Some software developers stay independent, carrying on their merry way producing small games for a niche market.
Others get snapped up by major companies and go from strength to strength.
Founded in 2007, this firm has developed a wide number of products for various gaming companies, ranging from slots to other games and complete casino software solutions. Yggdrasil While they are very new (only being formed in 2013), Yggdrasil has distinguished itself by creating games with a distinctive style and beautiful animations that. Cayetano specialises in 5-reel video slots and 3-reel classic arcade slot machines and holds licenses in multiple jurisdictions. Not too many casino software companies have such rapid, fascinating stories and that makes Cayetano Gaming.
The case in point is Cayetano Gaming, a Bulgaria-based outfit that began life in the Isle of Man and is now completely owned and managed by Paddy Power PLC.
As well as mobile and online slots and table games, Cayetano produces automated web systems and back-end platforms for operators. Not just a pretty face, then.
It's amazing to think that in the space of just a few years, Cayetano have gone from a 5-handed software outfit in Bulgaria to being one of the leading slots and table game developers.
A buy-out by Paddy Power obviously played a hand in the firm's fortunes. But a solid knowledge of the industry, together with some designers who know their way round the best of cutting edge tech, have led the Cayetano to become one of the most respected players about.
Cayetano started out life with just a handful of software engineers. Formed in 2009 by Nick Maugham, who had a background in the financial services sector, the company released their first game in 2010. A year later, they were awarded a gaming licence from Alderney. This gave the company an in-road into some of the biggest gambling sites on the internet.
From Alderney to Ireland as leading bookmaker and online gambling firm, Paddy Power, acquired Cayetano (as CT Networks) in late 2011. Partnerships were nothing new for Cayetano, who'd already struck deals with operators like Sky Vegas to provide slots and games, but the acquisition was a big gamble for the Irish betting giant.
As a result, Cayetano started to release more and more games - launching their 50th game in 2013 - and some good-quality branded Paddy Power slots to boot. Cayetano now produces leading online slots and table games for both desktop and mobile platforms.
Cayetano have really embraced the mobile revolution, and some of their best titles are for iOS and Android devices.
Most of the developers' games have pretty no-nonsense graphics, some with animated characters on the screen, but all Spin and stake buttons are off the game-screen to provide more space for the reels.
'Classic' games like Fruit Stack feature 3D-style buttons on screen to tap and spin the reels. While the appearance and gameplay are basic, a 10,000-coin jackpot is anything but.
There's definitely an 'exotic' theme with many of Cayetano's slots, with Mayan Mystery, Pyramid Gold, and Egyptian Wilds all popular.
Totems Wild Slot, however, is the pick of the bunch. Played with 20 paylines - all fixed - there are stacked symbols and stacked wilds as the reels become literal 'totems' on the game-screen. A free spins bonus is attached, and can award a prize worth 25x the total bet if activated.
Several branded Paddy Power slots have been released recently, exclusive to Paddy Power Casino and Paddy Power Games.
PaddyPower Gold is a typically Celtic-themed slot featuring an animated leprechaun, pots of gold and the like. Similarly, PaddyPower's Ball of Shame is inspired by the firm's sportsbetting roots, and features a football theme.
'Reactor' style games like Candy Factory, meanwhile, feature 5x5 grids where four adjacent matching symbols dish out a win.
As well as slots, Cayetano also develops roulette, blackjack and 'reactor' games for Paddy Power Casino. Regular Cayetano roulette features a slick 3D wheel and European betting layouts, while 'New Roulette' allows players to change the game speed, sound effects and lighting. The same options exist in Cayetano's blackjack games.