Discussing Gaming Strategies: Enhancing Player Engagement through Game Design (Continuation)
Finding the Perfect Gamble: Balancing Game Volatility for an Enthralling Player Experience
Welcome back to our Gambling roundtable discussion, where industry experts share their insights on game design for player retention. Here, we delve into the complex yet crucial aspect of striking the right balance of game volatility to satisfy both casual and seasoned players while keeping engagement levels high.
Joining the conversation are Eamonn Beardsley, Content Strategy Director from Light & Wonder; Norbert Grono, Account Manager at Wazdan; Toni Karapetrov, Head of Corporate Communications at Habanero; Kate Romanenko, Head of Commercial at Kendoo; Andy Huang, CEO at TaDa Gaming; and Mike Collins, Game Product Owner at Thunderkick. If you missed Part 1, you can catch up here.
Ebbing and Flow of Game Volatility
Maintaining a dynamic interplay between perceived and calculated volatility is the key to a successful game design. Our goal is to create a friendly, fun environment in the short term while offering realistic opportunities for significant payouts, as Eamonn Beardsley highlights, "we strive for a sweet spot that maximizes audience reach".
Wazdan's Volatility Levels™: Player Empowerment
Empowering players to tailor their gaming experience to their preferences is another crucial factor in defining game volatility. Norbert Grono from Wazdan shares their approach, "our commitment to personalization is evident in our Volatility Levels™ feature, available in all our titles, allowing players to adjust the game's volatility at any point during gameplay".
The Art of Anticipation Knowing the players intimately and understanding what will appeal to them is the secret behind successful game design, as stated by Kate Romanenko, "the true talent of a product team lies in deeply understanding the market and players so they can anticipate what will resonate".
A Balancing Act for Global AppealAs cultural themes and regional preferences grow in significance, adapting games to connect with specific markets while still maintaining global appeal is essential. Thunderkick's Mike Collins offers insights into this complex issue, "our approach varies by market... We make sure our games feel both familiar and fresh, offering something that players everywhere can enjoy".
By carefully balancing game volatility, incorporating cultural themes, and tapping into the inherent appeal of locally relevant elements, game designers can create a hybrid gaming experience that captivates players from all corners of the globe. Striking the right balance is the key to a satisfying player experience—one that keeps them coming back for more.
In the context of finding the perfect gamble for an enthralling player experience, Eamonn Beardsley from Light & Wonder emphasizes the importance of striving for a sweet spot in game design that maximizes audience reach, balancing calculated volatility with a friendly, fun environment offering realistic opportunities for significant payouts. Norbert Grono from Wazdan speaks to the player's empowerment, explaining how Wazdan's Volatility Levels™ feature allows players to adjust the game's volatility during gameplay, providing a personalized gaming experience.
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