Why Is Networking Important for Gaming and iGaming Growth?

Game development in the video game and iGaming (online casino and betting) industries can be difficult as there is plenty of competition targeting the same audience. However, these industries can benefit from professional networking, where individuals and companies come together to discuss challenges, share information, and work together to grow the industry. 

Networks allow game devs, online casino operators, and technology developers to work together. Instead of viewing others in the network as competitors, they can be viewed as aids to help deliver top-quality games, improve player experiences, and push the boundaries of the industry. 

Knowledge Sharing

Networks allow game developers and individuals to share knowledge and insights. This can result in the development of new technologies and game formats. Networks, whether online or in-person at conventions, are the breeding ground for new ideas and innovation, which benefits the players who enjoy better games with fewer bugs. 

Developers should get together to bounce ideas off one another. Getting unbiased feedback from someone in the industry is highly valuable, and fresh eyes can spot issues that have become unseen to the developer. 

Other developers understand the challenges faced, and can offer support by sympathizing over common issues and discussing how to overcome them. Networking can also result in more creative games. When discussing their ideas with one another, new notions may spark one developer who can make changes to their titles to deliver a better gaming experience. 

The iGaming industry is a flooded market, with thousands of online casinos operating across the world. However, through networking and collaboration between operators and game providers, each individual platform can improve its offering, discuss common pitfalls, and even improve regulatory compliance. 

Collaboration

Networking is important to establish partnerships and collaborations between different professionals in the industry. It can provide new job opportunities, mentorship, and advice. 

Affiliate marketing is an important part of networking and collaboration. With affiliate marketing campaigns, the game developers or casino operators use individuals, called affiliate marketers, to promote their titles or platforms. The marketers get a commission on each successful sale or referral. Marketers and operators can sign up for an iGaming affiliate network to start the collaboration with the relevant business subjects in this sector.

Most players will choose games or gaming platforms based on recommendations from others. Networking is a great way to embrace this trend, as other developers or gaming influencers will share new titles, launch dates, updates, or gaming trailers. Collaboration gets games and platforms seen by new audiences, helping to spread the word at very little expense to the game developer or iGaming platform.

Industry Standards and Best Practices

Professional networks play a role in establishing industry standards and promoting best practices. This improves customer service, security, and ensures fair play in the casino industry. 

By bringing together leading industry experts, networks can help set the benchmark for how the industry should operate. This is especially important in the iGaming sector, where fraud and security threats are realities. By sharing experiences and challenges, operators can work together to raise the bar for the online casino industry. This benefits the players who will enjoy access to safe, compliant platforms offering a good user experience and high-quality games. 

Building Trust and Relationships

In-person networking is highly valuable, as it adds a face to the game developer or casino operator. This type of networking is typically done at industry events or gaming conventions. Not only do industry professionals meet one another, but they can also engage directly with their players.

This interaction builds trust. A player is more likely to engage with a game or platform if they’re certain their personal interests and data will be protected. By interacting in person with gaming professionals, they’re more likely to trust the brand. 

Industry Events

As mentioned, industry events offer some of the best networking opportunities. Developers can meet one another and also scout for potential new employees. These events also offer devs the opportunity to receive in-person feedback on their titles and engage directly with their players. 

These events allow everyone interested in the gaming and iGaming industries to find like-minded people and share ideas. 

Some of the best gaming and iGaming conventions include:

• Gamescom

• Taipei Game Show

• Tokyo Game Show

• Brazil Game Show

• G-Star

• Global Gaming Expo

• NEXT Summit

Key Takeaways

In summary, professional networking is vital for the gaming and iGaming industries to grow. Through networking, game developers, casino platforms, and technology providers can collaborate, market their products and services, overcome challenges, establish industry standards, and establish trust. 

Although networking is important for the game and service providers, it has an end-user impact. Players will enjoy better games, improved online security, and transparency when developers and platforms come together.