The Story of the UK’s Rags to Riches iGaming Studio

The UK iGaming market has been active for the best part of two decades now, thanks largely to the Gambling Act 2005, and there are few bigger success stories in the industry than the meteoric rise of Blueprint Gaming.
Established in the modest Nottinghamshire market town of Newark, Blueprint Gaming started out as a small software studio with a vision to design and build fun and engaging slot games for the online market. Fast forward to the present day and the studio has established itself as a major force in the European iGaming scene.
As a matter of fact, Blueprint Gaming is now a provider with a bulging portfolio of hit slot games, including a string of officially licensed and branded titles inspired by many pop culture themes. The company is now one of the main providers of online casino games for operators licensed and regulated to serve British users. Blueprint’s suite of games stands proudly alongside other well-established iGaming studios, namely Games Global, Play’n GO and Pragmatic Play.
Humble beginnings

For Blueprint Gaming, it all started out around the turn of the new millennium. Founded in 2001, located in the small market town of Newark, Blueprint opted not to position itself in the biggest tech hubs of the UK like London, Birmingham or Manchester. Admittedly, the costs incurred by businesses and commuters in London can be prohibitive to even the most ambitious start-up.
From day one, Blueprint had a defining goal – to design premium slot experiences in an increasingly competitive market. Despite its limited resources, the firm’s limitless creativity meant Blueprint Gaming’s game titles stood the test of time for innovation and player engagement.
Their early games, characterised by vibrant graphics, entertaining themes, and unique mechanics, started gaining traction in the UK land-based gaming scene. This grassroots success set the stage for the company’s expansion into the online gaming world.
One of the main reasons why Blueprint Gaming stood out in the industry from day one was its ability to adapt to a rapidly evolving market. This is a case study example for any emerging business looking to make a splash in an increasingly competitive industry. Blueprint warmly embraced cutting-edge advancements like HTML5 technology at a time when other iGaming studios were slow on the uptake, ensuring its library of games were suitable for both mobile and desktop devices.
The blueprint for success
Blueprint Gaming was a studio which wasn’t content to simply follow the pack. Instead, it sought to push boundaries with exciting game features and well-known themes.
One of Blueprint’s standout contributions to the iGaming world was its adoption of branded slot games. By securing licenses for popular intellectual properties, such as Deal or No Deal, Rick and Morty, and The Goonies, Blueprint created slots that resonated with both casual players and die-hard fans of the franchises.
In addition to branding, Blueprint introduced creative mechanics like the Megaways™ engine, under license from Big Time Gaming. This feature, which offers thousands of ways to win on every spin, became a hallmark of the studio’s portfolio and elevated its reputation among players and operators alike.
A game-changing takeover
Blueprint Gaming’s meteoric rise caught the attention of Gauselmann Group, a German gaming giant known for its MERKUR brand. In 2008, Blueprint was acquired by Gauselmann, marking a turning point in the company’s trajectory.
The acquisition provided Blueprint with the financial backing and industry connections needed to expand its reach beyond the UK and into the broader European market. Gauselmann’s expertise in land-based gaming complemented Blueprint’s online focus. The result was a winning combination that allowed the studio to thrive in both arenas.
Post-acquisition, Blueprint Gaming scaled new heights. The company’s portfolio now boasts hundreds of slot games, many of which are staples in online casinos across Europe. Titles like Fishin’ Frenzy, Eye of Horus, and Genie Jackpots have achieved iconic status, beloved for their engaging gameplay and potential for big wins.
Blueprint has also embraced the trend of gamification, introducing interactive bonus features and mechanics that keep players coming back for more. The company’s dedication to quality ensures that it remains a top choice in the UK and beyond.