Industries of all kinds are experiencing the winds of digital change, but few had to race there faster than gaming. Digitisation has breathed new life into these businesses, opening new revenue streams, and keeping some alive – but has also paved the way for innovation and growth. With approximately 3 billion mobile players in 2023, and a market worth almost $100 billion, it’s no wonder the desire to evolve was so strong. We’re looking at some of the most successful stories of gaming digitization.
SkyCity – Bridging Realms
SkyCity is one of the examples of a gaming powerhouse that successfully made the leap from brick-and-mortar to digital in 2020. Starting as a chain of physical casinos, SkyCity launched an online platform, and quickly transitioned its games to simple, digital offshoots. This wasn’t a new concept, plenty were doing the same in the casino industry, but SkyCity’s ability to wield its own existing brand recognition made it popular in both realms, fairly well. 
As a newcomer to casino gaming, SkyCity is one that might interest you because it’s so well-used, and trusted already, which has proven to be a major consumer green flag when cash deposits are involved. From slots to table games, the success of SkyCity’s digital venture exemplifies how established gaming brands can effectively expand their reach and cater to a broader audience by embracing digital platforms.
Nintendo – The Console Icon
Nintendo, a name synonymous with gaming since the beginning, has demonstrated a remarkable transition from traditional console-based gaming to the all-digital landscape. With the launch of the Nintendo eShop, players can purchase and download a vast library of games directly to their consoles. This isn’t a standalone feature, but Nintendo figured out it would be key to winning consumers early on, and started building it before many others. This digital evolution has not only streamlined the gaming experience but has also provided a platform for indie developers to showcase their creations, resulting in a more vibrant ecosystem of content.
Riot Games – Forging Esports Empires
Riot Games is renowned for its immensely popular game League of Legends and has seamlessly digitized its esports ecosystem. While the game’s physical presence is felt through esports tournaments in arenas, the digital realm is where fans gather to watch matches, engage with content, and even purchase in-game items that contribute to prize pools. Riot Games’ ability to connect players, spectators, and the gaming community on digital platforms has propelled esports to new heights.
Zynga – Social Gaming Revolution
Zynga, a pioneer in social gaming, embraced the potential of digital platforms early on. With titles like FarmVille and Words With Friends, Zynga captured the attention of casual gamers and brought gaming to the forefront of social interactions. By providing games that could be played across platforms, including social media networks, Zynga tapped into the interconnectedness of the digital world to create a gaming phenomenon.
The ability to provide seamless, interactive, and engaging experiences online has become a necessity, but the speed some of these brands moved gave them an advantage of being trendsetters who could win over an audience early. These successful digitization stories underscore the importance of adaptability and innovation in an industry that evolves on the cutting edge of technology.
The stories of SkyCity, Nintendo, and Riot Games serve as inspiration for others. Their transitions from physical establishments to digital hubs demonstrated an ability to take calculated risks, understand their users and seize potential growth.
By embracing digital payment methods, co-op play modes, and building marketplaces, these gaming entities not only retain loyal customers but also tapped into new markets and avenues for revenue generation. The journey from bricks to clicks is a testament to the dynamic nature of the gaming industry and its commitment to adapting to the changing times.
