IGT Launches Queen-Branded Video Slot Machine at G2E

International Game Technology (IGT), the Las Vegas-based gaming manufacturer, introduced the Queen Video Slots machine at this week's Global Gaming Expo (G2E), signaling an expansion of the company's music-licensed gaming portfolio and a strategic shift toward multi-artist intellectual property deals.

The game was developed in collaboration with Ceremony of Roses, the Sony Music Entertainment subsidiary that manages Queen's merchandising and licensing rights. It features 10 Queen tracks alongside approved photographs and video footage of band members Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon. The machine is built on IGT's newest hardware platform, the Summit75 cabinet, and includes four bonus features and six jackpot tiers.

This represents IGT's first attempt at licensing an entire band rather than a single artist. The company previously gained experience with music-licensed gaming through its 2023 Whitney Houston Video Slots product, which the company credits with providing foundational licensing and production knowledge that carried over to managing a multi-member act. While Queen has licensed arcade machines in the past, such as Pinball Brothers' official Queen Pinball, this marks the band's first official gambling-related product.

Licensing established music properties for gaming involves navigating complex approval frameworks. Queen's catalog is jointly controlled by surviving band members and Sony, making it one of the more tightly managed music properties in the entertainment industry. The licensing agreement typically restricts how imagery, archival footage, and audio can be used, with each band member's likeness and approved materials requiring separate review. Some artists and estates decline gambling-related licensing entirely, while others permit limited use under strict conditions. The fact that Queen and its estate agreed to this gaming venture signals confidence in IGT's execution capabilities.

IGT Chief Executive Officer Hector Fernandez stated that Queen's global reach and cross-generational appeal made it an attractive brand for casino floors. "The game also reflects the kind of standout content that is anchoring IGT's transformation and helping us create more magnetic gaming experiences," he said in a press release.

The company has not announced a specific release date, nor has it disclosed the financial terms of the licensing agreement. However, IGT indicated that major G2E launches typically reach casino floors within three to four months of debut, suggesting the Queen machine could become available on gaming floors by late 2026 or early 2027. The company has also not disclosed whether additional Queen-themed gambling products are being developed.

This product launch reflects broader industry trends toward celebrity and cultural licensing as operators seek to differentiate gaming content in an increasingly competitive market. IGT's success with music-branded products positions the company as a leader in branded entertainment gaming, a segment that continues to grow as casinos look for novel ways to attract broader audiences beyond traditional slot players.