Charlotte Miliziano, Head of Games, Play’n GO.

Play’n GO are renowned for their stories. Whether that’s the story of Play’n GO’s evolution from a small startup games supplier in Sweden to the global company we are today; recognised as one of the leading gaming entertainment suppliers in the world. Or the stories that we’ll tell through our premium portfolio of online slots.  

Theme is an important part of a story. It sets the base for visuals, audio and even features. When it comes to players and operators, some markets see some themes are preferred over others. But there’s one theme that seems to remain a firm favourite amongst all players, operators and affiliates alike, and that’s a title set upon the sandy dunes or within the passages of the pyramids of Ancient Egypt. 

What can you expect from an Ancient Egypt theme slot? 

Set inside a cursed tomb or in view of the river Nile with percussive music synonymous with the pharaohs, the Ancient Egypt slot can be found everywhere and for good reason. Motifs related to Ancient Egypt make for great symbol artwork and mythology lends itself to captivating storytelling.  

At Play’n GO we are renowned for the fluidity in which we tie our features together with our narratives, which makes not only for great entertainment but also immersive gameplay with clear goals from the outset.  

Popularity of ‘The Dead’ and Ancient Egypt series at Play’n GO 

Play’n GO’s portfolio of 300+ titles isn’t short of these Ancient Egypt slots that players can’t seem to get enough of. The theme complements anything from grid slot titles like Charlie Chance and the Curse of Cleopatra (2021) or Sisters of the Sun (2021) to titles that tie the nostalgia of land-based slots with the contemporary twist of online slots such as Eye of Atum and King’s Mask, which were both released in 2022.  

Within this main theme lies the infamous ‘of Dead’ series. Known for their Expanding reels and Expanding symbols features, these titles often follow a narrative where the player must win the favour of Ancient Gods and spiritual pharaohs such as Ghost of Dead (2021), Scroll of Dead (2021) and Secret of Dead (2022) to name a few.  

As well as popular Ancient Egypt-themed slots, Play’n GO are taking popular slots such as our Legacy titles Legacy of Dead (2020) and Legacy of Egypt(2018) and creating titles with new themes and features that build on an already strong series, such as Legacy of Inca. Set to be released in February this year, it will please fans of the Legacy games (as well as others) with a new twist on features and feel. 

The other titles in the ‘of Dead’ series feature a couple of characters adventurers that are infamous within the world of online slots, in particular a certain treasure hunter who goes by the name of ‘Rich Wilde’ has been entertaining players for years. 

Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead 

There are few who haven’t heard of the world’s number one online slot, Play’n GO’s Book of Dead . But why? 

Book of Dead is one of the originals when it comes to an Ancient Egypt-themed online slot. Thanks to the gameplay, theme and narrative this slot is a true representation of content that stands the test of time.  

What may look on the offset as a simple slot is full of the attention to detail that Play’n GO titles are renowned for. The backdrop features columns adorned in hieroglyphics; the reels themselves are full of symbols that are instantly recognisable with Ancient Egyptian gods including Osiris and Anubis. Symbols are flecked with gold highlighting furthering the idea that you’re in the house of the pharaohs.  

Not to mention Rich Wilde himself who appears on the reels and having the opportunity to have his symbol expanded over the reels is an instant association with winning potential.  

 Additionally, the audio team have done an outstanding job of creating tension through the power of sound. When the dulcet tones of the base game pick up, the tempo instantly tells the player that they are potentially about to unlock ten Free Spins. 

This is just scratching the surface of what goes into creating a legacy title but demonstrates that all these components must work together to create a top spot title which paves the way for subsequent titles. Take January’s upcoming title Pilgrim of Dead, which will be the latest edition to this popular series.  

Pilgrim of Dead is set to be released on 19 January. Although it doesn’t feature Rich Wilde, this title sees the player endeavour to uncover the Book of Dead’s counterpart, the Book of Life.  

Special Expanding symbols and uncovering the book in the tomb animation will fill fans of the Book of Dead title with familiarity, but Pilgrim of Dead features its own spin where it gives the player the choice for one Re-Spin when their Special Symbol has been picked.  

Play’n GO’s approach to evolving and learning from past titles and the importance of them with dedication to detail one of the keys to creating legacy titles that’s popularity lasts long after initial release.