Role Of AI & Tech In Fantasy Gaming: How To Enhance User Engagement

AI and technology have come a long way in online gaming and had a profound impact on users of fantasy gaming as well. 

The adoption of technology has changed the face of the gaming industry by boosting the growth structure.

By Ankit Anand

 

Gone are the days when gaming was amusing when players got involved in physical play by leveraging the power of their physical strength. However, ever since digitalisation caught the glare of publicity, numerous businesses have joined 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, the Indian online gaming industry is poised to be worth over Rs 231 billion CAGR of around 19 per cent by 2025. This is where owing to the increasing development of online games, fantasy gaming has also gained significant traction by transforming from passive to active entertainment.

 

In addition, 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 incredible to know that the market is generating huge revenue, at the same time, the massive amount of data is more impressive. Thus, to streamline the data and enhance the user experience, new-age technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, machine learning, augmented reality, and virtual reality have made great strides in accomplishing the primary goals. Among these technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), in particular, plays a vital role in boosting user engagement. So, let's delve into artificial intelligence and technology's role in improving player attention in fantasy gaming.

Importance Of User Engagement In Fantasy Gaming

Fantasy sports are online games in which participants can create and assemble teams comprised of proxies for true professional athletes in certain sports. Furthermore, fantasy sports, such as cricket and football, are more of a game of skills in which individuals win via their talent and strategies. On the other hand, they are a game of chance in which players do not need any mastery and succeed only depending on their luck—for example, poker, rummy, and so on. However, user experience and participation are essential factors in every game, whether online or offline.

 

Creating an end-to-end experience for a sports audience's complete journey is referred to as user engagement. Typically, the user and the game platform undergo a two-way conversation. However, the supreme goal of user engagement is to increase brand loyalty for teams, leagues, sports, and companies by forging a more personal bond with players. Furthermore, there is no point beating around the bush that user involvement is proportional to how much growth can be witnessed. The more a fantasy gaming platform interacts with players, the better their chances of gaining their loyalty and convincing them to play online games or buy products.

Role Of AI & Technology 

Improved Personalised Gaming: The rise in online interactions since the Covid-19 pandemic has raised expectations, exposing consumers to personalisation practices. This is where artificial intelligence (AI) can help players improve their abilities and comprehension by grasping their intent and implementing adaptive algorithms in fantasy games. These systems monitor real-time player performance, habits, and preferences to customise the game. Thus, by calculating the players' skill level, the AI grants these characters power through action, guaranteeing them to remain involved without becoming overwhelmed or bored. Furthermore, AI-driven personalisation approaches enable 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 bound to engage with pre-programmed NPCs. Historically, these characters followed simple, predictable patterns and were easy to outwit in combat. However, things have altered since AI took hold in the gaming business. AI is now enabling the creation of intelligent NPCs with complex behaviours and decision-making abilities. Furthermore, NPCs can adapt to player actions, learn from their behaviour, and respond in realistic and dynamic ways by utilising machine learning and natural language processing algorithms. In truth, NPCs in role-playing games can participate in intricate discourse dependent on the player's choices. As a result of this dynamic interaction between players and intelligent NPCs, the overall gameplay experience is enhanced, becoming more engaging and immersive.

 

Enhanced Graphics for Exciting Adventure: Given the changing preferences of consumers, it is certainly true that the unique watching experience will continue to evolve. Thus, to meet the user's expectations, technology is focusing heavily on increasing the graphic capabilities of fantasy games, resulting in visually attractive and realistic environments. Giving users a fantastic experience is vital to expanding in a competitive period. As a result, fantasy gaming platforms collaborated with AI to create a seamless user interface that guides a user through the clean interface and simple signup process. Although this advancement not only improves the overall visual experience but also immerses players in a virtual realm with monetary incentives, capturing their attention and increasing engagement.

 

Fraud Detection and Prevention: There has recently been an undeniable surge in fantasy games. However, this exponential expansion has created issues by offering a platform for hackers to attempt fraud. Thus, to mitigate the risk, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a blessing in disguise for identifying and preventing fraud through increased security. Fantasy gaming platforms that use AI to detect fraud can improve internal security and simplify operations for fantasy gaming businesses. When AI models detect fraudulent behaviour, they can immediately flag an account or refuse transactions. As a result, AI has emerged as an essential option for combating numerous online scams, enhancing user engagement, and driving multiple playthroughs.

AI and Technology: Building Blocks for Fantasy Gaming

It is not an overstatement to say that ever since new-age technologies barged into our lives, various industries have witnessed paradigm shifts, with gaming being no exception. AI and technology have come a long way in online gaming and had a profound impact on users of fantasy gaming as well. 

 

In addition, despite playing an important role in enhancing user engagement, the adoption of technology has changed the face of the gaming industry by boosting the growth structure. According to a joint report by Deloitte and the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), India's fantasy gaming industry is expected to grow massively and is poised to attain $3 billion at a CAGR of 30 per cent by FY27.

 

(The author is the Business Head at 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 game may be habit-forming or financially risky. Play responsibly. The information contained herein is merely based on parameters including but not limited to players’ past performance & records, players’ fitness & availability, ground conditions, weather conditions, etc. An individual intending to participate in any such fantasy sports game on any platform shall have to use his/her own skill, wisdom & judgement while creating a fantasy team. Accordingly, reader discretion is advised.