Microgaming has announced its plans to close its Microgaming Poker Network (MPN) in 2020. The surprising decision comes shortly after an extensive internal revision of the supplier’s product catalog and strategy.
The news about the end of an award-winning network came as quite a shock for the dedicated community of poker players. MPN has provided online punters with unique and entertaining gaming experiences for more than 16 years.
Following New Strategic Direction:
In the run-up to the network closure…
…numerous questions regarding access to online tournaments, promotions, and cash games are players’ major concern. The MPN blog will make sure the punters are well-informed about the situation, by adding new bits of info regularly.
Commenting on the decision, Microgaming CEO, John Coleman, announced as follows:
“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, which 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.”
Pioneers of Digital Poker:
Launched in March 2003, it represents one of the longest-established poker networks in the world. Acknowledged by the multiple awards, it is available in numerous languages, any of which can be used at the table.
MPN gives players access to regular promotions, round-the-clock action, and dozens of Casino in Poker (CiP) side games. In addition to this, it holds a market-leading achievements system, unique Blazing Cannon mini-game, revamped Bad Beat Jackpot, widescreen-friendly Fun View table design, along with a Fish Party Sit & Go progressive jackpot tournaments.
No Longer Part of the Vision:
The network is expected to stop operating in Q2 or Q3 2020. The MPN Poker Tour will visit Malta in October, so whoever has won a seat to Malta, can attend and play.
Saying that there are no financial issues which have had an impact over the decision, Microgaming's Alex Scott commented on the closure as follows:
“For some time now, I’ve been carrying out an extensive review into the poker product here at Microgaming, with input from poker industry experts, independent consultants, and my colleagues around the world. The review concluded that, for poker to be as successful as possible, we had to adopt a very different strategy and business model. Ultimately, the poker network is not part of that vision.
All of us in the Microgaming poker team is committed to seeing this out with dignity. More than that – we want the poker community to have fond memories of the network we have invested so much of our time and energy in. So you can expect the network to continue operating as normal, with a full offering of tournaments, cash games, promotions, and live events, until we close next year.”
SOURCE: “Microgaming Poker Network set to close in 2020”. Microgaming. September 20, 2019.
"GG MPN, WP". Microgaming. September 20, 2019.
