Australian studios as part of world holdings (Light & Wonder, Evolution, etc.)

Australia is home to dozens of successful gaming studios, which, thanks to the quality of their products and unique mechanics, have become part of the world's largest gaming corporations. Today, many of them operate under the management of holdings, whose brands are known in all regions where there are online and offline casinos.

1. Lightning Box Games → Light & Wonder

Founded: 2004, Sydney.
Notable games: * Silver Lion *, * Astro Cat *, * Kangaroo Jackpot *.
Takeover: In 2021, Light & Wonder (formerly Scientific Games) acquired the studio.
Impact on development:

• Access to the global distribution network.
• Integration into large platforms and aggregators.
• Emphasis on multi-regional releases and adaptation to different jurisdictions.

2. Big Time Gaming (BTG) → Evolution Gaming Group

Founded: 2011, Sydney.
Major hits: * Bonanza Megaways *, * Extra Chilli *, * White Rabbit Megaways *.
Feature: Inventor of Megaways mechanics, licensed to dozens of providers.
Takeover: Acquired by Evolution Gaming Group (Sweden) in 2021.
Impact:

• Increasing Megaways' presence in the global market.
• Joint projects with NetEnt and Red Tiger.
• Access to Evolution resources and technologies.

3. Ainsworth Game Technology → Novomatic Strategic Investor

Founded: 1995, Sydney.
Notable games: * Mustang Money *, * Eagle Bucks *, * Thunder Cash *.
Merger: In 2018, Austria's Novomatic acquired a 52% stake in AGT.
Impact:

• Entry into European markets.
• Portfolio expansion with Novomatic content.
• Strengthening positions in Latin America and the United States.

4. ReelPlay → independence + partnerships with global aggregators

Founded: 2014, Sydney (formerly Chance Interactive).
Main products: * Hypernova Infinity Reels *, * Atlantis Megaways *.
Connections:

• Licenses its Infinity Reels mechanics to other developers.
• Releases games through Relax Gaming, Yggdrasil and others.
Impact:
• Global content distribution without brand sales.
• Cooperation with leading European and American platforms.

5. Aristocrat Leisure Limited → a global concern with internal divisions

Founded: 1953, Sydney.
Main hits: * Buffalo *, * Queen of the Nile *, * Lightning Link *.
Structure:
• Aristocrat Gaming - ground machines.
• Pixel United - social and mobile games (Plarium, Big Fish Games, Product Madness).
Impact:
• Complete independence from external holdings.
• Active takeover of studios in the United States and Europe.

6. How holdings are changing the Australian industry

Access to capital - financing major releases and innovations.
Global distribution - instant access to the markets of dozens of countries.
Technology resources - use of advanced engines, analytics and marketing systems.
The risks are a loss of local identity and focus on Australian audiences.

Result

The inclusion of Australian studios in the global holdings was a logical step: it accelerated their growth, ensured international recognition and gave access to new technologies. At the same time, some brands, like Aristocrat and ReelPlay, remain independent, remaining symbols of the Australian gaming school.