Best casino game developers in New Zealand
Anyone who is passionate about online gambling will know that nowadays there is a seemingly endless array of different games and casinos. With such a large selection, it’s not always easy to keep track of everything. We would therefore like to offer you another way to find the right offer. If you focus on the game developers, you have a better chance of making the right choice. Many game developers have been active for years and have built a solid reputation among their user base for offering good products. No matter what type of game you are interested in, you are sure to find what you are looking for among the various software developers for online casino games.
Pragmatic Play
Whether it’s pokies, table games, live casino, or bingo – the studio is involved everywhere. Click here for our review of Pragmatic Play. Known for hits like Sweet Bonanza, The Dog House, and Wolf Gold, Pragmatic Play consistently delivers highly volatile pokies with eye-catching visuals and engaging features. The studio also powers some of the smoothest live dealer experiences, including live roulette and blackjack, available at top NZ casinos. Kiwi players love their fast-paced game mechanics and frequent promotional drops & wins.
Relax Gaming
Relax Gaming is taking the gaming world by storm – with a flood of new, innovative slots and features like the Dream Drop Jackpot. Please read our review of Relax Gaming here. This provider is best known for titles like Temple Tumble Megaways, Money Train 2, and the Dream Drop progressive jackpot series. Relax is especially appreciated in New Zealand for its mobile-first approach and frequent collaboration with smaller studios, bringing more variety to casino lobbies across the country.
NetEnt
NetEnt has been in business since the 90s and is now one of the most well-known game developers. Click here for our review of NetEnt. With iconic pokies like Starburst, Dead or Alive II, and Gonzo’s Quest, NetEnt has earned a reputation for innovation and fairness. They also offer a strong portfolio of branded titles and advanced features, such as avalanche reels and cluster pays, making them a go-to choice for NZ players seeking cutting-edge gameplay.
Big Time Gaming
Did you know that Big Time Gaming invented the Megaways system? Check out our Big Time Gaming review here. BTG revolutionised online pokies with the introduction of the Megaways™ mechanic, now licensed by dozens of studios. Kiwi players are particularly fond of Bonanza, Extra Chilli, and White Rabbit for their huge win potential and ever-changing paylines that can reach up to 117,649 ways to win.
Play’n GO
This company has released some very popular slots, as well as table games and bingo. Read our Play’n GO review here. Play’n GO is a fan favourite in New Zealand, thanks to legendary pokies like Book of Dead, Reactoonz, and Fire Joker. Their games are packed with unique characters and storylines, and are known for smooth animations, strong mobile performance, and balanced volatility options suited for all kinds of players.
Yggdrasil Gaming
This Sweden-based studio is known for its cinematic approach to pokies. Games like Vikings Go Berzerk, Valley of the Gods, and Golden Fish Tank have gained loyal followings among Kiwi players. Yggdrasil also pushes technical boundaries with proprietary mechanics like Gigablox and Splitz, providing fresh and visually stunning gameplay.
Push Gaming
Push Gaming has grown in popularity with NZ players due to high volatility titles like Razor Shark, Jammin’ Jars, and Fat Rabbit. Their games are known for quirky themes, high win potential, and smooth mobile optimisation. They are an excellent pick for seasoned players who enjoy risk and reward dynamics.
Quickspin
A part of the Playtech group, Quickspin is renowned for games such as Big Bad Wolf, Sticky Bandits, and Sakura Fortune. The studio focuses on storytelling and high production value, often pairing medium to high volatility with rich visuals and unique features.
Thunderkick
Thunderkick games stand out thanks to their unusual mechanics and fun graphics. Popular pokies include Esqueleto Explosivo, Pink Elephants, and Fruit Warp. These games are ideal for players in New Zealand seeking a lighthearted yet potentially rewarding experience.
ELK Studios
Known for Wild Toro, Voodoo Gold, and Toro Shogun, ELK Studios delivers games with a strong visual identity and innovative features. Many of their pokies come with built-in betting strategies and frequent in-game events, ideal for Kiwi players seeking variety and depth.
What exactly does an online casino game developer do?
