In the dynamic and competitive realm of video gaming, where innovation is constant and player engagement is the key to success, loyalty programs have emerged as one of the top strategic tools for video gaming businesses. These programs not only serve to retain players and encourage repeat visits but also create a sense of community and enhance the overall gaming experience. Let’s dive into the world of video gaming operators’ loyalty programs, exploring their significance, benefits, and how they are reshaping the landscape of modern video gaming.
Universal Gaming Group is proud to offer My Player Perks–Illinois’ newest, most valuable player loyalty program. To get My Player Perks in your establishment, click here to contact us or visit ugaminggroup.com/myplayerperks to learn more.
From Points to Value
Today’s gaming operators are utilizing loyalty programs that can create more memorable and rewarding experiences for players. While most loyalty programs are based on earning points, the focus is really on creating value for players, in and outside of the gaming space. They can even foster a sense of community–player to player, and player to their favorite neighborhood businesses. A well-executed loyalty program keeps players happy and engaged, benefiting the player and the business equally.
The Impact of Player Engagement
The ultimate goal of every video gaming loyalty program is to create happy players. As with any entertainment experience, when players walk away happy, they are more likely to engage with the experience again, and that has major benefits for video gaming businesses.
Extended Playtime
Most player loyalty programs offer an incentive to keep playing. This is due to simple economics–the longer the play time, the more investment the player makes in the game, and, in the long run, the higher the profit for the video gaming business. By tying loyalty rewards to longer play time, the players are getting tangible benefits the longer they play. This creates a winning scenario for both the player and the business.
Player Retention
Loyalty programs are one of the best ways to keep players in your establishment, especially when rewards are continuously accrued even if players take breaks here and there. This means that the other sources of income for your business can be multiplied by a retained player–food and beverage sales, for example. Players might take a break to order a sandwich and their favorite beverage, then return to play to gain more rewards.
Repeat Visits
Adding another benefit to gaming, aside from the standard experience and entertainment value, gives players a good reason to return to your establishment repeatedly. Adding loyalty rewards offers an added enticement for players to pop in whenever they might be in the area. Even just a few minutes here and there, as long as they are earning additional rewards, can add up to significant upticks in revenue for gaming businesses.
Organic Marketing
In the marketing world there are few tactics more successful than word of mouth. Engaged players want to share their excitement. Rewarded players feel even better about spreading the word. This type of community building has a powerful effect on the success of gaming business. By offering rewards players really want, they will naturally want to include their friends, families and neighbors. Businesses might consider sharing their players’ joy on their own social media accounts or anecdotally in the community to multiply the impact.
Increased Foot Traffic
Altogether, as word spreads about a player loyalty program, other players and even first-timers will want to get in on the rewards. With proper self-promotion, like clear and visible signage, and regular communications with customers, many businesses will see an increase in visitors. This is the perfect time to not only highlight the gaming loyalty program, but also other unique features, menu items or promotions for your establishment.
Crafting Successful Gaming Loyalty Programs
While player loyalty programs offer a great opportunity to connect with customers and increase profits, the key to success is creating a program that resonates with the intended audience and continues to engage them long after they sign up.
Tailored Rewards for Diverse Audiences
The best loyalty programs offer rewards that match the wants and desires of their audiences. Understanding customer demographics can help customize more meaningful rewards. Your audience might shop at certain retailers more than others or be outdoor enthusiasts, for example. Partner with the brands that matter most to your customers.
Gamification Elements
Injecting gamification elements into loyalty programs adds an extra layer of excitement and extra incentive to stay engaged. Achievements, badges, and tiered systems create a sense of progression, motivating players to unlock new “levels” and explore different facets of the loyalty program to maximize their rewards.
Surprises and Special Occasions
Who doesn’t love an unexpected bonus? Loyalty programs are perfect for small, personal gestures that go a long way toward player engagement, happiness and, ultimately, loyalty. Any number of occasions can be considered: birthdays, program anniversaries, seasonal bonuses, or exclusive member sweepstakes, for example. The more reasons you can give players to stay engaged and help spread the joy, the better.
Interactive and Dynamic Events and Opportunities
To keep things fresh, loyalty programs might consider dynamic events and player opportunities. These might be time-limited events, seasonally themed rewards, or collaborative goals across the program’s community of players.
The Powerful Strength of Gaming Loyalty Programs
Loyalty programs have become more than a bonus feature—they have evolved into a fundamental aspect of the video gaming player experience. Video gaming operators, by strategically crafting loyalty programs, not only retain their player base but also contribute to the growth and vibrancy of the gaming community. But the real strength of loyalty programs is in creating value–value for the player that extends beyond the game, and value for the businesses by fostering a loyal community of customers that impacts every level of the business.
