How Does the Megaways Slots Gameplay Mechanic Work?

As an enthusiast of online slot gaming, one innovation that has significantly changed the world of iGaming is the introduction of Megaways slots.

Developed by the well-known software developer from Australia, Big Time Gaming (BTG) in 2015, Megaways slots have fundamentally transformed the traditional slot game format with their unique mechanics, which engage with players and, therefore, have increased their popularity over the years.

 

Given my passion for online gaming, I regularly play Megaways slots, as I love their dynamic gameplay and the extra features that come along with it. It's fascinating to see over the years how this innovative mechanic has reshaped the entire slot gaming experience. I think the beauty of it is that it provides players with a new level of iGaming and potential rewards.

Leading game developers were given the license to the mechanics, so Megaways slots became widely popular within the iGaming world. As a result, there’s been a huge increase in Megaways titles from major providers, with unique and innovative themes and many different variations of the mechanic.

So, let’s find out what Megaways slots are all about, how they emerged, and the mechanics that make them stand out.

Understanding Megaways Slots

Megaways slots are not your typical slot games. This is because they feature a variable reel system that dynamically changes the number of symbols on each reel with every spin.

As a result, this engaging mechanic results in a massive increase in the number of potential winning combinations, often reaching figures in the tens of thousands. As I go deeper into the world of Megaways slots, I think the sheer variety and complexity of gameplay they offer make all the difference.

For example;

1) The number of pay lines changes each time; the number of symbols changes randomly, up to a maximum of 7 per reel.

2) Wins need to have the same symbols on adjacent reels, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be all of them.

The Emergence of Megaways Slots

The concept of Megaways was born out of a desire to innovate and break away from the conventional slot game paradigm.

You see, traditional slots typically have a fixed number of symbols on each reel and a set number of pay lines. But to disrupt this model of iGaming and slots, Megaways slots started to appear.

In 2015, the first game developed was Dragon Born, and Bonanza slots then appeared. This paved the way for more iGaming software developers to follow suit and utilise the same mechanics to create more Megaways slot games across virtual casino platforms.

I think the top well-known and popular games available are White Rabbit, Bonanza, Divine Fortune, and Holy Diver.

The Different Features of Megaways Slots

As I play Megaways slots and continue to explore what they have to offer, the distinct features really stand out to me as what sets them apart from traditional slot games.

- The number of reels on a Megaways slot can change every time. Usually, it’s about two to seven, depending on the game. This gives it a lot of variability and multiple ways to win through the changing number of pay lines.

- When a player gets a winning combination, those symbols then disappear. Known as a ‘cascading reel’, new symbols then appear in their place, giving another potential chance to win.

- The high volatility levels provide an opportunity for big payouts, although I believe this might be less often.

- The Return to player (RTP) percentage can be high, generally 96% to 97%.

- Like traditional slots, Megaways slots add in bonus features such as free spins, which can be triggered by specific symbol matches.

- Often, these free spins offer players higher numbers of multipliers for consecutive wins, which means they’re more likely to gain the rewards.

Calculating the number of ways to win

Megaways slot games often show you how many ways you can win on each spin on the screen.

As a nifty trick, you can multiply the number of symbols on the first reel by the number on the second. Then keep multiplying for each reel up to 6 times you play and you can calculate how many opportunities you can win on the spin.

Conclusion

As I continue to play Megaways slots, I'm continually impressed by their innovative gameplay and different features that really make them stand out. The dynamic nature of these games gives it another level, so it’s a more interesting and unpredictable game, which creates a new level of fun to it.

I always recognise the importance of getting the responsible gaming message across, especially because Megaway slots have high volatility. So, it’s always appropriate for players to approach these games responsibly whilst there is a potential to win big.

Regardless, Megaways slots have created a new and exciting segway into the iGaming world. Creating a new gaming experience for players that keeps players engaged and continuously keeps them entertained.