Barcrest
A true founder that has served as a guiding lantern in the fog, staking a crude path to what we recognize as gambling entertainment today. Where it all got started for Barcrest in 1968 Manchester, England. In other words, just the name, Barcrest comes with over 53 years of experience that begins with strictly mechanical machines to the now, all digital versions. Plus, the company has produced one of the best spun and loved series to this day; think you know which one? Well, don’t fear, as we are about to give you the whole story of this pioneer. And as one could expect, with all these years of experience and history. The road to success has been far from easy. But, moreover, no one can argue with the fact; the name is still carrying a lot of weight in the industry. So, let’s separate fact from fiction.
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History made in 1968
Indeed, we believe that no one will disagree with our statement. “Barcrest paved the road with gold for all fruit slots“. But also for being a driving force to launch from 3-reel machines to the now insanely popular 5-reel ones. Now, before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s turn back time to 1968 and the funding days of Barcrest.
From two employees to global recognition
The business history of Barcrest has a somewhat rollercoaster journey. The option became extremely popular in local social setting environments like pubs and Bingo halls in the early days. And only grew in popularity during the 70s and 80s. Where the machines produced could get divided by either an amusement with prizes (AWP) or skill with prizes (SWP) cabinets. However, the 90s proved to be the height of the Barcrest company.
40,000 machines produced to new owners
It’s widely accepted that during its best period in the mid-90s, the company was on top of the world. Where they produced over 40,000 coin-operated video slot machines yearly. Which got the Barcrest name highly popular where external companies started to pay close attention to the innovator. And perhaps, just at the right time, International Game Technology, also known as IGT, pulled out their wallet and reportedly paid close to $59 Million (£42M, €49M) for a complete acquisition in 1998. And it was during this period that we saw a real spread of the Barcrest name on a broader scale. Which happened at online casinos but mainly via a brick and mortar setting with cabinets like Genesis and Rio.
Barcrest going from IGT to SG
Yet, in 2011, the Barcrest brand got a new parenting company, again, namely, Scientific Gaming or SG if you like. SG’s history book tells us that they forked out somewhere around $49M (£35M, €41M). And to make a long history lesson short, the products still distribute on a global scale via SG’s colossal network of operators and other omni-channel opportunities. Much like other SG-owned brands like Williams Interactive (WMS) and Ballys.
A winning strategy that never gets old
To maintain relevance in the industry, companies constantly need to find an organic growth pattern. And even though if sparking many original ideas like the mentioned 5-reel video slot, and some to this day used unique bonus mechanics. However, if we ask the question. “What is Barcrest known for?” Well, then we will get a couple of different answers, all being right, of course. How is that so? Well, it mostly depends on exposure.
Barcrest online
Ask any adamant online casino fan; the developer is known for producing one of the best and most reproduced titles currently online. And we are, naturally, thinking of the 2006 Rainbow Riches video slot series. If our calculation is not entirely off, it is close to 25 (and counting) different titles. All, except for some licensed products like Slingo, still launches under the origin company banner. Meaning you can enjoy this classic tale with old school mechanics to the exceptionally popular megaways system on the most well-stocked online casino content library operations in the US.
Barcrest landbased
On the other hand, if you talk to a land-based casino goer, they have a huge probability of saying. “Yea, it’s the brand on the fantastic stepper cabinets”. And we have to say; SG has ushered the historical name with grace and keeps on producing some of the best land-based games to this day. And if we have to predict and future for the name and brand? It would be that they will gain more market shares in a land-based setting rather than online.
A custodian that understand the value
When a business is getting new management, things usually get put on pause for a while. At least until the new parenting company finds its firm foothold. Yet, as far as information distributes, Barcrest never really was under an evil spell from any of its acquisitions. In fact, so far, all ownership transfer has only strengthened the product and offered some “free” inspiration juice on every occasion. And it’s thanks to good business sense people over at SG that has made sure that future generations get to experience genuine and groundbreaking innovations.
More online attractions
Let’s, for a second, leave the hype and most recognized products from the industry founder. Sure, we do have some great titles and collaborations like the branded Beetlejuice: megaways and a couple of Monopoly titles. However, after that, we do have some peaks of greatness like Dr. Jekyl goes Wild, Hercules high and mighty, and also Mighty black night, to mention a few. But, we also had some generally not as much appreciated as previously mentioned. And this includes Volts and bolts, Hula night, and Soldier of Rome.
A staple that will endure it all
Things may trend depending on the pop culture or simply by general appeal. Though the ground-shaking contribution that Barcrest is still very much in the center of will always endure, no matter the ups and downs the industry will go through. As such, no one will act surprised when we celebrate Barcrest’s 100 years birthday in 2068; as such, the name is here to stay.
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