Big Time Gaming created the Megaways mechanic and in doing so changed how the entire slot industry thinks about reel structures. The Sydney-based studio, founded in 2011 by casino software veterans, developed a random reel modifier that varies the number of symbols per reel on every spin, producing anywhere from 64 to 117,649 ways to win. The mechanic was patented, and BTG began licensing it to other studios, turning a game feature into a revenue-generating intellectual property asset.

Bonanza Megaways was the first title to use the system and it became enormous. The mining-themed slot with cascading wins and an unlimited multiplier during free spins set the template that dozens of subsequent Megaways games would follow. Extra Chilli, White Rabbit, Lil' Devil, and Kingmaker each iterated on the concept with different themes and bonus structures. BTG's own catalog remains relatively small compared to the total number of Megaways games on the market, since licensed versions from studios like Red Tiger, Blueprint, and iSoftBet expanded the format's footprint massively.

Evolution Gaming Group acquired Big Time Gaming in 2021. The deal was driven by both the studio's game development capability and the recurring revenue from Megaways licensing agreements. Under Evolution ownership, BTG continues to release new titles and the licensing program remains active, though some industry observers note that the format's initial novelty has faded as the market became saturated with Megaways variants.

BTG's games carry certification from the UKGC, MGA, and multiple other regulators. The studio's slots are integrated with most major online casino platforms globally. Despite the relatively small catalog size, the Megaways brand recognition means that BTG titles consistently rank among the most-searched slot names on casino sites. Whether the studio can produce a mechanic with the same industry-wide impact as Megaways remains an open question.

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