Microgaming
Based on the Isle of Man in the UK, Microgaming is included in
the list of leading online gaming software providers. This should come as no surprise, given that, in 1994, this company had the distinction of developing the world’s first dedicated software designed to power an authentic casino experience online.
Not a company to rest on its laurels, Microgaming has gone on to release the first software to enable online casino gaming using a mobile phone in 2004 and launched some VR (virtual reality) games for headset use in 2016.
Having more than two decades of experience in the online gaming world, Microgaming has built up an impressive portfolio of hundreds of products. These include everything from the platforms to support both online and land-based casino gaming, business support software and, of course, the games themselves.
The latter ranges from the ever-popular video slots and traditional casino table games, such as blackjack and roulette (including live-streamed versions) to poker and bingo. Furthermore, Microgaming’s Sportsbook, launched in 2006, gives punters access to betting markets worldwide for a variety of sports.
Having joined forces with a number of independent games software companies, Microgaming offers an unrivalled choice of both branded games and in-house creations in single and multiplayer formats. As well as offering the largest choice of online casino games, Microgaming is particularly known widely for its strict licensing of branded games.
Since all of this comes with Microgaming’s reputation for “Fair Play”, it is no wonder that this innovative company is a leader in the iGaming field.
Awards and Accolades
From the very beginning, Microgaming has always been innovative in developing online casino gaming software. This is reflected in the number and variety of awards Microgaming has won over the years.
The first online casinos went live in the late 1990s and from then on, the industry has grown rapidly. However, even at that early stage, Microgaming showed its commitment to being at the forefront for quality and innovation by winning the CasinoMeister’s 2001 Award for Best Software Supplier.
Since then the company has continued to grow and flourish, producing some truly innovative software ranging from Viper in 2002 to the instant play platform, Quickfire, in 2016. Along the way, Microgaming has won numerous awards for Innovation, Digital Products, Poker software and Casino software to name but a few, cementing its reputation as a leader in the field.
Highlights include the BEGExpo Award for biggest online games portfolio, and the Global Gaming Awards’ Digital Product prize for Quickfire, which are all in 2016.
Welcome Bonuses and More
As one of the top games and gaming platform providers in the online gaming business, it is no surprise that Microgaming products are available in over 450 (and counting) of the most reputable online casinos worldwide. What’s more, these casinos are also likely to offer some of the best welcome bonuses for new players as well as great incentives for loyal punters. Check out detailed casino reviews for up-to-date information.
Most casinos usually offer new players a sign-up bonus for making the first deposit of their hard-earned cash. Since the most popular online casino games are video slots and table games like roulette, most of the welcome bonuses are made up of a combination of extra wagering money and bonus spins. The size of the welcome bonus varies, but typically casinos will offer a 100% match of your initial deposit amount, as much as a set limit. For example, every £10 deposited would get you an extra £10 until the maximum of say £200 and the offer of a few extra spins on certain slots, usually the most popular ones.
A very small number of Microgaming casinos offer a no-deposit bonus for UK customers only. This is usually of the order of £10. Make sure to read all the wagering and playthrough instructions to avoid disappointment at payout time.
What’s more, many popular Microgaming slots include bonus spins as part of their gameplay, meaning that regular punters can also get their hands on some extra chances to win.
Microgaming’s Many Gaming Platforms
The online gaming industry has grown to include gambling in a variety of different ways, from the original computer-based games to on-the-go mobile fun, from immersive live dealer excitement to multi-player epics. Microgaming has developed trusted platforms for each and every aspect. Let’s take a closer look.
Quickfire Platform
Launched in 2010, this is Microgaming’s latest gaming platform innovation – an instant play platform that offers casino operators and punters alike access to some of the best online content for both desktop and mobile games. For the player, simply logging in to your favourite Quickfire casino will let you launch any one of over 500 Microgaming casino games and over 100 games devised by development partners, including a branded portfolio that is second to none. No download is needed.
Added to this, the Quickfire platform supports play in different languages and numerous currencies. What’s more, new games are added each month and are released simultaneously for both mobile and desktop gaming.
For casino operators, Microgaming has developed Quickfire iQ, which is a casino management system that offers a range of features to both automate and personalise many processes. All of which helps to enhance gameplay, improve player experience and lead to greater player satisfaction and, therefore, retention.
Mobile Platform
Microgaming offers several platforms for mobile users to access its games, including Quickfire or an instant play HTML5 casino available online or via a downloaded app. As you would expect, mobile games can also be played in a number of different languages and come with a range of banking and account management features. Using your mobile’s browser, games can be played via the instant casino. Otherwise, downloadable apps are available for Android, Windows and iOS mobile devices.
