Microgaming recently dropped a bombshell on its website announcing their award winning poker network is to be no more.After over 16 years success online, the Microgaming Poker Network (MPN) is to close its doors in 2020. Winning various awards along the way, the MPN paved the way for online poker play, puling in players from around the world.
Take a Step Back
Microgaming are to take a step away from hosting the Poker Network, rather than walk away from the poker product itself. At the time of launching MPN, there were already established poker brands on the market so Microgaming took the decision to host its own network for other brands including, Unibet and Ladbrokes to name a few.In a strategic move, Microgaming are to move away from any Network host roles and concentrate more on the game itself.CEO at Microgaming John Coleman said,“ Microgaming is driven to create the most enjoyable entertainment experiences, leading the way with world-class gaming content. Ultimately, this will help the business to achieve that vision as we follow a new strategic direction for the vertical, details of which will be revealed in due course.”
New Strategic Direction
What exactly is a ‘new strategic direction’? Over the past few years online poker has come up against fierce competition, consolidation and more strict regulations on the game, seeing its capacity dwindle significantly. Is this the reasoning in the closure of the network or will Microgaming launch its own standalone poker brand? Watch this space!