What Are Megaways Slot Games – Everything you Need to Know About Megaways Slots
In this article, we will explain what are Megaways slots, how they work, why they are so popular, and how to play Megaways slots. Online slot games have come a long way since the first mechanical slot machines appeared in the late 19th century.
Today, you can find all kinds of slots online with different themes, features, payouts and RTP. But one of the most revolutionary developments in the online slot industry is the introduction of the Megaways mechanic, which has taken the world of online slots by storm.
Table of Contents
- The Evolution of Slot Machines
- Understanding Megaways Slots
- The Technology Behind Megaways Slots
- Why Megaways Slots Have Gained Popularity
- How to Play Megaways Slots
- The Future of Megaways Slots
- Conclusion
The Evolution of Slot Machines
Before exploring more details about online Megaways slots, let’s briefly examine the history and evolution of slot machines.
Early history of slot machines
Charles Fey was the mastermind behind the first slot machine he invented in 1895 in San Francisco. The Liberty Bell slot machine featured three reels and five symbols – horseshoes, diamonds, spades, hearts, and a liberty bell. The machine paid out 50 cents for a three-bell combination. The popularity of the Liberty Bell led to the creation of many other slot machines, such as the Operator Bell, the Fruit Machine, and the One-Armed Bandit.
The transition from mechanical to digital slots
In the 1960s, slot machines became more advanced and sophisticated thanks to Bally’s invention of the electromechanical slot machine. These machines used electricity to power the reels and had more symbols, paylines, and features.
In the 1970s, Fortune Coin introduced the first video slot machine, using a TV screen to display the reels and a computer to generate the outcomes. Video slots allow for more creativity and variety in the games’ themes, graphics, and sounds.
Introduction of the Megaways mechanic.
In 2016, Big Time Gaming, an Australian software provider, introduced a game-changing innovation. They launched the first Megaways title, Dragon Born, which featured a unique and patented mechanic that offered various symbols and ways to win on each spin. The Megaways mechanic was a huge success and spawned many other Megaways slots UK, both by Big Time Gaming and other software providers who licensed the standard Megaways engine.
Understanding Megaways Games
Now that you have a basic idea of the history of slot machines, let’s see what makes Megaways slots different from traditional slots.
First, we will start by defining the Megaways slots. Megaways slots use random reel modifier systems to change the number of symbols and ways to win on each spin.
Unlike traditional slots with a fixed number of reels, rows, and paylines, Megaways works with a variable number of reels (usually six), rows (from two to seven), and ways to win (from a few hundred to over a million).
How do Megaways slots work?
Megaways games work by randomly selecting the number of symbols appearing on each reel on every spin. The number of symbols varies between two and seven, depending on the game. The more symbols that appear on the reels, the more ways to win. To calculate the number of ways to win, you can multiply the number of symbols on each reel.
For example, if you have six reels with 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 symbols, you have 2 x 3 x 4 x 5 x 6 x 7 = 5,040 ways to win. To form a winning combination, you must match symbols on adjacent reels from left to right, regardless of their position on the reels.
Key features distinguishing Megaways slots from traditional slots
Megaways slot games have several features that make them stand out from traditional slots. Some of these features are:
- Cascading reels. This feature is not always a part of Megaways slots, but when included, it allows the symbols part of a winning combination to disappear and get replaced by new symbols that fall from above. That creates the possibility of forming multiple consecutive wins on a single spin.
- Wilds and scatters. These special symbols can help you trigger more wins and bonus features. Wild symbols substitute for any other symbol (except scatters) to complete a winning combination. Scatters can land anywhere on the reels and usually activate the free spins feature when you land three or more of them.
- Free spins and multipliers. These are bonus game features that can enhance your winnings and gameplay. Free spins are a set of spins that you can play without paying any stake. Multipliers are factors that can increase your payouts by a certain amount. For example, a 2x multiplier will double your winnings, while a 10x multiplier will multiply them by ten. Some Megaways games tend to have unlimited or progressive multipliers that increase with every win or cascade.
The Technology Behind Megaways Slot Games
A sophisticated technology powers Megaways slots that ensure fair and random outcomes on every spin. Here are some critical aspects of the technology behind the games that use the Megaways mechanic.
The role of Random Number Generators (RNGs)
RNGs are computer programs that generate random numbers that determine the outcome of each spin. RNGs constantly run in the background and produce a new number every millisecond. When you press the spin button, the RNG picks the most recent number and uses it to determine the number of symbols on each reel and the position of the symbols on the reels. Independent agencies test and certify RNGs to ensure they are fair and unbiased.
