Since their launch, megaways slots have transformed the online slot landscape. Big Time Gaming (BTG) introduced the format in 2016, delivering a mechanic where the number of symbols on each reel changes with every spin, creating thousands of possible outcomes. What began as one studio’s innovation has now become an industry-wide design trend, licensed and adapted by multiple developers.
In 2025, the conversation has shifted from “who invented it” to “who is shaping its future.” BTG remains the original innovator, yet studios like Blueprint Gaming, Pragmatic Play, and iSoftBet have taken the format in fresh directions. This article compares their approaches, examines milestone releases, and looks at which developers are driving the mechanic forward.
Origins of Megaways: Big Time Gaming’s Breakthrough
When BTG released Dragon Born Megaways in 2016, it introduced a reel modifier system that allowed up to 117,649 possible ways to win in a single spin. The breakthrough wasn’t just in numbers; it was in pacing and variety. Every spin looked different, with reel heights shifting and symbols cascading, creating constant visual movement.
The early success of Bonanza Megaways (2016) proved the format’s mass appeal. By 2018, BTG began licensing the mechanic to other studios, creating an ecosystem of Megaways content that expanded rapidly.
Timeline of Key BTG Milestones:
- 2016 – Dragon Born Megaways launches, debuting the mechanic.
- 2016 – Bonanza Megaways becomes a flagship title, defining the genre.
- 2018 – BTG licenses Megaways to Blueprint Gaming and others.
- 2020 – Gonzo’s Quest Megaways launches via a partnership with NetEnt and Red Tiger.
- 2023 – BTG integrates “Win Exchange” and “Bonus Buy” features into new Megaways titles.
- 2025 – BTG experiments with hybrid mechanics, blending Megaways with cluster-style payouts.
While BTG continues to innovate, its licensing model has allowed other developers to shape the format’s evolution, making 2025 a competitive and creative year for Megaways design.
Blueprint’s Branded Megaways Strategy
Blueprint Gaming quickly became one of the most prolific adopters of the Megaways license. Their approach leaned heavily into branded content, pairing the mechanic with well-known franchises. Examples include The Goonies Megaways, Rick and Morty Megaways, and Deal or No Deal Megaways.
The benefit of this strategy is twofold:
- Instant Recognition – Popular brands draw in audiences who may not otherwise seek out Megaways titles.
- Layered Features – Blueprint often integrates bonus rounds, pick-me games, and interactive elements that go beyond the base mechanic.
From 2021 to 2024, Blueprint also introduced “Power 4 Slots” and “Jackpot King” integrations into Megaways games, giving players simultaneous reel sets or progressive jackpot options.
Blueprint’s 2025 releases show a move toward seasonal and event-based Megaways games, with limited-time features or visual themes tied to holidays and cultural events. This diversification keeps the format fresh while retaining the core mechanic BTG pioneered.
Pragmatic Play and Feature-Loaded Variants
Pragmatic Play entered the Megaways space with a focus on feature density. Games like Great Rhino Megaways and The Dog House Megaways didn’t just adapt BTG’s system; they layered on free spins multipliers, sticky wilds, and re-trigger mechanics.
Their design philosophy appears to be: “If Megaways offers unpredictability, add even more ways to surprise.” In 2023, Pragmatic Play began releasing “PowerNudge” and “Hold & Spin” integrations alongside Megaways setups, creating hybrid titles that blended multiple game mechanics in a single experience.
A 2024 press release from Pragmatic Play highlighted their intent to “push Megaways into multi-feature territory,” signalling a continued commitment to experimentation. In 2025, their focus includes faster gameplay cycles, more frequent cascading sequences, and immersive animations that make the dynamic reels feel even more active.
Who’s Driving Innovation in 2025?
While BTG remains the format’s creative originator, other studios are now influencing how players experience Megaways mechanics.
- BTG – Innovating through hybridisation, combining Megaways with other payout styles and unique feature triggers.
- Blueprint Gaming – Expanding the mechanic’s reach through brand partnerships and layered bonus systems.
- Pragmatic Play – Leading in feature variety, creating multi-layered gameplay experiences.
- iSoftBet – Streamlining Megaways designs for accessibility, making them appealing to players who prefer simpler interfaces but still want dynamic reels.
In terms of creative leadership, 2025 shows a more collaborative ecosystem than ever before. BTG sets the technical foundation, while licensees experiment with features, branding, and user experience.
For those tracking studio performance, our guide to top Megaways providers in 2025 offers a deeper breakdown of developer styles and standout releases.
Why the Race Matters to Players
For players, the “Megaways race” means access to a wider range of games with the same core mechanic but different visual, thematic, and feature-driven experiences. It is not about who “wins” in the industry, but about having more choice in how the mechanic is presented.
Some may prefer BTG’s purist approach, keeping the reels central and mechanics simple. Others might favour Blueprint’s cinematic presentation or Pragmatic Play’s dense, feature-packed design.
The historical context of this competition is also worth noting. Our article on the historical progression of Megaways leaders explains how the format evolved from one studio’s vision into a multi-studio trend that now dominates certain parts of the slot market.
The Role of Licensing and Technology
The spread of Megaways was only possible because BTG chose to license the mechanic, allowing other studios to incorporate it into their own games. Licensing agreements typically cover the use of the reel modifier system and branding, while developers are free to add their own themes, bonus features, and visual effects.
This flexibility has encouraged creative competition. Developers can innovate without needing to reinvent the technical foundation, leading to a faster pace of release. Our feature on technology and licensing influences offers insight into how these agreements shape game design and the player experience.
Conclusion
In 2025, Megaways is no longer just BTG’s territory. It is a shared creative space where studios compete, collaborate, and continuously evolve the format. BTG’s original innovation remains the cornerstone, but Blueprint, Pragmatic Play, iSoftBet, and others are each adding their own identity to the mechanic.
For players, this competition means more variety, richer features, and broader thematic choices. As with any game of chance, it is important to remember that outcomes are entirely luck-based, with no strategy able to influence the results. Enjoy Megaways for their design creativity and unique reel dynamics, while setting personal limits and keeping sessions in perspective. 18+ | Play Responsibly
