When considering whether to build your own online games or buy them from established providers, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of both options based on your goals, resources, and time frame. Both approaches have their merits, and the decision depends largely on your specific business needs, technical capabilities, and long-term vision.

1. Building Your Own Online Games

Pros:

a.Control Over the Product

Building your own games gives you total control over the design, gameplay, mechanics, and overall user experience. You can create a game that aligns perfectly with your vision and brand, and customize it to suit your target audience's preferences.

- You can add unique features, such as personalized themes, custom game rules, or even integrations with social media or other platforms.

- You’ll have the ability to update and modify the game whenever necessary to meet changing market trends or player preferences.

b. Brand Differentiation

Having exclusive, proprietary games helps distinguish your platform from competitors. Custom games can be a unique selling point (USP) that draws players to your site or app. If the game becomes popular, it can also help to build strong brand loyalty.

- Customization allows you to add creative elements that represent your brand's identity, helping to stand out in a crowded market.

- Offering exclusive games can generate more buzz and excitement, attracting new players who are looking for something fresh.

Cons:

a. High Initial Investment

Building custom games is typically resource-intensive. You need a team of developers, designers, game testers, and possibly even artists and animators. The costs can add up quickly, especially if you want high-quality, feature-rich games.

- Development may require considerable time and effort, and unforeseen delays or technical issues can stretch the timeline.

- There’s also the cost of maintaining and updating the games over time.

b. Time-Consuming Process

Developing your own games from scratch can take a significant amount of time. Depending on the complexity of the game, the development process could take anywhere from a few months to over a year.

- During this time, you may not be able to offer new games to your players, which could hinder user acquisition or retention.

- You may also need ongoing iterations to fix bugs and ensure a smooth user experience, which can add to your time commitment.

c. Technical Expertise Required

Building an online game requires specialized technical skills. Even if you have an in-house team, finding experienced developers, game designers, and quality testers can be a challenge, especially in a competitive job market.

- It’s important to factor in hiring costs and the potential difficulty of managing a team with the right expertise.

- Ongoing updates and troubleshooting may require a dedicated tech team, increasing your operational overhead.

2. Acquiring Games from the Best in the Market

Pros:

a. Speed to Market

Purchasing games from established game providers or marketplaces allows you to quickly add new games to your platform. You don't need to worry about development time, as the games are ready to go.

- This allows you to start generating revenue and attracting players almost immediately, without waiting for long development cycles.

- You can focus on marketing and growing your platform while the third-party provider handles the technical aspects of game development.

b. High-Quality Games

Reputable game developers have years of experience and a track record of producing high-quality, tested games. These games are often polished, user-friendly, and come with a guarantee of high performance.

- You can offer players a proven, engaging experience that’s been tested by millions of players around the world.

- Many established game developers also offer ongoing support, ensuring that the games are constantly updated with new features and bug fixes.

c. Lower Development Costs

By licensing or purchasing games from established providers, you avoid the high upfront costs of development. The provider typically charges a one-time licensing fee or a revenue-share model, which can be a more affordable option for many businesses.

- This can reduce the financial risk associated with game development, especially if you are just starting out or working with a limited budget.

- Some providers also offer customizable white-label solutions, so you can brand the games to fit your platform while avoiding the need for custom development.

d. Access to a Wide Variety of Games

Most game providers offer a large portfolio of games across various genres, including card games, casino games, skill-based games, and more. By acquiring games from these providers, you can offer a diverse range of options to your players right away.

- You can quickly build a comprehensive game library that appeals to a broader audience.

- You can even mix and match different game styles to suit different player preferences (e.g., casual, competitive, social).

Cons:

a. Lack of Uniqueness

The biggest downside to purchasing games from third-party providers is that they are not unique to your platform. Other competitors may offer the same games, which can dilute your brand’s individuality.

- If many other platforms are offering the same games, you may struggle to stand out or differentiate your brand.

- Customization is often limited with third-party games, which can make it harder to tailor the game experience to your specific audience.

b. Less Control Over Features and Updates

While you can request certain customizations, you have limited control over the development of the game or its future updates. If the game provider introduces changes or updates that don’t align with your platform’s goals or branding, you may be stuck with them.

- Providers may release new versions of the game, which could alter its mechanics, features, or performance. You’ll have to follow their schedule for updates, which might not always fit your needs.

- If there’s a bug or technical issue, you’re dependent on the provider’s support team to resolve it.

3. Which Option Is Right for You?

The right choice depends on several factors:

a. Budget and Resources

If you have the resources (both financial and human capital) to develop high-quality, custom games, building your own games could be a good investment in the long term. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or want to quickly enter the market, acquiring games from established providers will save time and money.

b. Time to Market

If speed is essential and you need to launch your platform quickly, acquiring ready-made games is likely the better choice. It allows you to start building a user base immediately.

c. Brand Differentiation

If standing out in the market is a priority, developing your own games may be worth the investment. Custom games will set your platform apart from competitors and allow you to establish a unique identity.

d. Long-Term Vision

If you’re planning to build a platform that focuses on innovative gameplay and deep user engagement, creating your own games might be a better long-term strategy. On the other hand, if you want to focus on the broader platform experience and leave game development to experts, acquiring games is a smart choice.

Conclusion

In the end, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The decision to build your own online games or acquire them from top developers hinges on your specific goals, available resources, and the timeline for launching your platform.

- Build your own games if you want complete control, unique branding, and a long-term strategy with maximum ownership.

- Acquire games from the best in the market if you need quick access to high-quality, proven games with lower upfront costs and minimal risk.

Many successful platforms often start by acquiring games from established providers and, over time, transition to creating their own games as they grow. Consider your business's needs and resources carefully before making a decision, and remember that both approaches can be part of a larger strategy as you scale your business.