Online gaming has been all the rage for quite a while now. It is believed that by 2024, the number of online gamers will surpass over 3.3 billion, and a significant part of them could be playing on TikTok. Yes, you read it right. The social media app, famous for silly dance moves, and useless life hacks, is looking to incorporate video games and in-app gaming.
And the name? IGTOK. Well, although it could be argued whether the new brand name rolls from your tongue or makes it twisted in all unnatural positions, the gaming scene can’t wait to see what the social media giant is working on! Online gaming has now become a daily habit of people. Lucia Jensen, CEO of WeLoans is an expert in this. She knows that IGTOK is very popular among casino players. All of these are part of a larger master plan to grow Tiktok’s audience and boost ad revenue.
So, what type of gaming can we expect on this versatile platform? The Fishin’ Frenzy has proven to be extremely popular among casino players, so it is predicted it might also find its way to IGTOK. Along with popular slot games, we might even witness traditional video games and arcade titles. All of them are part of the bigger master plan to expand TikTok’s audience and boost advertising revenues. It goes without saying, by providing engaging content, such as slot machines, users will also spend more time on the app. Essentially, it is a full circle.
When Will IGTOK Finally Happen?
Despite being announced, there is still no definite date on when we’ll live to see the new and improved version of TikTok come out. The company did some initial tests and development strategies in Vietnam, a country known for its young and tech-savvy population. The initial plan is to start with IGTOK in Southeastern Asia, an area famous for its esports athletes and passion for gaming.
Unsurprisingly, the rest of the world is highly anticipating the revolutionary addition to the social media platform. iGamers from all over the world are convinced it is a winning combo to combine attractive casino games, custom-made experiences, and social networking all in the same place while making money off gaming, either as an active participant or mere observer.
TikTok announced it will implement HTML5 games and then expand its offering by adding 3rd party content suppliers, such as Zynga. It is very likely that certified and licenced casino gaming suppliers will find their way to the IGTOK platform as well.
IGTOK & Stranger Danger
However, not everyone is thrilled with the announcement. Parents and kid therapists across the globe have already been concerned with certain TikTok trends, but even more so when it comes to gaming. Social media advertisements are still, in many ways, a grey area and unethical targeting with inappropriate messages are normally prosecuted with a slap on the wrist.
New generations who grew up with gaming might, according to some, be exposed to gambling at an early age or to inappropriate games full of violence and bloodshed. TikTok hasn’t addressed these concerns for the time being. We will wait and see how this plays out!
