New Slots Released in Jan 2022
After a landmark year for online slots in 2021, here’s what the January 2022 release calendar was expected to bring.
The article noted that the Mega Moolah and WowPot jackpot networks expanded their lineups and delivered record-breaking jackpots. It also reported that the number of slots using ‘Megaways’ had tripled compared with the previous year. Meanwhile, Yggdrasil continued releasing games built around ‘Infinity Reels’. These were just a few of the developments featured.
After 12 months of video slot launches, expectations for 2022 were already high. Players were expected to look to the new year to beat the previous year’s records. In a market where every new release cycle fuels bigger expectations, the desire for another standout year was familiar.
A new year invites speculation about what game developers will launch next. This preview looks at 5 upcoming slots announced for 2022, which the article predicted could shape 2023.
Fishin’ Pots of Gold (Microgaming)
Sequels can extend a hit game, while remakes offer another take on its design. Announced for 2022, Fishin’ Pots Of Gold features 5 reels and 10 paylines. It expands the Irish Leprechaun-themed ‘Pots Of Gold’ series, which also features ‘9 Pots of Gold’ and ‘9 Pots of Gold Hyperspins’, from Gameburger, a partner studio of Microgaming.
The fishing theme combines transparent reels with a range of features, including a non-progressive jackpot. Listed bonus features include ‘Bonus Buy’, ‘Cash Collector’, ‘Free Spins with Multipliers’, ‘Additional Free Spins’, ‘Reelset Changing’, plus ‘scatters’ and ‘wilds’. Microgaming’s familiar Mini, Minor, Major and Mega jackpots are also included, with prizes of 15, 50, 500 or 5,000x the bet, respectively.
Hazakura Ways (Relax Gaming)
There is still space for more 4,096 ways-to-win games, despite the attention Megaways has attracted. Relax Gaming introduced this reel mechanic in its forthcoming Hazakura Ways video slots, which feature a 6-reel and a 4-reel version. The announced game draws on Japanese imagery, from ancient characters to the familiar cherry blossom. Its ‘Special Symbols’ feature was said to offer a potential win of 50,000x a spin bet, making it stand out among the games previewed for 2022.
Other listed options and features include ‘Mega Bet’, ‘80x Bonus Buy’, ‘Free Spins’, ‘Additional Free Spins’, ‘Expanding Symbols’, ‘Scatters’ and ‘Wilds’.
Gold Tiger Ascent (Betsoft)
Betsoft brings a contemporary spin to the classic slot reel layout in this 3-reel game. Play’n GO has also used this format, including in Charlie Chance. Gold Tiger Ascent sets 3x3 reels and 10 paylines against Tibetan mountain scenery. A grinning tiger hosts the game, with payouts for 3-of-a-kind combinations. Listed payouts run from 0.2x to 5x; the wild pays 25x the bet, while a scatter can award up to 20x the spin bet. The ‘Magic Red Envelope’ feature can also deliver random prizes. Its stated maximum win is 2,520x the bet, a substantial top prize for a game using the classic layout.
In addition to the Red Envelope, Gold Tiger Ascent includes ‘Bonus Buy’, ‘Free Spins’, ‘Scatters’, ‘Stacked Symbols’, and ‘Wilds’.
Wild Pistolero (Playtech)
Playtech’s Mega Fire Blaze collection was growing to include video slots, virtual table games and live dealer titles. It was described as Playtech’s second most valuable network, after Age of the Gods, with the possibility of eventually overtaking it. Wild Pistolero was slated for release sometime in January 2022. Made by Playtech Rarestone Gaming studios, the slot pairs a relaxed Wild West theme with 5 reels and 30 paylines. It lists 4 non-progressive jackpots—Grand, Major, Minor and Mini—and a chance to win up to €1 million.
The game includes free spins and a ‘Mega Fire Blaze Re-spin’ bonus, triggered by a ‘Gun Cylinder’ and ‘Bullets’. During the bonus, players can land any of the 4 jackpot prizes.
Longmu and the Dragons (Red Rake)
Red Rake Gaming had announced Longmu and the Dragons, though details remained sparse in the preview. The studio had shared little about the game, but the article reported on its theme and features. Chinese dragons and the character Longmu set the scene. The planned game features expanding 5x3 reels and 50 pay lines.
When winning combinations land, cascading reels replace the symbols, creating further chances to win from a single spin. The preview also lists a ‘Lucky Multiplier Wheel’ and a ‘Moon Mini Game’ bonus. Other features include ‘Free Spins’, ‘Additional Free Spins’, ‘Hold and Spin’, ‘Lock it Link’, ‘Re-spins’ and ‘Wilds’.
Evan Carrington brings more than 12 years of experience in the iGaming industry, with a focus on reviewing online casinos, assessing slot games and examining player safety. Their work covers casino licensing, RTP, volatility, bonus terms and withdrawal policies. Drawing on practical testing and independent research, Evan provides clear, evidence-based reviews to help players understand gambling platforms, their features and possible risks.
