Yggdrasil
Founded in 2013 by a former CEO of NetEnt, perhaps the choice of the name gives an indication of what to expect from Yggdrasil Gaming. In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil is an ash tree that supports the universe or the literal source of life. In iGaming, Yggdrasil has managed to make its mark as one of the leading game and software developers, injecting new life by leveraging innovative technologies to provide a superior gaming experience.
Yggdrasil has experienced steady growth since its launch. The company has become an undisputed creative leader in the industry, always pioneering initiatives and innovations that continue to disrupt the industry and fuel its growth. With over 180 titles under its belt, Yggdrasil has become an influential player in the iGaming industry and is a trusted brand.
Yggdrasil has Swedish roots, but it is headquartered in Malta, with secondary operating offices in Sweden, Gibraltar, and Poland. Its games are massively popular and are available in 800+ leading online casinos around the world.
Introduction to Yggdrasil Gaming
Yggdrasil was founded in 2013 by Fredrik Elmqvist, the renowned former CEO of NetEnt, who brought together a talented team of experienced gaming professionals to take on an industry that was ripe for disruption.
By 2014, Yggdrasil got its first client and also achieved its Maltese gaming license. In that same year, Yggdrasil launched iSENSE 2.0, its proprietary HTML5 framework that made its games deliver amazing gaming experiences across all devices. The company was innovating fast and furiously, and by 2016, it had released industry-first initiatives such as BOOST, YGG Network Campaigns, White-Label Solutions, and BRAG, as well as achieving regulations in the UK, Gibraltar, and Romania.
In 2018, Yggdrasil continued its expansion across Europe and also launched table games and bingo. In 2020, Yggdrasil ramped up its games production by launching over 40 games; while in 2021, the company’s own proprietary Masters program rolled out over 60 games. The company also pursued a partnership to expand in North America, and it has continued to deepen its roots in that lucrative market.
If you want to interact with Yggdrasil games and experience why they are so well respected, here are some of the operators they work with:
Safety & Regulation
Yggdrasil has always focused heavily on compliance since day one. The company has been at the forefront of promoting regulation within the maturing iGaming industry. In all its operating markets, Yggdrasil has taken massive steps to ensure that they remain compliant with all jurisdictional laws and regulations.
In some emerging markets, Yggdrasil has even taken steps to cooperate as valuable stakeholders in drafting policies that will help promote responsible and fair gaming.
Here are some of the major agencies that have issued licenses to Yggdrasil:
- UK Gambling Commission
- Malta Gaming Authority
- Romanian National Gambling Office (ONJN)
- Gibraltar Licensing Authority
Additionally, Yggdrasil diligently ensures that all its products and services respect and protect data privacy at all times.
Awards
Yggdrasil opened up shop as an ambitious and disruptive company. Its numerous contributions to the iGaming industry have earned it various awards that include:
- 2015 EGR B2B Awards – Software Rising Star
- 2016 International Gaming Awards – Gaming Software Supplier of the Year
- 2016 EGR B2B Awards – Slot Provider of the Year
- 2017 EGR B2B Awards – Slot Provider of the Year
- 2018 International Gaming Awards – Innovator of the Year
- 2018 EGR B2B Awards – Innovator in RNG Casino Software
- 2019 International Gaming Awards – Innovator of the Year
- 2019 EGR B2B Awards – Innovator in RNG Casino Supplier
- 2020 International Gaming Awards – Innovator of the Year
- 2021 International Gaming Awards – Slot Provider of the Year
- 2022 EGR Nordics Awards – Platform Supplier of the Year
- 2022 International Gaming Awards – RNG Casino Provider of the Year
Yggdrasil Innovation
Yggdrasil Studios has been a nursery of innovation since day one. The company prioritized the utilization of top technologies to transform the player experience in the gaming world. Some of their major innovations over the years include:
iSENSE 2.0+ – Yggdrasil’s proprietary HTML5 client framework was first launched in 2014, but a revamped version was released in 2017 that has continued to keep the company at the top of the desktop and mobile gaming arena. Features include support for Retina Display screens, Force Touch, and Splash Screens, as well as interface upgrades that allow players to continue experiencing uninterrupted fun without leaving the gaming client.
BOOST – Boost is a collection of promotional tools with features such as Super Free Spins, Raffles, Tournaments, Network-Wide Offers, and many more. This automated promotional functionality has been a game-changer for both operators and players and further helped catapult Yggdrasil games to the forefront of the industry.
BRAG – This is a social sharing feature that allows players to replay and share their winning moments with friends and followers. Quests are about winning, and according to Yggdrasil, there is nothing wrong with a little bragging.
Fusion Realms – Another industry first, Fusion Realms is an exciting game mechanic that allows Yggdrasil to add more depth and dimensions to games, making them more entertaining, engaging, and immersive. In just one game, multiple reels, environments, and features can be mixed seamlessly to create wonder-like fun.
