Games Global Acquires Microgaming Slots as Developer Closes Games Portfolio

Global Games officially acquires Quickfire, Microgaming’s video slot, progressive jackpot & partner studio B2B acquisition of its distribution division. (Image from Courtesy of gamesglobal.com)

The pioneer of online casino gaming, the rockstar of slot development, and arguably the iGaming industry’s premier household name has shocked the industry by selling its entire games collection to Global Gaming Limited – a private capital-backed company inaugurated in 2021.

What this means is that the Isle of Man-based Microgaming casino game developer has officially closed its entire video slots and table game library as well as the acquisition of its distribution division.

Although we knew this was coming, the original report in November 2021 was labelled slightly differently as the sale of Quickfire, which is effectively the company’s games portfolio distribution arm. For some, the difference in brand naming between reports may have caused confusion. Quickfire is basically Microgaming’s games and distribution acquisition division, but a subsidiary.

For those panicked about the title ‘closed’ or the overall ‘closure’ of Microgaming games, don’t panic. A better way of putting it is the ‘sale’ of Quickfire has occurred ‘or’ Quickfire has been acquired by Global Games.

Fan of Microgaming? Don’t worry, it’s not as bad as it sounds!

To clear things up, a more accurate account of what has happened is these Microgaming services have been handed over to Games Global Limited via an acquisition deal. If you are a Microgaming fan like me, and I should be because I was there when the company opened its first casino, then have no fear because all its flagship titles and progressive jackpot slots are still available.

The deal B2B means all partnerships with online casinos/operators Microgaming had, over 900 of them, will now transfer over to Games Global. For example, SoftSwiss, a major online casino white label aggregator platform, will no longer deal with Microgaming to distribute games, but instead with the Games Global brand.

Put simply, and apologies if it sounds like I am repeating myself. The only difference now is that we’ll be playing Microgaming titles via Games Global on the B2C level. That’s in excess of 450 slot titles including the Mega Moolah and WowPot collection, titles such as Immortal Romance (which I still have an immortal romance with), Break Da Bank, the Jurassic Park series, Amazing Links series, and more are all still available.

In other words, ladies, and gents, don’t let the news reports with titles – “Microgaming is closing its portfolio” – floating around the iGaming industry scare you into thinking Microgaming slots are dead and buried. Something you would have quickly found out for yourself anyway, but I thought I’d mention it just to put wondering minds at ease. I think it’s just a misstep in the way Microgaming titles its main news report which you can access the latest Microgaming news announcement here.

Microgaming History: The Microgaming brand began back in 1994 when dial-up modems were hitting households across the globe. Analogue modems streaming basic table games and slots from a company known as Microgaming Software Systems Limited. The company continued to grow with new slots and table games before focusing mostly on video slot development and progressive jackpots – the most famous being Mega Moolah.

Games Global Limited Will Take Over with Immediate Effect

From today, Games Global Limited is now the proprietary owner of all Microgaming titles. As of the slots only show the Microgaming logo when loading the game, the only change we are likely to see for now is ‘Global Gaming Limited’. However, I tested a few today and it still says Microgaming, so maybe the brand name itself will remain for the time being.

Another question to pose is will online casinos need to change their ‘software provider’ category filters? For the time being, my research has not come up with an answer, but I did find the entire catalogue of Microgaming titles on the Games Global Limited website.

Under the ‘Media’ section the news story confirms the company is in business after “the complete acquisition of Microgaming’s distribution business, iconic game IP and legendary progressive jackpot network as well as interest in a variety of game studios”. Looking into the ‘Games & Studios’ menu, the entire portfolio of Microgaming games is already there, while partner studios working with Microgaming such as Triple Edge Studios, SpinPlay Games, Just For the Win, Neon Valley Studios, and more are also listed.

Walter Bugno – CEO of Games Global Limited said “We are excited for the full operational launch of Games Global and welcoming a new era in iGaming. Microgaming’s historical legacy and impact on the industry has been significant, and we wish the organisation all the best in its next chapter”.

What is Microgaming’s Role in Online Gambling from Here on Out?

As for Microgaming, it will continue to operate by providing its games platform, of which it has retained ownership. Presumably, this means Games Global’s newly acquired Microgaming slot and progressive jackpot network, plus the army of partner studios that come with the deal, will be powered by Microgaming’s delivery network. In plain English, Global Games owns the games, and Microgaming powers the technology, e.g., the delivery system behind them.

Microgaming will also continue to peruse its ambitions to become a leading sport betting software platform supplier, which it currently powers and operates the license for Betway.

Andrew Clucas – CEO at Microgaming said “It is an exciting milestone for both Microgaming and Games Global and is the culmination of months of hard work and dedication from teams on both sides. The online gaming industry will undoubtedly present a wealth of opportunities for Games Global, and we wish them the very best for their journey ahead”.