Focus On: Blueprint Gaming

Blueprint Gaming is one of the jewels in the crown of the iGaming industry.

And we’ve all enjoyed playing many Blueprint games over the years. With that in mind, our ‘Focus On’ series continues with a closer look at this award-winning studio to see what makes their slots so successful.

Introduction

Blueprint Gaming has its main base in Nottingham, England. However, it originally began life in Atlanta, Georgia, and now forms part of the prestigious German Merkur Group – one of the largest casino game providers in Europe. 

This is a developer with a penchant for prestigious and high-profile slot games. In terms of theme, Blueprint Gaming’s titles span everything from adventurous original concepts to games based on some of the most recognisable characters and brands ever.

Blueprint is a key provider of games in both online and land-based markets, holding an impressive share of both. Over the years it has formed fruitful partnerships and accrued an impressive number of awards. 

Timeline

• 2001: Blueprint Gaming launched in Atlanta, Georgia
• 2008: The Merkur Group (as the Gauselmann Group) buys a controlling share
• Blueprint continues to expand its library and extend its reach, gaining global recognition
• 2012: The Merkur Group completes full acquisition of Blueprint Gaming
• In the following years, Blueprint Gaming continues to forge important relationships with other developers, particularly in the UK, and begins releasing and distributing their games too

Developer highlights

There are many reasons why we rate Blueprint Gaming’s work so highly, but here’s an overview of the company’s main virtues:

Unbeatable IP-based titles

In addition to their world-class original games, Blueprint Gaming produces a number of immensely popular titles based on familiar game, film and TV franchises. The most beloved of these games is probably The Goonies, based on the 1985 Spielberg-penned blockbuster of the same name. This was followed up with The Goonies Return, which proved to be another huge success.

Other IP-based success stories include Rick and Morty: Megaways, The Flintstones, Ted Cash Lock, Deal or No Deal Banker's Bonanza and many more. In Blueprint’s own words, this approach is all about incorporating a “broad range of third-party brands, offering players familiarity and operators unique marketing opportunities".

A truly international company

With a base in the UK, roots in the USA, offices in the Philippines and games pretty much everywhere, there’s no denying that Blueprint Gaming is a truly global company. In line with this, its games now support 18 languages and 30 currencies.

Blueprint has grown and expanded its operations to make this possible. In 2019, for example, Blueprint acquired London-based companies Livewire Gaming and Project Coin Limited. In 2021, it formed a new Malta-based development studio, Lucksome.

Also, part of Blueprint’s international success is a result of teaming up with other high-quality developers. For instance, back in 2022, Blueprint partnered with Mutuel Play, a niche, specialist design company, and with Banijay, the company behind the Deal or No Deal brand.

Laser-focused on slots

Rather than branching out into other areas of casino game development, Blueprint Gaming has remained focused solely on slots development. 

Many high-profile developers are quick to branch out into poker, live casino games and lottery games, sometimes spreading themselves too thinly at the expense of quality. Blueprint’s strategy of remaining totally focused has ensured maintaining high standards and a steady output of slot games – now numbering around 20 each year. 

Jackpot King

Blueprint Gaming knows the importance of big wins to players; there are even those who are so focused on huge wins that they don’t even consider non-jackpot games. Whether you’re one of these players or not, the chances are that you’ve heard of Jackpot King. 

Jackpot King is Blueprint’s big, progressive network jackpot. It is triggered by hitting crown symbols in Jackpot King games and has three tiers:

• The Royal Pot – up to £3,500 
• The Regal Pot – up to £35,000 
• Jackpot King – a huge 7-figure jackpot

In some cases, Blueprint has added Jackpot King to titles which were already great fun, as was the case with The Goonies Return, making these titles even more appealing! Check out Blueprint’s Jackpot King titles and keep an eye on the list for new additions.

Rapid Fire Jackpot

After achieving huge popularity and success with the Jackpot King prizes, Blueprint decided to expand on the original idea with the introduction of Rapid Fire in June 2024.

