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The online casino industry is thriving, and new talent is redefining the world of online pokies. While giants like Pragmatic Play and Microgaming dominate, there are some fresh new pokie developers on the rise.
These emerging brands are bringing unique innovations, captivating gameplay, and cutting-edge technology to the table.
Let’s spotlight five up-and-coming software developers redefining the gaming landscape.
1. Atomic Slot Lab
Established: 2022 | Headquarters: Las Vegas, USA
Game Library: 26 games
Atomic Slot Lab merges land-based nostalgia with the flexibility of modern online gaming. Backed by the Bragg Gaming Group, the studio crafts games tailored to regional tastes using a data-driven approach.
What sets them apart? Instead of following trends blindly, Atomic Slot Lab analyzes player preferences to create games that feel personal and relevant, whether it’s through custom themes or refined payout structures.
Instead of guessing what players might like, they analyze player habits and regional trends to craft games that hit the sweet spot. Whether it’s adjusting themes, payout structures, or game features, Atomic Slot Lab ensures their slots feel personal and relevant, no matter where you’re spinning from.
Standout Features:
- Regional Customisation:
Games are meticulously designed to align with the preferences of various markets, ensuring a personalised gaming experience. - Las Vegas Energy:
Drawing inspiration from the vibrant Las Vegas casino scene, the studio infuses its games with dynamic themes and engaging mechanics.
Notable Titles:
- Egyptian Magic:
This slot features a ‘Hold and Spin’ mechanic, offering players opportunities to land multiple jackpots. The game’s rich graphics and atmospheric sound design make it a standout for fans of Egyptian-themed slots. - Fairy Dust:
Featuring an unconventional 4-3-3-3-4 reel layout, this game combines beautiful visuals with dynamic modifiers like Wild Spread and Symbol Upgrade during free spins.
2. Spinberry
Established: 2021
Game Library: Small but growing
SpinBerry is already making waves with its innovative mechanics and strategic partnerships. Collaborations with Light & Wonder (OpenGaming platform) and Pariplay’s Ignite program have expanded its reach into regulated markets worldwide. They’ve also teamed up with Pariplay’s Ignite program, giving them access to Pariplay’s global Fusion™ platform for seamless distribution.
The Snap and Slide mechanic, first seen in Crazy Crocs, is a standout innovation. This interactive feature allows symbols to slide into place, creating new combinations and adding an extra layer of engagement rarely seen in traditional slots.
With their focus on quality over quantity, SpinBerry is carving out a niche by blending classic slot aesthetics with modern gameplay innovations that keep players coming back for more.
Standout Feature:
- The
‘Snap and Slide’ mechanic
, seen in
Crazy Crocs
, adds interactivity by sliding symbols into place for new combinations.
Notable Titles:
- Crazy Crocs
: Introduces
‘Snap and Slide’
, an innovative feature that enhances standard spins. - SpinBerry Wilds
: Combines
expanding wilds
with
free spins
, creating dynamic gameplay loops.
3. Ruby Play
Established: 2017 | Licensing: Malta, Curacao, Romania
Game Library: Over 50 games
Ruby Play has built its reputation on player-focused innovation, combining familiar mechanics with fresh twists to keep players engaged. Their Immortal Ways® mechanic demonstrates their ability to push cascading reels beyond the ordinary.
Standout Feature:
- Immortal Ways®
, which offers
dual-reel expansions
during bonus rounds, blending cascading reels with storytelling.
Notable Titles:
- Sun of Ra
: Features the
‘Hold and Respin’ mechanic
, with the chance to win multiple jackpots in one bonus round. - Medusa Money
: Introduces
‘Super Free Spins’
, stacking multipliers for high-volatility thrills.
Awards and Partnerships:
Ruby Play’s Immortal Ways Mr. First earned the B.F.T.H. Arena Best FTN Game Award. Partnerships with Rush Street Interactive have also expanded their reach in the U.S. market.
Why They’re Worth Watching:
Ruby Play’s combination of mechanical innovation and global expansion ensures they remain a trusted name in cutting-edge slot design.
