By Ankit Anand
Gone are the days when games were fun when players engaged in physical play by harnessing the power of their physical strength. However, since digitization caught the attention of advertising, many companies have jumped on the digital bandwagon to thrive in today’s competitive environment. In this regard, the online gaming industry in particular has undergone a remarkable paradigm shift towards growth prospects. According to Statista, India’s online gaming industry is poised to be worth over Rs 231 billion CAGR of around 19 percent by 2025. This is where, due to the increasing development of online gaming , fantasy games have also gained significant traction by transforming from passive to active entertainment.
Also, there is no doubt that the advent of fantasy games has captured the attention of millions of people by activating the intrinsic reward system. While it may be amazing to know that the market is generating huge revenue, at the same time, the huge amount of data is more impressive. Therefore, in order to optimize data and improve user experience, new-age technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, machine learning, augmented reality, and virtual reality have made great strides to achieve the main objectives. Among these technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) in particular plays a vital role in driving user engagement. So, let’s dive into the role of artificial intelligence and technology in improving player focus in fantasy games.
Importance of user participation in fantasy games
Fantasy sports are online games in which participants can create and assemble teams made up of representatives of real professional athletes in certain sports. Also, fantasy sports such as cricket and soccer are more of a skill game where individuals win through their talent and strategies. On the other hand, they are a game of chance in which players do not need any mastery and only succeed depending on their luck, for example, poker, rummy, etc. However, user experience and engagement are essential factors in every game, be it online or offline.
Creating a comprehensive experience for the entire journey of a sports audience is known as user engagement. Usually, the user and the gaming platform have a two-way conversation. However, the ultimate goal of user engagement is to increase brand loyalty of teams, leagues, sports, and companies by forging a more personal bond with players. Also, there’s no point beating around the bush by saying user engagement is proportional to the amount of growth you can witness. The more a fantasy gaming platform interacts with gamers, the better its chances of gaining their loyalty and convincing them to play online games or purchase merchandise.
Role of AI and technology
Enhanced Custom Game: The increase in online interactions since the Covid-19 pandemic has raised expectations, exposing consumers to personalization practices. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) can help players improve their skills and understanding by capturing their intent and implementing adaptive algorithms in fantasy games. These systems monitor player performance, habits and preferences in real time to personalize gameplay. Therefore, by calculating the skill level of the players, the AI ​​empowers these characters through action, ensuring they stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed or bored. Additionally, AI-powered approaches to personalization allow games to tailor the content and gameplay experience, resulting in a more immersive and engaging adventure for players.
Non-player characters (NPCs) with intelligence: In online games, users are required to interact with pre-programmed NPCs. Historically, these characters followed simple, predictable patterns and were easy to outwit in combat. However, things have changed since AI gained a foothold in the gaming business. AI now allows for the creation of intelligent NPCs with complex behaviors and decision-making abilities. In addition, NPCs can adapt to player actions, learn from their behavior, and respond in realistic and dynamic ways through the use of natural language processing and machine learning algorithms. In truth, NPCs in RPGs can engage in intricate speech that depends on the player’s choices. As a result of this dynamic interaction between players and intelligent NPCs, the overall gaming experience is enhanced and becomes more engaging and immersive.
Enhanced graphics for an exciting adventure: Given the changing preferences of consumers, it is certain that the unique viewing experience will continue to evolve. Therefore, to meet user expectations, the technology is heavily focusing on increasing the graphical capabilities of fantasy games, resulting in visually appealing and realistic environments. Giving users a fantastic experience is vital to expanding in a competitive period. As a result, the fantasy gaming platforms collaborated with AI to create a seamless UI that guides the user through a clean interface and a simple registration process. Although this advancement not only improves the overall viewing experience, but also immerses players in a virtual realm with monetary incentives, capturing their attention and increasing engagement.
Fraud Detection and Prevention: There has been an undeniable increase in fantasy gaming recently. However, this exponential expansion has created problems by offering a platform for hackers to attempt fraud. Therefore, to mitigate risk, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a blessing in disguise to identify and prevent fraud through increased security. Fantasy gaming platforms that use AI to detect fraud can improve internal security and simplify operations for fantasy gaming companies. When AI models detect fraudulent behavior, they can immediately flag an account or reject transactions. As a result, AI has become an essential option to combat numerous online scams, improve user engagement, and power multiple games.
AI and technology: building blocks for fantasy games
It is not an exaggeration to say that ever since new age technologies burst into our lives, various industries have witnessed paradigm shifts, and gaming is no exception. AI and technology have come a long way in online gaming and have had a profound impact on fantasy game users as well.
Furthermore, despite playing a significant role in enhancing user engagement, technology adoption has changed the face of the gaming industry by driving the growth structure. According to a joint report by Deloitte and the Fantasy Sports Federation of India (FIFS), the Indian fantasy gaming industry is expected to grow tremendously and is on the verge of reaching $3 billion with a CAGR of 30 % for fiscal year 27.
(The author is the commercial director of FantasyDangal)
Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs and views expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website are personal and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs and views of ABP Network Pvt. Ltd. Fantasy sports gaming may create habit or financial risk. Play responsibly. The information contained in this document is based merely on parameters including, but not limited to, past player performance and records, player fitness and availability, field conditions, weather conditions, etc. you have to use your own skill, wisdom, and judgment when creating a fantasy team. Accordingly, reader discretion is advised.