Skill based games require you to put your expertise, quick thinking, and knowledge together to create an effective outcome, i.e. a win. Games classified as skill-based can be wholly driven by skill or may need a modicum of luck in addition to skill.
In simple terms, these games are where your success depends on how well you play, rather than just luck. You can view it like this: in a given game, where you are required to throw a ball into a basket, the more you practice and improve your aim, the better you’ll perform. The key in this case is the use of your abilities—focus, coordination, or strategy—to improve over time.
They are played in a one-to-one (1 v 1) or one-to-many format. This tournament format allows players to leverage their skills to make money if they so desire. This also means that players can profit from their skills over time. However, some level of ‘stickiness’ or regularity is necessary to develop enough knowledge or skills to participate effectively in the game.
Skill based games vs luck based games
There is a small degree of separation between these two types of games. While luck based games rely completely on chance or fate for outcomes, in skill based games, players must have a minimum level of proficiency to excel. Players must have some insight into human psychology along with a well-planned strategy to be champions in games involving skill.
Types of skill based games
Many conventionally played games fall under the category of skill-driven games. Players can choose from games like teen patti and chess to online casino games. These games allow players to play and earn rewards.
Traditional skill based games
- Skill Based Card Games
Card games like rummy, hearts, blackjack, poker, bridge, solitaire, and more are some common types of skill based games. Typically in this type of game, players must group cards either based on rank or in a sequence to win. That’s where the skill involved comes in.
Many regard bridge as the most skill-based card game there is to play.
- Skill Based Casino Games
Games like poker, blackjack, hybrid slot games, craps, pong, and so on are well-known skill based games played at casinos. Among these, poker is renowned for being heavily reliant on skills like knowing the rules, being aware of various hand rankings, analyzing the moves of opponents, being able to bluff, and using the cards dealt to make strategic moves.
Since real money is involved in playing these games, they are also often referred to as skill based gambling games. Blackjack is commonly regarded as the easiest-to-win among skill based casino games.
- Skill Based Board Games
Checks, go, backgammom, reverso, battleship, jenga, etc. are some commonly played board games that rely on skill. These games involve a good amount of focus, concentration, critical thinking skills, planning, strategic movement, and sportsmanship.
- Fantasy Sports
Players in this type of skills based game virtually create imaginary teams made up of real players of any given professional sport. Competitions are conducted using the statistical performance of those actual players. Wins are recorded by converting performance into points. These points are summed together based on the roster created by the fantasy team’s manager. A league commissioner manages the entire system by tracking the outcomes of actual games in the professional sport. Players are traded, drafted, and even dropped from teams in fantasy games, similar to how teams are created and maintained in actual games.
Essentially, a team manager functions in a similar manner to a stock trader who has to manage players like stocks. The ultimate goal is to retain maximum value at the end of a season.
Digital & Online skill based games
Increasingly players are engaging with games on online platforms and through mobile applications. These avenues enable players to play competitively and to take part in skill based games for money. Here, users can win actual cash rewards based on their performance. Some popular games to showcase skills for real money are online poker and fantasy sports.
The ability to play skill based mobile games has allowed more people globally to engage with them. According to a report released by Mobile Premier League (MPL), skill-based games are the quickest-growing sub-segment within mobile gaming, expanding at 31% CAGR. 14% of skill based mobile games are expected to be played as cash tournaments by the end of this year.
Future of Skill-Based Gaming: What’s Ahead?
The future of skill based games in iGaming is rapidly evolving, driven by advancements in technology and shifting player preferences. As the demand for more interactive and engaging experiences grows, developers are integrating AI, VR, and real-time data analytics to enhance gameplay.
1. Growth in Mobile and Online Platforms
The drive for mobile-first experiences is creating demand for innovative, mobile-optimized experiences that offer immersive gameplay and intuitive interfaces. These futuristic games must be designed to engage users more deeply, with seamless integration for on-the-go play.
This shift will not only enhance the mobile gaming experience but also attract a newer, younger, more global, and tech-savvy audience that is eager for interactive and skill-driven entertainment.
2. Integration with Emerging Technologies
With the growth of AI and machine learning, skill based game experiences are likely to reach new heights in terms of users and level of engagement. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have created a benchmark in the gaming sector, wherein virtual casinos attract and engage more users in the gameplay. This is evident through the rise of live dealer games, which are projected to grow to $ 46.93 billion by 2029.
3. Rise in Real-Money Gaming
Many skill based gaming companies offer a chance to win real money as a reward. Players highly prefer those games where their strategic thinking helps them gain real rewards in money terms.
As per a study by Business Research Insights, the global skill based real money games market was valued at about $15 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach roughly $48 billion by 2031. This shift also correlates with the growth in smartphone ownership, an increased penetration of the internet globally and arrival of 5G internet speeds.
4. Expanding Game Categories
In January 2024, Google Play announced that it would support real money game apps after several pilot runs and experiments for the same. This feature was to first be implemented in Brazil, India and Mexico, with many other countries lined up for future expansion.
Besides, the iGaming industry is expanding like never before. Several reports indicate that the iGaming industry was valued at roughly $58.9 billion in 2019 and is expected to balloon to $127.3 billion by 2027, achieving a CAGR of 11.5% during this time. This reflects growing participants in the industry, offering a wider selection of games in continuously expanding categories, ultimately, enabling more people to play a lot more games.
Summing Up
Skill based games are reshaping the future of iGaming, offering a unique blend of entertainment and player agency. With the rapid rise of mobile gaming and technological advancements like AI and VR, these games are becoming increasingly immersive and accessible.
As the market continues to grow, iGaming operators and brands should be focused on delivering optimized, engaging experiences that attract a diverse audience. With more emphasis on fairness and interactivity, skill-based games are set to play a pivotal role in the future of the iGaming industry, creating exciting opportunities for both players and businesses alike.
