Industry News
The rise and rise of NoLimit City – the iGaming industry’s bad boy slot developer
NoLimit City could have been just another slot developer, turning out a succession of games in line with the prevailing trends. But where would be the fun in that?
Unlike some other studios which boast that player satisfaction is at the heart of what they do, the team at NoLimit City believe in exceeding player expectations – and it definitely seems to be working. This is a developer that’s seemingly come out of nowhere to become a leading name in the world of online slots gaming – with a taste for the bizarre, the gruesome – and even, some might suggest, the downright distasteful.
Controversial themes
NoLimit City is responsible for creating some of the most controversial slots around, grounded in topics that include mental institutions, lobotomies, cannibalism and violent prisoners. As an example, Karen is a recurring character who made her first appearance in xWays Hoarder xSplit, set in a post-apocalyptic landscape. She cropped up again earlier this year in Karen Maneater – but this is no femme fatale we’re talking about! She’s keeping control of the dystopian world by resorting to cannibalism – descending into themes where most slots developers might be reluctant to tread.
Other popular games include Mental, Punk Toilet and Warrior Graveyard xNudge, all of which are decidedly left field. The developer’s latest release in September 2022 is The Border, which is based on uncomfortable themes of escape, control and aggressive authority. And let’s face it, that’s a far cry from fruit, bells and BAR symbols!
It hasn’t always been this way, although the developer has spent almost a decade steadily building up a reputation for high-quality slots. As recently as the summer of 2019 NoLimit City was launching Hot 4 Cash – a funky, fruity five-reel game with echoes of Starburst – but with an array of features that definitely made it worthy of closer attention. The studio was also responsible for Gaelic Gold and Mayan Magic Wildfire, both of which were medium-volatility slots offering 5 and 10 paylines respectively.
Then something seemed to change, as the games took a leap into previously uncharted territory. Tombstone RIP quickly became a player favourite, taking the typical western slot theme to a darker place. Big players wins are celebrated by a hangman preparing nooses, carefully testing them for weight, then hanging outlaws one by one – heady stuff indeed for modern-day gamers, who like to see a few lynchings and blood spatters served up with their slots action!
Innovative mechanics
Creating slots that appeal to a generation brought up on first-person shooters and horror-themed console games is one thing – delivering up the gaming mechanics that keep a slots fan spinning those reels is another matter. But once again, NoLimit City set out to be different. The team have been busy developing a number of exciting and highly volatile game features, making them incredibly appealing for risk takers and thrill seekers.
San Quentin xWays combines the menacing atmosphere of life in a high-security US male prison with huge winning potential. With help from the NoLimit xWays mechanic, the game offers a top payout of 150,000x, which is absolutely huge. And the potential rewards could be even better with the help of an introductory bonus from one of the newest UK slot sites.
This is a game that’s loved as much by the critics as it is by the players, as it was awarded 2021 Game of the Year status by BigWinBoard and Gaming Intelligence. Quite an achievement for a game featuring a bar of soap on the shower floor if the game doesn’t go your way!
Volatile gameplay and exciting features ensure a thrilling experience on the reels, so these are games with huge player appeal. NoLimit slot themes might be considered distasteful by some, but there’s an appreciative audience that seemingly can’t get enough of them – and that certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed by the big industry players.
NoLimit City is playing with the big boys
In June 2022, Gambling Insider reported that industry powerhouse Evolution Gaming Group has acquired NoLimit City for 340m euros. Coming hot on the heels of Evolution’s buyouts of NetEnt and Big Time Gaming, this only serves to prove just how desirable NoLimit City games have become. According to Evolution’s chairman, Jens von Bahr, they’d been keeping tabs on the creators of Tombstone RIP for some time and were extremely impressed by the new style of games being produced.
Over at iGB, Evolution’s CEO Martin Carlesund was citing the distinctive style of NoLimit City slots as being a major factor in the group’s recent acquisition. He believes that the combination of outstanding graphics, niche themes and innovative mechanics makes these games particularly attractive for advanced players.
That may be true, but by combining innovative slot mechanics with macabre and controversial themes that echo recent PC and console games, such as Silent Hill, it seems that NoLimit City has hit on a winning formula. These games aren’t just attracting experienced slots fans – they’re also drawing in a new audience looking for grittier and darker themes than most players are accustomed to. And NoLimit City seem more than happy to oblige!
And it could turn out to be an excellent long-term strategy too. Recent analysis into the appeal of horror games suggests that even though we’re momentarily scared, we’re drawn to keep returning again and again – which is surely the Holy Grail for any slots developer!
Clearly, Evolution feel that NoLimit City fills a gap in their portfolio, and since this is a major industry player committed to enabling cutting-edge gameplay, there’s no better endorsement. Meanwhile, NoLimit City warns us to expect ‘the unseen and the unexpected’. With upcoming titles including Kenneth Must Die and Dead Canary to look forward to, it’s clear that NoLimit City intends to keep on keeping on.
TaDa Gaming continues to raise awareness of its unique fishing-shooting games through its recently launched Fi/Sh Experience Campaign.
Combining fishing, shooting and gaming, the new vertical offers strategic gameplay, with players targeting specific fish based on their multiplier value. With each shot fired placing a wager, it is the equivalent to a spin on a slot game, making fishing-shooting games recognisable, RNG, casino entertainment products.
