Games Global Reduces Annual Time by Over 22,000 Hours Utilizing Microsoft Power Platform and Copilot Studio
Games Global: Pioneering the Future of Online Gaming
Games Global is taking a bold step forward in the online gaming industry, showcasing a blend of classic and innovative titles that speak to gamers of all kinds. Established in South Africa, the company boasts an impressive collection of over 1,300 proprietary games developed by more than 40 independent studios. With a focus on diversity, creativity, and quality, Games Global is committed to fostering new ideas and changing the landscape of online gaming.
Overcoming Manual Bottlenecks
Jen Cohen, the Chief Information Officer at Games Global, emphasizes the company’s vision of becoming the leading force in their sector. In her view, this involves empowering teams to utilize the latest technological advancements to improve their work and life. When Cohen joined the organization, she recognized the significant role that artificial intelligence (AI) and automation could play in enhancing efficiency.
To embark on the journey of automation, Games Global partnered with Microsoft to equip their teams with training on tools like Microsoft Power Automate and Copilot Studio. The strategy was straightforward: bring staff together for hands-on training, encourage collaboration, and let them explore automation opportunities. This led to the inception of IT Invest Week, which featured two multi-day workshops where cross-functional teams could brainstorm and innovate.
Cohen describes the workshop structure: “On the first day, Microsoft team conducts a training session on Power Automate. Day two focuses on Copilot Studio, and by day three, participants are crafting impressive solutions.”
Following these workshops, the organization realized significant savings, recording an impressive 5,434 hours saved annually.
Implementing Automation: Streamlining Daily Work
During the IT Invest Week workshops, teams devised practical solutions aimed at enhancing internal documentation and communication processes. Tools like Copilot helped generate frequently asked questions (FAQs) and knowledge articles. The Human Resources department also introduced a chatbot, created using Copilot Studio, to manage routine employee inquiries.
Duncan Clark, Senior Manager for IT Innovation and Emerging Technologies at Games Global, notes that the IT team refined the onboarding and offboarding workflow for staff. For instances where automatic account updates were not feasible, Power Automate provided a solution by ensuring that accounts were deactivated swiftly after an employee departed. This automation not only reduced the need for manual handling but also minimized security risks, saving the company approximately 20 hours each month. Additionally, the company reclaimed unused software licenses, resulting in a cost saving of €163,000.
Automating approval processes also made a noticeable difference. Previously managed through Excel spreadsheets sent via email, approval requests involved lengthy threads and multiple managers. Now, with Power Apps and Microsoft Teams, all approvals occur in one streamlined platform, featuring a clear audit trail. Cohen states, “Everything is readily accessible and less likely to be overlooked, which significantly reduces delays.”
Another major enhancement involved replacing traditional spreadsheets with a Power App linked to Power Automate. This transition shifted teams from manual data entry toward automated workflows. Furthermore, ISO and SOX compliance tasks, which were once tedious and error-ridden, are now automated. This change ensures smooth workflow management for access reviews and audit reports while maintaining a precise audit trail, saving hundreds of hours monthly.
Unlocking Time for More Valuable Endeavors
Games Global meticulously tracked the time saved through each automation initiative to ensure substantial outcomes. Teams mapped out their manual workflows, recording each step and its duration. This detailed assessment helped in identifying potential time savings prior to implementing automation. After launch, the IT team reviewed results and refined their initial estimates as needed.
The outcomes were remarkable, far exceeding initial projections. The first workshop alone culminated in a saving of 5,434 hours each year. Overall, Games Global saved an impressive 22,370 hours annually through the automated workflows developed in two workshops. With the help of Microsoft’s Power Platform and Copilot Studio, the company can now dedicate greater resources to innovation, customer engagement, and strategic projects. Cohen believes that by eliminating internal friction, Games Global provides enhanced services externally, showcasing the true value of their automation journey.
