Sometimes, independent films are at the basis of some long-running and famous movie franchises. Just think of Robert Rodriguez’s El Mariachi, made on a budget of approximately $7,000, that has spawned two insanely successful sequels (aside from earning numerous awards, big bucks at the box office, and becoming an inspiration for beginner filmmakers all over the world). One of the indie movies that has spawned not only a successful franchise but a series of copycats and epigones as well was Halloween, written and directed by science fiction / horror master John Carpenter.
Next year, Michael Myers turns 40. Such a long career usually calls for a remake, a reboot, or at least a special screening of the original movie – this is still a bit in the future, though, so we can’t really know what to expect from the studio. What’s sure for now is that Michael Myers will return this year to the smallest screens – most likely sometime around October – in the form of a video slot machine set to be released at All Slots Canada.
The All Slots has a collection of great movie-inspired slot machines already, so a Halloween slot will be a welcome addition to its collection. The game is a result of a licensing agreement signed by Microgaming, the software developer providing the All Slots with its awesome set of games, and Compass International Pictures, the owner of the rights for the original movie.
“We are excited to team up with Creative Licensing and Microgaming to bring Michael Myers and Halloween home to all of our loyal fans in the best possible ways through top licensees who create products we feel honour the character, film, and franchise,” Ryan Freimann, SVP of Compass International said at the time of announcement. “Halloween is a true classic and set the standard for modern horror films. It was immeasurably influential in the slasher genre of movies, so it is great to be working with such an iconic and respected brand. Embracing all the elements of what made the movie such a success, our games team are busy developing a slot for release later in the year,” David Reynolds, Games Publisher at Microgaming, added.
Microgaming has a habit of releasing at least one new horror-themed game around Halloween. Last year, it released a game called Lost Vegas, involving survivors similar to those from The Walking Dead along with zombies inspired by the worst kind of casino players usually found sitting all day long around the gaming tables of Sin City. This year, it will most likely be Mike Myers’ time to scare Microgaming fans.