However, fishing-shooting games offer a completely different player experience to spinning the reels and so TaDa began its 2025 global roadshows at ICE Barcelona with the aim of demystifying these exciting releases.
A key takeaway is in understanding the difference between slots and fishing-shooting games. With no reels or paylines, players target and shoot fish or creatures to win rewards from successful hits.
Unlike slots, this requires strategic decision making as to: target choice based on multiplier value or facility to trigger a bonus game; choice in weapons used; and an understanding of how to benefit from the many exciting bonus features including Power Ups, Immortal Bosses and Awakening Events.
The option to choose one of three “rooms” based on different volatility and wager levels in the same game gives players choices that do not usually exist with slots and makes every experience more personalised.
Graphics and animations are comparable to video gaming while real time shooting mechanics, alongside multiplayer capability, ensure fishing-shooting games are not an alternative to slots but a whole new experience.
In-built tutorials, demo play options and on-screen tips alongside a detailed paytable to provide a clear roadmap for successful play mean TaDa games deliver a straightforward and safe experience for all types of players to try these new titles.
Ray Lee, Director of Business Development at TaDa Gaming, said: “Many players have gravitated to our fishing-shooting games looking for skill influenced gameplay, strategic choices, a more interactive and dynamic experience and multiplayer options.
“The flexibility in starting with a low volatility exposure and being able to change options within the same RNG game is very appealing. There is also the recognition that the wager process is similar to slots which makes players more comfortable.
“Furthermore, our releases including Bombing Fishing, Mega Fishing and Jackpot Fishing are localised for different markets and we have also optimised download times for superlight deployment making the games attractive across multiple demographics and jurisdictions.
“We are very excited about our fishing-shooting games and are delighted to be working to make them ever more accessible to players and operators.”
The post TaDa Compares the Market for Fishing-Shooting Games appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Dr. Helmut Becker, CEO of ZEAL Network, has informed the Supervisory Board of the company of his decision not to extend his contract, which runs until January 31, 2026. The 56-year-old has decided to pursue his own entrepreneurial activities in the future after many years as a top manager. Dr Becker will then leave the company after more than twelve years on the Executive Board of ZEAL Network SE, including more than ten as CEO. He will remain fully committed to ZEAL as CEO until the end of his contract term and will ensure a smooth transition of his duties to a successor.
“ZEAL is in an excellent position to continue to grow in the future. After almost ten years as CEO, I have decided that now is the right time to pursue my own entrepreneurial endeavours. This has been a difficult decision for me. I will especially miss our exceptionally strong team and the unique culture we have built together, characterised by innovation, customer focus and team spirit. I will continue to work hard until the end of my term to achieve the goals we have set together,” said Dr Becker.
Dr Becker informed the Supervisory Board of ZEAL Network SE about his decision at an early stage, and the Supervisory Board will immediately initiate a structured process for the succession of the CEO.
Peter Steiner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, said: “The Supervisory Board of ZEAL Network SE has noted with great regret Helmut Becker’s decision not to seek a contract extension. Helmut Becker has played a decisive role in taking ZEAL’s business development to a new level. Under his leadership, ZEAL has established itself as a market leader in the online lottery market, significantly expanded its customer base and crucially broadened its offering through innovative product development. On behalf of the Supervisory Board, I would like to thank him for his outstanding commitment and strategic vision. We wish him all the best for his personal life and professional career.”
Dr Becker has been CEO of ZEAL Network since September 1, 2015, after serving as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for over two years. Prior to joining the Executive Board, he was a member of the Supervisory Board of ZEAL for two years. Previously, he served as Chief Commercial Officer on the Management Board of XING AG and held various management positions at eBay Germany and as a management consultant at McKinsey. As CEO, Dr Becker was responsible for the acquisition of LOTTO24 AG, the return of ZEAL to Germany and the expansion of the portfolio to include freiheit+, Games and Traumhausverlosung.
The post ZEAL Network CEO Helmut Becker Will Not Extend His Contract Beyond January 2026 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Gamblorium, a trusted online casino affiliate platform, announces its new and improved casino rating system. This updated system is designed to give players even more accurate and transparent rankings for online casinos. Since 2020, Gamblorium has been known for providing honest and expert-tested casino reviews. With this updated rating system, Gamblorium continues to ensure players can easily find the best gambling sites.
The new rating system combines three key components: Gamblorium Score, Player Score and Market Score. These scores are based on a 100-point scale, providing players with a clear and reliable way to choose casinos that meet their preferences.
Main features of Gamblorium’s new rating system:
• Gamblorium score: The Gamblorium Score evaluates casinos based on over 100 criteria, including payment methods, game options, security and user experience. Unlike other platforms, Gamblorium uses a relative and flexible approach, meaning casinos are ranked based on their strengths within their market. This score also incorporates Expert Scoring, ensuring that the most important factors are weighted appropriately.
• Player score: The Player Score is based on feedback from real users. Players can leave reviews only if they have registered or played at the casino, ensuring honest and up-to-date feedback. This makes the reviews highly reliable and reflective of the actual player experience.
• Market score: The Market Score helps balance the overall rating by considering the views of other trusted gambling platforms. This adds another layer of objectivity and ensures that Gamblorium’s reviews remain fair and unbiased.
The post Gamblorium Enhances Casino Reviews with Updated Rating System appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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