Infinite API – The Infinite API for gamification allows Yggdrasil customers to customize the gaming experience of their players. Operators have unlimited freedom to create personalized offers, promotions, and features that will enhance the gaming experiences of their players.
YG Masters – This is the most innovative content partnering program in the iGaming industry. Yggdrasil has given multiple studios the chance to build games on their network as well as incorporate their advanced gameplay mechanics into them. Launched in 2019, the program has managed to launch over 100 high-quality games in the market.
Yggdrasil Games
Yggdrasil games are known for their excellent graphics, engaging gameplay as well as numerous other innovative features. They are incredibly popular among all types of players. Some of the most popular titles include:
Pharaoh’s Gaze DoubleMax – This high volatility video slot has, predictability, an Ancient Egyptian theme that is matched up with soothing music. Seek out the stunning stare of an entombed Pharaoh and unlock untold riches. The slot has 5 reels, 20 pay lines, as well as a max payout of 15,000x. Features include Double Multiplier, Pharaoh’s Gaze Wilds, and Scarab Free Spins.
Lady Merlin MultiMax – This 5×3 medium volatility slot features a young female sorceress in action in a secluded forest. Her magic spells and potions are literally electrifying, with each one cast unlocking amazing prizes. With a max payout of 20,000x, you can chase big wins with the help of features such as Free Spins, StrikeZone, and Wild+.
Wild Duel – In Wild Town, chaos is the order of the day. It is your duty to help the Wild Marshalls to restore law and order to reap the rewards. Wild Duel is a 5×3, high volatility video slot, with an arcade-like feel and a max payout of 10,000x. Features include Respins, Wild Duel Feature, Sticky Wilds, Wild Multipliers, Free Spins, Bonus Game, and Expanding Wilds.
Time Machine – Set in the Victorian age, Time Machine is a low volatility slot game that will appeal to players who enjoy themes around science fiction, metaphysics, and time travel. Everything feels dark and industrial as you are taken back in time to unlock bountiful rewards. Time Machine was the first game to feature the Pay-Rise gameplay mechanic, and players have 16,807 ways to win and a max payout of 7,261x.
Golden Fish Tank 2 Gigablox – An aquarium-themed game, there are cool and soothing tunes to match up the serene setting. The game is medium-high volatility, with the deep waters capable of giving you a juicy max payout of 5,000x. Features include Treasure Chest, Giant Symbol Blocks, and Lucky Spins.
Hammer of Gods – In the shadows of the mountains of Durmir, the danger is stirring. They say that only Thor can swing Mjollnir, his mythical hammer, but with bountiful treasures in sight, you can have a go at it with all your might. Hammer of Gods is a 6×3 high volatility game with 729 pay lines and a max payout of 51,000x. Features include Wilds, Scatters, Way Multipliers, Special Wilds, Respins, and Free Spins.
Serendipity – If you are looking for relaxation, this is the game for you. Stay cool and calm while enjoying the gentleness of the breeze in the mountains of Serendipity. Life has a way of delivering what you need when you are not looking, and Lady Luck will be there to reward you when you least expect it. This 5×3, 10-pay line, low volatility game will soothe your soul with features such as Free Spins, Scatters, Wilds, and Wheel of Fortune Multiplier.
Mobile Gaming
Over 70% of Yggdrasil games are played on mobile devices. This is why the company has maintained a mobile-first approach in the design and development of its games. All their games are built on their advanced and proprietary HTML5 framework. This allows them to create lightweight games that have quick loading times, crisp graphics, and super-smooth animations. All Yggdrasil games can be played with any web browser on Android and iOS devices as well as desktop computers.
The Future of Yggdrasil Gaming
The motivation for founding Yggdrasil was to disrupt the iGaming industry, and Yggdrasil has certainly achieved this and there are no signs of Yggdrasil letting off steam. As part of their determined approach to keep growing, Yggdrasil has migrated of its entire game development environment to the Google Cloud Platform. This ensures quicker and more efficient development and the launching of new initiatives. This also provides an environment that supports more innovations on the company’s proprietary technologies such as GATI (Game Adoption Tools & Interface), REDUX, iSENSE, and its comprehensive portfolio of GEM (Game Engagement Mechanics).
The future of Yggdrasil will also be characterized by strategic partnerships across the globe. The success of their YG Masters and YG Franchise programs should inspire the company to continue to pursue growth through strategic global partnerships with other players within the industry.
The focus on a mobile-first game development strategy will also continue to keep Yggdrasil at the forefront. Mobile technologies are also emerging at speed, and you can be sure that Yggdrasil will stay ahead of the game. With technologies such as AI, Virtual Reality, and IoT expanding fast, it will be interesting to see what new innovations Yggdrasil will bring to the table. As a company that is literally always innovating, both operators and players can expect an entertaining future with Yggdrasil.
