Megaways slots constitute a distinct kind of online slot game. They exhibit a dynamic reel structure enabling a shifting symbol quantity on every reel spin. Consequentially, varied winning combinations constantly evolve. In stark contrast to common slots featuring fixed paylines Megaways slots can provide a huge number of ways to win.
Who created the mechanics of Megaways slots and when?
Megaways slots was established by Big Time Gaming, an Australian company. In 2015 they released their first Megaways slot titled Dragon Born. It was the following year that saw the release of Bonanza which brought widespread adoption of this mechanic.
Big Time Gaming’s decision to license its Megaways slot mechanic to other developers in 2018 has led to a wider range and increased availability of Megaways slots. This move enabled multiple game providers to come up with their own versions of slots with Megaways mechanics.
What is the function of the dynamic reels in Megaways slots?
The dynamic reels in Megaways slots function by changing the number of symbols on each reel with every spin. This provides thousands of winning combinations in a game. The game mechanic makes it more unpredictable and exciting.
Why is the top reel that is above the main grid important in Megaways slots?
Above its main grid, this top reel usually contains special symbols that can activate a variety of bonus features such as Free Spins rounds. The extra row increases possible combination numbers.
How do cascading reels and expanding symbols add to the gameplay in Megaways slots?
Cascading reels enhance gameplay in these slots since they remove winning symbols before replacing them with new ones thereby potentially creating multiple wins from one spin. Expanding symbols can cover full reels increasing chances of forming winning combinations and increasing potential payouts.
How is the total number of ways to win calculated in a Megaways slot?
The total number of ways to win in these slots is calculated by multiplying the number of symbols on each reel. For example, if each of the six reels displays seven symbols, the calculation would be 7×7×7×7×7×7=117649 ways to win.
How does the level of volatility affect payouts in Megaways slots?
The impact of volatility levels on payouts in slots with Megaways mechanics is no different than in other types of slots. High volatility slots offer the potential for larger payouts but pay out less frequently, leading to longer dry spells between wins. Low volatility slots provide more frequent, smaller wins, resulting in a steadier stream of payouts but reducing the likelihood of hitting a massive jackpot.
What are some examples of the famous slots with Megaways mechanics?
Some classic slots that have Megaways versions include Book of Tut Megaways, The Dog House Megaways, Big Bass Bonanza Megaways and Divine Fortune Megaways. Let’s talk in detail about each slot.
Book of Tut Megaways
Pragmatic Play is the developer of Book of Tut Megaways, an interesting game with John Hunter in an Egyptian theme. This game uses the Megaways system which allows players to win in 117,649 different ways over the six reels that have changing rows. Among its features are a wild symbol that can be used as a substitute for all other symbols on the base game and an Expanding Special symbol that gets randomly picked during any spin increasing winning capabilities. When three or more Scatters appear, players get 10 Free Spins and have chances for more Free Spins. That aside, by adding more scatter symbols to the reels, Ante Bet raises the probability of triggering Free Spins. With up to 96.01% RTP provided and high volatility math model, Book of Tut Megaways offers an exciting gameplay up to x10,000 maximum win potential.
The Dog House Megaways
The Dog House Megaways, developed by Pragmatic Play, is a vibrant and entertaining slot game featuring a lovable canine theme with a Megaways twist, offering up to 117,649 ways to win. This 6 reels game retains the charm of its predecessor, The Dog House, with familiar characters and an enhanced gaming area. Key features include Sticky Wilds and Raining Wilds Free Spins, triggered by landing 3 or more Scatter symbols, with the potential for Multipliers up to 3x. The game boasts a high volatility and an RTP of 96.55%, with a maximum win potential of over 12,000 times the stake. Players can also choose to buy the bonus feature directly, adding flexibility to their gameplay experience.
Big Bass Bonanza Megaways
Pragmatic Play has developed Big Bass Bonanza Megaways, an attractive slot machine game that is themed around fishing and uses the Megaways concept, thus giving players a chance to win through 46,656 ways. It is classified as a high volatility game with a return to player percentage of 96.70% and can yield up to 4000 times stake. The main aspects are Tumble Future, Free Spins and Money Symbols. Landing Scatter symbols activates Free Spins while collecting fisherman symbols in this round increases the Multiplier. This game retains the fast-food fishing experience from previous Big Bass Bonanza games where the fisherman icon accumulates fish icons for instant rewards. By combining these features, it provides an unpredictable and possibly profitable gambling process.
