Three Pots, a vibrant new slot inspired by the grandeur, treasures, and mysticism of Imperial China. Players are transported to a golden city overseen by a wise emperor, where sacred relics and intricate symbols adorn the reels.
Relax Gaming has enhanced a fan-favourite with the launch of Snake Arena 2: Kinesis Unleashed. The futuristic, feature-packed 6×4 ways slot pits Slayers against Snake in an entertaining game experience that offers huge win potential with a maximum prize of 50,000x bet.
Get ready for the slot event of the year, from Booming Games, in Black Friday Cart Craze, where every spin feels like a mega sale! Load up your carts to trigger the Coin Craze collect feature or the Super Sale Spins, where everything must go. Eliminate Minor symbols and upgrade Major symbols to increase your shopping spree haul!
In Nolimit City’s latest release, Bizarre, peek into the window of Dr. Bizarre’s wild experiments. This slot falls under the eccentric category of Nolimit City slots such as Munchies, Outsourced and Ugliest Catch. The farm has been… busy. Bizarre plays out on a 4-4-4-4-4 layout across 5 reels, with a number of variations of xSplit®.
Push Gaming has launched its latest seafaring adventure, Sea of Spirits, a highly anticipated slot developed in collaboration with CasinoGrounds, one of the industry’s most influential community-driven streaming platforms. Set in a haunting underwater realm where ghostly captains guard the treasures of the deep, Sea of Spirits immerses players in a world of mystery, risk, and reward.
Play’n GO’s Stadium of Riches captures the raw energy of the world’s favourite sport, placing players at the heart of the action in this high-stakes football showdown. Stadium of Riches doesn’t just replicate the spirit of football – it elevates it.
Blueprint Gaming
is kicking off the festive season with the launch of Saint Nicked 3 Present Tense, the first of three Christmas-themed releases that see some of its most iconic series reimagined with charming festive visuals, enriched graphics and immersive seasonal experiences designed to delight operator player bases worldwide.
BGaming invites players to wrap up warm and explore an icy kingdom in Divine Queen: Heart of Ice. Watch the wins snowball in this Olympus-genre pay-anywhere game. Divine Queen: Heart of Ice pulls inspiration from the iconic Bonanza gameplay mechanics, repackaging them in a winter retro style.
This holiday season, Santa’s traded in his sleigh for a private jet and touched down on the Vegas Strip! Santa in Vegas delivers festive fun and flashy riches in a vibrant 5×4 slot packed with luxurious symbols, glittering lights and that famous Booming Games excitement.
Get ready to gather the family around the table and celebrate the harvest season in style in Extra Win X Thanksgiving – the new holiday-themed twist on Swintt’s classic retro slot formula where landing full table wins can lead to massively multiplied payouts.
TaDa Gaming has released Clover Ladybug, a vibrant slot where expanding Wilds, playful multipliers and the lucky ladybug herself lead the way to exciting 1500x wins. Set on a 5×3 grid with 20 paylines, Clover Ladybug transforms the simple joy of nature into a lively slot experience.
The post Week 47/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
European Gaming Media
HIPTHER’s European Gaming Media Joins Forces with Frank Gaming in a Strategic Media Partnership
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HIPTHER’s flagship media outlet, European Gaming Media, is delighted to announce a new Media Partnership with Frank Gaming – the strategic nexus connecting game providers, casino operators, and industry leaders worldwide.
This collaboration marks a shared mission to accelerate partnerships, amplify exposure, and empower sustainable growth within the global iGaming ecosystem. Through this agreement, Frank Gaming will feature HIPTHER’s renowned international events across its platform, providing its expansive network with direct access to some of the industry’s most influential conferences.
In exchange, European Gaming Media will provide ongoing editorial and social media coverage for Frank Gaming’s key announcements, while Frank Gaming representatives will receive complimentary passes to attend HIPTHER’s premium events, including the Prague Gaming & TECH Summit, European Gaming Congress (HIPTHER Warsaw Summit), and the MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit.
A Partnership Built on Shared Vision and Reach
Frank Gaming serves as a powerful connector within the iGaming ecosystem, driving measurable results through strategic networking, exclusive events, and actionable industry intelligence. Their ecosystem features over 500 verified suppliers, 250 active operators, 1,200 successful connections, and 50+ exclusive events – all designed to foster collaboration and growth.
The platform’s comprehensive toolkit includes a Supplier Directory, Strategic Networking, Industry Intelligence, Exclusive Events, Custom Marketing, and Strategic Advisory services, making it a go-to destination for gaming businesses seeking to scale with purpose.
As a leading media voice reaching over 300,000 monthly readers, European Gaming Media delivers trusted news, interviews, and insights across gaming, betting, esports, and tech innovation. The partnership strengthens both brands’ commitment to building bridges and driving excellence across the gaming value chain.
Statements from the Partners
Zoltán Tűndik, Co-founder of HIPTHER, commented: Our collaboration with Frank Gaming is a natural fit, rooted in a shared commitment to strengthening the core of the iGaming industry. We are focused on delivering crucial insights, and Frank Gaming excels at creating actionable connections. With a joint effort we can offer immense value, ensuring that the critical discussions taking place at our HIPTHER events are amplified across their robust network of suppliers and operators.