Software providers and licensing of the Megaways engine
The Megaways engine is the core technology enabling variable reels and ways to win on Megaways slots UK. This engine was invented and patented by Big Time Gaming, a top software provider in the online gaming industry, which has created many popular Megaways slots, such as Montezuma Megaways, Bonanza, Buffalo Rising Megaways, Extra Chilli, Wheel of Fortune Megaways, and Monopoly Megaways.
It is important to note that Big Time Gaming is the pioneer and innovator of the Megaways game mechanic. They are among the most respected and influential software providers in the iGaming industry.
Founded in 2011, Big Time Gaming is based in Sydney, Australia. It has a team of experienced and creative professionals passionate about creating high-quality and engaging online slot games. The company has won several awards and accolades for its Megaways slots UK, including the EGR B2B and Global Gaming Awards, making them one of the most reputable in the gaming world.
Big Time Gaming has also licensed the Megaways to other companies, such as Blueprint Gaming, Red Tiger Gaming, and Pragmatic Play, who have developed their own Megaways slot games. These include Fishin’ Frenzy Megaways, Raging Rhino Megaways, Piggy Riches Megaways, Super Wild Megaways, and The Dog House Megaways. Any Megaways slot from Blueprint Gaming or other developers are excellent so play Megaways games from various providers to find your favourite.
Why Megaways Slots Have Gained Popularity
Megaways slots are the most popular slots in the world of online casino gaming. Megaways slots have become popular due to many reasons, and the following are the main ones:
- Increased ways to win compared to traditional slots. Megaways slots offer much more ways to win than traditional slots, which usually have a few dozen or a few hundred paylines. Megaways online slots can have up to 117,649 ways to win, or even more, depending on the game. That means you have more chances to form winning combinations on every spin and win bigger payouts.
- The excitement of unpredictability and large payouts. Megaways slots are unpredictable and thrilling, as you never know how many symbols and ways to win you will get on each spin. The number of symbols and ways to win can change drastically from one spin to another, creating dynamic and suspenseful gameplay. Megaways games also have the potential to pay out massive amounts, especially if you trigger the bonus features of Megaways slots, such as the free spins and the multipliers. Some Megaways slots UK can have a maximum payout of 10,000x, 20,000x, or even 50,000x your stake, which may potentially result in life-changing wins.
- They have enhanced graphics, sounds, and themes. Megaways slots have impressive graphics, sounds, and themes, making them visually appealing and immersive. Megaways slots cover many themes, including adventure, fantasy, horror, and history. You can find Megaways slot games based on popular movies, TV shows, board games, and video games, such as Jurassic Park Megaways, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Megaways, and Rick and Morty Megaways. Megaways slots also have realistic and captivating animations, sound effects, and music that enhance the atmosphere of the games.
- Better player engagement and more bonus features. Megaways slots are engaging and entertaining, offering diverse bonus features that add fun and excitement to the gameplay. This slot is based on many cascading reels, wilds, scatters, free spins, multipliers, mystery symbols, expanding symbols, and more. The specific Megaways slots feature can increase your winning chances, boost your payouts, and trigger more bonus rounds. The Megaways slots often also have high volatility, meaning they can pay out large amounts but less frequently. That adds more risk and reward to the gameplay and appeals to players looking for a thrilling and challenging experience.
How to Play Megaways Slots Available at Online Casinos
Playing a Megaways casino game is easy, as they follow the same basic rules and gameplay as traditional slots. Here are some simple steps to help you understand the basic rules and gameplay. You’ll never have trouble if you know the paylines and ways to win. Here is how to play Megaways slots:
- Choose a Megaways slot. There are hundreds of Megaways slots UK in online casinos, each with its distinct theme, features, and payouts. You can browse the Megaways slots collection at your preferred online casino and pick the one that appeals most to you. You can also read reviews and try out the demo Megaways version before you play for real money.
- Set your stake. Before spinning, you need to set your stake. That is the amount of money you want to bet on each spin. Megaways slots usually offer a wide range of betting options, from as low as 0.10p to as high as £100 per spin, and there are even penny online slots. You can modify your stake per spin by using the buttons on the screen, usually labelled as a bet, coin value, or stake. You can also check the paytable to see the potential payouts for each symbol and feature.
- Spin the reels. Once you have set your stake, press the spin button to start the Megaways game. The reels will spin and stop randomly, showing different Megaways and number of symbols on each spin. If you match symbols on adjacent reels from left to right, you will form a winning combination and receive a payout according to the game’s paytable. You can also use the autoplay feature to set several spins to play automatically, with the option to stop the feature at any time or when certain conditions are met, such as a win or a loss limit.