Intended as a way to bridge the gap between the value of static jackpots and progressive pots, Rapid Fire brings smaller pay-outs more often. You won't find multi-million-pound hauls here; instead, frequent drops of between £200 & £7,500 can occur and you'll find these on a growing range of titles. Simply land 5 jackpot symbols and you'll be spinning the wheel for a top jackpot prize or a multiplier of your stake.

A multi-platform approach

In addition to being playable at online casino sites, many of Blueprint’s games are “also available to be played on over 100,000 land-based gaming terminals across the UK, Germany and Italy". You might’ve spotted these machines in pubs and other locations.

The company behind these terminals, Blueprint Operations, is one of the most successful of its kind, and it’s great to see such an influential company flying the flag for physical, land-based machines, and keeping the tradition!

Megaways done right

Blueprint Gaming’s titles often make use of the Megaways mechanic, which was developed by Big Time Gaming and gives players up to 117,649 ways to win. It first hit the scene back in 2015, and has become a defining feature of many modern slots.

Whereas some developers simply apply the Megaways mechanic to a game and assume that this will be enough to make it interesting, Blueprint really goes the extra mile. Blueprint’s base games are interesting enough to stand on their own, and the Megaways feature is really an added bonus. This is the way that it should be done, and it’s a testament to Blueprint Gaming’s attention to quality and respect for its players.

Landmark games

With more than two decades of development behind it, Blueprint Gaming has an impressively expansive and varied catalogue of titles. Still, there are a few games in particular that have defined it:

The Goonies

As we’ve mentioned above, a large number of Blueprint Gaming’s offerings are based on much-beloved intellectual properties. One of the most successful of these is The Goonies. The Goonies was a big hit for Blueprint, scoring them nominations and wins at several prestigious award ceremonies, and it’s easy to see why. 

The Goonies may have been around for a few years now, but it’s still often seen in the ‘most popular’ and ‘featured’ lists of some casinos. Many of us have a certain nostalgia for the classic film on which this game is based, but it’s the huge range of bonus features, mini-games, free spins and modifiers that really sell this slot!

Name:

The Goonies

Developer:

Blueprint Gaming

RTP:

96.00%

Max payout:

500x stake

Volatility:

Medium

Jackpot:

Jackpot King

Reels:

5

Win lines:

20

Theme:

Adventure, Pirate, TV/Movie

Release date:

23rd Oct 2018

Play The Goonies here:

Fishin’ Frenzy

Every developer has had a stab at the fishing theme, but few of these games have managed to achieve cult status in the way that Fishin’ Frenzy has. This Blueprint slot has been around for a decade, and it’s still a familiar favourite for many a seasoned player. It may have aged a bit since its 2014 launch, but Fishin’ Frenzy still has a lot to offer, including a 5,000x max win.

Fishin’ Frenzy is, in many ways, a perfect slot for beginners; it’s approachable and accessible, thanks to its low-medium volatility and 96.12% RTP. The basic but effective graphics provide calming, non-threatening vibes for players who are in the market for something chilled. Whatever your take on fishing games, Fishin’ Frenzy is an undeniable classic.

Name:

Fishin' Frenzy

Developer:

Blueprint Gaming

RTP:

96.12%

Max payout:

5,000x stake

Volatility:

Low-Medium

Reels:

5

Win lines:

10

Theme:

Fishing

Release date:

13th Sep 2014

Play Fishin' Frenzy here:

Eye of Horus Megaways

Eye of Horus Megaways is Blueprint’s entry into the Ancient Egyptian genre, and it’s arguably the most influential game in this vast category! This 6-reel slot features 15,625 ways to win, as well as free spins, cascading wins and expanding wilds. The base non-Megaways game was first released back in 2016, and is one of the games that established Blueprint as a trend-setting trailblazer.

Amongst the familiar Ancient Egyptian iconography are ankhs, eagles and scarabs, all contributing to the immersive and well-executed theme. Thanks to its enjoyable simplicity, Eye of Horus Megaways has remained popular since its release. 

