Book of Dead – Is It a Rip-off of Book of Ra?

In 2016, Play’n GO released one of the biggest slots hits ever in Book of Dead. This game revolves around Rich Wilde, a fictional explorer who plunders Ancient Egyptian tombs.

Book of Dead went on to become a major hit and is still widely played. However, it also appears to be quite similar to Novomatic’s Book of Ra.

The latter game launched in 2004 and was an instant success among online gamblers. Book of Ra Deluxe, which launched in 2008, has also ascended to mainstream popularity.

Some gamblers respect Novomatic for their hits while admonishing Play’n GO for being copycats. But is Book of Dead truly a rip-off?

How Close Is This Game to Book of Ra?

Book of Dead has undeniable similarities to Book of Ra. First off, both games revolve around an adventurer who’s searching for Egyptian treasure.

Second, many of the symbols fall in line with Book of Ra. You’ll see scarabs, pharaohs, and a long-lost book on the reels.

The book itself is perhaps the most-damning piece of evidence against Play’n GO. After all, what are the chances of both slots revolving around the same theme?

Should You Boycott Play’n GO?

Novomatic is a giant in the land-based slots industry. They routinely produce and ship out thousands of slot machines each year.

However, this developer doesn’t quite compete with Play’n GO in the online gaming department. Novomatic is a juggernaut among online slots providers.

Some argue that Play’n GO earned its initial fame on the back of Novomatic’s invention. Die-hard Book of Ra fans are even willing to boycott all of Play’n GO’s games.

Whether the latter knowingly set out to steal Book of Ra’s concept remains a mystery that’s yet to be solved. Regardless, some gamblers continue to ignore Play’n GO slots over the perceived theft of ideas.