In recent years, gambling industry has bloomed more than ever which, of course, has opened a way for new casino developers to emerge with even better games. Even in this heavy neck-to-neck competition, some gambling software providers still keep blowing others underwater and take the spotlight on themselves.

What is it that determines that popularity? One could say that tens of delicate nuances are responsible. Starting from realistic graphics and ending with compelling gameplay, some developers just keep creating supreme games that keep players hooked.

Without further ado, here are 5 such casino game developers that have truly shined in 2018 and are most likely going to shine even more brightly in the coming years.

1. NetEnt

It’s incredibly hard, if not possible, to find a slot player who hasn’t heard of Net Entertainment. A company which was created back when no one knew much about online gambling, NetEnt has revolutionized the way we play slot games and they keep innovating the industry with their beautiful gameplay, 3D quality, and amazing payout rates.

NetEnt has created hundreds of catchy slots including their all-time favorite slot Gonzo’s Quest which is now available even in virtual reality mode. Beyond original creations, they’ve teamed up with big movie studios to create movie-themed slots, including games like South Park or Aliens.

Beyond that, NetEnt slot Mega Fortune is responsible for some of the casino industry’s biggest jackpot wins. If there’s one developer to trust, it’s definitely NetEnt.

2. Microgaming

If there’s one discussion that’s more heated than the question of whether or not there are hot and cold slot machines, then there’s the discussion of who’s better: NetEnt or Microgaming. One of the oldest slot game producer Microgaming is quite likely also the biggest, having more than 800 games in their portfolio. NetEnt and Microgaming are constantly neck-to-neck and many players can’t decide which developer’s creations they like the best.

Microgaming’s reach and diversity are remarkable. Besides having created hundreds of captivating slot machines, they also own the biggest poker room network in the world. Similarly to NetEnt, they’ve collaborated with some big names and they also have a progressive slot game with huge jackpots – Mega Moolah.

Though on the second place in this list, Microgaming could easily be the first and could be crowned with the title of the best casino game developer in the world.

3. Evolution Gaming

While many game developers try to tackle various niches to expand their horizons as much as possible, Evolution Gaming has done quite the opposite: they develop only live-casino games.

The company broadcasts tens of live-casino tables in their high-quality studios, but besides providing traditional games like roulette or blackjack, they’ve also created one-of-a-kind „Immersive Roulette“ which, in its essence, is a multi-camera table where every single movement is shown in HD quality.

4. Playson

Though one of the newest and less known casino game developers, Playson is a force to be reckoned with. The company was created in 2012 and has ever since provided an impeccable experience to all hardcore slot machine fans.

Playson’s main characteristic is their novelty value. The company isn’t focused on quantity, but instead on the quality – their game portfolio is delicately put together, but still tackles various genres, starting from history-themed slots and ending with more classic casino topics.

5. BetSoft

BetSoft’s biggest perk is their incredible flexibility. If some casino game developers are struggling with mobile functionality, that’s not the case with BetSoft.

3D slots with user-friendly look and feel, combined with cool topics and great graphics, in general, are some of the reasons why this newer game developer has risen in casino ranks.

These 5 developers are the cream-of-the-crop which are likely to guarantee an unforgettable gambling experience, all thanks to a supreme dedication to details and generally well-developed gameplay.