From Startup to Market Leader: Top 3 Examples of Software Companies

Think, just for a moment, about your favorite brand. Once, it was only a struggling startup. Behind the biggest software companies, there might be someone’s pet project or insane idea. But now it’s a product or service, which a lot of people use regularly if not every day.

When we talk about the brands in the gaming world, the Microgaming software company is the first name that comes to mind. The team of developers started to build outstanding games and created the first of a kind software for online casinos at the time when the rest of the game development startups were just someone’s idea. In fact, its first branded casino game was launched in 1994 when most people didn’t even have web access at their homes. This ‘powerhouse’ has been at the leading edge of the industry for the most time of its two-decade existence in the market. The software provider, however, has never rested on laurels. Now, it continues bringing innovative gaming solutions.     

Over time other suppliers have entered the online gambling sector and proved there is enough room for promising companies. Today, we would like to tell the success stories of gaming software developers, who have put much effort into making the online world more enjoyable and fun by producing the best entertainment options. 

Playtech

Playtech takes a well-deserved leading position in the iGaming industry. The company had experienced its ups and downs before it became the world’s recognizable brand.

The idea of founding Playtech belonged to Israeli Teddy Sagi. He wanted to create a software company that wouldn’t have competitors. Sagi gathered a team of prominent professionals in the technology and gaming sectors to further build advanced casino software.

Founded in Estonia in 1999, the startup company wasn’t quick to release its gaming products despite the influx of new suppliers to the market. Although they could have launched some solutions over a short period of time, Sagi decided to focus on a high-quality product in the long run. The team behind Playtech worked hard for 2 years to introduce a unique casino platform that had more to offer than those of the market leaders. Thus, in 2001, many declared that Playtech was a new player that could become a rival to Microgaming, a software giant that powers top casinos like Zodiac Casino, 888 Casino, etc.

Over the following several years, Playtech managed to successfully enlarge its selection of offerings by adding various casino games and live dealer rooms. While the decision to create a bingo solution and the iPoker network was taken at the right time and brought the company a lot of money. 

2006 was a landmark year for Playtech as it became a public company and was listed on the London Stock Exchange. This step ensured the future growth of the company. It managed to get a toehold in the industry on a global scale and enter new markets like Italy, Spain, and Serbia. 

Despite the forced withdrawal from the US market that restricted online gaming, Playtech continued growing its network of partnerships by acquiring small providers across Europe.

Today, Playtech is stronger than ever due to its unique approach to online gaming. The supplier has a large portfolio of 500+ casino games, and constantly increases the list producing up to 50 titles each year.

BetSoft

The startup was established in 1999, exactly at the time when online gaming was just evolving. Its journey started in a small English town, where BetSoft’s team created their first slot machines. The supplier had a sluggish start because only a few casinos knew about BetSoft and even fewer operators used their products.

The new century saw strong technological progress in both hardware and software development. The capacity of computers increased and the internet connection improved. Casino businesses were seeking new products and services to leverage technological advances. Operators were striving to diversify their game offerings with new titles. BetSoft’s time came. They started to develop software in 2006, slowly acquiring new clients among reputable British casinos.

By this time, casino software developers like Microgaming and NetEnt had been market leaders offering high-profile games. Yet, Betsoft introduced 3D cinematic gaming and developed products nobody could offer.     

The huge success came after BetSoft’s release of the Slots 3 title. Introduced in 2010, the series comprised a compelling collection of games featuring exceptional graphics. In addition to visual effects, the 3D slots incorporated advanced bonus features offering a more attractive and rewarding gambling experience. Since then BetSoft has launched dozens of gaming products with 3D animation and made a strong reputation.

What’s more, the BetSoft team decided to focus heavily on mobile gaming, while their competitors seemed to be slow in this field. They produced an impressive ToGo collection of mobile-friendly slots in 2011. It became a perfect option for tablet and smartphone players, which quickly spread across the market. Pursuing to improve mobile gaming, they developed the Shift technology that enables BetSoft to build games compatible with any device.

Today, Betsoft is a top software company that distributes its products in multiple markets across Eastern Europe. The company holds licenses from gambling authorities in Curacao, Malta, and Romania. Its portfolio consists of over 150 brilliantly crafted games where slots are not the only option. Betsoft successfully applied their 3D graphics to popular table and card games.        

Play’n GO

The history of the leading developer in the gambling market started in 1997. Then, it served as a subcontracting supplier. Only 7 years after, the team behind Play’n GO decided to branch off and build their own online gaming products.

Armed with a store of knowledge and great experience in game development, Play’n GO established its headquarters in a small Sweden town. The developer aimed to deliver unique products under its own brand. They released video slots with unparalleled design and engaging bonus features, as well as popular card games created with their personal touch.

Later on, the company began to partner with other software developers that helped them to improve games graphically and expand into new markets. Fresh offices of Play’n GO first appeared in Malta and the UK, the main havens for online gaming, and then in the Philippines, and Hungary.

Online casino operators from almost all over Europe use their GAT platform, which enables managing and integrating games from other developers easily.

Play’n GO also invests heavily in mobile casino development. Therefore, they have a large selection of mobile titles to enjoy on the go.

In 2018, the casino software provider presented an innovative omni-channel platform that allowed players to maintain their game progress from any digital and even land-based devices using the same user account.

Due to the hard work and commitment of the team of tech-savvies, the Play’n GO brand has reached the worldwide status of the leading software company.

Summing up

It wasn’t that simple to break through a tough competition on the online gaming market. Back in the 2000s, it was already rather crowded. But patience, hard work, and the desire to create amazing gambling experience made it possible for small startups to evolve into the leading companies in the iGaming industry.