The iGaming world changes every day and evolves at the speed of light. New technologies, game types and incredible features emerge with a snap of the fingers, creating fast trends. However, the Human factor keeps being the decisive element for the success of any product. The power to connect with players unlocks a great performance, and cultural identity has a crucial role in this engagement process!
Crafting an online casino gaming experience is a complex challenge, and there are a lot of variables to consider in the development process. Besides all the elements that ensure a smooth and pleasant gaming experience, such as technologies, graphics, sounds, game modes or features, there is a concept that players are craving: personalization.
If you analyze the current portfolio of different game providers attentively, you will notice one clear trend. Game studios are more and more investing time and resources in the creation of entertainment products that can establish a personal and emotional connection with online casino players. In this pursuit to touch each player’s heart with localized gaming offers, culture has a decisive role, and you may wonder why. Well, these are three good reasons.
1. Cultural (In)sensitivity can dictate success or failure
The cultural sensitivity concept is fundamental when launching new products. If we do not have cultural sensitivity while creating and developing new products, we might feel the effects of this poor decision on the player’s feedback.
Rushing to meet market demands may lead to cultural mistakes, such as using inappropriate terms or touching on unpopular topics within a specific culture. When we are not aware of the cultural habits or the verbal and body language practiced in a specific country, we can easily use inappropriate terms, establish wrong connections or touch on topics that are unpopular in the local culture.
On the other hand, being culturally sensitive during the creation process facilitates the launch of products that resonate with players culturally and gain an advantage by capturing and retaining the user base's attention in a competitive market. We facilitate the connection with players and build an emotional bridge that will impact them and make the games stand out and last in their minds for future occasions.
2. Cultural references can be a trigger for higher engagement
We live in a world with a fast routine. Trends come and go in hours with the intervention of local influencers, and the hot topic of the day can have a massive impact on the performance of any product. When a game evokes a trending topic, event, or specific cultural trace that is especially valued in the current days, it has the power to make players travel.
A simple background image that reminds us of a trendy destination or the sound of a big win that takes us to the biggest hit of the moment in our country, are two examples of mental connections that a game can facilitate. These triggers activated by a clear cultural identification form a special bond between games and Humans. They create a special mood or spirit around the entertainment experience, which can be the reason behind strong user engagement and player retention.
Cultural references, when worked with purpose, have the power to engage online casino players in a way that can make them choose a specific game instead of other products.
3. Culture is also expressed in the favorite game types!
The beauty of culture is that we can manifest it in several ways. The way we speak, dress, dance, act, and the games we play certainly define our cultural identity! Different nations have distinct gaming habits and preferences that are often noticeable. Is it hard to picture? Let’s see the example of my motherland, Brazil.
In Brazil, we can easily identify two gaming currents: nostalgic and emergent. In the nostalgic category, we have the video bingos. This popular game type had its boom in the 90s and there are millions of players nowadays wishing to revive the atmosphere of the old bingo sites and the joy feeling of playing bingo in electronic devices.
In the emergent Brazilian iGaming trends, crash games are leading the growing products. This game type is more immediate, simple and has a strong component of suspense, raising the attention and preference of the younger generations.
If we apply the same analysis to countries in different parts of the globe, we will find different patterns and preferences in each country. What we do know for sure is that online casino gaming providers who can successfully blend the favored game types of a specific country with significant visual or sound references for the native population are more likely to secure the golden ticket to success.
Overall, cultural identity is a crucial factor in determining the success of online casino games. The increasing demand for customized and personalized products in the global iGaming landscape aligns perfectly with the significance of cultural compatibility. When game studios address cultural identity effectively, they can avoid basic mistakes in their commercial strategies and improve key performance indicators such as player engagement and loyalty. Furthermore, this approach contributes to broader market reach and the creation of unique entertainment experiences for online players. Ultimately, the cultural match between a game and its players can be the motivating factor for their return to the online casino in the future.
Roberto Regianini
CEO FBMDS
