For the past 30 years, Microgaming has been one of the biggest names, ruling the sector with commanding dominance. Now the name is just an irreplaceable thing that has served its purpose and slowly moved to the background. In 2018, Microgaming rebranded as Apricot Investments.
After the rebranding, they changed their business strategy from making games to focus on providing the “back-end” platform technology and turnkey software for operators. Microgaming has been an established brand in the iGaming industry since 1994. 2018 marked the end of an era.
Games Global Limited, one of the leading B2B developers and distributors of online casino-style gaming content, purchased the entire Microgaming game catalogue and distribution network. Currently, Microgaming casinos operate as a collaborative effort between Apricot and Games Global. Apricot builds the house, whereas Games Global provides the entertainment inside it.
After the purchase, the Apricot CEO, Stephen Fisk, has transformed it into a major technology powerhouse. In 2026, he plans to transform the platform into a Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), improve regulatory precision and enhance the scalability. Think of the iGaming industry as a car; Stephen Fisk is the chief engineer who makes sure that the engine is efficient and fast. Meanwhile, Walter Bugno, the CEO of Games Global, is the driver taking that car into new territories.
The 2026 Studio Ecosystem: A Technical Audit Of The “Big Four” Developers
In the modern iGaming landscape, the introduction of advanced technologies and frameworks has changed the outlook. Games Global is one of the most impactful parts of the growth of the studio ecosystem in this sector. In summary, Games Global isn’t just one studio; it’s a hub that brings together many small developers. Microgaming remains one of the most established providers featured across our Australian pokies hub.
For the iGaming industry, 2026 is all about changes and advancements. Here is a brief explanation of the key studios that will make a big difference this year.
1. Stormcraft Studios: High-End Artistry Behind Immortal Romance II
It is an independent game development studio based in Durban, South Africa, that develops high-end online pokies. It has been active since 2018, and they have created some of the most iconic titles in iGaming history, like “Immortal Romance II” and “Thunderstruck: Stormchaser”.
Stormcraft was one of the first independent studios to collaborate with Microgaming in 2018 to supply premium content, and the team behind Stormcraft was already a part of Microgaming long before the “Stormcraft” brand was officially established.
2. Gameburger Studios: Mastering The “HyperSpins” Mechanics
Gameburger Studios is a game development studio that is well known for its high-energy, “snackable” gameplay and the “classic American” land-based casino style. They pioneered some of the most viral mechanics in the industry and shaped its current form. Apart from these, the studio is also known for two major contributions: the “9 Masks of Fire” series and the HyperSpins™ mechanic.
The 9 Masks of Fire series is a collection of online casino games originally launched in 2019, and it has expanded into a multi-game series due to its massive success. HyperSpins™ is a unique feature that gives players a second chance by allowing them to respin reels independently. In August 2019, Microgaming strengthened its lineup of independent studios, unveiling exclusive new content from Gameburger Studios. Many Microgaming titles also align with modern fairness standards such as variable RTP models used across modern pokies systems.
3. PearFiction Studios: The “Loot Collect” And Power Combo Mechanics
It is a Canadian game development studio based in Montreal that focuses on developing high-end online pokies. The games are based on humour, storytelling, and “portrait-first” mobile design. It is one of the highly rated studios in 2026, and its “Loot Collect™” and “Power Combo” mechanics are some of the most anticipated features in the sector.
Loot Collect is an advanced “cash collect” mechanic that gives a new phase for the standard symbol collection. In the game Loot Collect, PearFiction introduced “NoodleTastic Zones”, an exclusive feature with which players can stack the multipliers and boosters dynamically. PearFiction is the studio that exclusively develops content for the Games Global platform after securing Microgaming’s distribution assets in 2022.
4. All For One Studios: Breaking Records With “Rising Coin Collect” Math
All For One Studios is an independent game development studio based in Tallinn, Estonia, previously known as All41 Studios. In 2023, All41 was rebranded to All For One Studios as part of their exclusive partnership programme with Games Global.
