Megaways slots are a groundbreaking type of casino game, known for their changing number of paylines. First introduced in 2015 by Australian development studio Big Time Gaming, the Megaways engine revolutionised the iGaming space by introducing several innovative elements.

From their cascading systems to dynamic reels, the features that make them so unique can enhance the gaming experience.

The core concept: What makes megaways unique?

At the heart of all Megaways slots is a powerful random reel modifier engine developed by Big Time Gaming. Unlike other traditional online slot games that have fixed paylines, these casino slots feature reels that can display a varying number of symbols in every single spin.

Each reel typically displays between 2 and 7 symbols, resulting in an ever-changing number of paylines in play. For example, if each of the 6 reels that make up the playtable displays 7 symbols, the game could have up to 117,649 paylines. The paylines would be calculated by multiplying the number of symbols on each row, with the formula being 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 × 7 in this instance.

It is worth noting that some Megaways slots take this concept even further, offering over a million different payline combinations across their shifting playtables. This randomisation means that every spin is different, bringing a whole new dynamic to the gameplay. It is for this reason that they have become so popular.

How do Megaways slots work? The mechanics behind the magic

• Dynamic reels and symbol count: Every spin in a Megaways slot presents a brand-new layout as each reel randomly generates between 2 and 7 symbols. The higher the number of symbols on the screen, the more potential paylines there will be across the playgrid.
• Adjacent reels payouts: Speaking of paylines, rather than just relying on traditional ones, Megaways slots can see combinations formed if matching symbols land on adjacent reels. If these land on consecutive columns from left to right, a combination could be determined regardless of their vertical position. As a result, this opens the opportunity for a whole number of payline paths.
• Cascading reels (reactions or avalanche feature): One of the most popular elements found within Megaways slots is their accompanying cascading mechanics. If any matching symbols happen to form a combination, this removes the involved symbols after the initial spin. This allows for new ones to fall into their place and fill the gaps in view. Consequently, this could result in the formation of further combinations within the same spin, adding a whole new layer to the gameplay.
• The extra top reel: Megaways slots also have an additional horizontal row. Typically spanning between reels 2 and 5, either above or below the main game grid, this adds even more symbols to the reels. These extra reels are commonly reserved for bonus symbols too; however, this rule varies from one genre instalment to another.

Common features you’ll find in Megaways slots

It is not just the dynamic structures which Megaways are known for, either. These games also come with a suite of other creative features, too, some of the most common ones being:

• Progressive win multipliers: Usually brought into play via bonus rounds. During these, each consecutive cascade could usually increase the multiplier by a certain increment.
• Free spins: Bonus rounds which may be triggered by meeting certain criteria, most often by landing scatter symbols. These features can also come with their own set of modifiers, which differ from the base gameplay.
• Mystery symbols: A set of special symbols which could transform into the same matching symbol at the end of a spin. In some Megaways slots, these could even reveal bonus symbols too.

The history and evolution of Megaways slots

The birth of Megaways slots occurred in 2015, when Big Time Gaming introduced its proprietary game engine. This was first debuted in a title called Dragon Born; however, it was the release of Bonanza in 2016 which saw the mechanic's notoriety skyrocket. Due to its mining theme, dynamic gameplay, cascading reels and 117,649 total paylines, this title quickly asserted itself as a staple in the casino space.

After recognising the success the mechanic had, Big Time Gaming began licensing the Megaways engine to other top-tier developers. This includes iGaming powerhouses such as Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, and Blueprint Gaming, as well as numerous others. This strategy for licensing their creation out led to an explosion of Megaways slots, with these spanning a huge variety of themes and genres.

Megaways slots didn't just introduce a new way to play casino titles; they also revolutionised the gaming experience and redefined slot gaming. The unique engine breathed new life into the slot industry, as this new subgenre appealed to all players. Big Time Gaming’s innovation did not stop there, either, as they also went on to create a slew of other innovative systems, including their TapCard games, which were their own brand of online scratch cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who invented Megaways slots?
 Megaways slots were invented by the Australian game development studio, Big Time Gaming (BTG).

How many ways can you win in a Megaways slot?
 The number of ways to win varies with each spin, but most commonly, Megaways slots offer up to 117,649 ways to win. Some games with more reels or unique mechanics can offer even more.

Are Megaways slots highly volatile?
 Yes, generally, Megaways slots are known for their high volatility. This means wins might be less frequent, but when they do occur, they have the potential to be significantly larger, especially during bonus rounds.

What are cascading reels in Megaways?
 Cascading reels (also known as Reactions or Avalanches) is a popular feature where symbols forming a successful combination disappear after the prize value is collected, allowing new symbols to drop down and potentially create new wins within the same spin. This can lead to consecutive combinations from a single wager.

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