The "Big Three" Software Developers Still Rule the Industry

The adult entertainment industry is fickle. The popularity of various forms of entertainment can change with the wind. That includes changes within the companies that have been and are currently offering adults exciting ways to enjoy themselves. That's what makes it simply amazing that Microgaming, Netent, and Playtech have ruled the online casino software development industry for close to three decades.

The History of Online Casino Gambling

Keeping in mind that the Internet came to life in the early 1980s, it only took casino gambling purveyors a little more than a decade to introduce casino gambling on the Internet.

In the early years of online casino gambling, the games were crude. The truth is the software development technology at the time offered no realistic means for creating meaningful content. It's also worth noting that the earliest online casinos were typically tied to digital sportsbooks that were looking to offer extra value to their customers.

As for the content, it amounted to nothing more than a few crude "fruit machines" and even cruder table games like blackjack and roulette. The content was targeting sports gamblers who needed a way to pass the time in between bets because casino gamblers wouldn't show interest in such games. When did things change for the better? That came when three software development companies stepped forward to create meaningful content.

Introducing the "Big Three"

In the annals of online casino history, three names will stand at the forefront of the industry. These are the three software development companies that had the insight to see the potential of crude online casino games and turn that potential into what has become one of the most exciting forms of online adult entertainment. Introducing Microgaming, Netent (formerly Net Entertainment), and Playtech.

About Microgaming

Having been founded in 1994, Microgaming can claim to be the grandfather of the online casino software development industry. In recent years, the privately held company has been operating out of Douglas, Isle of Man. They currently employ 200+ employees who are guided by CEO Stephen Fisk. The company and its content are licensed by most major licensing jurisdictions, including the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission.

From the beginning, company officials made clear that they took their industry leadership roles seriously. They set out to create both a viable online casino platform as well as games that would be fun and exciting for the players. The only constraint that Microgaming's software developers faced was the software development technology that was available at the time.

Things got better for the software development history as a whole when HTML5 technology was introduced. This technology gave software developers a lot more flexibility in terms of the magic they could create. This was the point in time when Microgaming's top software developers went to work in earnest.

While Microgaming has certainly had success in the creation of video poker and table games, the company's real strength lies in the creation of video slots. To be more specific, branded video slots. Here's a look at some of Microgaming's most popular branded titles:

• Bridesmaids


• Terminator 1 & 2


• The Dark Knight Rises


• Psycho


• Lara Croft - Tomb Raider


• Jurassic Park & Jurassic World


• Game of Thrones


• Village People Macho Moves


• Thunderstruck II


• Avalon & Avalon II


• Playboy & Playboy Gold

It would be remiss not to mention that Microgaming gave birth to the most historic progressive video slot in history. That would be Mega Moolah. First introduced in 2006, the video slot has earned the title "millionaire maker." Mega Moolah is famous throughout the world for paying out some of the largest online slot jackpots in history. Always starting at a minimum of $1 million and rising to as high as $21 million. It's not a complicated game, but the potential jackpot at the end of the rainbow makes it worth playing.

In recent years, Microgaming has been focusing on new technologies. That would include virtual reality casinos and games as well as live casino/dealer gaming options.

About Netent

After Microgaming got the online casino software ball rolling, Netent (formerly Net Entertainment) jumped in the fray. The company was founded in 1996 and has consistently maintained its headquarters in Sweden. The company employs 600+ people and operates on the licensing and regulations of the Malta Gaming Authority.

It's worth noting that Netent was acquired by Evolution Gaming Group in June 2020. The combination of Evolution's powerful live gaming platform (with games) and Netent's impressive list of online casino games has made this group the most powerful software player in the industry.

While Microgaming historically took a quantity approach to its game development, software developers at Netent tended to focus more on quality. It's true that Netent lagged behind Microgaming in the early years, but the aforementioned introduction of HTML5 software development technology gave the company the creative edge it needed.

If there is one gaming ingredient that stands Netent above the crowd it's the company's creation of fun and exciting interactive bonus features. It's these features that draw the attention of online casino enthusiasts who are seeking extra value from their slot-playing experiences.

As is the case with Microgaming, Netent has amassed an outstanding selection of branded slots. Here's a look at some of Microgaming's most popular branded titles:

• Creature From the Black Lagoon


• Gordon Ramsey's Hell’s Kitchen


• Jimi Hendrix


• Guns n’ Roses


• Jumanji


• Vikings


• Street Fighter II


• Narcos


• The Invisible Man


• Dracula

Given the intense competition between the "big three" software developers, it's not surprising that the software developers at Netent decided to go heads up with Microgaming's progressive slot Mega Moolah. That led to the creation of Mega Fortune, Netent's version of an online slot that offers players a shot a millions of dollars. At one time or another, Mega Fortune has held the record for the largest online slot progressive jackpot.

About Playtech

Playtech holds the last spot among the "big three" online casino software developers. The company was founded in 1999 and is currently listed on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol: PTEC. The company employs hundreds of talented employees from its headquarters in the Isle of Man. They operate under licensing and the regulations of both the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority.

Note: The company's shares were acquired by Australian slot machine developer Aristocrat Leisure in October 2021.

While Playtech has never been as flashy as the other two software developers described above, it would be a mistake not to understand the impact this company has had on the industry. They have provided leadership and stability by consistently offering solid casino platforms and an equally solid selection of online casino games of chance.

If there was one thing that made Playtech popular and famous from about 2009 until early 2017, it was the company's focus on Marvel Comics branded slots. That included games like Iron Man III, Hulk, Captain America, Wolverine, The Avengers, and more. It was no small endeavor that Playtech used their universe of Marvel branded slots to create its highly popular "Marvel Mystery" progressive slot game. Unfortunately, the company lost its Marvel branding when its Marvel license expired and was not renewed.

Let's take a look at some of the popular Playtech titles that are still available:

• Age of the Gods


• Alien Hunter


• Football Rules


• Jungle Boogie


• The Matrix


• The Green Lantern


• Full Moon Madness


• Gladiator


• DC Superheroes


• Rocky

Conclusion - As the U.S. online casino market expands, American online casino enthusiasts will encounter a lot of great content from these three amazing online casino software developers. We would suggest that anytime the "big three's" games are available, playing them will always be worth the time and effort.