Big Time Gaming — the Megaways Originator

Big Time Gaming (BTG), founded in Sydney, created the Megaways engine — the variable-reel mechanic (up to 117,649 ways) that reshaped slot design after Bonanza (2016). BTG both makes its own high-volatility games and licenses Megaways to dozens of other studios, so its influence extends far beyond its own catalogue. Evolution acquired BTG in 2021.

Megaways varies the number of symbols on each reel every spin, giving up to 117,649 ways to win (7⁶) on the classic six-reel setup. Bonanza (2016) launched it; its fluctuating way-count produces the high volatility that became a genre. BTG's real footprint is the engine, not just its own titles.

BTG licenses Megaways to many other studios, which is why 'Megaways' appears on games from dozens of different brands. That makes BTG a rare case where a studio's biggest impact is a mechanic used across the whole industry — and why 'Megaways' is a maths signature, not a single company's product line.

Evolution acquired BTG in 2021 for €450m, folding the Megaways originator into its studio group alongside NetEnt, Red Tiger and later Nolimit City. The licensing programme continues, so the mechanic remains available across the market.