New Slots Released in Jan 2022
After a landmark year for online slots in 2021, here is what the January 2022 release calendar was expected to bring.
The review noted that the Mega Moolah and WowPot jackpot networks expanded their lineups and produced record-breaking jackpots. It also reported that the number of slots using ‘Megaways’ tripled over the previous year. Meanwhile, Yggdrasil kept rolling out games built around ‘Infinity Reels’. These were just some of the developments the article highlighted.
After 12 months of video slot launches, the bar for 2022 was already high. Players was described as expecting the new year to surpass the previous one’s records. That appetite for another standout year was familiar in a market where each new release cycle invites bigger expectations.
A new year also raises the question of what developers will release next. This preview highlights 5 slots announced for 2022, with the original article suggesting they would help set the tone for 2023.
Fishin’ Pots of Gold (Microgaming)
Sequels often build on a successful original, while remakes can revisit its design. Fishin’ Pots Of Gold, announced for 2022, uses 5 reels and 10 pay lines. It joins the Irish Leprechaun-themed ‘Pots Of Gold’ series, which includes ‘9 Pots of Gold’ and ‘9 Pots of Gold Hyperspins’, developed by Gameburger, a Microgaming partner studio.
The fishing theme combines transparent reels with a range of features, including a non-progressive jackpot. Bonus' features listed are ‘Bonus Buy’, ‘Cash Collector’, ‘Free Spins with Multipliers’, ‘Additional Free Spins’, ‘Reelset Changing’, plus ‘scatters’ and ‘wilds’. Microgaming’s familiar Mini, Minor, Major and Mega jackpots are also included, with prizes of 15, 50, 500 or 5,000x the bet, respectively.
Hazakura Ways (Relax Gaming)
There is room for more 4,096 ways-to-win games, even as Megaways has captured much of the conversation. Relax Gaming brought this reel mechanic to its upcoming Hazakura Ways video slot titles, featuring a 6 reel and 4-reel format. The announced slot draws on Japanese imagery, including ancient characters and the well-known cherry blossom motif. Alongside those reel mechanics, a ‘Special Symbols’ feature was described as offering the possibility of a 50,000x spin bet win, a distinctive feature among the titles previewed for 2022.
Additional listed options and features are ‘Mega Bet’, ‘80x Bonus Buy’, ‘Free Spins’, ‘Additional Free Spins’, ‘Expanding Symbols’, ‘Scatters’ and ‘Wilds’.
Gold Tiger Ascent (Betsoft)
Betsoft revisits the classic slot reel layout with a modern take on this 3-reel game. Play’n GO has used the format in titles such as Charlie Chance. In Gold Tiger Ascent, Tibetan mountain scenery surrounds 3x3 reels and 10 pay lines, while a smirking tiger serves as host and awaits 3-of-a-kind symbol combinations. The listed payouts range from 0.2x to 5x; the wild pays 25x the bet, and a scatter can award up to 20x the spin bet. Random prizes may also come from the ‘Magic Red Envelope’ feature. The stated maximum win is 2,520x the bet, a sizeable top amount for a game using the classic layout.
Beyond the Red Envelope, Gold Tiger Ascent includes ‘Bonus Buy’, ‘Free Spins’, ‘Scatters’, ‘Stacked Symbols, and ‘Wilds’.
Wild Pistolero (Playtech)
Playtech’s Mega Fire Blaze collection was expanding across video slots, virtual table games and live dealer titles. The source described it as Playtech’s second most valuable network, behind Age of the Gods, and suggested it might eventually surpass that collection. Wild Pistolero was expected sometime in January 2022. This Playtech Rarestone Gaming studios production brings a calm Wild West theme to a 5 reel and 30 pay line slot. It lists 4 non-progressive jackpots—Grand, Major, Minor, and Mini—with a chance to win up to €1 million.
The game offers a free spins feature and a ‘Mega Fire Blaze Re-spin’ bonus, triggered by a ‘Gun Cylinder’ and ‘Bullets’. During that round, any of the 4 jackpot prizes could be landed, preview.
Longmu and the Dragons (Red Rake)
Red Rake Gaming had announced Longmu and the Dragons, though details remained limited in the original preview. The studio had shared little about the game, but the article reported information about its theme and features. Chinese dragons and the character Longmu anchor the setting. The planned game uses expanding 5x3 reels and 50 pay lines.
When winning combinations land, cascading reels replace symbols and can create further winning chances from one spin. The preview also lists 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’.
With 12+ years of experience in the iGaming industry, Evan specializes in reviewing online casinos, analyzing slot games, and evaluating player safety. Their expertise covers casino licensing, RTP, volatility, bonus conditions, and withdrawal policies. Through hands-on testing and independent research, Evan delivers transparent, fact-based reviews to help players better understand gambling platforms, their features, and potential risks.
