Microgaming Announce Surprising Poker Network Shutdown!

In a surprise announcement posted to their website on September 20th Microgaming dropped the bombshell that they would be closing award-winning Microgaming Poker Network (MPN) in 2020.

The network has been online for more than 16 years having been launched in the heyday of the online poker boom and servicing thousands of players worldwide.

✓Is Microgaming Dumping Poker?

The MPN has a series of highlights populating it’s timeline including being one of the front runner networks to launch on mobile, launching live network tournament events, claiming double EGR Awards in the same year, launching their own forum on Two Plus Two and much more. So why this sudden decision to close up shop?

John Coleman, CEO at Microgaming, clarified:

“The network model no longer fits with our strategic vision for poker, and this is the right time to announce the closure as we focus on redistributing key resources and personnel across the business. While the network will be closing, this is not the end for poker at Microgaming”

The decision to close the network has been clarified as Microgaming taking a move away from being a network host, not a move away from poker as a product.

✓What Does The Future Look Like?

By the time Microgaming transitioned from Casino to Poker there were several established poker brands online and rather than compete with them head-to-head Microgaming chose to host the game for other brands.

At the time of writing this the MPN services more than a dozen poker providers including brands such as Betsson, Guts, 32 Red Poker and NordicBet. This shutdown will see these brands needing to find a new home for their poker players which opens up opportunities for smaller networks to expand.

The real question is what Microgaming has in store for poker fines beyond the closure of MPN? John Coleman went on to add:

“[Microgaming] is driven to create the most enjoyable entertainment experiences, leading the way with world-class gaming content. Ultimately, this move 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.”

Could we see the launch of a standalone Microgaming poker brand? What do you think this cryptic “new strategic direction” could be?

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