In December 2024, Kevin Dale from Egamingmonitor offers a review of the latest charts in the casino industry, focusing on game similarities and intellectual property (IP) issues that have recently emerged. The top charts this month highlight returning favorites like Big Bass Halloween 2, which was a leader in the Halloween game charts last month, and Wanted Dead or A Wild by Hacksaw Gaming. This demonstrates not only the appeal of these games but also their market share growth. Other games, like Legion Gold and The Sphinx of Dead by Play’n GO, made brief appearances in mid-December.
However, the real focus of this month is the ongoing debate surrounding game imitation, with similarities in both game mechanics and visuals sparking legal action across the industry.
Intellectual Property Issues and Legal Cases
Several legal disputes have caught the attention of industry players. One notable case involved Dragon Train, which was pulled by Light & Wonder in September after a lawsuit from Aristocrat Gaming for alleged infringement on their 
These legal actions highlight a growing trend of IP protection within the industry. While this approach may protect investments in creative work, it has led to a considerable amount of time and resources spent on litigation rather than game development. This focus on IP protection may detract from the overall goal of creating innovative and profitable content.
Game Similarities and Duplication
Despite the legal drama, there is a significant amount of game duplication in the casino industry. Over 15% of all casino games in Egamingmonitor’s database share the same name, with popular titles like Gold Rush and Cleopatra among the most commonly duplicated. In the roulette category, 2,200 games have been released, half of which are live dealer versions. Among these, more than 20 share elements with Lightning Roulette, incorporating multipliers and bonus rounds based on lucky numbers. This trend of “multiplier roulette” involves adjusting the classic 35:1 payout for a single number to a lower payout and reallocating the difference to a multiplier prize pool.
Interestingly, while the “multiplier” roulette variants are relatively new, progressive jackpot roulette games have been around for much longer, proving that imitating successful game features is a common industry practice.
When it comes to games featuring pigs, there are 265 variations, with 46 of them sharing similar names such as Golden Pigs, Piggy Banks, and Rich Piggies. The resemblance in graphics, especially when tied to traditional themes like the Three Little Pigs, is also noticeable, though it’s the similarity in gameplay mechanics that has fueled some of the recent legal cases.
Innovation and Protection
While copying is common across many industries, including gaming, the casino sector faces the challenge of distinguishing products enough to avoid litigation. In cases like Rich Little Piggies and 3 Stuffed Swine, it’s clear that the controversy isn’t just about shared names but also the likeness in visuals and gameplay mechanics. As the industry continues to innovate, it will be important to strike a balance between protecting unique game mechanics and encouraging healthy competition.
From a technical standpoint, tracking the origins of games becomes more complex when titles are duplicated. Currently, over 10% of games in Egamingmonitor’s database fail to use original names, making it difficult to attribute games correctly. This is more than just a logistical issue; it also highlights the underlying tension between creating something new and the pressure to replicate successful formulas.
Game Distribution and Sourcing
Despite these challenges, studios continue to thrive in securing partnerships with aggregators. TaDa Gaming, Bgaming, and 1Spin4Win are all leading the way in studio deals, while Everymatrix remains the top aggregator of the past six months, closely followed by Hub88 and Slotegrator.
As the industry moves into 2025, it’s crucial for stakeholders to balance the protection of their intellectual property with the need to foster innovation and avoid being bogged down by prolonged legal battles.
Final Thoughts
The rising number of legal disputes over game similarities signals a potential shift in how the gaming industry operates, with more focus on protecting intellectual property. While the legal cases play out, the industry continues to evolve, with studios securing new partnerships and innovators finding fresh ways to capture the attention of players. As we approach the new year, it will be interesting to see how these developments impact game creation, distribution, and the broader casino market.
