NetEnt to launch trio of new branded slot games

Stockholm-listed casino games developer NetEnt is set to expand its branded slot portfolio with a trio of new game releases this year.

The supplier has signed three agreements to develop new online slots based on classic arcade videogame Street Fighter II, reality TV show Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, and FashionTV Gaming Group’s I Want to be a Trillionaire song.

Street Fighter II: The World Warrior

The deal with Capcom will see NetEnt transform one of the best-selling arcade games of all time for slot play, featuring eight selectable characters – Ryu, Ken, E. Honda, Guile, Chun-Li, Blanka, Zangief and Dhalsim – as well as boss fights with Balrog, Vega, Sagat and M. Bison. 

Street Fighter II’s graphics, soundtrack and animations, as well as its gameplay, will also be reflected in the game, which is expected to launch on 21 May.

“The release of Street Fighter II: The World Warrior took the arcade world by storm in the early nineties and today it is widely considered as the ultimate classic video game that continues to entertain fans almost 30 years later,” said NetEnt director of games Bryan Upton.

“At NetEnt, we strive to deliver content that - much like Street Fighter - raises the bar in what is possible in gaming and we are immensely proud to be working with such an iconic franchise especially something in tune with the retro trends right now.  It is a dream come true to work on brands like these. Street Fighter II really allows us to bring something new and innovative to the market that no one else can.”

Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen

NetEnt’s collaboration with the celebrity chef will see a new slot launched later this year incorporating Gordon Ramsey’s famous catchphrases, as well as imagery from the popular TV show.

The Hell’s Kitchen and 24 Hours to Hell and Back presenter first graced TV screens in 1998 in the UK mini-series Boiling Point, and has since become a global personality famed for his fiery temper and razor-sharp wit.

“Gordon Ramsay is a true rock star of the restaurant world. His strong personality and use of colourful vocabulary as front-man of Hell’s Kitchen have earned him legend status as a multi-Michelin starred celebrity chef, with fans all over the world,” said Upton.

“Just as importantly, this allows us to produce a true slot with a strong narrative and a lot of adult fun. We can’t wait to see what our players think of what we have in store for them.”

The deal was brokered by Gordon Ramsay’s licensing agent, Global Merchandising Services (GMS)

“NetEnt’s commitment to entertainment has made it a clear leader in the online casino industry and we’re thrilled to support the company with the addition of Gordon’s branded title,” said GMS licensing manager Jens Drinkwater.

FashionTV Gaming's I Want to be a Trillionaire

NetEnt’s third branded slot game follows a partnership with FashionTV Gaming Group, exclusive licensor for the FashionTV brand in iGaming.

NetEnt will produce a new slot inspired by the fashion and style channel’s hit song I Want to be a Trillionaire, which was released in 2014 and features FTV star Anja J.

“FashionTV has something different to offer the online casino sector - from its brand identity, its reach, the power of its global network, and its understanding of how to create engaging and unique content,” said Upton. “Our partnership hopes to combine our unequalled ability to work with brands, with FashionTV’s sheer global recognition and marketing power.”

“The ‘I Want to be a Trillionaire’ song is loved by millions of fans all over the world and we look forward to bringing ‘The Trillionaire’ game, inspired by this popular song, adding a touch of glamour and bling to our industry-leading portfolio.”

FashionTV Gaming Group chief operating officer Shai Kaplun added: “At FashionTV Gaming Group we are committed to blending the high lifestyle and luxury of our brand with the unique thrill of the online casino experience.

“NetEnt’s unrivalled ability to deliver world-class slot games that are always a step ahead of the competition makes them an ideal brand to business partner to further our presence in the gaming industry.”

Shares in NetEnt AB (STO:NET-B) were trading up 2.89 per cent at SEK26.70 per share in Stockholm Wednesday morning.