It is the innovator of the “Rising Coin Collect™” and “Multiplier Zones”, two features that are going to break records this year. Rising Coin Collect™ enhances the classical “coin collect” feature by making the cash prizes dynamic. Multiplier Zones is an amplifier for the coin collection process that is working in alignment with a multiplier metre. Microgaming games are widely optimized for mobile play, similar to dedicated mobile pokies platforms in Australia.
The Jackpot Evolution: Mega Moolah vs King Millions
To understand progressive jackpots, think of them as a giant shared prize pool that grows with each time a game is played. In 2026, players’ attitudes towards jackpots have changed, and now they give importance to how easily it can actually be paid out rather than how big the jackpot is.
In this modern era, that’s where prize liquidity comes in: the ability of a platform to fund and deliver the big prize or massive wins quickly and reliably. This change in the jackpot landscape has started new trends and increased the demand for games like Mega Moolah and King Millions.
Mega Moolah: The OG “Millionaire Maker” And The 88% RTP Trade-Off
Mega Moolah is the OG that made multi-millionaires and is one of the pioneers of the idea of a “Millionaire Maker”. It is still the most iconic progressive jackpot online slot game in the world, developed by Microgaming. It is currently managed by Games Global Jackpot Network, and the base game RTP is typically lower, reportedly below 88%.
Mega Moolah, launched in 2006, has already given the largest online jackpot payouts in history, including a record-breaking win of nearly €20 million. Since it is a progressive jackpot, a portion of each bet is stored in a shared jackpot pool, keeping the price increasing until that one lucky spin triggers the prize.
King Millions: The Next Generation Jackpot Design With 96% RTP
If Mega Moolah is the representative of the traditional classic jackpot model, King Millions represents modern-day jackpot design. We have already discussed that the approach towards jackpots has changed over the years, and the changing trend in 2026 allows players to get a high base-game RTP of 96% while still offering two massive progressive tiers.
This year, King Millions is integrated into high-performance pokies like Gold Blitz, allowing players to go for a high base-game RTP of 96%. This differentiates it from the traditional “low base game RTP” trade-off of older machines.
|
Feature |
Mega Moolah (The OG) |
King Millions (The Successor) |
|
Management |
Games Global Jackpot Network |
Games Global “Modern Tier” |
|
Base Game RTP |
Typically lower (~88%) |
Significantly higher (~95-96%) |
|
Jackpot Trigger |
Randomly via the “Wheel” |
Multi-layered “Collect” mechanics |
|
Player Profile |
“Whale Hunters” (Legacy) |
Balanced Gameplay (Value Seekers) |
|
2026 Status |
Still the record-holder. |
The most played network of 2026. |
From January 1, 2026, a massive shift in the Australian gambling space has occurred. As per the latest update, many international jackpot networks have adjusted their reporting thresholds to match the new $2,000 W‑2G tax rules in the United States.
2026 started with the US IRS officially raising the W-2G reporting threshold for slot winnings from $1,200 to $2,000. This adjustment has impacted Aussie players, standardising the instant pay limits for them.
While Microgaming is a legacy provider, newer studios like Pragmatic Play continue to innovate in game design and mechanics.
Inside 2026 Mechanics: How “Information Gain” Changes Your Strategy
Not only for the Australian gambling landscape but for the whole world, 2026 brings something new to the table. A number of the latest features have advanced capabilities to redefine the whole sector.
When we talk about the new changes, there are three modified features we must be aware of. HyperSpins, Power Combo, and Bloodline Progression are
HyperSpins: The Math Of The “Micro-Moment” Reel Lock
In 2026, HyperSpins have been mathematically altered and recalibrated for the “Micro-Moment” player. With the new change, players are now able to pay a variable cost to spin individual reels. From now on, each reel spin will have a separate probability event; players can lock in certain symbols and only re-spin others.