Divine Fortune Megaways
Divine Fortune Megaways is a NetEnt slot that is an enhanced edition of the classical Divine Fortune slot with the famous Megaways mechanic that provides up to 117,649 winning options. This six-reel slot set in ancient Greece offers features such as Falling Wilds Re-spins where Wild symbols move down the reels awarding re-spins, and Wild on Wild feature which expands wilds to cover whole reels. Free Spins round can be activated by getting four or more Scatter symbols while Falling Wilds remains active during the Free Spins. Although this game no longer has progressive jackpots, it comes with a high RTP (96.09%) and fixed jackpots thereby making it immersive with a maximum win potential of 25,000x stake.
How did other developers integrate Megaways mechanics into their existing games?
To implement this game feature in their previous games, various developers have integrated Megaways mechanic through the introduction of cascading reels, expanding symbols and bonus rounds among others as well as the dynamic reel structure. For example, NetEnt relaunched their famous slot machine Gonzo’s Quest as Gonzo’s Quest Megaways by incorporating the Megaways mechanic and improving the original with up to 117,649 winning lines and an enhanced avalanche effect. Similarly, Blueprint Gaming has reinvented classic slots such as Fishin’ Frenzy or Eye of Horus and integrated Megaways for a new gaming experience while retaining some key elements of the originals.
Which responsible gaming practices must players follow while playing Megaways slots?
While playing Megaways slots, players should follow these responsible gaming practices:
- Establish a Budget: Establishing a strict budget for each playing session will help to prevent overspending.
- Time Management: To stop elongated gambling periods, set time limits for play.
- Avoid Chasing Losses: Never chase losses and accept them as part of the game.
- Know The Game: Get to know the game’s mechanics, volatility, as well as possible payouts to make an informed choice.
- Use self-exclusion tools: Take breaks or ban yourself from gambling sites with the help of available features on such sites.
By doing so you will be able to gamble safely and enjoyably.
How can players calculate their potential earnings in a Megaways slot?
To calculate potential earnings in a Megaways slot, players need to consider the number of ways to win and the payout of the winning combinations. Here’s an example calculation:
- Determine the Number of Ways to Win: Each spin can have a different number of symbols on each reel. Suppose you get 3 symbols on the first reel, 4 on the second, 5 on the third, 6 on the fourth, 4 on the fifth, and 3 on the sixth. You calculate the number of ways to win by multiplying these numbers: 3×4×5×6×4×3=4320 ways to win
- Calculate Potential Winnings: Suppose the winning combination pays 10x the stake for a certain symbol combination. If the player’s stake per spin is £1, the calculation would be: 4320 (ways to win)×£1×10=£43,200.
This example demonstrates how the varying number of symbols on each reel and the stake size contribute to potential winnings in Megaways slots.
What is the main appeal of Megaways slots compared to progressive jackpot slots?
The key feature of Megaways slots, as opposed to progressive jackpot slots, is their dynamic and unpredictable gameplay. Progressive jackpot slots are primarily focused on providing the potential of life-changing winnings that accumulate over time and occur less frequently. While progressive jackpots offer higher potential rewards, they typically come with higher volatility and less dynamic gameplay.
What role does the Random Number Generator (RNG) play in Megaways slots?
The RNG in Megaways slots determines the number of symbols on each reel for every spin, creating varying payline possibilities. This random element adds excitement and unpredictability to the gameplay.
Will the incessant change in slot games lead to alternative mechanics becoming more popular than Megaways?
Continuous development of slot games is likely to result in new mechanics that outperform Megaways. This is because the gaming industry is highly innovative and competitive, constantly trying to attract and retain gamers with new experiences. In this respect, developers tend to experiment with different technologies and game mechanics such as virtual reality (VR) & augmented reality (AR), skill-based play elements, and interactive storytelling.
Besides, with evolving player preferences and the entry of new demographics into the market, there will be a need for fresh and unique gaming experiences. Therefore, while Megaways has set a high standard, it is reasonable to expect that future innovations will eventually surpass it in popularity.
