The Founding Fathers of Online Slots
If online casino gaming has a history, Microgaming and NetEnt wrote its first chapters. Both companies helped build the foundation of the modern online slots industry, and while the landscape has changed dramatically with newer entrants, these two providers remain highly relevant. Here's how they stack up today.
Company Profiles
Microgaming was established in 1994 and is widely credited with launching the first true online casino software. Headquartered on the Isle of Man, the company boasts one of the largest game catalogues in existence, having developed over 800 titles and collaborated with independent game studios through its content aggregation platform.
NetEnt (Net Entertainment), founded in 1996 in Sweden, carved its name through premium-quality slot experiences. Known for beautifully crafted games with strong narrative elements, NetEnt merged with Evolution in 2020, which has infused additional resources into its development pipeline.
Game Library Size & Variety
| Criteria | Microgaming | NetEnt |
|---|---|---|
| Total Titles | 800+ (including studio partners) | 200+ (own originals) |
| Branded Games | Jurassic Park, Game of Thrones, Playboy | Narcos, Jimi Hendrix, Guns N' Roses |
| Progressive Jackpots | Mega Moolah network (record-breaking jackpots) | Mega Fortune, Hall of Gods |
| Table Games | Extensive multi-variant library | Good selection, less focus |
| Live Casino | Via partner studios | Via Evolution (parent company) |
Iconic Titles
Microgaming's standout games include Mega Moolah (the legendary progressive jackpot slot), Thunderstruck II, Immortal Romance, and Starburst (originally — though Starburst is now firmly a NetEnt icon).
NetEnt's hall of fame includes Starburst, Gonzo's Quest (which pioneered avalanche/cascade mechanics), Dead or Alive series, and Blood Suckers.
Visual Style & Production Quality
NetEnt has historically held a slight edge in visual polish and audio design. Games like Gonzo's Quest and Narcos showcase cinematic quality that was ahead of its time. Microgaming's in-house titles vary more in quality due to the sheer volume — though flagship titles are consistently well-crafted.
Progressive Jackpots: Microgaming's Crown Jewel
This is where Microgaming truly stands apart. The Mega Moolah progressive jackpot network has paid out some of the largest online slot jackpots ever recorded — reaching into the tens of millions. For players chasing life-changing wins, Microgaming's progressive network is unmatched.
NetEnt's Mega Fortune has also produced massive jackpot winners, but the network is smaller in scale.
Mobile Performance
Both providers deliver strong mobile experiences. NetEnt's HTML5 framework ensures smooth performance across devices. Microgaming similarly transitioned fully to HTML5, though some older titles in its catalogue may feel dated on smaller screens.
Which Provider Is Right for You?
- Choose Microgaming if you want the largest variety of titles, access to branded games, and a shot at record-setting progressive jackpots.
- Choose NetEnt if you value premium visual design, innovative mechanics (Gonzo's avalanche feature influenced the whole industry), and a curated, quality-first library.
The Verdict
Both providers are industry legends for good reason. Microgaming wins on volume and jackpot ambition; NetEnt wins on craftsmanship and innovation per title. The good news is most major online casinos carry both — so you don't have to choose just one.