Gaming is a billion-dollar industry that’s continuously growing thanks to its adaptability. Developers are constantly looking for ways to enhance gamers’ experiences. And nothing does so better than incorporating new technology into their games.
Quick Response (QR) Codes are among the latest technologies to join the gaming industry. These codes enhance player engagement and serve as powerful marketing tools for gaming companies by providing valuable insights into campaign effectiveness.
There are several ways to incorporate QR Codes into video games—you can use them to provide in-game rewards, direct gamers to downloadable content, or help build gaming communities.
Here, we’ll assess QR Codes’ role in video games and explore their benefits for players and gaming developers.
Why QR Codes for video games are important
QR Codes bridge the gap between physical and digital experiences by allowing gamers to access digital content through tangible items like game packaging, brochures, flyers, and billboards. Players simply scan the codes to access games, in-game rewards, and other features that can enhance their experiences. This level of convenience boosts enjoyability and interest.
QR Codes are also vital for gaming companies. Their convenience boosts downloads, which translates to more revenue. They also allow companies to direct gamers to legitimate games, protecting their intellectual property.
8 uses of QR Codes in video games
You can use QR Codes in video games for virtually anything, from providing access to download URLs to facilitating the seamless organization of gaming events.
There are two main options: Static and Dynamic QR Codes. Static Codes are sufficient for one-off uses, like providing rewards after reaching specific game levels. Dynamic QR Codes are ideal in cases where gaming companies expect to make constant updates. For example, they’re suitable for providing access to ever-changing gaming features.
Let’s look more in-depth at QR Code use cases in video games.
1. Accessing game-related content on different devices
QR Codes allow gamers to access a wide range of game-related content using their Android or iOS devices. Those looking for mobile games can scan QR Codes to access Google Play Store, the Apple App Store, and the Amazon Appstore. This eliminates the need to type lengthy URLs or search these stores for the desired games.
Players looking for video game soundtracks can access them seamlessly by scanning MP3 QR Codes—these are QR Codes that link to game playlists. Providing such content seamlessly can boost brand loyalty, as modern customers value convenience.
Gamers can also access in-game clues by scanning QR Codes as they reach different game levels. Using them in this way creates a sort of QR Code scavenger hunt, as players will actively look for them to access clues to help them progress in the game.
The beauty of QR Codes is that you don’t need to create a different one for each type of device—all modern phones and QR Code readers can read QR Codes.
2. Linking to game updates or DLC
Regular updates are common in video games, as they allow publishers to maintain the enjoyability of their products. They help fix bugs, enhance security, and add new characters or features.
Even so, getting all players to update their games can be daunting. Some may not have the time to look for, download, and install updates. QR Codes allow publishers to reach such players, as they only need to scan them to download and install updates.
These codes also make it easier for players to access downloadable content (DLC), like new weapons, characters, and levels. Publishers can add QR Codes to their game’s interface to redirect players to sites where they can get the DLC. This eliminates the need for players to search for additional content.
3. Social media and community engagement
It’s easy for anyone to create social media profiles with any name. This makes it challenging for gaming fans to find legitimate social media communities for a specific game.
QR Codes make it easy to find the right gaming groups. As a publisher, you can start a community for your games, create a QR Code, and embed the code in your game’s interface. Alternatively, you can opt for printed QR Codes and add them to your merchandise or the game’s packaging.
Scanning these QR Codes leads gamers to legitimate gaming communities, enabling them to connect with other players. This can boost user experience and allow you to collect vital data, as players will discuss their likes, dislikes, and preferences in these groups.
4. Accessing game guides or tips
It can take time for even the most avid gamer to learn how to play a game properly, especially if you introduce new features or rules. While manuals can work, they’re not the most effective tools. Let’s be honest—no gamer wants to flip through endless pages.
Tutorials are a better option, as they’re exciting and easier to understand. What better way to provide access to them than through QR Codes?
You simply need to create a tutorial, link it to a QR Code, and add it to your game interface. This way, players can access game guides and tips using their smartphones.
5. In-game purchases
In-game purchases are common, allowing players to progress to new levels. However, making them can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with a complex user interface.
QR Codes directly linked to your purchases page can make transactions smoother. Gamers can scan QR Codes to access tokens, lives, hints, and other purchases to enhance their gaming experiences.
You can also use them to provide in-game rewards. To do so, you only need to link your redemption center to your QR Code.
6. User account integration
QR Codes are a convenient way for players to access their accounts across different platforms. Rather than re-entering account information whenever they need to switch from their mobiles to consoles or vice versa, gamers can scan QR Codes to authenticate their identities.
For this to work, publishers generate QR Codes that allow players to link their accounts across different devices. They then provide the QR Codes in their game settings.
This is an excellent way to enhance user experience. Players can use their consoles at home and switch to mobile gaming on the road without losing their progress and achievements.
7. Event or tournament participation
QR Codes have found tremendous success in event activation. They allow attendees to register online and help planners organize events more effectively by showing them the number of registrations in real time.
You can use QR Codes to boost engagement in your gaming event. To do so, invite attendees to scan codes during the event to join tournaments. Include a call to action (CTA), like “Scan Me To Win Tokens,” to increase the number of scans.
8. Data tracking for marketing efforts
Researchers expect the usage of QR Code scanners to reach roughly 99.5 million people by 2025. This is good news for marketers, as it means a larger audience and more access to marketing insights.
QR Codes can tell you how effective your games and marketing campaigns are. You can track the number of scans received across different marketing channels to identify the most effective ones. This can inform future marketing strategies. You can also track scans by location to help you zero in on your demographic.
Benefits of QR Codes in video games
According to a PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) report, the gaming industry could be worth $321 billion by 2026 because of a growing interest in gaming. You can secure a good market share by improving player experiences. One way to do so is by using QR Codes.
Here are some benefits of incorporating them into video games:
Enhanced player engagement
QR Codes boost player engagement by giving them easy access to promotions. Scanning some QR Codes allows gamers to join limited-time events and receive instant rewards. This creates a sense of excitement, resulting in increased engagement.
QR Codes also enhance engagement by facilitating seamless social interactions within games. As mentioned earlier, gaming companies can use social media QR codes to direct players to online gaming communities, which allows them to engage with each other and developers.
Seamless access to information
Access to information has never been as easy as it is with QR Codes. Gamers can access a wealth of information at their fingertips, as it only takes a simple scan to access gaming updates, tutorials, upcoming events, and more. This improves their gaming experiences.
Increased companion app downloads
Companion apps improve experiences by giving gamers access to video games 24/7 and providing extra features and interactions. QR Codes offer a seamless way for players to download them. This can result in increased downloads, boosting value for gaming companies.
Promotional and marketing capabilities
QR Codes are powerful marketing tools because they provide easy access to gaming information. This is vital in a world where people increasingly seek easy ways to achieve results.
They’re also scannable by most smartphones, giving gaming companies a sizable audience. To top it all off, you can track them to identify the most effective marketing campaigns.
Elevate your audience’s gaming experience with Bitly
Adding QR Codes to your video games can improve user experience, make your games more interesting, and boost your downloads. You can create QR Codes that link to videos, gaming soundtracks, or direct gamers to your website for rewards, payment, and more.
At Bitly, we help game developers and publishers boost player experiences through QR Codes. You can create QR Codes using Bitly to generate different types of game QR Codes to serve whichever purpose you have in mind.
Ready to elevate your audience’s gaming experience? Find the Bitly solution that fits your business needs.