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How NetEnt built an empire based on familiarity
Initially founded as Net Entertainment in 1996, NetEnt is one of iGaming’s greatest and most recognisable online slot developers, a company that’s universally known for having a truly unbeatable catalogue of online slots.
But how did this gargantuan Swedish development studio grow in prominence over the years, casting an imposing shadow over the rest of the industry? The short answer, brand power!
That being said, we’re not exactly talking about NetEnt’s brand power here… We’re talking about the fact that NetEnt has traditionally utilised other recognised brands to boost their reputation within the world of iGaming.
In the beginning – NetEnt signs collaborative deal with Universal
NetEnt kick-started this incredibly smart strategy in 2010 when they entered into a landmark multi-year licensing agreement with Universal, the film studio behind some of Hollywood’s greatest movies and television shows.
The first big-name IP that NetEnt developed into an online slot was none other than Mr. Tony Montana himself, the notorious drug lord Scarface. Looking back it’s quite understandable why NetEnt decided to go with an R-rated character.
Not only is Tony Montana all about big money, but it’s much easier to pair a classic bad boy with a form of entertainment such as online slots that have long been looked upon as risqué.
Once it was quite apparent that NetEnt had discovered a winning strategy they continued to sign deals with other major film and television studios such as Colombia Pictures, 20th Century Fox and Sony Entertainment to get access to some of the world’s biggest brands.
These brand partnerships gave NetEnt a competitive edge over other studios who were themselves releasing run-of-the-mill online slots themed around ancient Egypt, Las Vegas and Ireland… Nothing particularly exciting when compared to NetEnt’s slots that are based on hit movies and television shows.
Aggressive expansion – NetEnt’s television and movie-themed slots arrive at casinos across the internet
After the success of Scarface, NetEnt decided to stick with creating branded online slots that feature characters and IP that wouldn’t be ‘tarnished’ by being made into an online slot game. Whether this was a decision made by movie and television executives, or NetEnt themselves remains to be seen… Either way, it worked!
Their next hit games were South Park and Creature from the Black Lagoon. Naturally, South Park featured all of the same rude and crude humour the famous animated show is known for, and as a result, it pulled in a whole host of players (old and new) that were interested in this new and unique crossover.
The same can be said for Creature from the Black Lagoon, a slot based on the unsettling 1954 horror movie of the same name. Despite the fact that not too many players will vividly remember the black and white film, players still flocked to this highly volatile slot.
In the months and subsequent years that followed NetEnt released a huge number of branded TV/movie-themed slots that pulled in huge audiences, these include: South Park: Reel Chaos, The Invisible Man, Frankenstein, Dracula, Universal Monsters: The Phantom’s Curse, Emojiplanet, Planet of the Apes and Conan.
NetEnt also used their successful partnership with Universal to muscle in on the world of music as part of the developers 20th-anniversary celebrations, they got their hands on the IP for some of the world’s biggest rock ‘n’ roll stars Guns N’ Roses, Motörhead and Jimi Hendrix.
Having seriously upped their game utilising big-name brands, NetEnt continued to pull out all the stops to wow audiences with new online slots based on iconic people, tv shows and movies.
First came Jumanji Video Slot, then Narcos (based on the hit Netflix series), followed by Street Fighter II: The World Warrior Slot and most recently Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen Video Slot.
Building for the future – NetEnt supplement their success by creating their own brand icons
Despite having seen unprecedented success due to their branded slots, credit still must be given to their army of creatives as they’re also responsible for inventing some iconic brands of their own that have gone on to spawn multiple games and feature heavily in casino lobbies.
If you ask anyone today to name a handful of the most recognisable online slot games, odds are they’ll mention NetEnt classics such as Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, Mega Fortune and Twin Spin. All of these games have spawned popular sequels and are often used as part of casino welcome bonuses due to how popular they are with players around the world.
NetEnt seems to be one of the very few successful online slot developers that have found the perfect balance between creating timeless classics of their own and utilising big-name brands from outside the world of iGaming to help grow their reputation.
Blueprint Gaming and Play’n GO are the only two studios that can hold a candle to NetEnt, and it’s hard to say whether any other developers will get remotely close to any of them at this point. Ultimately, the costs and intricacies involved in licensing are just far too great for up and coming developers to front.
Looking back, it’s clear to see that NetEnt took a serious risk in signing expensive deals with Hollywood studios, but it’s one that paid off tenfold. NetEnt is without a doubt the biggest name in online slots, and has been for the last decade.
We believe that their success is entirely down to the fact they’ve played host to the biggest names and therefore gained the attention of the biggest casinos, seeing their games front and centre of slot lobbies all over the world.
Online casinos are in a race to meet the growing demands of players, but many operators are being left behind. Slow payment systems, high transaction fees, and outdated software are limiting growth and hurting the player experience. But with the right tools, operators can break free from these limitations and create fluid, player-first experiences.
