It is definitely the end of an era. On closing hours of March 31 2017, Playtech will withdraw all Marvel superhero branded online slots. The move was on the cards since Disney acquired the Marvel brand. Disney apparently is not comfortable with gambling since it has a negative impact on its larger market that caters to children. However, Disney decided not to terminate the contract, but stated that it would not be renewed. In the middle of 2016 Playtech launched its Age of the Gods series based on Greek mythology. These video slots use the same templates as the most popular Marvel titles. This was to give players time to psychologically switch over to the new series. You have just a few days to go so make the best of them.
Playtech had launched the Marvel slots in 2009, with Iron Man and The Hulk. These have remained the most popular Marvel characters at Playtech online casinos. Marvel video slots have ruled like no other for over seven years. 22 games will exit including some Marvel scratch cards and one Marvel roulette variant.
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Playtech Withdrawing Marvel Brand Games And Promos
Withdrawal of the Marvel branded casino games is the major aspect of this decision. Associated with the Marvel games at Playtech powered online casinos are promotional activities like bonuses and tournaments. These have been very popular. All these will also be withdrawn. A Playtech spokesman advised, "All Marvel games, branding, advertising, demo games, marketing material etc. are being removed from all of our licensees sites and replaced with other Playtech content. Our [Marvel] agreement has simply come to an end therefore we have to remove all games and associated material by March 31st." Several Playtech licensees have informed their affiliates of this move. Prominent among them are William Hill and the Coral group.
Some of the more popular titles that will no longer be available are listed below.
- The Incredible Hulk
- Iron Man 2
- The Avengers
- Spiderman - Attack of the Green Goblin
- X-Men
- Fantastic Four
- Elektra
- Thor The Mighty Avenger
- Captain American
- Ghost Rider
Replacements For Playtech Marvel Online Slots
The notifications from both William Hill and Coral speak of two things. The first is the withdrawal of the Marvel games. The second, and more important, is that alternatives are available. William Hill says, "… But have no fear, other heroes are here! We've got an action-packed suite of Superman and Batman slots. Plus, discover our almighty Age of the Gods suite. Players will enjoy the same Marvel features with a new godlike look and feel, and best of all, the same great jackpots!"
Coral's advisory was more detailed. It refers to the correspondence between the new Age of the Gods Slots and the Marvel slots. These are highlighted below.
- Iron Man 2 - King of Olympus
- The Incredible Hulk - Prince of Olympus
- Fantastic Four - Furious Four
- The Avengers - Age of the Gods
- Elektra - Gods Goddess of Wisdom
Marvel Mystery Progressive Jackpot
There could one issue regarding the outgoing Marvel slots that could of concern to players at Playtech online casinos. Each of the Marvel slots is linked to a four-tier progressive jackpot. Players have funds invested in these jackpots. If the slot games are withdrawn then what happens to the jackpot amounts?
The Age of the Gods slots are also linked to the same Marvel Mystery progressive jackpot network. So the funds are safe and will be won by the players who hit the jackpots from the new slot games.