The global online poker market peaked at a value of $96.2 billion in 2023. What’s more, it’s expected to be worth a staggering $170 billion by 2030, with this figure revealing a CAGR of 12% during the next six years.
This will be music to the ears of aspiring game developers, who may be looking to develop their own iteration of Texas Hold ‘em, Omaha or a similar format.
Of course, game development relies on a number of core elements, including user interface design, game mechanics, security and animation. However, there are additional, more advanced considerations that help create functional and desirable games for an increasingly crowded marketplace. Let’s take a closer look at these.
Building a Tech Stack That Drives Mobile Compatibility
Ultimately, the success of any poker game relies on its technology stack. This includes the front and back-end systems that underpin your game, while you should ideally build stacks that optimize mobile compatibility.
The most popular choices for a poker room front end are HTML5 and JavaScript frameworks, with the former widely deployed in the online casino space. React, or Angular are the most widely used programs, as they contribute towards highly dynamic and interactive interfaces.
Node.js is perhaps the optimal choice of backend program, especially if you want to factor in game logic principles and effectively collate user data. The latter is crucial in online poker rooms, as players should ideally be able to access historical performance data pertaining to both themselves and their rivals.
Fairness, Transparency and Random Number Generators
In order to leverage any GGPoker sign-up offers or similar deals, you’ll have to first deposit real money into your account. So, you’ll want to make sure that poker rooms and their underlying software are inherently fair.
To develop a demonstrably fair poker game with a transparent return-to-player (RTP) rate, you’ll need to integrate a random number generator (RNG). You’ll have to use a pseudorandom number generator online, with this using advanced algorithms to generate random outcomes when cards are dealt.
Although such systems aren’t completely random or arbitrary, they should run constantly to help replicate the unpredictable and opportunistic nature of corporeal poker.
The RNG that you utilize should also be tested and accredited by independent bodies, which will guarantee its fairness and published RTP rate.
But are there any other algorithms required to create a winning poker game? Well, those that factor in game logic are key, as they can be built on the mathematics and implied probability values that define poker hands. Similarly, algorithms can be used to match players effectively and simulate authentic betting mechanisms.
Understanding the Importance of Scalability
Each of these elements will comprise your game’s overarching infrastructure, which must be agile and scalable over time. After all, the goal is to create a game with a constantly growing player base, and your tech stack must be able to scale to keep pace with this.
Even on a fundamental level, your game must be backed by the necessary server resources to handle optimal levels of traffic. Leveraging Cloud services and resources is recommended here, as this helps to maximize flexibility as your game’s popularity continues to grow.
Database management is also key here as you look to collate players’ personal and performance data to inform matchmaking and provide comprehensive game histories.
It’s imperative that you regularly load test and monitor your game over time. This ensures that critical bugs are identified and fixed swiftly, optimizing performance and preventing bottlenecks from forming. Even small updates can make a significant difference, particularly in a large and highly competitive marketplace.