Developers for online casino games are essentially software developers who produce the various games offered at online casinos. In this sense, they are like the farmers who grow the vegetables (the games) that are then sold in the supermarket (online casino). The game developers are the producers, while the casinos take on the role of the dealer. Game developers must possess a wide range of skills. This includes technical knowledge to develop games that always run reliably and can be integrated into all websites and with all operating systems. They also require a considerable amount of creativity to create an attractive offering for players. Lastly, they must comply with a wide range of legal and technical requirements.
Online gambling has been around for almost 30 years. The first online casino began operating in 1996. Back then, however, only blackjack was offered; today, casinos often offer thousands of games on their websites.
What legal and security regulations do game developers have to comply with?
Just like casinos themselves, game developers require a license to produce gambling products. The law aims to ensure that their products meet legal security standards. Having security precautions built directly into the software to protect customers saves a lot of trouble later on. Even if the casino intends to cheat the player, the software prevents the dishonest behavior from occurring in the first place. Additionally, developers must adhere to regulations that protect personal data. Data protection is more sensitive today than ever before, and the gambling industry cannot escape this heightened sensitivity.
Fairness of games
With a bit of luck, you can win at any game from a reputable developer. This is ensured by regular independent audits that developers must undergo. It’s not just the licensor who is involved in this process. There are also several third-party organizations dedicated to ensuring fairness in online gambling. Among the best-known names are:
- Gaming Laboratories International
- eCOGRA
- Technical Systems Testing
- Gaming Associates
The London-based company eCOGRA, founded in 2003 at the instigation of the gambling industry itself, awards seals that demonstrate the software developer’s adherence to the practices prescribed by eCOGRA. This is the eCOGRA Certified Software Seal.
What is the payout ratio?
Additionally, manufacturers typically determine the payout rates of their games. It is then up to the casinos whether they make this payout rate available to players. The payout rate essentially represents the total amount paid out to players as a percentage of the amount wagered by those players. However, this does not guarantee a win. The rate is validated using computer simulations to ensure its accuracy over the long term.
Most famous names in the gaming industry
Just like in almost every other industry, there are some names in the online casino game industry that nearly every player and provider knows. These are the BMWs and Audis of the gaming industry. If you’re interested in online gambling, you should familiarize yourself with these names. They’ll pop up again and again, generally standing for quality and reliability, even more so than the casinos themselves. So pay a little attention to the logos displayed.
What makes a developer stand out?
- What distinguishes a developer is, of course, primarily the quality of its games. This is also reflected in the number and variety of offerings, so players don’t get bored too quickly.
- It has also been shown that developers who come up with innovations more often prove to be significantly more durable than their less innovative competitors.
- In recent years, there has also been a clear commitment to the mobile market; a mobile offering is now an absolute must.
- Of course, games are primarily about fun, and that should be reflected in the design. Providers with an appealing and user-friendly design tend to be more successful.
- It’s also essential that the provider offers attractive payout rates. Generally, you should choose offers with payout rates above 96%.
Most innovative game developers
BTG (Big Time Gaming) is a developer that has been in operation for over 10 years, dating back to 2011. The company is particularly famous for its Megaways mechanic, which is also a registered trademark. BTG provides players with particularly innovative games and mechanics, all presented in razor-sharp graphics. Recent releases include:
- Golden Catch Megaways
- Star Clusters Megaways
- Wild Portals Megaways
BTG collaborates with over 200 casinos worldwide, so you’re likely to encounter this name frequently. In addition, the following developers are also considered particularly innovative:
- Yggdrasil
- Quickspin
- Play’n Go
Most award-winning game developers
Just as in various sports and the entertainment industry, the online casino gaming industry has received numerous awards and accolades. And just like FC Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, one company has emerged over the years as the leader in this field: NetEnt. The company has won the EGR B2B Awards twice, as well as the Global Gaming Awards London 2019, among other accolades. This is, of course, primarily due to its solid software and consistently high-quality game implementations. NetEnt has produced some of the most popular game series, such as Gonzo’s Quest, South Park, and Starburst. The latest games include:
- Space Wars 2
- Knight Rider
- Funkmaster
NetEnt has over 200 partner casinos worldwide. Other award-winning developers include:
- Ezugi
- Pragmatic Play
- EvoPlay
Which game developers are the most productive?
