Up and Coming Pokie Developers to Watch in 2025
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
Game Quality and User Experience
RTP (Return to Player) and Volatility
Mobile Compatibility and Accessibility
Fairness, Security, and Transparency
Customer Support and Responsiveness
Licensing and Regulatory Approvals
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.
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Ryan is our resident pokies expert. Not only does he provide readers with the latest insights, innovations and technology news related to pokies, but he also knows all there is to know about pokies game developers.
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