4. Peter & Sons
Established: 2019
Game Library: 20–25 games
Peter & Sons (P&S) has quickly become one of the most distinctive names in the industry. Known for their artistic visuals and innovative mechanics in their folklore-inspired themes. Certified in 15+ regulated jurisdictions, including the UK Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority, P&S ensures the highest standards of fairness and security.
They’ve forged key partnerships with Yggdrasil, Relax Gaming, and Light & Wonder, which have helped them expand their global reach and distribute their games to top-tier platforms like White Hat Gaming and 32Red.
P&S’s proprietary HTML5 framework ensures their slots are cross-platform, supporting 40+ languages and currencies. Combined with gamification tools like Free Spins, Cash Drops, and Slot Tournaments, their games deliver long-term engagement for players and operators alike
Notable Titles:
- Johnan Legendarian
: Combines cascading wins with immersive storytelling. - Valkyries
: Features synchronised reels and expanding wilds for high-intensity gameplay. - Greedy Alice
: A whimsical adventure developed in partnership with Yggdrasil.
5. NetGame Entertainment
Established: 2012
Game Library: 40+ game
NetGame Entertainment may not be reinventing mechanics, but they consistently deliver engaging visuals and fresh bonus features that resonate with players. Their Magic Tree mechanic is a perfect example of combining thematic visuals with engaging gameplay.
Standout Feature:
- The
‘Magic Tree’ mechanic
, seen in
Magic Tree
, drops wild symbols dynamically onto the reels, building anticipation.
Notable Titles:
- Magic Tree
: Uses a visually stunning
wild-drop feature
for suspenseful spins. - Golden Skulls
: Includes a
‘Tequila Shots’ bonus game
, adding interactive fun to a Day of the Dead theme.
Why They’re Worth Watching:
NetGame’s emphasis on unique themes and bonus-driven gameplay keeps their portfolio fresh and exciting, even if the mechanics are well-trodden ground.
Challenges Faced by Emerging Casino Developers
Emerging developers face steep challenges when breaking into the industry:
- Partnership Hurdles:
Big casinos like Bet365 often favour established names (e.g., NetEnt, Playtech), leaving little room for smaller studios to compete. - Costly Regulations:
Securing licenses in markets like the UK or Malta can cost $25,000–$100,000, making entry expensive. - Competition:
Industry giants like Pragmatic Play dominate with expansive portfolios, pushing smaller developers to stand out through innovation.
What to Expect in 2025 for Online Casinos
Emerging developers are pushing boundaries, and 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for online gaming. Here’s what players can look forward to:
- Blended Gameplay:
Expect games that mix
traditional pokies
with
skill-based mechanics
. Developers could expand on ideas like
BTG’s Megaways
, which revamped slot play with dynamic paylines. Mini-games inspired by video games may also become more common, offering players
interactive, story-driven experiences
. - Mobile-First Focus:
Over 70% of online casino traffic came from mobile devices in 2023, and this trend is growing. Studios like
Hacksaw Gaming
are already setting benchmarks with games optimised for smartphones. Look for
quick-loading games
, smooth performance on lower-end devices, and portrait-mode play to dominate in 2025. - Partnership-Driven Growth:
Collaborations will continue to shape the industry. Studios like
Push Gaming
, which partnered with Relax Gaming for content distribution, show how deals can expand reach. Expect more
exclusive launches
and
branded content
as studios compete for attention.
How to Spot Rising Stars in the Industry with Progressive Jackpots
Want to discover the next breakout developer? Here are the signs to watch for:
- Innovation:
Developers offering standout mechanics, like SpinBerry’s Snap and Slide or Ruby Play’s Immortal Ways®. Popular online pokie games often feature engaging mechanics such as the ‘Win Both Ways’ system, which increases winning opportunities and player engagement. - Awards:
Recognition at events like the EGR B2B Awards or Global Gaming Awards. - Partnerships:
Look for studios teaming up with big platforms.
How We Rate Up and Coming Pokie Developers
When evaluating rising stars in the gambling software industry, we understand that these up-and-coming developers may not have the extensive game libraries or established reputations of industry giants. However, they still stand out in several key areas, which are crucial for determining their potential and evaluating their offerings. Here’s how we rate these emerging providers:
Game Innovation and Unique Offerings
For new developers, creativity and innovation are critical. We assess how these providers differentiate themselves from the competition, whether through unique gameplay mechanics, fresh themes, or innovative features. Up-and-coming developers often push the envelope with experimental designs, and we value providers who take risks and explore uncharted territory in game design. If they’re introducing something new or exciting, we take note.