According to the experts, the free spin is not just another opportunity to maximise your winnings but a tactical tool. The latest data confirms that HyperSpins is one of the most preferred strategies for high-volatility players. This tactical tool helped shape online gambling from a game of passive luck to a process of active decision-making.
Power Combo: Merging Giant Reels, Multipliers, And Jackpots
It is an advanced feature where multiple features can trigger and merge into a single event. You can see three distinct collection metres, like Giant Reels, Multipliers, and Jackpots, in games like Dark Waters III: The Cursed Voyage or Noodle Riches. If you trigger two or three of these features, you will get a mega feature, which is the combined version of these three.
In the title, like Dark Waters III, you can see three unique “collection pots” or “metres” at the top of the screen. Trigger A unlocks multipliers or jackpot upgrades. Trigger B unlocks expanding reels, whereas trigger C unlocks instant collect or extra spins. These individual features can be merged, and players can enjoy an enhanced gaming experience and winning.
|
Feature Combination |
Resulting “Mega” Gameplay |
|
A + B |
Huge reels where every win is multiplied by 10x. |
|
B + C |
10,000+ ways to win with “Collect” symbols landing on every spin. |
|
A + B + C (The Mega) |
Huge reels + Multipliers + Instant Prizes. This is where the 25,000x cap usually gets hit. |
This mechanic is the sole reason for PearFiction’s success, with a massive surge in AU player retention. These offers take the casino’s game away from the traditional style of waiting for a screen of symbols to building a perfect storm.
Bloodline Progression: Why Your Progress Is Now Permanently Saved To Your Account
It is a modern trend that explores the new phases of online gambling. Immortal Romance II by Stormcraft Studios introduced the Bloodline feature, and it has been widely accepted ever since. In this feature, you fill a “bloodline” metre, a gamification layer designed exclusively to attract players and keep them coming back. With this feature, your progress is permanently saved to your account.
Previously, standard pokies used to reset every session, losing your progress forever. This feature has some other perks as well. Reaching milestones like the 5,000-spin “Immortality” rank with this feature will reward you with exclusive music tracks and visual themes. For Australian players, bloodline progression has converted the conventional pokie machine into a hobbyist experience.
The “Apricot” Backbone: Verifying Security And Fairness In 2026
RNG Auditing: Why Apricot Holds the “Keys to the House” for Game Integrity
Modern-day gambling is more than flashy graphics and addictive sound design; in 2026, the trust and demand for a casino lie in its security and fairness. Following Microgaming’s rebranding, Games Global creates the entertainment by developing and distributing the games, and Apricot (the platform formerly known as Microgaming) holds the “keys to the house”. However, Apricot moved to the background; it still plays a significant role in keeping the games secure and fair.
Apricot is indeed the backbone of these platforms, and what they do is RNG integrating & auditing, verifying the platform-level security, and deploying responsible gaming tools. By RNG integration, Apricot ensures that every spin you make is powered by a continuously tested Random Number Generator (RNG).
This ensures that the outcomes are fair, unbiased, and free from manipulation, with no influence from the casino or player behaviour. In 2026, Apricot provides the “Safe Play” infrastructure, including the reality check timers, session limits, and the unified “self-exclusion” programmes.
eCOGRA Certification: The Independent Audit Behind Every Games
The regulations and audits in the gambling sector have intensified over the years. In 2026, Games Global titles are independently audited by eCOGRA, a testing laboratory, inspection body, and certification body specialising in the certification of online gaming software.
It is an internationally recognised testing agency originally founded in association with Microgaming. What eCOGRA verifies is that every spin is mathematically random and unbiased, RTP values are tested against real-world outcomes, and game fairness is maintained throughout the session.
Microgaming has always been in the online gambling space since its early days. In 1994, Microgaming developed and launched the world’s first true online casino software. This is marked as a key milestone and one of the notable events in the history of online gambling.
Even though the names have changed to Apricot and Games Global, the significance and aura of Microgaming have never faded away. While you are playing a modern pokie, you are becoming a part of an ecosystem that pioneered and invented the concept of online betting over three decades ago.