What Table Games Teach Developers About Player Retention

While slot games are the most popular type of online casino game option, there is also a strong segment of players who prefer to play table games. Just over 50% of all online casino game playing is attributed to slots but the popularity of table games is not declining. In fact, the whole online casino industry has been growing at pace, with more people joining in on the excitement of the engaging game choices of modern online casinos.

Some forecasts predict that global online casino revenue will reach $1 trillion by 2030 and job opportunities in this sector are opening up across all areas. From cybersecurity roles to animators and jobs for developers, skilled technology workers will be increasingly in demand to move into the industry.

For developers who might be thinking about a switch over to a new challenge, many of the objectives in this industry are the same as most others. However, while e-commerce companies focus more on attracting new customers, with online casinos, player retention is the main success metric.

Understanding more about what draws players to certain games can help developers to focus design elements around key targets such as increasing player retention.

This is what table games can teach developers so they can master some of the techniques that drive higher levels of player retention:

Players Value Variation and Uncertainty

People who prefer table games over games like slots tend to enjoy the unpredictability of games, Even though the rules never change, with different cards being dealt each time, every round provides a different type of challenge. 

Developers can build this desire for variation into aspects of iGaming such as bonus features that are randomized rather than always providing the same type of bonus. As players never know what to expect, they are more likely to continue playing to discover what type of bonus they will be awarded next time around.

Social Experience is Becoming More Important

Although playing online games might not seem to be a particularly sociable hobby, there has been a growing interest in playing games such as live dealer card games where players interact with dealers and other players like in this live casino here. Using chat functions, players can talk to their fellow players at their table and the enjoyment of these interactions help to encourage continued play.

The same thing is happening with live dealer games with crypto, where players can chat at the table while paying in fast digital currencies. Sites like JB and BC.Game have added more of these live tables because a table that feels busy tends to keep players around longer, much like a crowded roulette wheel pulls in people walking past. For developers, this shows that how a game feels can matter as much as how it plays. Adding simple touches like live chat, player counts, and quick reactions can make a solo game feel shared, which is often what keeps players coming back.

When developers are deciding on enhancements to make to platforms, building tools that allow players to easily interact with other players and incorporating social features such as leadership boards can help to drive retention. Developers can also add features such as sharing buttons that allow players to share a new achievement with other players.

Simplicity Over Complexity

Many table games have very simple rules, for example, roulette can be quickly picked up by complete beginners. Blackjack rules are also very straightforward and players do not need to spend time researching how to play the game. The majority of players just want to get playing as soon as possible so developers should prioritize making the onboarding process as simple as possible, while navigating regulatory requirements.

The preference for simplicity can also be built into loyalty reward schemes, with clear instructions on how and when players will receive rewards. If developers overcomplicate aspects of the game or platform design, players can get frustrated and may choose to register and play with another operator.

Players Like to Make Small Decisions

Many table card games involve consistent decision-making, such as which action to take when you receive your cards in blackjack or which type of bet to opt for in roulette. Making these decisions provide players with the feeling that they are in some way in control of the outcome.

When developers are designing bonus features on slots, they can incorporate an element of decision making into the gameplay. For example, instead of simply triggering the bonus, giving the player a choice of bonus types and then allowing an option for revealing added bonus features provides players with a decision-making scenario that makes them feel like they have chosen their destiny.

By providing players with more decisions to make, players will be less tempted to get curious about what other platforms offer because their needs are already being met.

Understanding what table game players value most about the game mechanics and rules provide developers with many insights into the thought processes of gamers to build features that drive increased player retention in the competitive casino industry.