Introduction

Games Global, a prominent South African gaming company with a portfolio of over 1,300 proprietary games across 40+ independent studios, is spearheading a transformative automation revolution using AI and Microsoft solutions. This initiative showcases how a tech-driven strategy can optimize business efficiency, enhance operational security, and empower teams by automating repetitive workflows.

Background

The company’s vision, articulated by CIO Jen Cohen, is focused on achieving "One" seamless operation to simplify employees’ work lives by leveraging cutting-edge tools. Understanding the potential of artificial intelligence, Cohen partnered with Microsoft to launch an automation campaign rooted in the Microsoft Power Platform and Copilot Studio.

A pivotal element in this transformation was the IT Invest Week events — immersive workshops aimed to democratize automation. Over these multi-day sessions, cross-departmental teams were trained to implement Microsoft Power Automate workflows and Copilot Studio AI assistive features. The initiative empowered employees to design and deploy automated solutions tailored to their daily work challenges.

Automation in Action: Key Use Cases and Benefits

  • Onboarding and Offboarding: Power Automate workflows now automatically provision software and deactivate accounts, saving 20 hours monthly and enhancing security by promptly removing system access.
  • Documentation and Communication: Copilot Studio powers a dedicated HR chatbot that answers FAQs, reducing manual ticket loads and providing personalized employee support.
  • Approval and Compliance: Integration within Microsoft Teams and Power Apps streamlines multi-step approval procedures, cutting down process delays and minimizing human error with transparent audit trails.
  • Auditing and Reporting: Traditional ISO and SOX compliance activities are automated, enabling frequent, low-effort compliance checks and generating verifiable records that strengthen audit readiness.
  • Reporting: Automated workflows produce quarterly cloud security and monthly CDN usage reports with improved accuracy and timeliness.

These improvements cumulatively saved Games Global over 22,000 hours annually, reclaimed €163,000 through software license optimization, and significantly reduced operational risks.

Technical Insights

The backbone of the company’s success lies in the fusion of Microsoft Power Automate (for workflow automation) and Copilot Studio (an AI-powered tool for generating content, chatbot responses, and supporting communications). These platforms provide scalable, low-code environments accessible to all employees, facilitating rapid development and deployment of automation solutions without heavy reliance on IT specialists.

Additionally, management used rigorous data-driven methodologies by mapping all manual process steps, estimating possible time savings, and auditing real impacts post-implementation. This accountability drove trust and adoption across the company.

Implications and Future Outlook

The reclaimed time and resource efficiencies allow Games Global to refocus on value-driven activities such as innovation, improving customer engagement, and advancing strategic projects. The automation journey not only elevates internal productivity but also enhances the gaming experience for customers by enabling more responsive and agile operations.

Games Global’s story exemplifies a broader industry trend: the integration of AI-powered automation platforms is a critical enabler for companies aiming to compete in dynamic, technology-driven markets. For IT and business leaders, the company’s success underscores the importance of employee empowerment through training and the transformational potential of AI across business processes.

Conclusion

By embracing Microsoft’s Power Platform and Copilot Studio, Games Global has not only transformed its operational landscape but also set a benchmark for automation-led digital transformation in the gaming sector and beyond. This case highlights how organizations can reduce manual friction, improve governance, cut costs, and unlock new strategic growth avenues through intelligent automation.