Behind the Scenes: Product Management in GameDev vs iGaming Industries

In the realm of entertainment and adrenaline-pumping experiences, two industries reign supreme: gaming and iGaming (gambling). Both worlds tantalize our desire for challenge, excitement, and escapism. However, beneath the surface of captivating gameplay and thrilling stakes lies a intricate world of product management, where creativity, strategy, and psychology converge. Having worked in iGaming before, and transitioning to game development several months ago, I can assure you that the inner workings of these industries are far more intricate than meets the eye.

Let's delve behind the scenes and explore the fascinating world of product management in gaming and gambling, where creativity, strategy, and a touch of psychology converge.

Key Differences

Revenue Streams: A Tale of Control and Probability

• In the gaming industry, product managers wield a substantial degree of control over their revenue streams. This control is attributed to monetization strategies, in-game purchases, microtransactions and ads that can be flexibly adjusted.
• In contrast, in the gambling industry, product managers have less direct control over revenue generation. The profit is primarily determined by the mathematical odds of RTP (Return To Player), with product managers focusing on optimizing the gaming experience while respecting these predefined probabilities.

UX vs. Profitability: Prioritizing the Player vs. the Bottom Line

• Gaming product managers are deeply immersed in the realm of user experience (UX), where the player's journey and enjoyment are paramount. They strive to create captivating and user-friendly interfaces, ensuring players are engaged and delighted, which in turn converge to better profitability.
• In the gambling industry, profitability takes center stage. While UX remains important, product managers must often prioritize maximizing revenue without compromising the fairness and integrity of the games.

Microanalytics vs. High-Level Metrics: Delving into Individual Behaviors vs. Overall Performance

• In gaming, product managers delve into microanalytics, closely examining individual player behaviors, interactions, preferences, i.e. why did X number of users clicked the particular button at that specific time, is that change statistically significant, why and how people get matched for multiplayer feature, etc. This fine-grained analysis informs decisions about game design and improvements.
• In contrast, gambling product managers often focus on higher-level metrics that gauge overall platform performance, such as total revenue, user acquisition rates, CAC, retention and churn.

Single Application vs. Multifaceted Platform: Managing a Singular Experience vs. a Diverse Ecosystem

• Gaming product managers are typically responsible for a single application, the game itself. They work to perfect and evolve that specific experience.
• In contrast, gambling product managers oversee entire platforms encompassing multiple games. These platforms must provide a seamless and secure environment for users to access various betting options. In some cases, product managers in iGaming are also responsible for sportsbook management (but usually, that is overtaken by other PMs), which is even more complex in terms of management.

Game Design vs. Multifaceted Responsibilities: Focusing on Creativity vs. Juggling Diverse Tasks

• In gaming, the core focus lies on game design and storytelling, with product managers constantly innovating and creating captivating content.
• In gambling, product managers must wear multiple hats. They engage in game procurement, payment processing, regulatory compliance, and negotiations with game vendors, among other responsibilities.

Acquisition Challenges: Attracting New Players in a Saturated Landscape

• In the gaming industry, acquiring new players is typically less of a challenge than in the gambling industry. This is because games are often marketed through channels such as social media and app stores, which have a wide reach.
• In the gambling industry, acquiring new players is a constant challenge. This is due to regulatory restrictions, marketing limitations (major marketing channels having strict regulations against gambling promotions), and competition from other operators. Product managers must constantly find new ways to attract and retain players while overcoming ads platforms' restrictions.

The Cornerstone of Product: Storytelling vs. Games of Chance

• Gaming product managers craft immersive stories and character arcs that captivate players. Storytelling is a cornerstone of game design.
• In gambling, storytelling takes a back seat as the focus is on games of chance, where the primary attraction is the excitement of wagering and the possibility of winning.

Monetization Options: A Spectrum of Possibilities vs Traditional Methods

• In the gaming industry, there are a variety of monetization options available to product managers. They can sell games directly to consumers, offer in-app purchases, use subscription models or ads, sell cosmetics, virtual goods, and many other things - creativity is your limit!
• In the gambling industry, monetization is mostly limited. Operators typically earn revenue from a percentage of bets placed, and the creativity comes from bonuses wagering, and new promotional events.

Data Security: A Concern vs A Top Priority

• While data security is a concern in both industries, it becomes one of the top priorities in the gambling sector due to the financial transactions and sensitive information involved.
• Gambling product managers must ensure the highest level of security to protect user data and financial assets. And gambling operators get hacked much more often than game developers.

Game Focus: Single vs. Portfolio

• Game product managers typically focus on a single game, investing their efforts in perfecting and enhancing that specific title to the highest levels.
• In contrast, gambling product managers usually oversee an entire platform that includes vast portfolio of games, which need to be regularly rotated to ensure meeting new trends, each requiring attention to ensure optimal performance and player satisfaction.

Conclusion

The Gaming Guru: Orchestrating Pixels and Passion

In the gaming realm, a product manager is the maestro of captivating experiences, the architect of virtual worlds that transport players into realms of adventure, fantasy, and competition. Their role is to orchestrate a symphony of creativity, technology, and user engagement, ensuring that each game not only captivates but also leaves a lasting impression.

The journey of a game begins with a spark of inspiration, an idea that ignites the imagination of designers and developers. The product manager, armed with a deep understanding of player psychology and market trends, guides this vision through the labyrinth of development, ensuring that every pixel and every line of code aligns with the game's overarching goals.

User experience (UX) is paramount in gaming product management. The product manager meticulously crafts the game's interface, ensuring that it is intuitive, responsive, and visually appealing. They delve into the minds of players, anticipating their every move and ensuring that every interaction, from button presses to character movements, feels seamless and satisfying.

The Gambling Architect: Balancing Thrills and Responsibility

The world of gambling is a delicate dance between excitement and responsibility, a realm where the allure of winning meets the need for fair play and ethical practices. The product manager in this industry navigates this intricate balance, crafting games that tantalize without exploiting.

They must adhere to strict regulations and ethical guidelines, ensuring that their products are designed with player protection at the forefront. They analyze player behavior, identifying potential risks and implementing safeguards to prevent harm.

The psychology of gambling plays a crucial role in product design. The product manager understands the motivations that drive players, the thrill of the chase, and the anticipation of a win. They carefully balance these psychological elements with responsible gaming practices, ensuring that the excitement doesn't overshadow player well-being.

Embrace the Thrill of Product Management

The world of product management in gaming and gambling is a captivating blend of creativity, strategy, and a touch of psychology. It's a realm where passion for games and an understanding of human behavior intersect, where innovation meets responsibility, and where the future of entertainment is being shaped. If you're seeking a career that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging, consider stepping into this dynamic world and embracing the thrill of product management in gaming and gambling.