Understanding the technology powering i-Gaming and online casino games
Online casinos have been a growing industry for quite some time. With more and more people choosing to gamble from their couch rather than going to a casino, it’s easy to see why gambling companies are putting more money into growing their online presence.
The marketplace for online casinos has become incredibly competitive, with companies offering better odds and creating incredibly user-friendly interfaces. The rise of cybersecurity and fintech advancements is also playing a role, as gamblers’ details are becoming increasingly more secure through things like encryption and e-wallets.
With this in mind, it has become increasingly difficult for new companies to enter the market of online gambling. Setting up an online casino is incredibly expensive and time-consuming. Not to mention the speed at which the marketplace and technology are changing.
With millions of people now spending more time at home, the gaming industry continues to boom. According to IDC, global videogame revenue alone is expected to surge 20% to $179.7 billion in 2020, making the videogame industry a bigger moneymaker than the global movie and North American sports industries combined. In addition, many startups are also moving to business-friendly countries like New Zealand. The Oceania country is quickly becoming the spot where these new ideas are being turned into actual game designs because of the openness to these new ideas.
The Software and Technology
Companies first need to spend big on software and technology to create a website that can run smoothly and securely.
To compete with rival online casinos, companies also need to offer a full range of gaming services – from table games to slots to sports betting (depending on geographical location).
However, another thing new companies need to consider is the ever-changing market of online casinos. The technology and culture of online gambling are forever changing, so new companies spend most of their time playing catch up.
Live Streaming
Streaming technology is becoming huge with online casinos with people wanting to watch live-action poker games and e-sports, which can mean companies have to get 3rd parties involved to offer this service, something that can cost an enormous amount of money.
Streaming services are relatively easy from home desktop devices but making it easy and user friendly to mobile devices is another issue.
Mobile Gaming
Most online gaming happens on mobile devices these days, so companies must have an easy to use mobile interface, or they will undoubtedly lose customers.
Mobile apps are the most common feature as they allow gaming to happen at the click of a button. Results show that the most successful online gaming companies create most of their revenue through in-app gaming.
It’s no surprise then that gaming companies are spending millions each year on app and software developers to make their apps as functional and user-friendly as possible. Not to mention the vast sums they spend on graphic designers to make their apps as aesthetically pleasing as possible.
Game Updates
It’s almost impossible for gaming sites to keep up with the influx of new players entering the online casino market. However, that hasn’t stopped companies from continually creating and updating their games.
The idea is to have something for everyone so that all gamer’s needs are met. Companies are aware that new players might not understand some traditional games’ complexity, so they are beginning to create easy to create games that are easy to understand.
The age bracket of online gamblers has also changed significantly in recent years. The rise in popularity of e-sports has seen an increase in younger players flock to online gaming. Many companies are beginning to see e-sports betting as their future, with traditional games potentially becoming outdated. The new wave of e-sports gaming has created a vacuum in the market, with companies fighting to take the reins and become crowned e-sports betting kings.
The key to this has been online marketing, with companies spending vast sums of money on getting their sites advertised on social media.
Many companies have already mastered this, and it is something new companies have to think seriously about before launching.
However, e-sports still hasn’t overtaken traditional gaming, and many companies are still seeing the importance of conventional casino games.
Slot Game Software
Slot machine gaming is still immensely popular, and for that reason, many gaming companies are still pouring money into making their games more enticing.
Studies have shown that many gamers choose their preferred gaming site based on aesthetics. Companies are responding to these findings by spending more money and time on spinning reels, sounds, colors, and graphics.
Companies also see the importance of telling a story with their games. Having a story to follow has proven to have great results with people sticking with one game for an extended time period. This has led to collaborations with writers and storytellers and seen a rise in games centered around narratives such as Pirates, Vikings, and Superheroes.
Online slots sites use a range of themes to make their games more appealing and attractive to players. A popular slot game is the fruit blast game that can be played online at Wink Slots. The game is well-known for its fruit-themed graphics and puzzle-like nature.
Having all these extra features requires immense software and tech, which everyone knows isn’t cheap. So new companies will always struggle unless they have the financial backing.
All in all, we have seen that the online gaming world is growing and expanding at a rapid rate. With old markets forever evolving and new markets opening up, new companies have to make decisions depending on their financial capabilities.
Arguably, the key to success depends on whether a company can see a market gap and capitalize on it. E-sports might be that market, but who knows? If this article was to be written a year from now, the answer might be a lot different.
Good luck!