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The global online gaming industry has shown rapid growth overall, with skill-based games presenting a particularly rapid area of growth. They differ from chance-based gaming models in that they are based on skills rather than chance, making it easier to establish them in regions due to their entertainment potential.
If you are planning to enter the online gaming business, launching a skill-based gaming website is a good business opportunity for you.
In this guide, we will walk you through all the things you need to know, from planning and technology to monetization and launch strategy. Learn How to Start an Online Skill-Based Gaming Platform.
What is a Skill-Based Gaming Platform?
A skill-based gaming platform provides services that feature online games, where outcomes are primarily “influenced by skill level and not by chance.”
Common Skill-Based Game Categories
Card strategy games
Puzzle and logic games
Fantasy Sports (Skill Sports)
Strategy Board Games
Strategic
Multiplayer casual competitive games
Esport mini games
Such platforms usually emphasize elements like engagement, competition, and entertainment.
Why Skill-Based Gaming Platforms Are Rising
1️⃣ Growing Mobile Gaming Audience
Smartphone penetration and affordable internet access help to expand the gaming user base globally.
2️⃣ Strong Player Competitive gameplay allows them to stay longer compared to non-competitive single-player games.
3️⃣ Flexible Monetization Model
Platforms can make money without having to deal with overly risky monetization models.
4️⃣ E-Sports/Social Gaming Expansion
Players like playing against each other, but they also like playing against people around the world.
How to Start a Skill Based Gaming Platform Step by Step:
Step 1 - Define Your Game (Niche):
What type of skill-based game would you like to start with?
When defining your niche, think about:
Who am I trying to reach? (Casual vs. Competitive)
Is it a Web-based, Mobile-based or Cross-Platform Game?
Is it a Single-Player or Multiplayer Game?
What types of games are popular in the region I want to target?
Pro Tip: Multiplayer Casual skill-based games tend to scale faster on new platforms than Single Player Casual skill-based games.
Step 2 - Model your Business:
There are many ways to monetize a skill-based gaming platform:
In-Game Purchases (Skins, Avatars, Themes)
Battle Pass Memberships
Ad Financing (Reward Video, Short Banner)
Tournament Entry for Virtual Prize(s)
Paid Game Use (Example: Paid to Enter a Skill-based Game)
When launching your platform you should focus initially on providing the best experience for your players, then worry about monetizing your platform after establishing a large enough user base.
Step 3 - Tech Stack:
Having a good technical foundation is critical in order for your platform to provide users with a stable playing environment and scale to support all players using your platform simultaneously.
Frontend:
Unity/Unreal/ HTML5/ Flutter
Backend:
Nodejs
Java
Python
Database:
MongoDB
PostgreSQL
Cloud Services:
Amazon (AWS)
Google Cloud
Microsoft Azure
Step 4 - Build Platform Features:
Your platform needs to have at least the following features for novice players to have a good experience:
Secure Player Authentication
Matchmaking for players looking for other players to play against
Rankings and Leaderboards
In-Game Chat/Social
Anti-Cheat/Fair Play
Analytics/Dashboard
Payment Gateway (if selling to Players)
Step Five: UI/UX Focus
A successful gaming experience relates to usability and design.
Best Practices for UI/UX:
- Quick Loading Speed
- Simple Onboarding Process
- Progression Rewards Clearly Defined
- Fluid Animations
- Mobile First
Step Six: Compliance & Responsible Gaming
Pre-Launch Steps:
- Compliance with Regional Digital Gaming Regulations
- Create Clear Terms of Service
- Provide Responsible Gaming Messaging
- Have Game Mechanics Clearly Defined & Transparent
- Enforce Fair Play Policy
Step Seven: Pre-Launch Test
Forms of Testing Include:
- Alpha - Internal Testing
- Beta - Small Group of Users
- Load - Server Performance
- Security - Data Protection
Step Eight: Marketing and Launch Strategy
Top 5 Marketing Strategies:
- Social Media Marketing
- Influencer Partnerships
- App Store Optimization
- Gaming Communities & Discord Groups
- Performance Advertisements based on Region
Revenue Models of Skill Based Gaming Platforms
Most Successful Skill Based Platforms Use Several Revenue Streams, Some of Which Are Listed Below:
Model Definition
In-Game Purchases body style upgrades normally decorative
Subscription Type of purchase is usually a monthly fee with VIP style features to access
Advertising Requiring a video ad viewed for in-game reward
Brand Building or Tournament Sponsoring Setting up a sponsored tournament with a brand for marketing purposes
Merchandise Buying clothing/hats/other products featuring or designed for a game
Future Development Trends in Skill Based Gaming Platforms
AI-Based Matchmaking
Game Difficulty Personalization
Cross-Platform Play & Game Creation
Social Tournament Environments
Cloud Gaming Technology
SEE ALSO: Future Outlook Of Skill Gaming Industry
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Failure To Account For Scalability;
Ignore Poor Matchmaking;
Lengthy Onboarding Process;
Lax Cheating Detection;
Too Much Monetization Of New User Engagements
🏁 Final Thoughts
This was How to Start an Online Skill-Based Gaming Platform. The process of establishing an online skill-based gaming platform requires founders to find equilibrium between three critical elements which include technological infrastructure, player psychological needs, and their business market research methods. Platforms that focus on fair gameplay, strong community features, and smooth user experience will achieve better long-term success rates.
The combination of an appropriate development partner together with scalable infrastructure and a player-first design approach enables skill-based gaming platforms to achieve significant growth within the competitive gaming industry of today.
