New Slots Released in Jan 2022
Following a landmark year for online slots in 2021, here’s what the January 2022 release calendar was expected to bring.
The article highlighted expansions to the Mega Moolah and WowPot jackpot networks, which produced record-breaking jackpots. It also reported that the number of slots featuring ‘Megaways’ had tripled compared with the previous year. Meanwhile, Yggdrasil continued releasing games built around ‘Infinity Reels’. Those were among the developments covered in the article.
After 12 months of video slot launches, expectations for 2022 were already high. Players were expected to look for the new year to beat the records of the last one. In a market where every release cycle brings fresh anticipation, hopes for another standout year were nothing new.
A new year brings fresh speculation about upcoming releases. This preview covers 5 slots announced for 2022, which the original article anticipated would help shape 2023.
Fishin’ Pots of Gold (Microgaming)
Sequels can build on an original hit, while remakes revisit its design. Announced for 2022, Fishin’ Pots Of Gold features 5 reels and 10 pay lines. It joins the Irish Leprechaun-themed ‘Pots Of Gold’ series, alongside ‘9 Pots of Gold’ and ‘9 Pots of Gold Hyperspins’. The games were developed by Gameburger, a partner studio of Microgaming.
The fishing theme pairs transparent reels with several features, including a non-progressive jackpot. Listed bonus features include ‘Bonus Buy’, ‘Cash Collector’, ‘Free Spins with Multipliers’, ‘Additional Free Spins’ and ‘Reelset Changing’, as well as ‘scatters’ and ‘wilds’. The game also includes Microgaming’s familiar Mini, Minor, Major and Mega jackpots, paying 15, 50, 500 or 5,000x the bet, respectively.
Hazakura Ways (Relax Gaming)
There’s room for more 4,096-ways-to-win games, even with Megaways commanding plenty of attention. Relax Gaming brought this reel mechanic to its upcoming Hazakura Ways video slots, announced in 6-reel and 4-reel formats. The game draws on Japanese imagery, from ancient characters to the iconic cherry blossom. Alongside the reel mechanics, a ‘Special Symbols’ feature was said to offer a chance to win 50,000x the spin bet, setting it apart from other titles previewed for 2022.
Other listed options and features include ‘Mega Bet’, ‘80x Bonus Buy’, ‘Free Spins’, ‘Additional Free Spins’, ‘Expanding Symbols’, ‘Scatters’ and ‘Wilds’.
Gold Tiger Ascent (Betsoft)
Betsoft gives the classic slot reel layout a modern spin in this 3-reel game. Play’n GO has used the format in games such as Charlie Chance. Gold Tiger Ascent sets 3x3 reels and 10 pay lines against Tibetan mountain scenery, with a smirking tiger as host and 3-of-a-kind combinations to land. Listed payouts run from 0.2x to 5x; the wild pays 25x the bet, while a scatter can award up to 20x the spin bet. The ‘Magic Red Envelope’ feature can also deliver random prizes. Its stated maximum win is 2,520x the bet—a notable top prize for a game with a classic layout.
Alongside the Red Envelope, Gold Tiger Ascent features ‘Bonus Buy’, ‘Free Spins’, ‘Scatters’, ‘Stacked Symbols’ and ‘Wilds’.
Wild Pistolero (Playtech)
Playtech’s Mega Fire Blaze collection was growing to include video slots, virtual table games and live dealer titles. It was described as Playtech’s second most valuable network, after Age of the Gods, and as a collection that could eventually overtake it. Wild Pistolero was expected to arrive sometime in January 2022. Developed by Playtech Rarestone Gaming studios, the game pairs a laid-back Wild West theme with 5 reels and 30 pay lines. It features 4 fixed jackpots—Grand, Major, Minor and Mini—and the top prize is €1 million.
The game includes free spins and a ‘Mega Fire Blaze Re-spin’ bonus, triggered by a ‘Gun Cylinder’ and ‘Bullets’. During the round, players could land any of the 4 jackpot prizes, according to the preview.
Longmu and the Dragons (Red Rake)
Red Rake Gaming had announced Longmu and the Dragons, but the original preview offered few details. The studio had shared limited information, although the article outlined the theme and features. Chinese dragons and the character Longmu set the scene. The planned game features expanding 5x3 reels and 50 pay lines.
When winning combinations land, symbols cascade off the reels and new ones drop in, creating further chances to win on a single spin. The preview also mentions a ‘Lucky Multiplier Wheel’ and a ‘Moon Mini Game’ bonus. Other features include ‘Free Spins’, ‘Additional Free Spins’, ‘Hold and Spin’, ‘Lock it Link’, ‘Re-spins’ and ‘Wilds’.
Evan Carrington brings more than 12 years of experience in the iGaming industry, specializing in online casino reviews, slot game analysis, and player safety assessments. Their expertise includes casino licensing, RTP, volatility, bonus terms, and withdrawal policies. Combining hands-on reviews with independent research, Evan provides clear, evidence-based coverage to help players understand gambling platforms, their features, and possible risks.
