A Game For All Seasons

An overall review of online casino software has led me to question the objective behind Microgaming's constant release of new games and titles. Considering the fact that Microgaming Systems is one of the biggest and the leading software provider on the Internet, it is their game which have led to their award-winning reputation in the industry, but this does not explain the phenomenon that occurs every few months.

This occurrence to which I refer is the release of four to five different games from the Microgaming stable, which is rolled out to most of their hi-tech online casinos. The games are mostly Video slots, reel slot machines and Video poker and they add to the already-existing variety of games at these casinos. Fair enough, the profitability of new game launches is a great draw card but apart from that, why else would a perfectly acceptable range of games need to be constantly updated?

One reason behind this could be the change in times. Take for example, the greatly animated, highly exciting 5-reel Tomb Raider Video slot game, it was an excellent marketing tool for many of the casinos that carry this game and for players, it was a chance to really get up, close and personal with the infamous Ms. Lara Croft. Sure this might have added to the entertainment of the casinos and they might have gained access to new players who are seeking the thrill of living out of a "Croft adventure". Apart from the great themes, cheesy music and awesome graphics ? what else are these new games offering players that is so appealing?

If you think about it, one could ultimately be aiming for these games because they are new and are unchartered territory, thereby offering players a better chance at the Progressive jackpots, which is usually linked to these new games. Take for instance a recent occurrence at one of the Fortune Lounge Group's casinos where a player won about US$1,100 from playing the newly released Deuces and Joker 50 Play Power Poker, and this was within the first few days of its launch at their casinos.

The flipside to this theory is that Microgaming is just trying to acquire people with different tastes and is applying a bevy of games as the remedy for not getting bored on their casino floors. If this is the case then where would a "child-ish" game like Munchkins fit in?

If this is really to be taken in context of the casino and entertainment market then I cannot clearly recommend a category, as this game is cute and cuddly and very easy to identify with if you've watched the Muppets and the like. It's almost like having Sesame Street on reels and the paylines have quite funny sound effects for the different Scatter and Wild symbols. Granted, Munchkins is quite an interactive Video slot but apart from that, I cannot identify with the theme as an adult and that leads me to question who Microgaming is really trying to target?

Now this leads us back to our very first dilemma. In order for us to get to grips with the aim for all these new game releases, we would have to understand Microgaming's ethos and that is to "always be fast and furious". If this doesn't smell like trying to keep up with consumer tends and a change in times, I don't know what does, and that signals to me that the very reason why you will always find something new to try out when you visit their casinos. In other words as a customer why should we be the ones to shy away from diversity and variety when that's what we shop around for all the time. So I'd suggest that you just sit back and enjoy all the fantastic choices because that's what they're made for.

Lilly Dice is a journalist who writes for Online Gambling Doctor and Online Poker Doctor. Dubbed Lil' Dice on her websites, she has gained experience in the news and entertainment industry and has a background in broadcast and online journalism.