Types of iGaming Software - Which Works Best?
In an online casino, there are many different types of iGaming software solutions that operators can purchase for their business. Some companies prefer downloadable software, while others go with instant play, or mobile software, or even a combination of these categories and various others. In this article, we’ll take a look at the basic types of iGaming software solutions, as well as their strengths and weaknesses, to help your company make the right choice.
Table of contents
- Downloadable Software
1.1 Upsides
1.1.1 Less reliant on stable internet
1.1.2 Lower bandwidth costs for the player
1.1.3 Lower server hosting costs for your company
1.2 Downsides
1.2.1 Cheating potential
1.2.2 Heavier device load
1.2.3 Device incompatibility - Instant Play
2.1 Upsides
2.1.1 More Compatibility
2.1.2 Convenience and Accessibility
2.2 Downsides
2.2.1 Internet Reliant
2.2.2 Lower Quality Graphics - Mobile Apps
3.1 Upsides
3.2 Downsides - Other Software Types
- Conclusion
Downloadable Software
Downloadable software covers any sort of game from iGaming software providers that your players have to download to their own devices before they can start playing. Once this software is downloaded, most of the files will be stored on their device. The players can then launch it at any time, and the software on their device will connect to your company’s servers, sending and receiving commands as they play. Downloadable software used to be much more common at online casinos, but nowadays many have switched over to Instant Play.
Upsides
Less reliant on stable internet: Aside from the initial download, a downloadable software game is less reliant on a player’s stable internet connection. Since a lot of the assets are client-side, there will be less things to load and commands to issue, meaning more stable gameplay if their connection is weak.
Lower bandwidth costs for the player: In the long term, downloadable software from iGaming software providers saves playera quite a bit in terms of their data and bandwidth, as they don’t need to keep re-downloading assets, sounds, and so on from your casino’s servers.
Lower server hosting costs for your company: On the other hand, downloadable software from an iGaming software provider also saves your company money, because you won’t need to host as many assets on your servers either, since a lot of the files will be stored on their device
Downsides
Cheating potential: One of the major risk factors of using downloadable software is the potential for a player to cheat by modifying the software on their end, or sending bogus commands. While there are security measures that can mitigate this, it still presents a bigger risk for your company to overcome, compared to Instant Play software.
Heavier device load: Since a lot more files are stored and run from the player’s device, the load will be heavier on it. Players with weaker devices or limited storage space may not be able to run your company’s iGaming software well.
Device incompatibility: Speaking of device load, downloadable software may also run into the issue of device compatibility for many users. In your company’s online casino, you want to ensure as many people as possible can play. If a lot of your players have low-end devices, device incompatibility with downloaded software may significantly affect your earnings.
Instant Play
Instant Play software, as the name implies, is an iGaming software solution that launches almost instantly. This is because it is usually hosted on the casino company’s servers, and can be played directly from web browsers without downloading.
Upsides
More Compatibility: Since Instant Play games are run from your casino’s online server, there are less potential conflicts with device hardware, meaning many more players can enjoy Instant Play games.
Convenience and Accessibility: Instant Play is more convenient for players, in terms of being able to play easily without installation, launching speed, and device space.
Downsides
Internet Reliant: Of course, those of your players without a stable Internet connection are out of luck, since Instant Play relies so heavily on one.
Lower Quality Graphics: To make Instant Play games more compatible for many users, and to reduce bandwidth to an acceptable level, the graphical quality of Instant Play games is usually lower than downloadable versions.
Mobile Apps
The third main type of iGaming software on this list is mobile apps, which are applications made compatible with mobile devices. Technically, mobile apps overlap with both categories, as they can be run server-side, or made available for download.
Some casino providers have also expanded their games list by offering games designed exclusively as mobile apps!
Upsides
Very Convenient & Accessible: Mobile apps, by their nature, are very, very convenient for your customers. By using their mobile devices, these customers can play mobile app games anywhere, any time!
Downsides
Limited options: While many iGaming providers have started hopping onto the mobile app bandwagon, a lot of them still offer limited choices compared to computers. Adapting games for mobile devices requires extra development resources, and not every provider can devote the time and effort to do so.
Other Software Types
Aside from those three categories, there are other emerging types your company should look out for.
For example, blockchain games, also known as crypto games, where the games incorporate virtual currencies like cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Or virtual reality games, which involve overlaying virtual constructs on the real world.
All these and more can give rise to many interesting developments in the field of iGaming software solutions.
Conclusion
The important thing is to ensure your company selects the right provider, as your iGaming software provider can provide assistance and advice in choosing iGaming software that best suits your casino and its target market. Companies like Nautilus Games usually offer multiple options, which means your company has the flexibility to decide on its choices.