The iGaming industry would be nothing without the innovation and dedication of its software developers. These guys have single-handedly revolutionised the concept of online casino gaming, helping to create immersive and engaging iGaming action that’s now accessible 24/7 on all kinds of devices. Whether it’s high-definition audio and visuals, live streaming technology or virtual reality gameplay, iGamers owe a debt of gratitude to the big-hitters of the iGaming software sector. That’s why we’ve decided to shine a spotlight on five of the most prominent development studios that will continue to innovate the world of iGaming into the next decade and beyond.

Microgaming

Widely regarded as the pioneers of iGaming way back when it all began, Microgaming remains a household name in the iGaming scene. Established in 1994, Microgaming are credited with launching the first ever real-money progressive jackpot online slot game, titled ‘Cash Splash’. No-one knew at the time that the progressive jackpot mechanics would go on to become such an integral part of video slot action in the years ahead.

Since then, Microgaming has continued to innovate; launching the first co-branded video slot based on the popular Tomb Raider franchise, and developing the first 100-payline slot. The firm also takes its position as a market leader seriously, working hard to maintain the integrity of the iGaming industry by becoming a founding member of the e-Commerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA) to ensure best practice and fairness for all iGamers.

NetEnt

This Swedish iGaming development firm dates back to 1996 but, in truth, its roots go much further back than that. Swedish casino operator, Cherry provided lots of land-based casinos with slot machines across mainland Europe. The son of the co-founder of Cherry, Pontus Lindwall, eventually seized the opportunities online by founding NetEnt. In the post-millennium iGaming era, NetEnt has been influential in delivering online casino modules to iGaming operators worldwide, including award-winning mobile and live streamed casino action.

NetEnt shot to slot stardom yet again in 2018, after the release of a brand-new slot based on the 1995 Hollywood blockbuster, Jumanji. There are plenty of nostalgic memories and in-game bonus features for UK-based iGamers to enjoy in one of NetEnt’s most triumphant slots.

Playtech

Playtech is on the cusp of celebrating its third decade in the iGaming business. Established in 1999 following the dotcom boom by Israeli entrepreneur, Teddy Sagi, Playtech was designed to combine the leading innovators in technology, multimedia and gaming to futureproof the iGaming industry for online operators. Although Playtech is well known for its video slots and online bingo action, it’s better known for its revolutionary back-end iGaming software that helped to provide iGaming operators with a magnificent overview of customer behaviour.

Playtech delivered the most comprehensive reporting infrastructure any iGaming operator had ever seen. It gave platforms unique insight that enabled them to be more profitable simply by better understanding their regular customers. In more recent times, Playtech has also moved into the financial markets, acquiring forex brokerage Plus500 back in 2015, before selling its stake in September 2018.

Novomatic

Novomatic has quickly established itself as one of the leading iGaming developers in mainland Europe. It turned over more than €2 billion in 2015, positioning Novomatic as one of the most successful gaming technology firms on the planet. Although it has designed and built terminals for video lottery and slot gaming action in bricks-and-mortar casinos around Europe, it’s online where Novomatic has hugely excelled.

Novomatic’s portfolio of games contains slot titles that are now household names among iGaming regulars, including ‘Phoenix’, ‘Lucky Ladies Charm’ and ‘Hold Your Horses’. With a B2B arm and a B2C arm, Novomatic has its feet in both camps, helping to improve gaming experiences for customers and operators alike.

Evolution Gaming

Thanks to the advancements of live streaming technology, live casino gaming software was the natural progression for the iGaming scene. Evolution Gaming are the pioneers of live dealer technology, boasting a portfolio of live roulette, blackjack, baccarat, Texas Hold’em and many other table games. Evolution have live dealer studios where professionally-trained dealers and croupiers work to operate table games involving players logging on from around the world. Many of the world’s most renowned iGaming platforms now utilise Evolution Gaming’s software to bring live streamed casino action to homes and mobile devices worldwide.

Of course, there are many more iGaming developers doing great things for iGamers. In fact, this article would be more like a dissertation if we were to list them all. Nevertheless, the five contenders above have undoubtedly set the tone for the rest of the iGaming industry to follow and for that, we salute them!