Games Global’s Automation Revolution
Games Global is setting a stunning example in the digital transformation space with its innovative use of Microsoft Power Platform and Copilot Studio. Based in South Africa and home to over 1,300 proprietary games from more than 40 independent studios, the company is proving that automation isn't just a tech buzzword—it’s a game-changing strategy that saves significant time and drives business success.From Classic Favorites to Cutting-Edge Solutions
Games Global has earned its reputation by embracing the full spectrum of gaming—from timeless classics to next-generation titles. The company’s diverse portfolio is matched only by its commitment to quality and creativity. But behind every engaging game lies an operational backbone that must keep pace with the rapidly evolving digital landscape. That’s where automation comes into play.
Breaking Free from Manual Bottlenecks
A Vision for "One" Seamless Operations
Jen Cohen, Games Global’s Chief Information Officer, described the company's vision succinctly: “Our vision is ‘to be the One,’ and in the context of IT, this is about helping teams leverage the latest tools to make their jobs and lives easier.” This philosophy underpins every automation initiative at the company, emphasizing the transformation of everyday operations from labor-intensive manual processes into streamlined, high-value activities.Cohen, who joined Games Global with a deep understanding of artificial intelligence, saw the potential to embed automation at every level. Recognizing that even seemingly mundane tasks can be automated, she partnered with Microsoft to kickstart a comprehensive training initiative. By focusing on Microsoft Power Automate and Copilot Studio, the goal was to democratize automation across the organization.
IT Invest Week: The Launchpad for Transformation
The company’s automation journey took shape during two multi-day training events known as IT Invest Week. These events were meticulously designed to bring cross-departmental teams together, providing an immersive environment where employees could learn, ideate, and develop their own automated solutions.- Day One: Teams received expert training on Microsoft Power Automate, laying the foundational knowledge needed to streamline processes.
- Day Two: Participants delved into Copilot Studio, discovering how AI-powered assistance could enhance communication, generate FAQs, and even compose challenging emails.
- Day Three: With the theory in place, employees collaborated to build and test their own automation workflows.
Automation in Action: Tackling Everyday Challenges
Streamlining Workflow Across Departments
One of the key outcomes of these workshops was the transformation in how the company handled routine processes. By automating traditional bottlenecks, Games Global has drastically reduced the time employees spend on repetitive tasks. Here’s how some critical areas have benefited:- Onboarding and Offboarding Procedures:
Using Power Automate, the IT team created workflows to automatically assign applications based on a new employee’s role and, just as importantly, to deactivate accounts immediately when someone leaves. This automation not only saved roughly 20 hours each month but also mitigated significant security risks. - Documentation and Communication:
With the integration of Copilot, employees began generating high-quality FAQs and knowledge-based articles. In Human Resources, a dedicated chatbot was developed using Copilot Studio. This tool swiftly handles frequently asked questions, reducing the need for manual support and ensuring that employees receive accurate, on-demand information. - Approval and Compliance Workflows:
Approval processes, once tangled in cumbersome email threads and manual spreadsheet submissions, are now managed seamlessly within Microsoft Teams and Power Apps. Managers can review and approve requests in a single centralized system that provides a clear audit trail. Such improvements have dramatically reduced delays and minimized human error. - Auditing and Compliance:
The company also automated workflows essential for maintaining ISO and SOX standards, transforming historically tedious auditing and reporting tasks into streamlined processes. Regular compliance checks now run with minimal human oversight while providing a transparent, verifiable record—a significant win for compliance teams.
Real-World Benefits and Cost Savings
Automation doesn’t merely simplify operations—it also yields concrete financial benefits. Through reclaimed software licenses alone, the company saved an impressive €163,000. Moreover, the overall efficiency gains featured prominently in the company’s metrics: the two IT Invest Week workshops collectively saved Games Global over 22,370 hours annually.Consider the labor-intensive process of generating quarterly cloud security reports and monthly CDN reports. Previously, these tasks consumed valuable resources and were prone to human error. With the new automated workflows in place, these reports are now produced automatically, offering timely and accurate insights that enhance the decision-making process.