Game Quality and User Experience
While newer developers may not have vast game libraries, quality is still key. We look at the polish and functionality of their games, even if they’re only offering a handful of titles. We focus on the attention to detail in graphics, sound design, and overall gameplay experience. A small but high-quality portfolio can indicate a strong commitment to excellence and a promising future in the industry.
RTP (Return to Player) and Volatility
Up-and-coming developers may not have the same data-driven reputation as larger providers, but we still consider their RTP and volatility. We assess how these developers balance the two to appeal to different player types. New developers who offer games with competitive RTPs or thoughtful volatility models are likely to stand out as player-focused and trustworthy.
Mobile Compatibility and Accessibility
Many rising developers prioritise mobile-first experiences to reach a broader audience. We evaluate how well their games perform on mobile devices, from the quality of graphics to smooth functionality. Even if the library is small, we pay attention to how well the games are optimised for smartphones and tablets. A solid mobile offering shows that the developer is in tune with current player preferences and trends.
Fairness, Security, and Transparency
While newer developers may not have long-standing certifications or regulatory bodies behind them, we look for signs of transparency in their operations. Are their games tested for fairness by independent auditors? Do they use secure encryption for player data? Even for small developers, these standards are non-negotiable. We appreciate when emerging providers make it clear that they prioritise fairness and security, even if they’re still building their reputation.
Customer Support and Responsiveness
For rising developers, customer support can make or break their success. We assess how accessible and responsive their customer service teams are, especially given the challenges that come with being a new name in the industry. A developer’s willingness to invest in customer service shows that they are serious about building trust with players, and we value providers who are available and helpful, even early in their journey.
Licensing and Regulatory Approvals
Though many up-and-coming developers may not yet hold licenses from multiple jurisdictions, we still consider their regulatory standing. If a developer holds a license from a respected authority, like the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission, it’s a positive sign that they are meeting industry standards and committed to transparency. For new developers, we also look for their intentions to pursue licensing in the near future, as this shows their commitment to following the rules and offering secure, legal gaming experiences.
Conclusion
The online casino world is bursting with innovation, and these five rising developers are proof that fresh talent can compete with industry giants. Whether it’s Atomic Slot Lab’s data-driven approach, SpinBerry’s Snap and Slide mechanic, or Peter & Sons’ artistic storytelling, each studio brings something unique to the table.
As we look toward 2025, the trends of mobile-first gaming, interactive features, and strategic partnerships will continue shaping the industry. For players, this means more engaging experiences and groundbreaking games to enjoy.
Keep an eye on these developers—they’re not just reshaping how we play; they’re defining the future of slots.
New Developer FAQ
Absolutely! Over 70% of online slot play now happens on mobile. Rising developers are crafting mobile-first games with quick load times, smooth interfaces, and portrait-friendly designs. Expect more HTML5-based slots optimized for instant play across devices.
Emerging developers are tapping into:
- Web3 technology
for transparent gameplay and NFT integration. - Social gaming elements
like multiplayer slot challenges. - Immersive themes
that use virtual or augmented reality for deeper engagement.
They’re also leveraging
big data
to predict player preferences and tailor experiences.
Slot developers shine by creating games with innovative features, engaging narratives, and cutting-edge technology. Rising stars focus on player customization, seamless mobile-first experiences, and unique mechanics, such as hybrid slot-RPG gameplay or AI-driven adaptive difficulty. Developers who also prioritize responsible gambling tools are gaining respect and loyalty in the industry.
Emerging studios are incorporating responsible gambling tools right from the start. Features like customizable loss limits, real-time play tracking, and pop-up reminders encourage safer play. Developers focusing on player well-being gain credibility, which helps them stand out in a player-conscious market.
You can explore exclusive titles from up-and-coming developers directly on our site, where we highlight the freshest and most innovative slots available. Don’t miss out on the latest rising stars in the industry—check out what’s trending now!