What with Square Enix’’s new AtlasAI investment, Ubisoft’s Ghostwriter and NVIDIA releasing a series of AI-ready chips, artificial intelligence is one of the hottest topics currently impacting the gaming industry. Video game developers have long made use of machine learning and AI based tools to automate menial tasks, but gamers the world over are now readying themselves for an AI video gaming revolution. Promises of interactive NPCs and even games that can be modified and customised by players mid-session have got everyone on their toes. When you add in the progression of virtual reality, it certainly seems like extended reality gaming is going to become a dominant trend as the decades progress.
But, what about other scouts of the global gaming industry? While it might be a long while yet before we see AI creations going head to head with humans in eSports tournaments, the tech is nevertheless having a more immediate impact on the iGaming sector.
What is iGaming?
iGaming is a part of the industry that encompasses online real money betting activities. It includes a wide range of verticals such as online casino gaming, sports betting, poker, bingo and more. In the past decade or so, spurred on by major advancements in technology and changing regulations in global jurisdictions, the iGaming sector has experienced significant growth. Of course, the sector also includes various software providers, payment processors, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders who contribute to its operation and growth.
One of the most successful verticals in the sector is the online casino segment, so much so that in many territories it’s actually outperforming brick and mortar casino gaming. With plenty of online casino bonus offers being made available, and the sheer convenience and accessibility of being able to participate in casino games at home or on the go, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.
Another key factor in the growth of the digital casino vertical is the integration of sophisticated digital tech. Remote gaming platforms are now able to deliver everything from mobile gaming apps to live dealer games, to provide not just an authentic casio gaming atmosphere, but also fully immersing gamers into brand new experiences.
Artificial Intelligence, too, is becoming increasingly more commonplace throughout the sector, which could soon transform how players engage with digital platforms.
Artificial Intelligence Now and in the Future
Like the more mainstream gaming sectors, developers and operators in the iGaming verticals have integrated various facets of AI into the ecosystem over the past few decades. Most registered players will have already received tailored game recommendations from operators, which are the result of AI-powered data analysis. Meanwhile, as it has in video gaming, AI has been playing a role in the creation of digital casino games, with procedural generation taking care of laborious development tasks.
Looking to the future, it would be safe to assume that the continued advancement of artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities hold the power to genuinely revolutionise the iGaming market. .
Take personalised gaming experiences, for example. Operators are realising that retaining existing customers is much more profitable and effective as a business development strategy than constantly seeking a turnover of new players, so they’ll likely use AI to refine bespoke gaming offers. Moreover, the tech has the ability to create tailor made navigation for individual players, offering customisable elements throughout the entire stage of the customer journey.
On a compliance basis, artificial intelligence also has the capacity to streamline regulatory processes. Operators will be able to automate complex tasks to ensure they remain compliant with ever-evolving legal and regulatory requirements — which is especially paramount for those brands operating on a global scale.
Then there’s the impact of AI on the actual experience of playing casino games and engaging with iGaming platforms in the virtual space. AI-driven advancements in game development will lead to more immersive and interactive experiences, particularly when combined with Web3 and metaverse functionalities. Instead of having to switch from platform to platform to play roulette and place a wager on a sporting event, for instance, users will be presented with vast, open environments that provide all-in-one iGaming activities.
