The Megaways Revolution
Megaways slots have taken the online gambling world by storm over the past few years. These innovative games feature a unique game-play mechanic that’s captivated players the world-over. Found at online casinos and iGaming comparison sites, there really is no getting away from these ubiquitous slot games. So what is the Megaways mechanic and just why has it become popular?
What are Megaways slots?
Megaways slots feature a random reel modifier that can change the number of symbols that appear on each reel with every spin. This number can vary from just a few symbols to several dozen, meaning that the number of ways to win can also vary dramatically. Indeed, slots powered by this mechanic typically offer hundreds of thousands of potential ways to win on each spin.
History of Megaways slots
The Megaways game mechanic was first developed by Australian software provider Big Time Gaming (BTG). The company launched its first Megaways slot, Dragon Born, in 2016 which proved to be an instant hit with players.
Since then, a host of game providers have licensed BTG’s famed mechanic, among them NetEnt and Blueprint and Pragmatic Play.
Why are Megaways Slots so Popular?
There are several reasons why Megaways slots have become so popular with players and casinos sites. The most obvious reason is the sheer number of potential ways. This obviously ups the excitement and anticipation levels.
Cascading Reels
A lot (not all) Megaways slots include cascading reels as well. When the player gets a winning combination on the reels, the symbols that make up that combination will disappear or “cascade” from the screen and new symbols fall into their vacated positions. If these new symbols create another winning combination, the process repeats, with those symbols disappearing and also being replaced.. This can continue until there are no more winning combinations on the screen.
Cascading reels are often accompanied by other features, such as increasing multipliers or bonus symbols that can trigger special features. The overall effect is to give players the chance to win multiple times from a single spin, making the game more exciting and potentially more lucrative.
High-Volatility
Megaways slots are also popular (with big-budget players) because of their high volatility. These games can produce some truly massive payouts, making them ideal for players who are looking for the chance to win big. Of course, with high volatility comes high risk, so players should be prepared to see some long losing streaks before hitting a big win.
Most Popular Examples of Megaways Slots
There are now hundreds of Megaways slots in existence, but some have become more popular than others. Here are a few of the most illustrious examples.
Bonanza Megaways – This was one of the first Megaways slots to be released and it remains one of the most popular. With up to 117,649 potential ways to win, a free spins bonus round, and cascading reels, Bonanza offers plenty of excitement and big win potential.
Extra Chilli Megaways – Another popular game from BTG, Extra Chilli features a Mexican street food theme and up to 117,649 potential ways to win. The game also offers a free spins bonus round with increasing multipliers, which can lead to some huge payouts.
Gonzo’s Quest Megaways – This game is a Megaways version of the classic NetEnt slot Gonzo’s Quest. It features the same adventurous theme and cascading reels, but with up to 117,649 potential ways to win.
Piggy Riches Megaways – A classic game from NetEnt that has been given the Megaways treatment, Piggy Riches Megaways features the usual 117,649 potential ways to win and a classic free spins bonus round with increasing multipliers.
Vikings Unleashed Megaways – Developed by Blueprint Gaming, Vikings Unleashed features a sleek Norse mythology theme as well as the free spins bonus round with increasing multipliers. For non-UK players, there’s also a “Buy the Bonus” feature that allows you to skip straight to the bonus round for a fee
In terms of slot game development, the Megaways mechanic isn’t exactly new technology. But BTG hit upon something truly special back in 2016. As testament to their famed innovation, there are now more than 400 Megaways slots that are either already in circulation or at the development phase. Now that’s some going!
Photo by Aarón González on Unsplash