Scientific Games Corp., doing business as Light & Wonder, is releasing what it calls its “flagship” online gaming release for 2022, Stargate Megaways. It is based on the MGM fantasy film series franchise Stargate and three related TV series.
The first game to be released on OpenGaming iGaming platform under the new Light & Wonder name, the ambitious six-reel slot draws imagery and characters from the famous franchise, as well as some innovative features and mechanics.
Stargate has become a cultural phenomenon, capturing the imaginations of sci-fi lovers and inspiring legions of fans around the world. The Stargate franchise includes three TV series, three films, an animated series and a web series. More than 56 million Stargate DVDs have been sold as well. Living well beyond the screen, Stargate has found its way into games, comic books, trading cards and more.
The hit TV series Stargate SG-1 celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2022.
In Stargate Megaways, players are tasked with working their way up a Stargate trail every time they register a consecutive win, unlocking modifiers and one of three free-spin rounds. When the fifth segment of the trail is reached, a random modifier will be activated, which boosts chances of triggering up to seven free spins.
Modifiers include random wilds, wild reels, expanding reels, mystery symbols and “regenerate,” which clears the game grid and sees a re-spin occur with the same number of Megaways in place.
Should the seventh, eighth or ninth segment be reached, Star Coordinates will align, allowing players to step through the gate into distant worlds as they are awarded between five and seven free spins featuring lucrative modifiers.
In permitted markets, for a cost of between 32 and 126 times their bet, players can gain instant access to a modifier or free-spin round, should they wish to bypass the base game play.
“Not only is Stargate Megaways Light & Wonder’s flagship release as a new brand, but it’s also set to be our most revolutionary,” said Rob Procter, vice president of game development at Light & Wonder. “We’ve flipped the concept of a Megaways slot on its head. This game is nothing like you’ll have played before from a Megaways title, and we think it’ll prove to be a big hit.
“Stargate has been going for almost 30 years now, and there are still people of all ages that love the franchise, so we’re incredibly excited to bring it to a new medium. Light & Wonder has great ambitions to solidify itself as the leading cross-platform global game company, and releasing a slot that’s truly out of this world is the right way to go about that.”
Robert Marick, executive vice president, global consumer products at MGM, said, “Stargate continues to resonate around the globe, and through this partnership with Light & Wonder, we are able to bring this incredibly popular series to fans in a fresh and exciting way. We’re looking forward to seeing the debut of the Stargate Megaways six-reel slot game.”