Synergy Blue
- Open roles
- 0
- Founded
- 2013
- Employees
- N/A
- Offices
- 1
About Synergy Blue
Synergy Blue was a casino game developer and gaming machine manufacturer focused on skill-influenced, arcade-style wagering. Founded in Palm Desert, California, in 2013 by game designer and executive Georg Washington, it developed regulated Class II and Class III casino hardware and software. Its products combined familiar video game interactions with the mathematical and regulatory requirements of casino gambling.
The company sought to connect traditional casino wagering with interactive experiences familiar to players of arcade and casual games. Its development work encompassed game design, platform engineering, regulatory mathematics and proprietary cabinet hardware. Rather than relying exclusively on conventional slot interactions, its games incorporated activities such as racing, shooting and puzzle matching into casino entertainment.
Games and technology
The proprietary HAWG (Hybrid Arcade Wager-based Gaming) platform formed the foundation of Synergy Blue’s product portfolio. It supported skill-influenced gameplay alongside regulated wagering mechanics and enabled multiple games to run on purpose-built casino machines. The company also developed slant-top and upright cabinets in its 2600 Series.
Its game catalogue included Safari Match, Lucky Karts, Zombies, Area 50 Fun, Candy Ca$h and Mahjong. These products applied several arcade and casual game formats to land-based casino play, ranging from driving and light-gun interactions to matching puzzles. The combination of software, wagering architecture and dedicated hardware was central to the company’s offering.
Company history
Synergy Blue was established as a commercial tribal enterprise majority-owned by the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians. It obtained Nevada manufacturing and distribution approval in 2019 and subsequently moved its headquarters to Las Vegas.
Pandemic-related casino closures disrupted the business, leading to restructuring in early 2021. Later that year, Empire Technological Group Limited acquired all of Synergy Blue’s assets, patents and software platforms. Synergy Blue ceased independent operations following the transaction. The asset purchaser’s subsequent use of the Play Synergy and Aruze Gaming Global brands represented a separate company’s operating history; Synergy Blue itself did not undergo those rebrands.
More about Synergy Blue
Historical leadership
In March 2021, founder Georg Washington stepped down and tribal chairperson Amanda Vance became permanent CEO. This appointment preceded the asset sale and does not establish a current executive role.
Production methods
The HAWG engine was designed and certified under Gaming Laboratories International standards, specifically GLI-11, to preserve regulatory mathematics, non-wager game elements and random-number-generator payback compliance alongside skill-influenced gameplay. Supported cabinet controls included steering wheels, arcade joysticks, light guns and trackballs.
Regulatory milestone and distribution
The March 2019 Nevada approval marked the first commercial gaming supplier license in the state for a California tribal enterprise. Commercial placements and field trials included Station Casinos' Palms and Red Rock Casino resorts. A distribution partnership with Jade Entertainment supported expansion into Asia-Pacific markets.
Restructuring
In February 2021, following substantial layoffs, Synergy Blue engaged Innovation Capital to explore strategic alternatives.
Notable credits
8 creditsOffices
Current and former locations of Synergy Blue
- Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Las Vegas office
- 44801 Village Court, Suite 101, Palm Desert, CA 92260, United StatesPalm Desert, California, United States
Palm Desert office
Former officeOpened 2013 · Closed 2019
Historical founding studio and corporate development facility before the headquarters relocation to Las Vegas.
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