In today’s technology-driven world, where computers and smartphones are the center of so many of our social interactions, it seems that we live much of our lives online. From streaming movies and playing video games to posting videos to TikTok and swiping right on dating apps, the online world can seem more real than the physical one at times. In many ways, matchmaking and gaming have benefited more than any other industries from advancements in online technology.
Not long ago, manual methods and personal judgment were the main drivers of these two areas, but sophisticated algorithms and data-driven insights have changed everything, allowing people to find compatible partners on dating websites and customize gaming experiences to suit their preferences. In this article, we look at technology’s role in gaming and dating.
Technology’s Influence on Gaming Preferences
Few industries have used technology to their advantage the way the gaming industry has. Perhaps that’s because, at its very core, gaming relies on technology to deliver the best experiences possible. AI-driven algorithms are helping game developers create more personalized gaming experiences that are tailored to the unique preferences of each person who picks up a title or logs into a gaming platform.
One of the best examples of this at work can be found in the igaming industry, where online casinos have become a popular alternative to brick-and-mortar establishments. As one of the world’s most popular card games, it’s no surprise that poker is one of the most popular card games online too. Online platforms offer tutorials about poker hand rankings and more to help new players get their footing as they navigate the virtual tables and develop their strategies in this competitive environment. As players visit tutorials and other pages on these platforms, AI algorithms are busy at work gathering data to help personalize their gaming experience.
It’s not just at the virtual poker table where this takes place though. You can also see it in other types of games, including RPGs, where AI algorithms enable the game’s storyline to change based on a player’s choices and interactions as they progress through the title. In open-world games, AI makes it possible for the environment to change dynamically and adjusts the game’s challenges to suit the player’s skill levels. If you play competitive games online, AI matchmaking algorithms will make sure you’re paired with an opponent with a similar skill level, so the gameplay is balanced and more satisfying.
The Role of Technology in Modern Matchmaking
Moving into the world of dating, there’s been a big shift over the past decades in how people meet their significant others, with algorithm-driven online dating platforms promising to help people find the loves of their lives. On some platforms, AI and machine learning help compatible individuals find each other. Gone are the days of matchmaking being solely the domain of personal networks or chance meetings in a bookstore or cafe.
The algorithms on dating websites analyze lots of data to help users find their match, including their personal preferences, behaviors (who they swipe right on), and interests. Based on how you interact with a platform and what you’ve listed in your profile, the platform will suggest potential dates. Given we expect a lot from technology, some would say our expectations of these platforms are too great. Still, many find their soulmates in the online world because technology has made it possible.
Parallels Between Matchmaking and Gaming
Whether you’re playing games online or searching for dates on a matchmaking platform, technology is working behind the scenes to help companies bring you the best experience possible. On dating websites, the algorithms sift through huge datasets to help you find a potential partner that’s in line with your preferences, while on a gaming website, algorithms make sure the gameplay is suited to your skill level and interests. Both matchmaking and gaming emphasize customization to make the experience fun and fulfilling. There are many success stories from gaming and online dating that prove just how valuable technology is to both industries.