- Trigger the bonus features. Megaways slots have various bonus features that can enhance your gameplay and winnings. Some of the most common bonus features are cascading reels, wilds, scatters, free spins, and multipliers. You usually must land several symbols or combinations on the reels to trigger these features. For example, to activate the free spins feature, you typically need to land three or more scatter symbols anywhere across the reels. The bonus features can differ from game to game, so read the rules and instructions of each Megaways slot before you play.
If you are a beginner, you will have lots of fun playing a Megaways slot. Remember that the most important tip is to have fun and play within your bankroll. No particular strategy can help you win more because Megaways slots are a game of chance, like all other slots.
The Future of the Popular Megaways Slots
Megaways slots are not only popular but also innovative and evolving. As the online slot industry continues to grow and develop, Megaways slots UK will likely follow the trends and introduce new features and technologies to keep the players entertained and satisfied. Here are some of the possible future developments of Megaways slots.
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR)
VR and AR are technologies that can create immersive and realistic user experiences. VR uses headsets and controllers to transport the users to a virtual environment, while AR uses devices such as smartphones and glasses to overlay digital elements onto the real world. VR and AR can enhance the gameplay and graphics of Megaways games, making them more interactive and engaging.
For example, VR and AR can allow you to explore the themes and settings of the Megaways slots, such as ancient civilisations, fantasy worlds, or outer space. Virtual and augmented reality can also create social and multiplayer features, such as chat rooms, leaderboards, and tournaments, where the players can communicate and compete with other players worldwide.
Innovations in Megaways mechanics
Megaways slots are already innovative and unique but can still improve and expand. Software providers can experiment with new ways to modify the reels and symbols, creating more variety and excitement for the players.
For example, some Megaways slot games have already introduced features such as expanding reels, horizontal reels, split symbols, and megaways clusters, which add more dimensions and possibilities to the gameplay.
Software providers can also create new bonus features and combinations, such as progressive jackpots, respins, sticky symbols, and more, to increase the chances and amounts of winning.
Sustainability of the popularity of Megaways slots
Megaways slots are undoubtedly successful but face some challenges and risks. One of the challenges is the competition from other software providers. This mechanic changes the game but there are many others top mechanics, such as cluster pays, infinity reels, and pay anywhere, which can offer similar or better features and payouts.
Another challenge is the regulation and compliance of the online gaming industry, which can affect the availability and accessibility of Megaways slots in different markets and jurisdictions. Many of these slots are not yet available in all countries, so hopefully that will change soon.
A third challenge is the saturation and fatigue of the Megaways market, which can reduce the demand and interest of the players.
To overcome these challenges, software providers must maintain the quality and originality of their online Megaways slots and adapt to the players’ and industry’s changing needs and preferences.
Conclusion
The Megaways is one of the most exciting and innovative developments in the online slot industry. They offer variable and unpredictable gameplay, with thousands of ways to win on every spin. They also have impressive graphics, sounds, themes, and engaging and rewarding bonus features.
Megaways slots are easy to play and suitable for all players, from beginners to experts. They are also evolving and adapting to the trends and innovations of the online gaming industry and are likely to remain popular games and thriving in the future.
We now hope you learned everything you need to know about Megaways slots and how they function. We covered all aspects of online Megaways slots and wish you the best of luck spinning the reels. Remember to play responsibly and have fun with these excellent games.
Written by Kosta Kostadinov
Kosta is an experienced writer who enjoys testing and reviewing online slot games. He understands how they work and how to include the most relevant aspects in his reviews. Contact Kosta @ kosta@slotswise.com
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FAQs
What’s the difference between Megaways and normal slots?
The main difference between Megaways and normal slots is the number of reels, symbols, and ways to win. Normal slots usually have a fixed number of reels (usually five), rows (usually three), and paylines (usually from 10 to 50). Megaways slots have a variable number of Megaways reels (usually six), rows (from two to seven), and ways to win (from a few hundred to over a million).
What are Megaways slots?
Megaways slots are online slot games that use a random Megaways reel modifier system to change the number of symbols and ways to win on each spin. Megaways slots come from the Australian game developer Big Time Gaming, which patented and licensed the Megaways engine to other software providers. Online Megaways slots have various themes, features, and payouts, but they all share the same core mechanic of variable reels and symbols.
How do Megaways slots work?
Megaways slots work by randomly selecting the number of symbols appearing on each reel on every spin. The number of symbols varies and goes from two to seven, depending on the game. The more symbols landing on the reels, the more ways to win. To calculate the number of ways to win, multiply the number of symbols on each reel.
How do you win on Megaways slots?
To form a winning combination in online Megaways slots, you must match symbols on adjacent reels from left to right, regardless of their position on the reels. The payout depends on the type and number of symbols you match and your stake. You can also win by triggering the bonus features, such as the free spins and the multipliers, which can increase your chances and amounts of winning.