In recent years, branded slots—casino slots based on brands and franchises, including famous TV series, movies, renowned companies, bands, cartoons, personalities, and so on- have become a major trend. This slot genre attracts new players by using recognisable themes and characters, providing an instant connection that lets fans enter a world they already know and love, which can bridge the gap between the familiar and the new, particularly if you’re playing UK online slots for the first time.
In today’s article, we’ll be putting branded slots under the microscope so you can learn everything you need to know about the top branded slot machines, from the best movie-themed slots to obscure and appealing collaborations you may not have heard of before.
The History of Branded Slot Games
The power of IP (Intellectual Property) merchandising revealed itself when, instead of claiming s traditional fee, some of the cast of Star Wars agreed to a portion of the profits made from merchandise. They were called crazy at the time, but when the film became a smash hit for all ages, it was clear who was laughing now. Nowadays, if a show becomes popular, you’ll be able to find just about anything with its logo slapped on, from t-shirts to shower curtains, and online slots.
Branded slots originated in Las Vegas, as the rise of consumerism proved that attractions with recognisable characters were hugely popular. They understood the attractiveness of established entertainment IP to potential players, especially new gamblers. This strategy successfully attracted and retained casino gamblers. Willy Wonka, Jurassic Park, and James Bond are still popular at Las Vegas casinos.
It wasn’t until 2004 when Microgaming released Lara Croft: Tomb Raider that the first branded online slot was born. Developer WMS took a different approach and was one of the first to receive a license to create games inspired by Monopoly. Nowadays, there are licensed online slots for bands, movies, TV shows, games, sports, and so much more.
Why Play Branded Slots?
If you love a franchise or a celebrity, what could be better than playing top slots where the famous characters, themes, and plots take centre stage? Indeed, this is the main reason players adore branded slots and why top developers like Games Global (Microgaming) and NetEnt are eager to obtain licenses to produce games based on some of the most famous IP out there.
In addition, while some games are simple reskins of existing titles, developers often try to add something special to their licensed slots, usually with a few unique features that directly reference or complement the source material. This can lead to some fun innovations which fans of the franchise and slot fans alike can enjoy.
The Biggest Drawback of Branded Slots
There’s one big drawback of loving branded slots that you may not be aware of: licensing can expire, and games become no longer available. This wasn't too much of an issue for many of the early branded games, as these were created in software like Flash and Java, and few were updated and were lost to time.
However, with the development of HTML5 and the standardisation of tech behind online slot machines, the need for consistent updates has been removed, meaning branded slots can last for decades beyond the expiry of the license. When this happens, the slot has to be retired from play. The most prevalent example of this is the downfall of the Marvel slot machines.
After Disney bought Marvel Entertainment for $4.24 billion in 2009, it was decided that Marvel casino machines did not meet Disney's decades-long image of purity and family-friendliness. Therefore, in 2013, it was stated that all Marvel-licensed slot machines (accessible online and in actual casinos worldwide) would not have their licenses extended in 2017. This led to the removal of fan favourite games, including The Incredible Hulk, Thor: The Mighty Avenger, Blade, Captain America: The First Avenger, Daredevil, Elektra, Fantastic Four, Wolverine, X-Men, and Ghost Rider.
This meant many Marvel fans were unable to play their favourite slot games any more and were stuck rooting around casino lobbies to find something new to play. Luckily, in this instance, Playtech, who had created the majority of the aforementioned slots, had the genius idea of re-skinning the much-loved slots into a non-branded game, and this led to the now iconic (and many deem to be flagship) Playtech slot series Age of the Gods being born!
What Types of Branded Slots Are There?
Branded slots can fit into four overarching categories: Movie Slots, TV Slots, Music Slots, and a miscellaneous category. Below, we shall discuss each category and mention a few of the best-known branded slots in each.
Movie Slots
What better games to play if you like watching movies and spinning slot reels than those based on your favourite movies or television shows? Leading slot developers have collaborated with various well-known titles to bring iconic figures like The Terminator, Lara Croft, and Frodo to the reels. The games usually have plotlines that have been on the big screen, and the characters and symbols are easily identifiable. Some of the more advanced video slots also feature cinematic-style excerpts taken directly from the blockbuster films on which they are based.
- The Goonies: With 5 reels, 20 paylines, and a top prize of 500x the total stake per spin, Blueprint Gaming's Goonies slot (and its subsequent sequels) is one of the most highly regarded slots in the genre. Over 12 bonus features are used to capture the essence of the cult classic film, named after various characters and phrases from the film.
- Terminator 2: The 1991 movie's official slot machine, Terminator 2, features 5 reels and 243 chances to win. Games Global revised the 2014 Terminator 2 online slot in 2021, a resurrection worthy of Arnold Schwarzenegger's iconic "I'll be back" remark. There are selection bonus features, most notably the T-800 Vision function that awards cash prizes for all visible high-value symbols.
