Remember those days when “get off the games!” echoed from parents around the globe? Well, those days are officially in the past. The reason? Gaming is no longer child’s play. Today, the average age of a gamer well exceeds 30 years, and it is quite unproductive for anyone to instruct an adult of that age to “get off the games”.
The journey of the gaming industry is a tale of underdogs and upstarts. From its humble beginnings as a bored child’s pastime, it has defied expectations and exploded into the fastest-growing entertainment sector. Today, gaming outshines long-established giants like TV, movies, and music.
The Middle East is fast transforming into fertile ground for the gaming industry. Unlike other regions, several GCC countries are embracing the gaming boom, recognizing its potential for economic growth and diversification.
Take Saudi Arabia, for instance. They’ve unleashed an ambitious National Gaming and Esports Strategy, aiming to create a staggering 40,000 jobs and develop 30 games over the next few years. That’s not all – the UAE is charging in with initiatives like AD Gaming and the DMCC Gaming Center, aiming to attract global gaming giants while nurturing local talent.
These proactive investments showcase the region’s commitment to becoming a major player (pun unintended!) in the global gaming arena. This presents a unique opportunity for telecommunications companies (telcos) and digital workspace providers to synergize their offerings and create a compelling value proposition for gamers.
Here’s how telcos can power the playground by forming an alliance with digital workspace providers.
Gamers crave a seamless experience, and network performance is the foundation of that. Here’s where Telcos can step up their game by investing in infrastructure upgrades to provide consistent low latency.
With technologies like AWS Outposts (fully managed AWS solutions that bring AWS infrastructure, services, API, and tools directly to a customer’s on-premises location), making their entry in the Egyptian and Saudi markets, respectively, edge computing is getting a facelift. This focus on network performance and edge computing translates into a competitive edge and an immersive, enjoyable experience for gamers.
Cloud-based solutions go beyond just offering access to high-performance hardware. They unlock a suite of features that enhance user experience and address common pain points for gamers. Remote access allows gamers to seamlessly switch between devices, picking up their progress on the go or switching to a powerful PC for demanding games.
Telcos investing in Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) and bundling network plans with devices can potentially create interesting synergies with digital workspace solutions to offer gaming services. By offering devices through DaaS, telcos can make high-powered gaming devices more accessible to customers, potentially expanding the market for their gaming services. This is particularly relevant considering the often high upfront cost of gaming PCs and consoles.
In today’s saturated telecom market, differentiation is key to attracting and retaining customers. Bundling thoughtfully curated gaming services with demonstrably improved performance and user experience offers Telcos a powerful weapon in their competitive arsenal.
Imagine offering dedicated gaming plans with prioritized bandwidth and low latency, ensuring seamless gameplay even during peak network usage. Combine this with exclusive access to cloud-based gaming libraries, empowering gamers to play demanding games on any device. Add in features like personalized recommendations, in-game rewards, and secure cloud storage for game saves and progress, and you’ve created a compelling value proposition that sets you apart. By focusing on the specific needs and desires of the ever-growing gaming community, Telcos can unlock a loyal customer base and establish themselves as the go-to providers for a truly immersive and hassle-free gaming experience.
The gaming landscape is no longer a playground for the young – it’s a burgeoning economic powerhouse with a global audience. This presents a golden opportunity for a powerful alliance: Telcos, with their network muscle, and digital workspace providers, armed with innovative solutions.
By joining forces, they can transcend individual offerings and create a holistic gaming ecosystem unmatched in its seamlessness, performance, and value. Beyond the competitive edge and enhanced user experience, Telcos and digital workspace providers can unlock new revenue streams through a strategic collaboration.
But it isn’t just about revenue generation; it’s about unlocking the full potential of the gaming experience for millions.
As the lines between entertainment and technology continue to blur, this alliance stands poised to become the cornerstone of a thriving gaming future, empowering players and shaping the industry for years to come.
Curious? Don’t hesitate to reach out to my colleagues at marketing@anuntatech.com to explore the limitless possibilities of the telco−Anunta alliance.
Rajkumar Solomons is Chief Strategic Alliances - Solomons is a seasoned professional with over 22 years of experience in IT/ITeS, Telecom, BFSI, Education, Travel & Transportation Domain. He has a proven track record in Business Leadership, Digital Transformation and Acceleration, Consulting Practice Development, Digital Marketing and Cloud Channel Development. In his previous role, Solomons was the CEO of the Telecom Cloud Business in the MEA region for G7 CR and Director – Partner Marketing and Business Development at Microsoft before G7 CR. His Microsoft stint spanned over a decade, where he played an instrumental role in landing the global blueprint for the largest Cloud Channel. He has built strategic partnerships across Telcos, GSIs & MSPs to accelerate business transformation for customers. Prior to Microsoft, he has worked at KPMG, building IT Strategy and Cloud Consulting Practice amongst various other things. Solomons has an MBA in marketing and has a bachelor’s degree in engineering (Electronics).
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