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Play'n GO review: Book of Dead and the long game

Play'n GO review: the Swedish studio with roots in 1997, the Rich Wilde series, Reactoonz and Moon Princess, and why its classics still carry the catalogue.

Play'n GO

www.playngo.com

8.9/10

Verdict. One of the most consistent slot studios of the last two decades, with Book of Dead as its anchor; dependable and broad, though its newer titles rarely match the impact of its classics.

Strengths

  • Book of Dead and the Rich Wilde series, staples in European lobbies
  • Grid hits such as Reactoonz and Moon Princess
  • Roots going back to 1997, with a steady release history
  • Large catalogue with consistent quality and mobile support

Weak points

  • Newer releases struggle to step out of the shadow of older hits
  • Mostly slots; little in live or crash
  • House style feels conservative next to newer studios

Play’n GO is older than most of the companies that now sell its games. With roots in Växjö, Sweden, going back to 1997, the studio has shipped slots across several generations of devices. Its most valuable asset is still a game released in 2016: Book of Dead.

The book that sold a genre

Book of Dead put explorer Rich Wilde in an Egyptian tomb with an expanding symbol in free spins. The formula was not new, but the execution made it the version players remember. Legacy of Dead and other Rich Wilde adventures followed, and the “book” slot became a genre in which Play’n GO is the reference point.

The grid years

Reactoonz brought a 7×7 cluster grid with a cast of aliens and a charge meter that fires off features. Moon Princess used a similar grid with three heroines, each with her own power. Rise of Olympus applied the idea to Greek gods. These games showed that a studio known for classic reels could also lead on newer formats.

The challenge now

Play’n GO’s catalogue is large and consistent, but its newer titles rarely reach the status of the older ones. In lobbies dominated by high-volatility newcomers, its quieter style can look conservative.

Score

8.9/10. Excellent track record and catalogue depth; points lost on vertical range and on the impact of recent releases.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Rich Wilde?

The explorer hero of several Play'n GO slots, most famously Book of Dead. The character returns across a series of adventure-themed games.

How old is Play'n GO?

The company traces its roots to 1997 in Växjö, Sweden, which makes it one of the oldest studios still releasing new slots.

What is Reactoonz?

A 7×7 cluster slot with alien characters and a charge meter that triggers special features as clusters form. It became one of the studio's signature grid games.

Does Play'n GO make live casino games?

Its catalogue is overwhelmingly video slots, with some table and casual titles, but live casino is not its focus.