Product
Megaways
Definition
A licensed slot mechanic using variable symbol counts per reel to change the number of winning ways on every spin, up to 117,649 in the standard configuration.
Why it matters
Megaways was created by Australian studio Big Time Gaming and licensed widely to other suppliers. Instead of fixed paylines, each reel displays a variable number of symbols on each spin, so the number of ways to win changes constantly. The familiar maximum of 117,649 comes from six reels each showing up to seven symbols. Wins are formed by matching symbols on adjacent reels from the left, rather than along defined lines.
Its commercial significance is hard to overstate: Megaways became one of the most licensed mechanics in online slots, spawning hundreds of titles across many studios and an entire category on operator lobbies. It also shaped player expectations toward high volatility and large maximum win multipliers. The licensing model itself was notable, demonstrating that a mechanic, rather than a game or a brand, could become a durable revenue stream for a supplier.