Phantom EFX, Inc.
- Founded
- 1998-01-01 in Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA
- Headquarters
- 900 Technology Pkwy, Suite 300, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, USA
- jimt@phantomefx.com
- Phone
- (319) 266-1999
Phantom EFX, Inc. is a privately held video game developer and publisher specializing in authentic casino and card entertainment titles for PC, Mac, and mobile platforms. Founded in 1998 in Cedar Falls, Iowa, by Aaron Schurman and childhood friend Danny Stokes, the company began with zero capital and self-published its debut title, *Reel Deal Slots and Video Poker*, after being rejected by established publishers. Through grassroots distribution and partnerships with retailers such as Office Max, Best Buy, Target, and Wal-Mart, Phantom EFX grew to become the #1 publisher of casino‑genre PC games in North America, releasing over 35 boxed titles and hundreds of downloadable slot games. The company’s portfolio includes the acclaimed *Reel Deal Casino* and *Reel Deal Slots* series, as well as *Reel Deal LIVE*, which it touts as the world’s first casino‑based massively multiplayer online (MMO) game. Phantom EFX also expanded into console and mobile, publishing titles for Xbox 360, iPhone/iPod Touch, and Blackberry Storm. In 2006, the company launched the 8Monkey Labs division, which later produced the first‑person shooter *Darkest of Days* (2009). In June 2012, Phantom EFX was acquired by WMS Gaming, the very company whose slot machine had inspired Schurman to start the business. The acquisition integrated Phantom EFX’s development talent into WMS’s digital and social gaming operations. Today, the Phantom EFX brand continues to be active on mobile app stores with titles such as *Ultimate Fire Link™ Slots* and *Planet Moolah™ Slots*, and the company maintains a presence at gaming industry trade shows.
Detailed Review
History
Phantom EFX was founded in 1998 by Aaron Schurman and Danny Stokes in Cedar Falls, Iowa, after Schurman was inspired by a WMS Gaming slot machine. Lacking capital and rejected by traditional publishers, they self-published their first title, Reel Deal Slots and Video Poker, using grassroots distribution. The company quickly gained traction and secured retail partnerships with major chains like Office Max, Best Buy, Target, and Wal-Mart, eventually becoming the leading publisher of casino-themed PC games in North America with over 35 boxed titles.
Products and Expansion
The core product line is the Reel Deal series, including Reel Deal Casino and Reel Deal Slots, which offered authentic casino experiences. In 2006, Phantom EFX launched the 8Monkey Labs division, which produced the first-person shooter Darkest of Days (2009). The company also entered the mobile and console markets with games for Xbox 360, iPhone/iPod Touch, and Blackberry Storm. A notable innovation was Reel Deal LIVE, described as the world’s first casino-based MMO. Later mobile titles include Ultimate Fire Link™ Slots and Planet Moolah™ Slots, which remain available on iOS.
Acquisition and Business Model
Phantom EFX operated as a B2B software vendor, supplying casino-style game content for digital distribution and retail. In June 2012, the company was acquired by WMS Gaming, the very company whose machines had inspired its founding. The acquisition folded Phantom EFX’s development talent into WMS’s digital and social gaming operations. Post-acquisition, the Phantom EFX brand continued to release mobile apps and maintain a presence at industry trade shows.
Current Status
Today, Phantom EFX is a subsidiary of WMS Gaming (which itself is part of Scientific Games). The brand still appears on mobile app stores with slot game apps, and the company participates in gaming conferences. However, no independent website is active, and the current headcount is not publicly disclosed.
Key Products
Reel Deal Slots and Video Poker
Debut title that launched the company, a collection of slot machines and video poker games for PC.
Reel Deal Casino series
Ongoing series of retail and downloadable casino game compilations featuring slots, poker, and other card games.
Reel Deal LIVE
Claimed to be the world’s first casino-based massively multiplayer online (MMO) game.
Ultimate Fire Link™ Slots
Mobile slot game available on iOS, part of the current active brand lineup.
Planet Moolah™ Slots
Mobile slot game available on iOS, part of the current active brand lineup.
Darkest of Days
First-person shooter published via the 8Monkey Labs division in 2009.
Key Persons
- Aaron Schurman
CEO / Founder
- Danny Stokes
Co-founder / Production Manager