Microgaming vs. NetEnt: Who Reigns Supreme as The Online Casino Software Development King

As online gambling looks set to only increase in popularity and influence, it all comes down to the software wizards behind the games to decide where online casino gaming will be five, ten years in the future. The increase in these kinds of games does mean that we have more software development houses dedicated to online gambling games than ever before but, as it stands right now at the very least, no two companies are bigger than Microgaming and NetEnt (Net Entertainment). In many respects, though, they’re both approaching the same thing from often extremely different viewpoints and philosophies; each with their own strengths and weaknesses. As it stands, Microgaming is still the king of the casinos but who will reign supreme in the next decade?

Tried and Trusted vs The New and Innovative

It’s perhaps oversimplifying things to say that Microgaming represents the old and the past, while NetEnt represents the new and the future, but there is certainly some truth to it. Microgaming has, unquestionably, been the champion of online gaming as its size, durability and years of experience (it’s by far the oldest and most established gaming platform around) have given players and vendors a sense of familiarity and a guarantee of quality that is so vital to its industry. Just read this Canadian review to see how much faith people still have in Microgaming as a software platform, from games such as Roulette to slots games, they have stood the test of time and are for sure one of a kind.  Using the latest state of the art technology makes players gaming experience’s feel like one is actually at the roulette or blackjack table, its incredible!

NetEnt, on the other hand, is the cocky new kid on the block who may not be as tried and trusted as the Microgaming powerhouse but offers far too many new and exciting developments to dare ignore. Except, of course, it is in no way shape or form “new”. It has actually been around almost as long as Microgaming – it’s just that it’s only in recent years that it has truly started to make its mark. The reason for this is actually fairly simple: with less to lose, they’ve taken massive leaps with online casino software, resulting in some of the best and most technologically evolved new online slots and other casino games around.

Is It All About Presentation?

What this means, in short, is that though Microgaming may have a number of significant advantages over NetEnt, if you’re looking for a virtual gaming experience built on the best graphics around, the latter is undoubtedly the way to go. Not that Microgaming is any sort of slouch in this area as some of their games like the Dark Knight remain some of the most beloved melding of graphics and gameplay ever but NetEnt have simply upped the game when it comes to truly beautiful, hi-res 3D graphics and cinematic sounds.

What About How They Play?

This area is a bit more complicated. Both companies basically produce very similar games as they both concentrate both on themed slot machines and live-dealer games like blackjack or poker. Both also specialize in progressive jackpots and both have made a number of people very rich indeed. In terms of gameplay, then, it really is a question of personal tastes. To go along with their advanced presentation, NetEnt makes games that are a bit less friendly new users and because they continue trying to innovate with each new game, the different styles of gameplay on their various machines can become especially perplexing for new or casual players. Microgaming, on the other hand, is far more conservative and uniform with their gameplay so while some more dedicated users might prefer the challenges offered by their competitors, less tech-savvy gamers may well prefer the unmatched accessibility of Microgaming.

The Bottom Line

There’s no two ways about it: NetEnt have thrown down the gauntlet and it’s up to Microgaming to pick it up and run with it. Both companies are known for excellent games and they both have their own strengths and weaknesses but for Microgaming to remain at the top, it probably does need to do a bit more to attract audiences than churning out a frankly insane amount of games on a monthly basis – specifically in terms of presentation. NetEnt’s technological advances are nothing to be shrugged away.

Regardless, for all that NetEnt is breathing down their necks, it’s hard to imagine Microgaming going anywhere anytime soon. Honestly, even if they just continue as is, they’ll probably still remain on top, even if just in terms of quantity.