The global gaming market was estimated between $177.9 billion and $221 billion in 2024. It’s also projected to reach a value of over $505 billion by 2030 due to the rise in cloud and mobile gaming and AR/VR technologies. The gaming industry is a powerful example of a working business model with many lessons traditional companies can use to grow within their own sectors.
Traditional businesses navigating uncertain markets can take inspiration from the constant adaptation in the gaming environment. Discover how established companies can lend from the industry’s playbook to ensure they integrate flexibility, a key factor that drives growth.
Ensuring Minimal Friction for Smoother Experiences
Many gaming platforms scale their capacity based on the demand by using cloud-based servers and adaptive infrastructure during peak traffic times. It’s one method that removes the friction of lagged pages or slow loading times so that gamers can enjoy the experience, regardless of the time they play. Traditional companies don’t have to worry about live traffic, but they can use similar infrastructure designs to adapt to demand. An online retailer could deliver smooth and frictionless promotions during seasonal sales, while other industries can focus on adaptive inventory management or staffing during holiday periods.
One of the more flexible models deployed throughout the gaming industry is how platforms reduce the friction caused by endless sign-up processes before they can play games. Industry expert Matt Bastock explains how casino gaming sites with no ID checks attract users. People don’t have to upload extensive documents or wait for verification to start playing roulette, blackjack, baccarat, slots, live dealer, and other table games. Instead, users can access the site instantly, especially when using non-fiat payment methods that improve privacy more, thanks to crypto and digital wallet verification protocols. These sites often provide more flexible deposit limits to match the modern, frictionless experience.
Traditional businesses can use inspiration from this model. Retailers, service providers, and membership-based companies can improve the onboarding process to ensure customers gain instant access without worrying about extensive paperwork. Allowing users to engage on their terms will create a more fluid customer base and open the business to wider audiences that value flexible systems that promote speed, anonymity, and convenience.
Models That Allow Users to Choose Their Engagement
Many free-to-play PC games allow users to decide how much money and time to invest in the title. The same game will support different types of players, including those dedicated to mastering the title and the casual gamers who log in occasionally. Using an optional commitment model keeps the user base inclusive because it won’t alienate budget-conscious or casual players.
One example is how some mobile games use microtransactions with optional content purchases. They don’t require large upfront payments to limit their audience. Instead, they allow users to spend and engage as they see fit.
Traditional companies can offer tiered or modular services to apply this flexible structure. Gyms could offer pay-as-you-go memberships rather than full-year contracts. Software providers could allow users to pay only for the features they actually need instead of forcing full-scale subscriptions. Customers who feel like they have more control remove entry barriers and help businesses reach a more diverse audience.
Think Outside the Box With Cross‑Platform Accessibility
Gaming providers have truly mastered the cross-platform availability because not every player has access to high-end gaming consoles. Multi-platform gaming data shows that 79% of gamers now use smartphones, but there’s an overlap between devices, with 55% on consoles and 42% on PC. This flexibility allows gamers to access titles on mobile, cloud, PC, and console, which broadens the user base.
Traditional companies that typically operate within normal environments like physical stores, single websites, or one service medium need to broaden their horizons. Borrow from the gaming sector’s cross-platform success by expanding services to various touchpoints like web, mobile, and even social media and micro-services within apps. A retail brand could accept mobile orders through third-party platforms to create the same experience across channels.
Engage Communities With Flexible Monetization Strategies
Community is one of the major reasons that gaming titles thrive. Players form groups, share tips, and return for new content because they feel invested and engaged with others. Games typically allow players to also opt in or out of any monetization features, socialize, chat, or spectate, which gives them the kind of flexibility they need to engage as they want with the community behind the title.
Traditional companies can use this model by facilitating flexible engagement options within community groups. Any brand can start a community through multiple communication channels like email, social media, in-store events, and app notifications. However, it’s important to allow customers to choose how they interact and spend. Any monetization effort within the community initiatives should remain flexible and optional, which could translate to pay for usage options of tiered membership programs.
This method will help businesses appeal more to a diverse range of customers. Some will want full-time engagement while others only want the occasional interaction. Some customers will care about premium features while others want the most basic elements. It helps to segment customers through adaptable models to keep them engaged at their comfort levels.
Learn, Adjust, and Launch Products Iteratively
Gaming providers typically launch games in stages like early access, beta, and patch updates. This follows the process of gathering feedback, tracking usage data, and watching which features work and which are abandoned. The adjustments align with the actual user data, showing how the gaming industry leverages continuous feedback loops to help it remain competitive and relevant. That way, the titles are dynamic, not static.
Even two-thirds of retailers use analytics to turn insights into actionable decisions already, with 60% of retailers reporting improved sales tactics. Traditional companies must rely on continuous feedback loops and other data analytics methods to improve services and products in real-time. Businesses can then roll out new features and products iteratively based on the feedback. For example, a subscription service could begin with basic offerings before adding new content after observing what viewers interact with the most.
Adapt Faster to Change to Fit Cultural Shifts
Games have always been known to evolve faster than most industries. Titles that were insanely popular last year may be old news today. The most successful studios have learned to adjust quickly, whether by improving unsuccessful games, launching new content, or updating in-game features to align with cultural trends. Reacting quickly gives them a competitive advantage, even in volatile conditions.
Traditional firms move too slowly when relying on annual planning cycles and long lead times for product updates. Instead, businesses should shorten the development cycles, make faster decisions, stay alert to sudden changes, and embrace the trial-and-error mentality. For instance, clothing brands can test limited capsule collections instead of ordering larger inventories. This way, they can monitor which styles are popular and expand quickly.
