Breaking Down the Best Slot Developers by Category
One element that characterizes online casinos these days is the broad choice of games. For instance, the live dealer sections of sites now offer a vast number of new styles of games alongside traditional options like blackjack and roulette.
However, the breadth of choice is most evident with online slots. A typical casino might have well over 1,000 online slots provided by slot studios and game developers, each bringing something different.
As such, we thought we would try something different, looking at the top online slot developers in various categories. The breakdown may feel somewhat esoteric, but it should give you an insight into the styles of games that each of the leading online slots developers specializes in:
Best for Entertainment – Blueprint Gaming
While much of the focus goes on winning or losing, we should remember that slots can be entertaining. The undisputed leader in this category is Blueprint Gaming. It specializes in online slots stuffed with unique features and bonus games. While a typical slot game may have one main bonus feature, a Blueprint game like Rick and Morty Wubba Lubba Dub Dub – yes, it’s based on the popular cartoon – will have half a dozen, as well as plenty of base game ‘reel modifiers,’ Blueprint’s signature slots are usually low volatility, and entertainment is at the forefront.
Top games: Ted, Return of Kong Megaways, Fishing Frenzy
Best for Jackpots – Microgaming
Microgaming was one of the key pioneers of the online casino sector in the 1990s, creating the first casino software for the nascent web. Since then, it has become a behemoth developer, releasing 1000s of games. It operates several different slot game studios, so sometimes players are unaware they are playing Microgaming games. Nonetheless, it has also created vast progressive jackpot networks with huge prizes. Among its crown jewels is arguably the world’s most famous progressive jackpot slot – Mega Moolah.
Top games: Mega Moolah, Thunderstruck II, King Cashalot
Best for Innovation – Nolimit City
Nolimit City is a relatively new player on the online slot scene. However, it quickly muscled among the most popular developers among slot players. It specializes in highly-volatile games, which often use innovative features and styles. In truth, many games aren’t for the faint-hearted, but they are unlike anything you have seen. The company created the concept of ways, which has become a hallmark of volatile slots that are popular today.
Top games: Punk Rocker No Limit, San Quentin Says, Misery Mining
Best for Beginners – NetEnt
Most slots are easy to play, although we should mention that some of the titles from providers like Nolimit City can be a bit confusing if you aren’t accustomed to them. Nonetheless, we would argue that NetEnt provides the most approachable slots for beginners, including low-stakes games with simple reel mechanics. We would cite games like Starburst – one of history’s most popular online slots – and Twin Spin as great entry-level games.
Top games: Starburst, Dead or Alive II, Gonzo’s Quest
Best for Classic-Style Games – IGT
IGT is arguably more famous for its offline games. Indeed, they are among the most prominent games you will see in Las Vegas casinos. However, it has arguably done a great job penetrating the online market. It has a vast library of online slots, many classic-style based on themes like Ancient Egypt, fruit machines, etc. IGT has a loyal fanbase, including players who love its MegaJackpots and PowerBuck$ progressive slots.
Top games: Cleopatra, Wolf Run, Wheel of Fortune Series
Best for Experienced Players – Hacksaw Gaming
Like Nolimit City, Hacksaw Gaming burst onto the scene relatively recently. And like Nolimit City, Hacksaw quickly became influential. Its games usually take a unique approach, often as grid-style games rather than traditional slots with reels. Games like Beam Boys, which feature alien cats shooting lasers out of their eyes, summarize what you can expect with Hacksaw. The games are an acquired taste, yet plenty of experienced casino players love them.
Top games: Le Bandit, Ze Zeus, Beam Boys
