Despite being an informal event, the Digital South Meetup in Charleston proved to be very productive. Representatives from the IT and game development industries, as well as studios involved in developing digital products, discussed the current issues facing the industry. The central topic of discussion was fascinating: how the online entertainment industry is transforming. Whereas it previously consisted of classic slot machines, it now features interactive platforms that are distinguished by their visual complexity. They operate at the intersection of gaming, streaming, and blockchain.
Tom Nayson was the keynote speaker at the meeting. He has been a consultant in the iGaming industry for more than ten years. He is known for his work with companies such as Evolution, SoftSwiss, and Pragmatic Play. His presentation emphasized that the online entertainment industry is currently undergoing one of its most active periods of development. Over the past two decades, this transformation can rightly be considered one of the most significant. Whereas it was once more akin to a “digitization” of traditional casinos, it is now a completely new experience, both visually and in terms of meaning. The process is being gamified, interfaces are being customized, and players are being allowed to communicate with each other. All of this is no longer something unusual, but a new standard.
This is easily confirmed with examples — for instance, the live casino format, which has become one of the fastest-growing segments in a large number of online casinos over the past few years. At the same time, games with live dealers are not just a repetition of what happens in real casinos. They offer shows and visual effects that provide a new level of engagement. New tools include personalized chats for players and integration with Twitch and YouTube Live. The live casino category is experiencing high-speed growth, with annual growth rates of 25-30%. It is extreme in regions such as Southeast Asia, South America, and India.
Games that are focused on a mobile-first audience were also discussed at the event. This makes sense, as around 70% of users play games from their smartphones. This is radically changing the logic behind design and everything else.
An example of this approach is the Aviatrix game, where not only the design but also the game mechanics have been adapted to the vertical format. It can be launched even with a weak internet connection, making it popular in regions such as Eastern Europe and Africa, where mobile internet connections are often unstable. Here, almost anyone can play Aviatrix game using a smartphone or tablet.
The Web3 entertainment segment is also experiencing a phase of rapid growth. These games involve ownership of in-game assets, as they are built on blockchain technology. Such assets can include skins, game planes, and other similar items. Similar mechanics are used in a wide variety of games, from Sorare to ICE Poker. Such a gaming product is a symbiosis of gaming, social activity, and collecting. The primary consumers of such products are the Philippines, India, and Brazil. They provide a low entry threshold and maximum engagement.
The event also discussed trust as a crucial factor without which the industry's future is unimaginable. Users are increasingly paying attention to the game's design, whether it is licensed, and the overall quality of the product.
The Digital South Meetup is expected to become a regular format that will allow representatives of the iGaming industry to gather and exchange ideas. And Charleston may become the center for the emergence of the next innovative product.