Julian Arabadjiyski, Frank Gaming strategic advisor added: Partnering with HIPTHER is a strategic step forward in our mission to connect innovation with opportunity across the global iGaming landscape. HIPTHER brings industry-shaping insights and global reach through their events and media, while Frank Gaming empowers suppliers and operators to turn those insights into growth. Together, we’re bridging knowledge and execution ensuring the right voices are heard and the right connections are made.
About Frank Gaming
Frank Gaming is the strategic nexus connecting game providers, casino operators, and industry leaders across the global iGaming ecosystem. With over 500 verified suppliers, 250 operators, and 1,200 successful connections, the platform accelerates partnerships and drives growth through strategic networking, exclusive events, and targeted intelligence.
About European Gaming Media
Part of HIPTHER, European Gaming Media (EuropeanGaming.eu) is one of the most trusted publications in the iGaming and gambling sector, reaching more than 300,000 readers monthly. The outlet delivers daily news, in-depth interviews, regulatory updates, and event coverage, shaping the future of gaming and betting across Europe.
About HIPTHER
HIPTHER is a global brand dedicated to connecting people and businesses through innovative media, PR, and events. With leading conferences and media outlets spanning Gaming, Tech, and Fintech, HIPTHER empowers industries through connection, collaboration, and creativity.
The post HIPTHER’s European Gaming Media Joins Forces with Frank Gaming in a Strategic Media Partnership appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
N1 Partners is heading to Bangkok to talk about growth, partnerships, and high-converting products. The team will be present not only at the main conference — Affiliate World Asia 2025 on December 3–4 — but also across the key side events, including Affiliate Drinks Meetup Bangkok 2025 and partner activities at Fridman Palace.
“Affiliate World Bangkok is one of the most valuable events of the year. We’re excited to meet partners, showcase what we’ve built, and exchange insights that drive the industry forward. N1 Partners enters 2026 stronger than ever — with new brands, new achievements, and big plans ahead.”
— Alexa Bond, Head of Affiliates at N1 Partners
Meet N1 Partners at Affiliate Drinks Meetup Bangkok 2025
The Affiliate Drinks Meetup Bangkok 2025 by Conversion Club is an evening of targeted networking during Affiliate World Asia week — a “drinks & deals” format built for quick, meaningful introductions and real partnerships between affiliates, advertisers, agencies, and tech partners in a relaxed setting off the expo floor.
N1 Partners joins Affiliate Drinks Meetup as a supporting partner and active participant, bringing our affiliate managers to meet decision-makers, discuss new traffic opportunities, and strengthen relationships with existing and future partners.
- Location: Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, Bangkok
- Date & time: 3 December 2025, 20:00–23:00
Affiliate Space Awards 2025
The Affiliate Space Awards 2025 by Conversion Club is an annual gala that celebrates standout brands, companies, and personalities in affiliate marketing across key verticals — including iGaming, finance, dating and more — with live voting and winners announced at a gala dinner in Bangkok.
N1 Partners is shortlisted in three major categories at the Affiliate Space Awards 2025:
- The Best Gambling / Betting Affiliate Program
- The Best Brand of the Year
- The Best Online Casino Operator of the Year.
Together, these nominations recognize N1 Partners’ position as a top-performing affiliate program and operator with guaranteed and fast payouts, flexible deal models, a VIP approach and strong support for partners, consistently high-converting Tier-1 brands, a strong and consistent brand image (boosted in 2025 by the buzz around the N1 Puzzle Promo), and a data-driven approach to player value, retention, LTV, and long-term partner results.
- Location: Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, Bangkok
- Date & time: 4 December 2025, 20:00–23:00
Fridman Palace – where N1 Partners meets industry leaders
You can also find N1 Partners at Fridman Palace in Bangkok — a premium business and lifestyle space where market leaders meet, share real cases, and talk openly beyond the conference schedule.
FridmanTower offers a curated environment with private meeting areas and networking zones tailored for meaningful conversations and high-level deal-making.
N1 Partners is the sponsor of a smoking lounge for relaxation and networking, giving partners a comfortable, premium space to meet our affiliate managers, talk strategy, and plan next steps throughout Affiliate World week.
- Location: FridmanTower, Bangkok
- Dates: 1–5 December 2025
Book a Meeting with Our Affiliate Managers
Maximize your time in Bangkok — book a meeting with N1 Partners in advance, whether at Affiliate World Asia, Affiliate Drinks Meetup, Affiliate Space Awards, or Fridman Palace.
Meet the N1 Partners affiliate team in Bangkok:
- Aleksei Gusarov – Team Lead of Affiliates
- Viktoriia Sokolenko – Affiliate Manager
- Roman Tsyganov – Affiliate Manager
- Batikhan Omarbayev – Affiliate Manager
- Pavel Sysoev – Account Manager
Book your slot — let’s talk business, growth, and opportunities with N1 Partners.
About N1 Partners
N1 Partners is a multi-brand affiliate program and direct advertiser, uniting 14+ casino and betting brands. The company has a strong presence in 10+ Tier-1 GEOs, Reg2Dep rates of up to 70%, and a trusted network of 10,000+ affiliates worldwide. N1 Partners delivers competitive deals for top partners: CPA up to €700 and RevShare up to 45% to ensure partners always are number one!
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