Name:

Eye of Horus Megaways

Developer:

Blueprint Gaming

RTP:

95.02%

Max payout:

10,000x stake

Volatility:

Medium-High

Reels:

6

Win lines:

15,625

Theme:

Egyptian

Release date:

13th Oct 2019

Play Eye of Horus Megaways here:

Alternative Games

Blueprint Gaming’s output is impressive in terms of both quality and quantity, so it would be doing them an injustice to only mention their landmark games. There are many others that deserve your attention!

Deal or No Deal Megaways

There’s no denying that the Deal or No Deal brand is an absolute juggernaut, spawned by the super-tense gameshow. Emulating the show’s success, the Deal or No Deal slot game series offers players a chance to play the infamous game themselves. 

Deal or No Deal Megaways is one of the best entries into this Blueprint Gaming series, and this 2019 title is a great place to start if you’re new to the franchise. Deal or No Deal Megaways features a max payout of 10,000x your stake, 117,649 paylines, loads of fun features and the Jackpot King progressive network jackpot! This one should be considered essential playing for fans of the show, or of Megaways games in general.

Name:

Deal or No Deal Megaways

Developer:

Blueprint Gaming

RTP:

95.72%

Max payout:

10,000x stake

Volatility:

Medium-High

Jackpot:

Jackpot King

Reels:

6

Win lines:

117,649

Theme:

TV/Movie

Release date:

25th Sep 2019

Play Deal or No Deal Megaways here:

Rick and Morty Megaways

Rick and Morty Megaways is one of Blueprint’s most successful forays into the world of IP-based slots, so it’s getting sequels! The Rick and Morty games are based on the Dan Harmon-created animated sci-fi comedy show which has become a cultural phenomenon. Fans of it won’t be disappointed with the games, which really deliver in terms of references to the weird and wonderful Rick and Morty universe.

Beneath the bonnet, there’s also a lot to like about Rick and Morty Megaways. First of all, there’s a max win of up to 50,000x your stake, which is really impressive and definitely on the higher end for a Blueprint Gaming title. Rather than relying solely on the Megaways mechanic for fun, Blueprint has given Rick and Morty Megaways some authentically wacky bonus features as well!

Name:

Rick and Morty: Megaways

Developer:

Blueprint Gaming

RTP:

96.55%

Max payout:

50,000x stake

Volatility:

High

Reels:

6

Win lines:

117,649

Theme:

TV/Movie, WTF

Release date:

27th Feb 2020

Play Rick and Morty: Megaways here:

The Flintstones

Based on everybody’s favourite prehistoric cave-dwelling family, The Flintstones is a fairly recent Blueprint Gaming release. We were lucky enough to get to talk to Daniel Kalinowski at Blueprint about this release, and he promised an experience that would appeal to fans of The Goonies Megaways, with “Cash Collect Features and Super Free Spins where players will get unlimited spins until a win is achieved.”

This game should certainly have a broad appeal, with its nostalgic allure and well-balanced mechanics. The win potential is solid and there are various fun bonus games to explore, but the base game has plenty to offer too. With a medium-high volatility level, players can expect a moderate frequency of wins as well as prizes that are well worth having!

Name:

The Flintstones

Developer:

Blueprint Gaming

RTP:

95.00%

Max payout:

10,000x stake

Volatility:

Medium-High

Jackpot:

Mini, Minor, Major, Mega

Reels:

5

Win lines:

10

Theme:

TV/Movie

Release date:

23rd May 2024

Play The Flintstones here:

Where to play

Blueprint Gaming’s slots can be found on virtually every online casino site out there, but if you’re looking for a good place to start then take a look at these sites:

Summary

Through a combination of fun gameplay mechanics, impressive win potential and familiar themes, Blueprint Gaming has become a real force in the world of slot game development – this status is fully deserved.

In Blueprint Gaming’s own words, its development team “strive to push creative boundaries in the creation of slots that are as successful for our operating partners as they are entertaining and engaging for our players". It certainly looks as though they’ve succeeded.