Bar Konson, Chief Business Development Officer at NuxGame, offers solutions that many operators have been waiting for. With NuxGame’s crypto-ready turnkey platform, operators can quickly solve common issues and roll out future-forward digital casinos that appeal to modern players. The crypto market is growing fast, with an expected $5 billion by 2030. Find out in this interview how making the most of crypto can take your casino to the next level and leave competitors behind.
The impact of crypto in iGaming is undeniable. Bar, do you believe Bitcoin is here to stay, or are we just seeing the beginning of a temporary trend?
The truth is, Bitcoin and crypto are here to stay, and it’s not just a “cool new thing” for players. They offer fast transactions, more security, and a level of transparency that players are increasingly looking for. The iGaming scene is modernizing, and those who aren’t adopting crypto solutions are definitely going to fall behind. You don’t want to watch everyone else pass you by.
So how does NuxGame support the crypto trend? What makes your platform stand out in this fast paced environment?
At NuxGame, we’re not simply handing over a crypto solution and calling it a day. We provide a fully integrated crypto casino software solution that supports multiple cryptocurrencies, but more importantly, we’re here for you every step of the way. Our customer service managers understand that each operator has unique priorities, so we work closely with you to make sure that everything works exactly the way you want it. The dashboard shows everything in real-time, while players get quicker transactions and a better overall game. And the best part is that you’re not left alone with the system integration. Our team is always ready to make your operations work exactly how you want.
I know you’ve got a lot of experience with turnkey solutions. What makes NuxGame’s turnkey casino solution a perfect fit for operators looking to add crypto into their business?
The whole idea behind a turnkey casino solution is to give operators everything they need to go live as soon as possible. When you add crypto, that means offering everything from crypto-friendly payment systems to blockchain-backed gaming for transparency and security. But the important part is that it’s not merely about putting a “crypto” label on your website and leaving it at that. We provide full integration with multi-coin support, crypto bonuses, and even real-time analytics. For operators, it’s the peace of mind that comes with knowing that upon making the switch, everything works — and it works fast. No waiting, no stress, just a revenue-boosting crypto experience. And you’ll be seeing profits in no time. Because you’ll get the tools to start engaging players immediately.
Bar, let’s talk about the notable transition from traditional casinos to online. Are operators who come from land-based casinos jumping on the crypto train? How are they adapting?
Absolutely! A lot of traditional operators are taking their first steps into the online scene and realizing crypto’s impact in it all. They already have local brand recognition, and now it’s time to take that trust and build it online. The great thing is, with crypto, they don’t have to worry about those annoying international payment delays or high fees. We help them adapt without the growing pains, offering localization for both payments and content. It’s basically taking what they already know and applying it to the online space: no need to rebuild everything. You’ve got your brand and audience — now let us help you go digital. It’s that easy.
One last thing: with all the changes happening in the iGaming space, especially with the crypto’s growing presence, what do you think operators should be focusing on in 2025?
2025 is all about speed and adaptability. Markets are moving at record pace, and operators who are stuck in the “perfect platform” mentality are going to miss the boat. Players expect fast, secure experiences, and with crypto, that’s what they get. But to keep up, operators need to launch fast, learn fast, and be ready to grow quickly. That means not over-complicating things: you don’t need to build from zero when you’ve got the right tools. With platforms like ours, operators can quickly adapt to trends, integrate new features, and focus on what really matters: delivering a fantastic player experience. The market’s moving, and those who move with it are the ones who win.
The post Exclusive Q&A With Bar Konson, Chief Business Development Officer at NuxGame appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
SOFTSWISS, a leading global provider of iGaming software, celebrates the first Sportsbook Network Jackpot win, which occurred during one of the industry’s largest events – SiGMA Americas.
SOFTSWISS launched the first Sportsbook Network Jackpot with an initial prize pool of €35,000. The lucky player claimed the first Jackpot on 9 April, taking home a prize of €80,294.89 – more than double the initial sum. The winning bet was a combo bet placed on live events, with a stake of €166 and a total odds of 4.38.
The Sportsbook Network Jackpot is underpinned by a progressive, cross-operator infrastructure that enables a shared prize pool across all participating brands. Clients using the SOFTSWISS Sportsbook could join this campaign without additional individual costs while offering a grand prize to their players. The setup ensures equal winning opportunities for all players, regardless of the operator they play with.
“This is a remarkable event for our team – not only because it marks the first drop of the Sportsbook Network Jackpot, but also because it’s happening here at SiGMA Americas. We can celebrate it together with our colleagues and share the joy with the lucky player.
I see big potential in the Network Jackpot in the near future. It’s still rare in the market, but it provides additional value and entertainment for players. We are happy to announce the launch of the next campaign and invite our partners to participate in it,” stated Alexander Kamenetskyi, Head of SOFTSWISS Sportsbook.
