Ongame Network has introduced Essence, the principle behind Ongame Network's new online poker business model.

Essence is a real-time algorithm that is first being applied to network-wide cash games. The Essence fuelled business model captures the truer value of all players by factoring in style of play and relative performance over the previous 90 active days. Essence adjusts the player mix by making it more profitable for network partners to attract and retain the most valuable players while still being able to welcome everyone to the online tables.

This valuation change is endorsed by Ongame Network’s partners who support the long-term sustainability it brings to the network. The generation of player points, the common currency on which partners’ loyalty programmes are based, is now linked to the Essence model.

"Style of play gives a truer reflection of an online poker player’s worth." said Martin Lerby, head of Ongame Network.

Essence accounts for how players interact with Ongame Network’s poker ecosystem including game and level choice, frequency and timing of play, opponent and table selection, pot contribution and playing speed - in other words, style of play.