- Rocky: Rocky Balboa fights to win against legendary names such as Apollo Creed, Clubber Lang, and Ivan Drago in the Rocky slot. This Playtech-powered licensed game has six main extra features, one for each Rocky film, which include free spins, pick-me games, cash payouts, and bonus trails.
TV Slots
It's not just the silver screen which has inspired the top branded slots, but the small screen too. With the rise of streaming platforms, we have access to even more incredible TV shows from around the world, and online slot developers have endless sources of inspiration to create games for players. Many of the biggest shows of the last decade have been rendered in slot form, but there is also a notable subsection of this genre dedicated to TV game shows such as Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and Deal or No Deal?.
- Narcos: Rising star Pedro Pascal (playing Javier Peña) has increased viewership for Netflix's Pablo Escobar storyline. NetEnt introduced the officially licensed Narcos slot in 2019, however, the series was popular before this. The Narcos slot machine has five reels, three rows, and 243 ways to win. It also contains a random Drive-by feature when a cartel thug shoots shots at the reels, changing symbols into wilds.
- The Walking Dead/The Walking Dead 2: Playtech produced this 5-reel, 50-payline slot as the official game for AMC's enticing zombie thriller, based on the sensational TV program. Wild reels, multipliers, coin stacking, respins, and more coins are available in 5 free spins, while The Tower Game offers cash rewards and 4 fixed jackpots.
After the success of the first slot, the release of ‘The Walking Dead 2’ was inevitable, like the undead that the show's characters must constantly battle. The Walking Dead 2 is set during the world-famous 6th series of the show and features Rick Grimes and Negan. Aptly, there are 6 bonus features on offer, including free spins, wild reels, and bonus games.
- Deal or No Deal Megaways JPK: Deal or No Deal Megaways JPK is a Blueprint Gaming online slot based on the popular TV game show. Six reels, different rows, and up to 117,649 ways to win per spin. Four consecutive victories trigger the free game bonus. High-volatility position with 95.83% return to player. The enormous Megaways feature and Jackpot King progressive pot feature are active throughout play, meaning this game has the chance to allow players 'walk away with life-changing money, as Noel Edmonds says on the program (remember, all outcomes are subject to chance; always gamble responsibly).
Music Slots
Music slots are less popular than movie and TV slots, but there are still plenty of examples of these games. Music slots can be based on a single song, a band or artist, or a musical genre. Currently, there are online slots themed on Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Jimi Hendrix, Guns ‘N Roses, Motörhead, the Village People, and more.
- Danger! High Voltage: Big Time Gaming's 6-reel, 4,096 ways to win Danger! High Voltage slot is based on the hit song by Electric Six. It has WildFire and Wild Electricity reels with 6x multipliers, plus High Voltage Free Spins and Gates of Hell Free Spins.
- Guns N’ Roses: NetEnt's game has expanding wilds, three modifiers that offer multipliers, bonus spins with wild reels, and cross-shaped overlay wilds, as well as pick and win prizes and free spins.
- Hammerfall: Named after a Swedish power metal band Play'n Go's slot includes cascading winnings and Super Tiles that generate Lightning Wilds with multipliers up to 3x plus three Song features that offer Mega Wilds, alter symbols, and remove low-value symbols and four random Destruction features mean this slot has one hell of a set list.
Miscellaneous Branded Slots
There are some popular branded slots which do not fit within any of the previous categories. The most notable entries in this category are the Monopoly-themed slots, which span plenty of slots, as well as wider casino games, that see the classic Hasbro board game played in unique and innovative ways. Within this genre, you’ll also find games associated with brands or pop culture icons like Playboy and Cirque Du Soleil, as well as games inspired by books such as Dracula or 1001 Arabian Nights, and those inspired by video games like Street Fighter and Tetris.
- Monopoly Megaways: Monopoly Megaways is a 6-reel slot with 117,649 ways to win from Big Time Gaming. Mr. Monopoly presides over the game's bonus features, which include free spins and multipliers.
- Street Fighter II: The World Warrior: The 5-reel, 5-row Street Fighter II: The World Warrior slot from NetEnt uses a cluster pays mechanism. There are eight characters to play with, each of which offers their own special Wild Combo feature. There's also Insert Coin Gamble, Beat the Boos Free Spins, and Car Smash Bonus features too.
- Cirque Du Soleil Amaluna: Bally's 5 reel, 40 payline Cirque du Soleil Amaluna slot has random bonuses and free spins and is inspired by the world famous performing troupe Cirque du Soleil.
Play the Best Branded Slots at Spin Genie
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