Desktop Platform
For those casinos not yet using the Quickfire platform, Microgaming also supports a downloadable desktop platform. Players can opt to play in any one of more than 45 different languages, making this platform widely accessible worldwide. Its casino lobby allows punters to play several games simultaneously while providing a wide range of useful game information such as any special features that are in-game, jackpot totals, and maximum win amounts.
The lobby also lets players access a wide array of options for managing their account. A beautifully clear and easily navigable menu makes it simplicity itself to update details, see latest promos and bonus offers, check-up on loyalty status and more. The “CashCheck” button does as it says on the tin and allows players to keep a track of their winnings, losses and their current state of funds, while the “PlayCheck” button does the same for game history and transactions.
Multi-Player Platform
As befits the innovator it is, Microgaming was also the first to develop software that would allow several players to compete interactively side-by-side. This function is found on all of Microgaming’s platforms. Multi-player gaming is offered across a range of games. Branded favourites like Playboy and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider™ join in-house developed titles such as Thunderstruck II and Wheel of Wealth in being the games of choice for thousands of players. Microgaming also has the distinction of having developed the first online slot to offer arcade-style gameplay in Max Damage and the Alien Attack.
All multiplayer games allow punters the chance to customise their avatars and other features. Built-in software allows players to chat with others in a shared game room. For some games, this can be done at the same time as watching the progress of rival players. Many multiplayer games can be played for fun or for cash. Both tournaments and community games are available, where players jockey for leaderboard positions or play for shared bonuses.
Microgaming’s Range of Casino Online Games
Microgaming’s range of games grows every month so it is difficult to give a hard and fast figure for how many games they have out there. A ballpark figure would be in the region of 900 unique casino games, some available for download only and others available for instant play. There are also around 1200 variations, played in at least 450 casinos. Furthermore, playing is supported in at least 24 different languages and in several currencies. Unsurprisingly, this makes Microgaming’s games collection one of biggest from a single developer, accessible to players worldwide.
Microgaming’s titles cover every conceivable type of online gambling game. However, they are particularly well-known for their slot games, including some hugely popular progressive and multiplayer slots, but also for their poker network, other table games and dealer games that are live. They even produce a few specialty games such as bingo and scratch cards.
Looking a little closer at the slots, we find that Microgaming has released more than 400 titles. Players can find the more traditional 3-reel slots rubbing shoulders with the newer video slots. Microgaming’s branded slots array is also impressive, offering titles such as Game of Thrones™, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider™, Playboy™ Gold, and Jurassic World™. Let’s not forget the iconic in-house productions like Avalon, Thunderstruck, and Hot As Hades.
Microgaming’s networks also power some of the iGaming industry’s largest progressive jackpots. Over the years, there have been some world record payouts, and many new millionaires, after a single spin. The current jackpot record, noted in the Guinness Book of Records, was won in October 2015 by a UK soldier. He placed a bet around 20p on Mega Moolah and won over £13 million. It is no wonder that players just keep coming back.
Microgaming also has an extensive portfolio of poker and table games. These are popular with players because they offer a straightforward, easy-to-use interface. No matter what your interest is, be it poker, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, craps, red dog or even cribbage, you are sure to find a game you like at a Microgaming casino.
Furthermore, Microgaming offers all three roulette variants: European, American and the less well-known French, all with variations. Similarly, the keen blackjack fan can take their pick from the classic game, the Gold Series games and a host of other variations like Spanish blackjack, 6 decks Atlantic City blackjack and many more.
Finally, Microgaming has responded to the rise in popularity of live dealer online games by producing a host of excellent live games, featuring blackjack, baccarat, European roulette, and more. All are live-streamed in their studios in Argentina, Canada, and the Philippines.
Microgaming and Online Security
Microgaming takes the security of its players and products very seriously, and this has no doubt helped the company to succeed in the ever-changing market of online gaming.
Microgaming was one of the founder members of eCOGRA (e-Commerce and Online Game Regulation and Assurance) in 2003. This London-based organisation has since gone on to become an independent iGaming regulator. It regularly carries out verification checks on games to ensure that Fair Play standards are maintained. Furthermore, Microgaming itself is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission while the Malta Gaming Authority regulates its casinos and games.
Microgaming has also developed “Credibility Technologies” such as CashCheck and PlayCheck, both designed to enable players to keep track of gameplay and their bankrolls.
Conclusion
As one of the earliest iGaming casino pioneers, Microgaming has shown what it takes to be a leader in the iGaming industry. It even won the International Gaming Awards’ title of Innovator of the Year in 2016, on top of its other awards over the years. Thanks to its regular exciting new creations, its commitment to safety and transparency, its constant striving for improvements to gaming technology and of course its awesome games list, Microgaming has stayed at the very top of its game.