Games24x7 Success  Story: Revolutionizing Online Gaming in India

Games24x7 Success Story

Introduction

Today, the Indian gaming landscape is witnessing explosive growth. A key player in this revolution is Games24x7. It is one of India’s most successful online gaming companies. It achieved a shocking valuation of ₹21,000 crore that lead it to official unicorn status, setting a benchmark in the Indian Gaming industry.

What’s the story behind this success story of Games24x7? Here is a blog that inspires us for Games24x7.

Company Overview

Games24x7 was founded in the year 2006 in Mumbai. It started as a mobile gaming company that became a common household name during IPL(Indian Premier League), it currently accommodates over 100 million registered users.

In FY 2022, Games24x7 became unicorn after crossing the valuation benchmark of ₹21,000 crore. It offers skill-based games like rummy on Rummycircle and My11circle alongside casual gaming, it captured several millions of Indian users daily over the platform.

Founder Profile

Bhavin Pandya and Trivikraman Thampy, the co-founder & the minds behind Games24x7, are two passionate entrepreneurs who combined their skills and vision to create one of India’s most innovative gaming companies.

Bhavin Pandya, an engineering graduate from Purdue University, and Trivikraman Thampy, an engineering alumnus of IIT Bombay, and PhD in Economics from New York University, envisioned a digital platform where Indian users could experience skill-based online games. Their synergy, combined with their sharp understanding of technology, data, and user experience, formed the bedrock of Games24x7’s incredible journey.

The Genesis of Games24x7

The story of Games24x7 began with a simple idea: to build an online platform that allowed users to engage in games that require skills rather than just luck. Bhavin and Trivikraman faced several obstacles initially as India’s digital infrastructure and acceptance of online gaming were not as promising as today. They focused on developing RummyCircle, a skill-based rummy game, where users will get an interesting experience with an opportunity to win rewards. With smartphones and internet connectivity booming, Games24x7 boomed along with them.

Secret Mantra behind Games24x7 success story

The secret behind success at Games24x7 lies in its user-centric approach. Unlike most of the gaming platforms, understanding player behavior through data analytics has always been highlighted while developing Games24x7. That helped the company constantly improve its platform for an experience that retained it and encouraged bringing friends onboard. Diversification of games on the other hand-the diversification from merely holding skill-based games to encompass fantasy sports also helped touch a wider audience.

Business Strategy

Games24x7 adopted a two-pronged strategy to scale and diversify the business. The company went for diversification rather than having a limited focus on just one type of game; instead, it diversified its presence in every segment of online gaming from rummy, fantasy sports, to casual games. This enabled the company to capture all possible user demographics, hence it was well-positioned for a cutthroat competitive business. Further strategy was by using data science and artificial intelligence for the game to understand user preferences, which they could refine continually.

Revenue Model

How does Games24x7 make money?

The company operates on a freemium model. Most of the games are free to play, but users can pay for extra features, entry into exclusive leagues, and special tournaments. Another revenue stream is advertising. Since it is based on preference, the advertisement revenue can be substantial. Additionally, fantasy sports platforms such as My11Circle provide entry fees for contests, which makes it an extremely profitable business.

Market and Market Share

The Indian gaming market has grown exponentially, and Games24x7 has captured a huge chunk of it. Today, India’s gaming market is valued at over $2 billion and is expected to grow further. Games24x7, with its diverse portfolio, commands a huge market share, especially in the fantasy sports and skill-based gaming categories. The company has carved a niche by offering games that appeal to users from different backgrounds and interests, which few competitors can match.

Key partnerships & Collaboration:

Partnerships have been instrumental in Games24x7’s journey. The company partnered with eminent cricketers such as Sourav Ganguly to create the viral movement at My11Circle in fantasy sports. This gave more credibility and visibility to the platform and allowed it to penetrate the Indian market a little more. Strategic ties with technology firms have also aided Games24x7 in integrating the latest developments in gaming technology, making the platform always innovative.

It even sometimes encourages players to pause and step away from the game to prioritize their healthy gaming habits. This focus on responsible gaming not only sets Games24x7 apart from competitors but also demonstrates a commitment to supporting its users beyond the game, fostering a healthier and more sustainable gaming environment.

Challenges and Opportunities

Every success story has a set of challenges, and that is true for Games24x7’s journey as well. The regulatory constraints were there for online gaming in the sense that different states in India had different legal provisions for gambling and games of skill. Still, the company saw tremendous potential, especially in mobile gaming, which was growing really fast.

Games24x7 capitalized on this, releasing new games and strengthening its foothold in the fantasy sports segment, thus establishing itself in the Indian market.

Important lessons to learn from the journey of Games24x7:

User-Centric Approach Is Key:

Games24x7’s main success factor lies in its deep study of consumer preferences. When the data analytics of various games could be used recurrently and improved upon, its customer satisfaction was assured over time. User needs in preference over quick profits allow for sustaining growth and hence user retention.

Diversity in Offerings:

In doing so, Games24x7 wasn’t limited to a singular game or genre, it reached a broader audience that way. Product diversification helps a company stay afloat and be relevant amidst a dynamic market.

Strategic partnerships are driving growth:

The collaborations, such as Games24x7 with cricket icons, have helped enhance brand credibility and increase its reach. It can establish trust with customers and improve visibility by partnering with famous personalities or brands.

Adaptability in a Changing Market:

Games24x7 made it through the regulatory processes by emphasizing skill-based games, which are more tolerated in India. This was a flexibility that required continuous monitoring of market trends and rapid adjustments. 

Leverage Technology for Competitive Advantage:

Games24x7’s data-driven approach and adoption of AI have kept its gaming experience fresh and engaging. Using technology not only enhances the user experience but can also help a company stay ahead of competitors by anticipating user needs. 

The journey of Games24x7 underlines innovation, focus on users, and strategic growth as the determinants for forming a sustainable and valuable business.

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