Driving Higher-Value Work Through Time Savings
At its core, the automation initiative at Games Global is about reallocating time from mundane tasks to strategic endeavors. By ensuring that every automation process was meticulously mapped and its impact precisely measured, the IT team could confidently back its success with hard data. Each workflow was scrutinized by breaking down every manual step, estimating potential time savings, and later auditing the real impact post-implementation. This rigorous approach has ensured accountability and built trust across the organization.Empowering Teams Through Proper Training
The transformative journey also hinges on continuous education. The IT Invest Week events not only equipped employees with the technical know-how but also fostered a culture of innovation. The interactive, workshop-based approach allowed teams to experiment freely, making mistakes and learning valuable lessons along the way. This organic growth in expertise has had a profound impact on overall employee morale and productivity.Cohen herself recounted a personal win: when tasked with writing a challenging cybersecurity email, she leveraged AI-powered assistance from Copilot. The result was an email that struck the perfect balance between firmness and engagement, proving that even seemingly creative tasks can benefit from automation.
The Future of Gaming and IT at Games Global
Looking forward, the implications of these automation efforts extend beyond mere time savings. With over 22,000 hours reclaimed annually, Games Global is now poised to focus on higher-value work, including:- Innovation:
Freed from routine tasks, teams can dedicate their skills to creative projects that drive long-term business success. - Customer Engagement:
Streamlined internal processes translate to faster, more responsive services for gamers, ensuring that the external customer experience is continuously enhanced. - Strategic Projects:
Beyond immediate operational gains, the reclaimed work hours enable the company to invest time in strategic initiatives, further positioning itself as an industry leader.
Broader Implications for the Tech Industry
Games Global’s success story is emblematic of a broader trend in the IT industry. Companies that adopt automation not only enjoy immediate operational benefits but also build long-term competitive advantages. By reducing manual friction, organizations can focus on innovation and strategic growth—an insight that resonates with IT professionals across the board.For Windows users and IT enthusiasts, this case study serves as a compelling example of how leveraging Microsoft Power Platform and Copilot Studio can transform business operations. Whether you’re a small business owner or leading a multinational enterprise, the principles behind Games Global’s automation journey are universal: streamline your operations, empower your employees, and focus on the work that truly drives success.
Key Takeaways
- Empowering through Education:
Games Global’s IT Invest Week workshops provided hands-on training that enabled employees to conceptualize and implement automation solutions with measurable outcomes. - Eliminating Manual Bottlenecks:
Automation replaced time-consuming manual tasks—from HR processes to system compliance checks—resulting in significant annual time savings. - Concrete Financial and Efficiency Gains:
The initiative saved over 22,000 hours annually, secured cost savings (e.g., reclaiming unused licenses saved €163,000), and enhanced overall security and compliance protocols. - Enhanced Employee Experience:
By automating routine processes, the company not only improved operational efficiency but also created an environment where employees can focus on innovation and strategic projects. - Future-Ready Business Strategy:
Automation has enabled Games Global to drive transformation at scale, positioning the company for continued success in an increasingly competitive industry.
Concluding Thoughts
Games Global’s remarkable achievement—saving over 22,000 hours annually—demonstrates the transformative power of automation. By embracing Microsoft Power Platform and Copilot Studio, the company has unlocked efficiencies that not only streamline operations but also empower teams to focus on higher-value, strategic work.This transformational journey offers valuable lessons for IT professionals and business leaders alike: When you remove unnecessary friction, you pave the way for innovation and customer-centric success. As automation continues to redefine the landscape of modern work, Games Global’s experience is a testament to the potential waiting to be unleashed by businesses that dare to reimagine their operations.
For Windows users keen on exploring the latest in IT innovation and operational efficiency, this story is more than just a case study—it’s an invitation to rethink how automation can propel your business into the future.
Source: Microsoft Games Global saves over 22,000 hours per year with Microsoft Power Platform and Copilot Studio | Microsoft Customer Stories
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