Mihir Sanchala on how PlayerzPot is pioneering change in the gaming landscape

In this interview with Adgully, Mihir Sanchala, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), PlayerzPot Media, talks about the gaming industry, with a focus on responsible gaming, user security, and innovative features. PlayerzPot has emerged as a key player in the industry, adapting to the changing landscape during and post COVID-19. Sanchala delves into how PlayerzPot successfully navigated challenges, the unique gaming experiences that they offer, the impact of emerging technologies on the industry, and the future technological roadmap for the platform. Excerpts:

Please explain the technological integration of PlayerzPot and how it can be considered as a safe, secure and responsible gaming platform?

Also Read: PlayerzPot promotes Mihir Sanchala to CTO, boosting tech advancements

Today, nothing is considered impossible because of the technological advancement and ongoing developments in the industry. From smooth transactions to providing a safe and secure platform to users, online gaming companies rely on technology and its innovations. At PlayerzPot, responsible gaming is an important aspect to focus on and consider, as it allows us to ensure that our users are not exposed to any risks or dangers while playing on our platform.

We also ensure that the security protocols and features on our platform are continually updated with the help of technology and current technologies in order to secure user data and prevent criminal activity. In addition to these, we are concentrating our efforts on streamlining our KYC and registration processes as much as feasible for our users.

User registration is the first and mandatory step on the platform. It is a compulsory step for all users to gain access to our platform and we ensure that no one from states where gaming is prohibited can register with us. We have strict regulations in place to ensure that only people over the legal age restriction register with us and use our platform.

Additionally, no minor can get access to the platform as we require identification documents such as an Aadhar card or driver’s license to verify the age of our customers. We also provide information on safe gaming so that users are informed of their gaming constraints. Many measures are in place to monitor our customers’' usage patterns, and we intervene when necessary.

We intend to introduce new features such as self-exclusion, and deposit limitations, cool-off periods, session reminders, and more. To keep the players enlightened and in control, these features will not only eliminate losses but also protect vulnerable players from exploitation or addiction.

To improvise our platform, we have implemented robust firewall and SSL protection systems as well as real-time monitoring of government guidelines to prevent cybercrime.

We are continually innovating to guarantee that our platform stays a safe and entertaining place for all of its users.

How PlayerzPot adapted to the change during and post Covid-19 to become one of the leading online gaming platforms in India?

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a massive shift in the way people spend their leisure time. This shift has been particularly beneficial for online gaming platforms in India, where the industry experienced great growth between 2020 and 2021. We at PlayerzPot, tried our best to adapt quickly to the changing landscape and emerged as one of the major players in the industry. During the period of COVID-19, individuals began spending the majority of their time online, and online gaming was one of their options for entertainment at home, while the government announced a national lockdown.

We offered a wide range of casual games like Ludo, Snakes & Ladders, Quiz, and Chess, which gained immense popularity among users as they were perfect for spending time at home with family and friends online. However, we didn’t stop there and instead took things to another level. We have released over 15+ games on our platform for our users including card games such as Poker, Rummy, and Call-Break, each with its unique features and gameplay.

The pandemic has resulted in unprecedented usage of online gaming platforms in India. In this scenario, PlayerzPot’s smart moves like expanding their game offerings, adding popular card games, and upgrading their user interface have paid off in the long run.

What are the features of the platform that provide a unique gaming experience to the users?

We understand that every user has different preferences when it comes to online gaming, therefore we identify our user’s problems and provide the best possible solution based on their behaviours.

Our unique features are designed to fill gaps in the current gaming industry and provide a unique gaming experience to our users. We are constantly looking for innovative ways to address market gaps and set newer trends in order to provide a one-of-a-kind gaming experience to our sports enthusiasts. Stand out game on our platform is SLL, which no other platform offers.

One of the popular key features of the platform that sets us apart from the competition is our second-inning option and the block of 5 overs. With this extraordinary feature, users can start from the second-innings and block 5 overs, giving them an exciting new way to play the game. Our other key features such as live score updates, detailed statistics, and online tournaments, also help us stand out in the market.

