Discover how Big Time Gaming’s revolutionary Megaways mechanic transformed the online slot industry and how Pragmatic Play has leveraged it to create some of the most exciting and rewarding slot games available today.
Discover how Big Time Gaming’s revolutionary Megaways mechanic transformed the online slot industry and how Pragmatic Play has leveraged it to create some of the most exciting and rewarding slot games available today.
When an innovative slot mechanic meets one of the world’s leading casino software providers, the result is something truly special.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the Megaways engine developed by Big Time Gaming (BTG), explore why players love it, and highlight how Pragmatic Play has successfully incorporated it into a diverse collection of engaging online slots.
How Megaways Revolutionized Online Slots
Founded in 2011, Big Time Gaming set out to push the boundaries of online casino entertainment. While the studio released several successful titles, its biggest contribution to the industry came in the form of the Megaways mechanic.
Before Megaways arrived, most online slots followed traditional structures based on fixed paylines or limited ways-to-win systems. Although these formats offered enjoyable gameplay, they lacked the unpredictability and variety that modern players crave.
Slot Formats Before Megaways
| Format | Reel Setup | Winning Method | Why Players Enjoyed It |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20–30 Paylines | 5×3 | Wins formed on fixed paylines from left to right | Familiar gameplay inspired by classic land-based slots |
| 243 Ways to Win | 5×3 | Matching symbols needed to appear on consecutive reels | More flexibility and creative bonus features |
| 1024 Ways to Win | Multiple reel layouts with 4+ rows | All matching symbols on adjacent reels counted | Increased winning opportunities and larger game layouts |
What Makes Megaways Different?
Megaways introduced a fresh approach to slot gameplay by making every spin feel unique.
Some of its most notable features include:
- Dynamic Reels: The number of symbols displayed on each reel changes with every spin.
- Up to 117,649 Ways to Win: Significantly more winning combinations compared to traditional slots.
- Cascading Reels: Winning symbols disappear and are replaced by new ones, creating chances for consecutive wins.
- Increasing Multipliers: Many Megaways titles reward consecutive cascades with growing win multipliers.
- Unpredictable Gameplay: Since reel layouts constantly change, no two spins are exactly alike.
- Licensing Success: BTG licensed the mechanic to numerous developers, resulting in hundreds of Megaways games.
- Flexible Volatility: The mechanic can support everything from frequent smaller payouts to massive jackpot-style wins.
The success of Megaways gave developers greater creative freedom, leading to innovative bonus features, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and some of the most entertaining slots available today.
Pragmatic Play Enters the Megaways Market
The year 2020 marked a major milestone for online slot fans when Big Time Gaming partnered with renowned software provider Pragmatic Play.
At the time, Pragmatic Play’s Chief Commercial Officer, Melissa Summerfield, expressed excitement about the collaboration and the opportunity to introduce the popular mechanic to the company’s player base.
The partnership’s first release was Great Rhino Megaways, a safari-themed adventure inspired by the African wilderness.
Featuring free spins, respins, and a bonus jackpot feature, the game quickly demonstrated Pragmatic Play’s ability to successfully adapt the Megaways format while adding its own unique touch.
Its success paved the way for a growing portfolio of Megaways-powered releases.
Pragmatic Play’s Most Popular Megaways Slots
Rather than producing just a handful of titles, Pragmatic Play fully embraced the Megaways mechanic, creating games across a wide variety of themes and volatility levels.
1. Big Bass Bonanza Megaways
Set beside a lively fishing lake, Big Bass Bonanza Megaways combines the beloved Big Bass theme with the excitement of Megaways gameplay.
Players can enjoy free spins, money symbols, fisherman collector features, and multipliers that can reach up to 10x during bonus rounds.
Other related titles include:
- Big Bass Hold & Spinner Megaways
- Various Big Bass Bonanza spin-offs and sequels
2. Dragon Pots Megaways
Dragon Pots Megaways transports players into a mythical world filled with dragons, treasures, and magical rewards.
Key features include:
- Free spins
- Expanding modifiers
- Wild symbols
- Win multipliers
Similar fantasy-themed Megaways games include:
- Witch Heart Megaways
- Power of Merlin Megaways
- Curse of the Werewolf Megaways
3. Mustang Gold Megaways
Combining Wild West scenery with animal-themed gameplay, Mustang Gold Megaways offers tumbling reels, collectible cash symbols, fixed jackpots, and free spin opportunities.
Other popular animal-themed releases include:
- Buffalo King Untamed Megaways
- The Dog House Megaways
- Mammoth Gold Megaways
4. Bandit Megaways
For players who enjoy higher volatility, Bandit Megaways delivers action-packed gameplay in a lawless frontier setting.
Highlights include:
- Free spins
- Retriggers
- Cascading reels
- Dynamite multipliers worth up to 500x
Multipliers remain active throughout bonus rounds, creating the potential for substantial payouts.
Other Western-inspired games include:
- Wild West Gold Megaways
- Buffalo King Megaways
5. Book of Tut Megaways
Book of Tut Megaways takes players deep into Ancient Egypt in search of hidden treasures and legendary riches.
Features include:
- Up to 117,649 ways to win
- Expanding symbols during free spins
- Ante Bet functionality to improve bonus-trigger chances
Related historical and ancient-themed slots include:
- Pompeii Megareels Megaways
- Aztec Gems Megaways
- Ancient Island Megaways
6. Might of Freya Megaways
Inspired by Norse mythology, Might of Freya Megaways combines powerful gods, tumbling reels, and rewarding bonus mechanics.
Players can enjoy:
- Super Symbols that trigger respins
- Increasing free-spin multipliers
- A bonus wheel capable of awarding up to 20 free spins
Other mythology-themed games include:
- Revenge of Loki Megaways
- Fury of Odin Megaways
- Power of Thor Megaways
7. Floating Dragon Megaways
Blending Asian mythology with Megaways gameplay, Floating Dragon Megaways offers one of Pragmatic Play’s most feature-packed experiences.
Notable features include:
- Up to 236,196 ways to win
- Hold & Spin bonus rounds
- Instant prize symbols
- Win multipliers
- Maximum payouts of up to 20,000x the stake
Additional Asian-inspired titles include:
- 5 Lions Megaways
- Floating Dragon New Year Festival Ultra Megaways
Pragmatic Play has successfully demonstrated the versatility of the Megaways mechanic by applying it across a wide range of themes, from fishing adventures and mythical dragons to Viking legends and ancient civilizations.
Whether you prefer medium-volatility entertainment or high-risk, high-reward gameplay, there’s a Pragmatic Play Megaways slot designed to suit your style. With innovative features, dynamic reels, and huge winning potential, these games continue to be among the most popular choices for online slot enthusiasts worldwide.