With well over 500 games, Playtech is one of the most prolific game developers. The company has been in operation since 1999. It boasts a wealth of experience, as evidenced by its particularly popular games based on successful entertainment franchises, including Justice League, Game of Thrones, and Top Gun. Players never have to wait long for new material from this developer. Playtech regularly releases new gems with top-notch graphics. Recent releases include:
- Mighty Hat Lamp of Gold
- Joker Rush
- Monster Multipliers
With such a wide range of offerings, it’s no surprise that more than 200 international casinos partner with Playtech. And the number is growing daily. Other companies with high output include:
- Microgaming
- Yggdrasil
- Betsoft
Game developers with the most extensive mobile offering
In today’s digital landscape, a robust mobile offering is a promising recipe for success. And one developer has particularly distinguished itself in this field. Experienced gaming fans will know: ELK Studios, based in Sweden. Since 2013, the Norse company has been producing the finest fare for fans of online casino games. It’s not just the graphics that impress; the user interfaces and variety of games also make ELK Studios a tough competitor and a highly sought-after partner. Highly popular developments such as Get the Baron’s Gold, Blessed by Tahiti, and Success Route 777 add to the appeal. Recent releases include:
- Nitropolis 3
- Taco Brothers Derailed
- Phoenix Graveyard
More than 180 online casinos offer ELK Studios games, with new ones being added constantly. Be sure to keep an eye on this studio if you enjoy mobile gaming. You’ll also find a wide selection of mobile games here:
- IGT Games
- Evolution Gaming
- Novomatic
The best providers for slots
It’s no secret for veterans that the majority of online gambling consists of slots. Some resourceful developers recognized this trend early on and focused on this popular genre. And that’s precisely why the name Pragmatic Play is so familiar to most players. Although the company has only been around since 2015 and the selection is somewhat smaller than that of other providers, this team stands out with some of the most popular games in the slot genre, including Great Rhino, Fire 88, Lucky New Year, and Diamond Strike. This shows how much a practical user interface can win players’ favor. Some of Pragmatic Play’s latest creations include:
- Wolf Gold Poker Jackpot
- Shining Hot 100
- Pyramid King
It’s no surprise, then, that more than 250 casinos partner with Pragmatic Play. Other top online slot providers include:
- NetEnt
- Quickspin
- Red Tiger
Other well-known names from the online gambling industry
Although we’ve introduced you to the leaders in various fields here, there are still numerous companies that are distinguished by their broad range of high-quality products. These include, for example, the American company Microgaming, which has been active since the 1970s. According to the company, the Las Vegas-based game developer also developed the software for the first online casino.
Yggdrasil has been around since 2013 , making it neither a young gun nor an old hand. So, we’re dealing with the best of both worlds: experience on the one hand and innovation on the other. A high capacity for innovation characterizes Yggdrasil.
Most online slots worldwide are developed in Scandinavia. Sweden, Finland, and Norway are the leading market players in this area, although Asian competitors are close behind.
Final thoughts on online casino software providers
As you can see, the world of online casino game providers is much broader and more diverse than you might have imagined. The companies mentioned should provide a good starting point for finding the right offer for you. Be sure to take your time in your search and choose a provider with a valid license.
By exploring different providers, you’ll also get a feel for the type of games that suit your preferences — whether you enjoy high-volatility pokies with massive jackpots, or low-risk titles with frequent wins and bonus features. Each developer brings something unique to the table, from innovative reel mechanics and original themes to cutting-edge mobile gameplay and immersive soundtracks.
In the ever-growing New Zealand iGaming market, trusted providers are constantly evolving their portfolios to meet the expectations of local players. Trying out games in demo mode is a great way to explore their offerings risk-free before switching to real money. And remember — reputable providers are not just about flashy graphics or big prizes, but also about game fairness, responsible gaming tools, and secure play environments.
Ultimately, the more you familiarise yourself with software developers, the better your chances of discovering pokies that you’ll not only enjoy, but that can also offer genuine entertainment value and peace of mind.
