When Big Time Gaming (BTG) launched the first megaways slots in 2016, the mechanic redefined what players could expect from reel-based games. Instead of fixed paylines, it introduced a dynamic layout where each spin could generate hundreds, thousands, or even over 100,000 possible winning combinations.
At first, it was just another niche feature among dozens of experimental mechanics. But within a few short years, it wasn’t just popular; it became the most imitated format in the UK online slot market. Developers who had once focused solely on payline expansion or multiplier stacking suddenly began adapting their games to fit the Megaways framework.
This feature’s rise wasn’t accidental. It was driven by a combination of market timing, licensing strategy, and player appetite for novelty. Here’s how it went from one studio’s gamble to the blueprint for a generation of UK slots.
The Birth of Megaways
The idea first appeared in BTG’s Dragon Born, but it was Bonanza (2016) that propelled it into the spotlight.
Innovation Through Variable Reels
Megaways’ appeal lies in its variability. Each of the six reels can show between two and seven symbols on a spin. This means the number of “ways to win” changes constantly, from just a few hundred to well over 100,000. It’s a mechanic that taps into unpredictability without needing an entirely new rule set.
This was significant at the time because many UK online slots still relied on rigid paylines. Megaways allowed games to feel fresher without alienating players who understood traditional slot structures.
Early Market Reception
SlotCatalog data shows that within a year of Bonanza’s launch, it was one of the top 10 most played online slots in the UK, despite being from a relatively small developer. This was partly because Bonanza combined the mechanic with a mining theme and a cascading wins feature, giving players multiple layers of engagement.
For a deeper look at this formative period, see the historical context for imitation article, which details how BTG’s early releases paved the way for licensing success.
Licensing Frenzy: Why Everyone Jumped In
BTG could have kept Megaways exclusive. Instead, it licensed the engine to other developers, ensuring rapid expansion.
The Licensing Model
The agreements allowed studios like Blueprint Gaming, Red Tiger, Pragmatic Play, and iSoftBet to create their own Megaways titles, paying BTG a licensing fee or revenue share. This instantly gave these developers access to a mechanic with proven appeal.
Why It Was a Commercial Masterstroke
- Brand Leverage – Games with “Megaways” in the title stood out in casino lobbies.
- Development Efficiency – Studios could focus on visual and thematic design without reinventing the gameplay core.
- Cross-Promotion Potential – Existing franchises like Rick and Morty and Monopoly were reimagined in Megaways form, combining brand familiarity with mechanical novelty.
GBC research estimates that by 2020, there were over 250 licensed Megaways titles from more than 20 developers. As of 2025, that figure has likely surpassed 500, making it one of the most licensed slot mechanics in history.
Megaways Copycats vs. Originals
Not all games that look like Megaways are official licensees.
The Rise of “Inspired” Mechanics
Some developers sought to replicate the expanding reels concept without paying licensing fees. These variations often used similar ways-to-win structures under different names, for example, “UltraWays” or “Split Reels.”
While these games can mimic the excitement of Megaways, they may differ in volatility tuning, reel distribution, or bonus round integration.
What Sets Originals Apart
Official Megaways games carry BTG’s reel engine, undergo specific compliance testing, and display the Megaways branding, a badge that many players recognise as a mark of quality. These distinctions matter in a crowded market where not all “similar” features offer the same experience.
For technical and licensing insight, check our guide on megaways' tech and licensing impact, which explains how the underlying system works.
The Lasting Impact on UK Slot Design
Megaways’ influence is far bigger than the number of games using the mechanic.
The Feature Development Ripple Effect
The success of Megaways encouraged studios to take risks with flexible reel systems. Developers began creating mechanics with even greater variability, such as Infinity Reels and Reel Ways+, each aiming to capture some of Megaways’ appeal while differentiating themselves.
The Branded Reskin Strategy
Because Megaways became a selling point in itself, developers began revisiting their back catalogues. Popular games were relaunched in Megaways form, attracting both fans of the original and players curious about the new spin on gameplay.
Player Expectations Have Shifted
Before Megaways, most UK players were comfortable with 10, 20, or 40 fixed paylines. Now, games offering hundreds of thousands of ways to win feel standard in certain segments of the market. Static payline games are still popular but often rely on more elaborate bonus features to stay competitive.
Our feature on top imitated megaways games highlights one title that continues to dominate both licensed and inspired versions.
Why Imitation Is Inevitable in iGaming
The Megaways story mirrors trends seen with progressive jackpots, branded slots, and cluster pay mechanics. Once a feature proves commercially successful, competitors adapt their own versions to avoid losing market share.
In the iGaming industry, innovation is often followed by rapid replication. This cycle benefits players through variety but can also flood the market with lookalikes, making it harder for truly original ideas to stand out.
Conclusion: From Breakthrough to Blueprint
Megaways went from being BTG’s bold experiment to an industry-defining blueprint. Its licensing model spread the mechanic faster than most innovations in slot history, and its influence continues to shape how games are built today.
While not every copy captures the original’s balance of volatility, pace, and excitement, the mechanic’s core appeal, dynamic reels and unpredictable outcomes, remains intact across formats.
For all its success, it’s worth remembering that, like all slot games, Megaways outcomes are always determined by luck, powered by RNG systems tested for fairness. Whether you choose a licensed BTG title or a similar mechanic from another studio, the gameplay experience is ultimately about chance, entertainment, and personal preference.
