Pragmatic Play launches Gates of Olympus POP slot for new casual sub-brand
Pragmatic Play Launches Gates of Olympus POP: First Franchise Title for New Casual Sub-Brand
Pragmatic Play has released Gates of Olympus POP, the first major franchise adaptation for its recently unveiled casual-player sub-brand, Pragmatic Play POP. This launch replaces the Fat Panda studio, which was retired just one month after the POP brand was introduced on 31 July 2026.
The company had previously announced that several of its most popular franchises—including Gates of Olympus, Sweet Bonanza, and Starlight Princess—would receive condensed, mobile-friendly versions. Gates of Olympus POP is the first of these adaptations to go live, marking a strategic shift in Pragmatic Play’s approach to casual gaming.
Gates of Olympus POP: Format and Mechanics
Gates of Olympus POP is a portrait-format slot built on a 3×5 grid, offering a more streamlined, accessible experience compared to the original game. The original Gates of Olympus, launched in February 2021, featured a high-volatility 6×5 grid. The new version retains the Greek mythology theme and the iconic Zeus character, but reconfigures the core mechanics for mobile-first play.
Key Features of the Game
- Tumbling Reels and Multipliers: The game includes a tumbling reels mechanic, with multiplier symbols carrying values of up to 1,000x.
- Bonus Round Triggering: Landing three or more scatter symbols activates the bonus round, awarding 15 free spins. During the feature, landing two or more additional scatters grants five extra spins.
- Progressive Multipliers: During free spins, winning multipliers accumulate into a progressive total, which is applied at the end of each tumbling sequence.
- POP Symbol Mechanics: A special POP symbol introduces tiered instant prizes. If the bonus round triggers alongside one, two, or three POP symbols, extra prizes of 50x, 500x, or 25,000x the bet are awarded respectively. This gives the feature a maximum single-trigger payout of 25,000x the stake.
The POP Sub-Brand and Its Place in the Portfolio
Pragmatic Play POP was announced on 31 July 2026 as a rebrand of Fat Panda, an internal studio launched in March 2025. Fat Panda was originally designed as a deliberate counterpoint to Pragmatic Play’s core catalogue of high-volatility, feature-heavy slots. Its focus was on casual and beginner players, offering simpler mechanics, higher hit frequencies, and softer visual designs.
The POP rebrand carries forward that philosophy but now attaches it directly to the parent company’s name and its most recognisable intellectual property. This move aims to leverage brand recognition while expanding into a new player demographic.
Planned Rollout and Franchise Adaptations
The initial POP rollout includes adaptations of several of the company’s best-performing franchises:
- Sweet Bonanza
- Zeus vs Hades
- Starlight Princess
- Mahjong Wins
Alongside these, two original releases—Triple Hop Pots and Pelican Payday—are also planned. Existing Fat Panda titles have been ported to the new sub-brand as part of the transition, with Gates of Olympus POP being the first franchise adaptation to go live.
What the Studio Says
Sharon McHugh, Director of Public Relations at Pragmatic Play, commented:
“Gates of Olympus POP brings a fresh approach to one of our most recognisable franchises, reimagining the formula through a streamlined format designed for fast-paced, intuitive gameplay.”
McHugh added that the title targets both new and returning players in the series, highlighting the progressive multipliers, instant wins of up to 25,000x, and a redesigned Zeus character as key selling points.
Availability and Regulatory Compliance
Gates of Olympus POP is now available across Pragmatic Play’s partner operator network, distributed via the company’s single application programming interface (API) integration.
Pragmatic Play holds licences from:
- The Gambling Commission of Great Britain (GCGB)
- The Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner (GGC)
- The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
The company distributes content across all major regulated markets, ensuring broad and compliant access for its latest release.
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