The Dos and Don’ts of Creating an Online Gaming Website
Tags: webdev, programming, gamedev
Published: 2019-12-21 14:34:37

---
title: The Dos and Don’ts of Creating an Online Gaming Website
published: true
description: 
tags: webdev, programming, gamedev
---

There is perhaps an assumption that creating an online gaming site is an easy job. After all, the important thing is the games on offer, and they are licensed from various software developers. However, the best online gaming sites are so much more than just a platform to launch games from. Indeed, we could go as far as saying that the gaming site design and functionality are just as important as the games housed within it.

New online gaming website are springing up all the time, but [many won’t be successful](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_commercial_failures_in_video_gaming). To make it, you have to think outside the box a little bit, unless you have a massive marketing budget. However, operators would also be wise to read the following dos and don’ts.

##Do Create a Brand Identity for Your Site

Some online gaming sites will simply be given names like Arcade Game, Action Game, Racing Game etc. (we just made those up for an example), but there isn’t much meaning behind them. Even if you don’t focus too much on the name, you should consider what the identity of your site means, and then stick to it. “[Zynga](https://www.zynga.com/) Poker” is a good example, as the name and branding are a key insight into what it offers – a massive card game.

##Do Think About Colour and Simplicity

Many of the best online gaming sites use colour to brilliant effect. It reinforces the brand identity mentioned above, and nice design can have an almost soothing effect on players. Keep it simple, however, and not too flashy. The trope of Las Vegas being a cacophony of sound and blinding lights does not work online. Nice colours and a simple design are all that is warranted.

##Don’t Get Overly Technical and Complicated

Readers of this site will undoubtedly be aware of what it takes to create the components for a sleek and modern website, but it’s worth remembering that a gaming site should cater for players who might not have access to the most modern devices. Keep the design of the homepage simple and tech-friendly, and definitely refrain from putting too many ad banners and pop up videos on the site.

##Do Create a Space for Promotions

Online gaming players are usually a thrifty bunch, and you want your website to loudly say – "[find our promotions and bonuses here](https://www.casino.com/ie/)". A dedicated section listing all your promotions and other ways players can find perks is a complete must. Often, this is the social area of the site, and players will be disappointed if there isn’t something available.

##Don’t Create Catches for Your Bonuses

The worst thing you can do to a online gaming player is give them something, and then take it away. When it comes to gaming bonuses, players become infuriated when they think they have won something only to find out there is some restriction. Of course, there must be some terms and conditions attached to the bonuses, but ensure they are spelled out clearly on the site. Players would honestly prefer less lucrative promotions to those that are mired in Ts & Cs.

##Do Consider the Pull of Software Developers

It’s worth remembering that the top online games have followings in the same way as movies and video games. Top software developers are a mark of quality, and their brands will attract players. Consider how hit sci-fi television series, would be more of a draw to players than a generic bars and fruits game. Whether you like it or not, [getting the top developers](http://blog.indeed.com/2017/01/10/video-game-labor-snapshot/) on your site is crucial.

##Do Get a Gaming Licence

We mentioned the top software providers above, but they will only work with you if you get a gaming licence. Indeed, if you don’t have one, your site is liable to be shut down by regulators. Moreover, many players will look for these credentials before they consider joining any site.

##Don’t Wait Around

While you want your website to look and feel fantastic, much of the hard work is completed way from the site. Marketing is a massive part of the online gaming industry, and that means you need to start thinking about social media campaigns, adverts, SEO and anything else to bring players to your site. Otherwise, nobody will find it.