Today’s online gaming market is currently worth $76.7 million (£64.76 million) and is expected to grow to over $127 million (£107.23 million) by 2025. This is a compound annual growth rate of over 10%, showing just how many people are playing bingo nowadays. Online bingo is one of the biggest sectors in this growing industry contributing to its speedy growth.
In today’s saturated digital landscape, providers are doing what they can to attract more users. Creating an aesthetically pleasing design is one of the main ways they are doing so, as it contributes to customer satisfaction and the overall user experience. So it goes without saying that it is important to be familiar with the key elements of creating an online bingo site, which ensures users have an enjoyable time as they play. So, here are three variables that can truly make or break their experience:
Visual design
Online bingo platforms don’t have the same graphics as video games such as The Last of Us, a post-apocalyptic game known for its detailed and realistic character design. Many bingo providers are still utilising flash-powered programmes, which were mainly used in the earlier years of the internet as they were easy to process. Nowadays, putting more effort into making the game look good and modern is very important, especially as the old graphics are becoming obsolete. Adding small details like textures, shadows, and smoother animations can go a long way in aiding visual design.
There are also a host of themes that different online bingo games have and use to their advantage in attracting new players. There is currently a wide range of concepts being utilised by developers as proven by the games on leading UK bingo platform Foxy Bingo. The gaming giant showcases bingo games from popular TV brands like Deal or No Deal and Friends that often become their flagship games due to the TV series’ existing fan base. Adding visual references to these themes helps entice more people to play, making it a key aspect of a programme’s design.
Ease of use
Having an intuitive user interface is also an important factor that contributes to customer experience. People won’t play a game they don’t understand how to operate. Having a platform that beginners and experts alike can navigate through will encourage them to continue using the online bingo platform, as well as boost the likelihood that they will recommend the site to others. Keeping the design simple is one of the best ways to make the programme easy to navigate. Make sure all important buttons and information are always within line of sight, such as the mark and call button as well as the called ball numbers.
Immersive atmosphere
Many avid bingo players enjoy the feeling of playing with a group of people and being part of a community, which is what detracts them from using online platforms. This makes an immersive atmosphere a key variable in programme design. This can come in the form of being able to sit at virtual tables, being able to chat with those around players, and even hearing the numbers being verbally called. Being able to simulate a bingo hall through virtual means will heighten the user experience and make it more positive. Real-time bingo games shows are becoming even more popular nowadays, and the aforementioned Foxy Bingo have become an industry leader with their Deal or No Deal The Big Draw live game show that provides a much more immersive experience than other standard games.
Good game design has its role in making online bingo enjoyable for players. These key factors are a few of the main things that people first consider when it comes to whether or not they will use a platform. More providers are seeking to create a roster of rooms and programmes that better cater to these aspects of user experience. And this will ultimately determine their success in the space in the coming years.
