International Game Technology (IGT), the gaming manufacturer behind 2023’s Whitney Houston Video Slots, has introduced the first Queen slot machine at this week’s Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas. The new title expands IGT’s music-licensed portfolio and marks one of its high-profile band licensing debuts in recent years.
We Will Slot You
The game was developed with Ceremony of Roses, the Sony Music Entertainment subsidiary that manages Queen’s merchandising and licensing rights. It includes 10 Queen tracks, plus approved photos and video clips of Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon.
The title features four bonuses and six jackpots and is built for IGT’s Summit75 cabinet, the company’s newest hardware platform.
IGT has not announced a release date. Historically, though, major G2E launches reach casino floors within three to four months.
“Queen is one of the rare bands with truly global reach and lasting, cross‑generational appeal, making it a powerful brand for IGT to bring to casino floors,” said Hector Fernandez, IGT’s CEO of Gaming, in a press release.
“With Queen Video Slots, our talented studio teams tapped their passion for Queen’s music and legacy to create a high‑impact game that quickly captivates music fans and slot players.
“The game also reflects the kind of standout content that is anchoring IGT’s transformation and helping us create more magnetic gaming experiences.”
Drive to License
Music licensing in gaming comes with strict boundaries. Artists and their estates often require granular review of all creative assets, with some declining gambling-related partnerships altogether. While Queen previously licensed non-gambling amusement hardware—such as Pinball Brothers’ official Queen Pinball machine—this marks the band’s first foray into slot machines.
Licensing a multi-member band presents unique hurdles, requiring separate approvals for individual likenesses, archival performance footage, and publishing rights. Queen’s catalog is tightly controlled by the surviving band members and Sony.
However, IGT noted that its experience developing the Whitney Houston slot lineup provided a valuable roadmap for navigating complex music licensing and production.
Financial terms of the Queen agreement were not disclosed, and IGT has not confirmed whether additional Queen-themed gaming products are in development.
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Rephrased by The Mystic Gambler