Additionally, features like Refer and Earn, which allow users to refer friends and earn rewards, Customer support, and Fastest Withdrawal, have become a trend in the industry and helped us in differentiating ourselves from the competitors.

What is the impact of new emerging technologies on the online gaming industry?

We have seen a tremendous shift in the way games are being consumed today; it is a lot different than what it was 10 years ago. The key reason for this is innovation and technology, which is causing a revolution in all industries, including IT, banking, finance, and medicine. In barely two decades, the gaming industry has progressed from pixel/ text-based games to ultra-realistic games. Technology and innovation also aided in the evolution of games from PC to mobile.

Technologies like AI and AR/VR are already being used to produce more realistic and unique gaming experiences that have never been seen before. The emerging technologies have enabled developers to generate incredibly realistic and visually appealing graphics. Today, technologies have changed the way people play and perceive games, with easy access to the internet and online streaming platforms, people are now able to watch live games like never before.

In addition, online multiplayer gaming has grown in popularity in recent years due to the latest technologies like cloud computing and Web3. These enable players to connect with one another from anywhere in the world, allowing for a much more social experience.

We also introduced a new and improved user interface called Flutter that helped to enhance the user’s experience across multiple devices. The use of Flutter technology allowed PlayerzPot to release cross-platform games that were not only visually compelling, but also provided a seamless gaming experience.

What should be done by online gaming industries to make their platforms safe and secure for users?

Today, easy access to online properties has also welcomed cyber crimes and frauds, particularly where users’ confidential and private details are at stake. As one of the industry’s leading fantasy sports platform, it is essential for us to ensure that our platform is secure from any threats or attacks and that the personal information of our users won’t be compromised at any cost.

The methods listed below can be used to create a safe and secure online gaming platform for users:

1. To begin, a high level of the fraud detection system is required for fair-play user experience. A fraud detection system identifies unusual behaviours of players, including cheating and fraudulent activities. It helps gaming websites to prevent fraud, thereby safeguarding the interests of the customers. The fraud detection system will prevent any fraudulent activities from taking place and will provide the players with a sense of security knowing that the online gaming platform is doing everything possible to safeguard them from any potential threats.
2. By establishing a roadmap for healthy competition, and ensuring that the levels of the gamers match up to increase healthy competition. Matching players of the same skill levels is essential to enhance competitiveness. It would be unfair to pair a beginner player with a seasoned player, because their ability levels are not comparable. When matching people for games, it is vital to consider their skill level.
3. Keeping intact communication with the gamers through various means. SMS & Email communication can be shared with the players to make them aware of their activities and gaming patterns on the platform. It will keep users up to date on new features, tournaments, updates, major wins, and losses on gaming sites. This feature could make them feel more secure and comfortable while using the platform.
4. Last but not the least, by displaying a warning sign while playing, so that gamers do not spend more than what they have actually intended to. The platform should disallow or warn users if they are spending more-than-the-usual gaming amount. It enables users to avoid unintentionally spending more money than they intended to. The platform must provide a feature that alerts a user once they spend beyond their usual budget.

Many steps can be taken by players in the online gaming industry to make their platforms secure and safe for their users. Implementing these steps will assist them in gaining the trust of their users and improve their overall gaming experience, leading to higher retention rates and business profitability.

What is the future technological roadmap of PlayerzPot?

As Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) gain popularity in the gaming industry, we have recognised their potential and plan on launching them for both fantasy and casual games on our platform. This strategy is intended to increase user engagement by generating unique experiences that reward skilled play and grant bragging rights within respective communities of gamers.

By researching the possibilities of the Metaverse, our research and development team stays in touch with the future of online gaming. We are continuously looking into methods to implement this technology into our platform so that we can provide our users with an unrivalled experience.

Although the concept of Metaverse is still in its early stages in India, we have a research and development team that is keeping tabs on any advancement. We are open to exploring Metaverse at the appropriate time.