20+ years in the gambling industry including 13+ years playing and reviewing slots.
OLBG’s Chris Taylor spoke to Nik Robinson, CEO and Founder of Big Time Gaming, for a general Questions and Answers interview.
Founded in 2011, Big Time Gaming is one of the top slot providers and is responsible for revolutionary mechanics including Megaways™. With other innovations such as Megaclusters, Megaquads, Megapays and the new Megadozer, you’ll find Big Time Gaming slots at all UK slot sites.
Nik Robinson is a senior executive with wide-ranging experience and is responsible for the creation of many unique slot mechanics. In OLBG's Q&A with Big Time Gaming, we discuss how new games are created, their most popular slots in the UK, how Megaways™ was conceived, other mechanics, upcoming releases, what it’s like being part of Evolution Gaming and much more.
Q: How are new slot games created? What’s the process?
NR: “Our game development begins with a spark of inspiration, often from everyday experiences or innovative ideas. We conceptualize the game's theme, mechanics, and features, ensuring they align with our vision of delivering unique and engaging experiences. Our team then meticulously designs the game's mathematics, graphics, and soundscapes. Rigorous testing follows to ensure fairness and entertainment value before the game is released to the market.”
Q: What % of players play on mobile vs desktop/ tablet devices?
NR: “The gaming landscape has shifted significantly towards mobile platforms. Currently, approximately 67% of our players engage with our games via mobile devices, while the remaining 33% use desktop or tablet devices.”
Q: What challenges does Big Time Gaming face with regards to regulation in the UK?
NR: “The UK Gambling Commission enforces stringent regulations to ensure player safety and fair play. While we fully support these measures, they require continuous adaptation to comply with evolving standards, such as responsible gambling protocols and technical requirements. Maintaining compliance demands significant resources and constant vigilance.”
Q: What are Big Time Gaming’s most popular slot games? Are there any that are particularly popular only in the UK?
NR: "We have some creative themes that are wrapping around Megaways™ with titles such as Bonanza Megaways, Golden Catch Megaways and Max Megaways which land straight at the top of casino lobbies.
Extra Chilli Megaways has also emerged as a player favourite in the UK. The fast-action gameplay and innovative bonus features, combined with great themes, give these games widespread appeal, catapulting them towards classic status.
Of course, these games have been hugely successful in other markets so this might not come as too much of a surprise. What I have been surprised by is the popularity of games carrying seasonal themes, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Games like Christmas Bonanza (Megaways) and More Turkey Megaways surpassed pre-launch expectations by a long shot.
Our flagship title, Bonanza including - Bonanza Megaways, Christmas Bonanza, Bonanza Falls, has garnered global acclaim and remains a favourite among players worldwide. Other notable titles include Extra Chilli, Lil’ Devil, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Megaways and Danger High Voltage 1 & 2. While our games enjoy international popularity, the UK market has shown a particular affinity for Who Wants to be a Millionaire Megaways as the UK favourite #1 game, likely due to the game's cultural resonance.”
Q: How was the concept of Megaways™ conceived? Did you envisage Bonanza becoming such a phenomenon?
NR: “The concept of Megaways™ was truly ground-breaking in its vision. We wanted to create something that wasn’t just fun but fundamentally different—an experience that would shake up the industry. Megaways™ was born from the idea of using dynamic reels to unlock thousands of ways to win with every spin. What makes it special is its sheer simplicity: players immediately understand how it works and how they can win, without needing to invest money just to learn the ropes. That kind of accessibility is rare with proprietary mechanics, and it’s been key to Megaways™ phenomenal appeal.
What’s even more extraordinary is how Megaways™ has become a global sensation, across the US, UK, Europe and beyond. It’s rare to see a gaming mechanic that resonates so widely across cultures, especially in an era where localisation is usually essential. But Megaways™ has cut through, becoming almost a genre unto itself.
While we always believed in Megaways™ potential, seeing Bonanza explode into a worldwide phenomenon surpassed even our loftiest hopes. Ultimately, the Megaways™ journey has been about delivering unforgettable moments and allowing players to experience something truly fresh, thrilling, and universal, this is why we have not only used the Megaways™ mechanic in our games but licensed it out to other slot game providers who are now delivering truly sensational slots games in the industry. The overwhelming response from players around the world is proof that we’ve tapped into something powerful—and we’re just getting started.”
Q: Are there any plans to expand the Megapays™ jackpot network?
NR: “Absolutely. Megaways™ hasn’t stopped there—our innovations like, Megaclusters™ and the newly launched Megadozer™ have only added fuel to the fire. Megadozer’s debut in Bonanza Falls has taken things to the next level, with features like loaded Bonus Coins and Wilds with Multipliers that deliver electrifying wins and build incredible anticipation. Players can chase huge rewards, experiencing the excitement and massive payouts that keep them coming back. The Megapays™ network has been well-received, and we are actively working to integrate it into more of our titles and collaborate with other developers to expand its reach, offering players even more opportunities for substantial wins and progressive jackpots.”
Q: Will we see more Megaclusters™ and Megaquads™ games in future?
NR: “Innovation is at the heart of BTG. We are committed to exploring and developing new mechanics. Players can certainly look forward to more Megaclusters™ and Megaquads™ and even Megadozer™ games as we continue to push the boundaries of slot design.”
Q: Can you tell us a little about your upcoming releases (i.e. Burgers and Max Megaways 3)?
NR: “While I can't divulge all the details, I can share that Max Megaways 3 is set for release in early 2025 offering up to 117,649 ways to win and armed with Big Time Gaming’s iconic Megadozer™, every spin brings high-stakes, heart-pounding excitement. It is poised to drop Silver Coins that unleash explosive bonuses. But when the elusive Gold Coin falls, you’re in for maximum Megaways™ – a game-changing moment worthy of the most daring agents.
As for Burgers, releasing on the 11th of December 2024, it’s a sizzling adventure packed full of flavour, launching you straight into outer space! Yes, that’s right! This 4x4 slot is stacked with potential thanks to a delicious Secondary Reel that delivers up to 4 bonus outcomes per spin. Watch as Onion, Lettuce, and Tomato symbols beef up your game and apply multipliers to any pic symbols directly above them. Land the Golden Fries Scatters to trigger Free Spins, where the first Ice on the Bonus Reel introduces a x2 Ice Multiplier. This 4x4 slot is packed with explosive rewards and out-of-this-world potential, thanks to a dynamic Bonus Reel that serves up to 4 bonus outcomes per spin, Win Exchange and Bonus Buy to amp up the excitement.”
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Q: Do you have a particular favourite slot from Big Time Gaming? If so, why?
NR: “Each game holds a special place, but Opal Fruits and Star Clusters Megaclusters are my favourites and we sure do have a sequel coming in 2025 for Star Clusters 2 with exciting new additions to the game, mechanics and visuals! Its enduring popularity among players and success is pivotal for BTG.”
Q: Being part of Evolution Gaming, will characters/games from Nolimit City or NetEnt feature in upcoming BTG releases?
NR: “Our integration into the Evolution Group opens exciting possibilities for collaboration. While we maintain our unique identity, our goal is to create fresh, engaging experiences that resonate with players across diverse markets. Stay tuned for future releases that feature more innovative mechanics and game characters never done before, as we continue to push the boundaries of slot gaming.”
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