Bridging the AI gap - Turning hype into reality

As AI and analytics continue to drive innovation across industries, SciPlay’s SVP of Data & Analytics, Shmuel Ben-Meleh, shares key trends he believes will shape the industry’s approach to data in 2025. Shmuel’s insights offer a unique look into the future of data accessibility, real-time personalization, and the emerging tools that are redefining analytics:

Bridging the AI gap between hype and reality

"The hype surrounding AI is immense, fueled by jaw-dropping advances in what AI models can achieve, from generating lifelike images to automating complex tasks. Yet, there is a noticeable dissonance between this hype and how AI is actually used within businesses. While companies are eager to adopt AI, they often struggle to integrate and monetize these sophisticated technologies into daily operations in a meaningful way. Practical, day-to-day applications of AI remain limited, with only a handful of use cases proving viable for immediate impact. In reality, the main usage of AI in business is coming from the bottom up—from employees who leverage AI to streamline tasks and work more efficiently—rather than as top-down initiatives from companies directing employees on how to use AI. Bridging this gap between AI's potential and real-world implementation has become a key challenge for businesses aiming to harness the true power of AI."

Real-time personalization in games/apps

"AI can analyze player data in real time, enabling developers to dynamically adjust gameplay by recommending tailored challenges, rewards, and content that match each player’s preferences, skill level, and play style, making every session feel more personal and engaging."

The rise of self-service analytics tools

"The rise of no-code and low-code analytics tools will empower non-technical teams, like marketers and designers, to independently analyze data and generate insights. This democratization of data will accelerate decision-making and allow these teams to act on insights directly, enhancing agility and responsiveness in player engagement strategies."

Database modernization for AI readiness

"Legacy databases, with their outdated technology, poor user experience, and lack of governance, are limiting organizations' ability to fully access and utilize data. The generative AI boom has created new urgency around modernizing these systems, as it’s impossible to capitalize on AI's potential if data remains trapped in legacy databases that are difficult to access and manage. In 2025, we will see a push toward AI-compatible databases that prioritize data accessibility, governance, and usability, laying the groundwork for organizations to unlock the full power of generative AI."

AI-powered automated testing

"AI-powered automated testing tools will streamline the QA process by simulating player actions, detecting bugs, and stress-testing game mechanics in a variety of scenarios. This significantly reduces time-to-market and ensures a smoother, more polished player experience, minimizing the risk of bugs that could hinder engagement.”