Exclusive: Microgaming to launch new live casino studio
Former NetEnt Live executives collaborate on new in-house Latvia-based studio
Microgaming is set to launch its own in-house state-of-the-art live gaming development studio and purpose-built live casino platform, EGR can exclusively reveal.
In development since January 2021, On Air Entertainment will launch a range of classic and bespoke live casino games in the first half of 2022.
The firm, which is headquartered in Malta, operates a studio spread over two floors in Riga, Latvia with development teams based in both Latvia and neighbouring Estonia.
“On Air Entertainment represents a new evolution of live casino gaming, possessing all the experience, talent and passion required to innovate in the live casino space,” Microgaming CEO John Coleman said. “I am delighted that Microgaming is playing an integral part in their exciting journey,” Coleman added.
EGR understands that a number of former NetEnt Live executives and developers have taken up roles within the Microgaming-backed studio following the closure of the NetEnt Live brand by Evolution after the multi-million-pound acquisition of its former rival in June 2020.
“We had access to a wealth of available talent when forming the new team,” a studio executive told EGR.
“But this isn’t a case of picking up where they left off. The creation of On Air has given us an opportunity to bring completely new ideas to the table.
“With Microgaming’s support, we’ve been able to explore different creative and technical routes as we build our platform, with several core products, including blackjack and roulette, already deep in development.”
Addressing the assistance given by Microgaming in establishing the new studio, the exec continued: “We went into the project with a plan and they trusted our expertise. We have a strong roadmap for the year ahead and we’ve been fully supported on the process by Microgaming.”
EGR has learned that On Air Entertainment is a fully independent studio in the Microgaming stable that is currently establishing its own sales channels.
On Air Entertainment MD Andres Rengifo said: “Our vision is to be the global innovator of choice for tailored live casino experiences, and to achieve this we’re bringing together the very brightest and best live casino talent from across the industry.”