“Our team has done significant work to make this event happen. Previously, the Network Jackpot was available only to SOFTSWISS casino clients. Now, we’re able to offer this solution to all operators on the market – including Game Aggregator clients, clients using third-party platforms, and even Sportsbook clients.
We’re proud to deliver this engagement solution and be part of this significant jackpot drop,” commented Angelina Stasiuk, Head of Business Line at SOFTSWISS Jackpot Aggregator.
The team is focused on providing the market with tools for engagement. Recently, the Sportsbook introduced Player Chat to enhance user engagement.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s 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 world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team counts over 2,000 employees.
The post First SOFTSWISS Sportsbook Network Jackpot Hits €80,294.89 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Here are this weeks latest slots releases compiled by European Gaming
Spinomenal has released its cool new slot, City Heat. The game joins Spinomenal’s Adventures series to celebrate the tropical nightlife vibe celebrated in luxurious Miami. A stunning beachside cityscape at sunset lined with palm trees creates an inviting scene for players to jump into the action. City Heat’s Wild symbol is represented by a chic lady and will count for all symbols except free spins and bonus symbols.
Ancient traditions meet exciting gameplay in Toutatis – the new tribal-themed release from hit software provider, Swintt, that sees players enlist the help of a powerful shaman to brew up potent concoctions that could boost their Free Spins winnings to up to 2100x! As the latest title in the provider’s ever-popular Premium line-up, Toutatis is a five-reel, 10-payline game that combines the simple gameplay of a classic land-based slot machine with an exhilarating bonus feature that can be extended up to three times for truly transformative prizes.
Push Gaming’s latest slot takes player favourite mechanics and blends them with a slot staple theme in its latest release, 10 Pharaohs. Players must brave the Pharaoh’s resting place and uncover untold riches via the beloved scatter pays mechanic. The excitement is elevated with the introduction of jackpot symbols that behave like regular versions but also award an instant prize, giving players more to aim for while ramping up the engagement.
Inspired Entertainment, Inc., is thrilled to announce the release of Catch of the Day Extra Spins™ – the latest addition to the popular Catch of the Day™ franchise from Astra Games Studio. Now available in the UK LBO, B3 market, this new release builds on the franchise’s success with even more engaging gameplay. Catch of the Day Extra Spins is a captivating fishing-theme slot with a 5×3 reel layout and 10-win lines. Packed with thrilling features, this game offers players plenty of opportunities to reel in rewards.
A powerful new slot sees Play’n GO revisit the world of Alador, Yasmine, and their enigmatic ally in 1001 Mystery Genie Fortunes. But peace in the Kingdom doesn’t mean all is as it seems… After overthrowing the villainous Zafar, the realm enjoys tranquillity under the rule of Sultan Alador. However, the Genie who helped secure victory has vanished into the Oasis – and whispers tell of a chest brimming with unpredictable power. This 5-reel, 20-line slot invites players to explore what secrets lie within.
Reflex Gaming, the omni-channel gaming supplier are back in the sands of Egypt with Anubis II DoubleMax™, an exhilarating sequel to the hit title Secret of Anubis Doublemax, developed in partnership with Yggdrasil. Set against the majestic backdrop of ancient tombs and golden treasures, Anubis II DoubleMax™ invites players to take on a thrilling 5×3 reel journey where wins pay both ways – from left to right and right to left – giving double the chances to land a prize.
Evoplay has released Rush Riches, a feature-filled title set in a mining-themed Wild West landscape. Set across a 5×5 reel layout with up to 3,125 ways to win, the game introduces the Rocks and Drops mechanic, where blocked reel spaces are removed when adjacent to winning combinations. This creates a dynamic grid that expands with each win, unlocking more potential pay lines as the round progresses.
Kendoo has launched Pig Up, a playful and energetic game packed with Hold and Win mechanics and surprise-filled gameplay. Played on a classic 3×3 layout, Pig Up introduces an Extra Reel feature that expands the grid during the Bonus Game, unlocking enhanced win potential and dynamic reel interactions.
Step into a springtime fairytale with Easter Classics—Booming Games’ festive twist on a beloved classic. This 5×3 slot with up to 20 paylines brings all the charm of Easter bunnies, blooming meadows, and colourful eggs, wrapped in the timeless feel of a traditional fruit machine. Stacked symbols fill the reels, boosting your chances for sweet wins whether they land fully or partially.
The highly anticipated Dollar Storm slot is back, and it’s better than ever! Originally released in 2017, this fast-paced, 5×3 slot game is returning to Slotland and Winaday, now with its premiere at CryptoSlots. With newly added features, this revamped version promises to deliver bigger wins. Dollar Storm remains a fan favorite since its launch, offering 20 paylines and a bet range from $0.40 to $10, making it accessible for all types of players.
The post Week 15/2025 slot games releases appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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