[casual_games] Portals: Room for improvement?

[Wade Tinney]

I think the next level for portals will mean *some* form of dynamic
retailing. Amazon is a good model for this, but it could be something
much less sophisticated as well. i.e. Don't show someone games that they
already have installed on their computer (but DO show them tips or new
content for that game), make recommendations based on games they've
downloaded or purchased (like Bejeweled? You'll lose your !@#$ing mind
over Bepearled!!), et cetera. Obviously, there are all sorts of ways to
extend these simple examples. 

>From a developer's point of view, it would be great if portals changed
the positioning (promotion) of games dynamically with an eye to
balancing out downloads across all titles, at least within a set period
of time from launch. We all know that placement has a huge impact on
download volume and can help a new title establish momentum (or not, if
they get crappy placement). Obviously, it would be unwise for portals to
promote underperforming titles beyond a certain point, so the idea here
would be to at least give equal opportunity to more than just a few
titles. 

While we're on the topic, I'd love for some of the folks on this list
from distribution channel to share their "Top Ten List" algorithm with
us. Anyone? 
Is based on download volume? Conversion rate? Revenue? Something else?


-Wade


-----Original Message-----
From: casual_games-bounces at igda.org
[mailto:casual_games-bounces at igda.org] On Behalf Of Andrew Dick
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2005 5:00 PM
To: IGDA Casual Games SIG Mailing List
Subject: [casual_games] Portals: Room for improvement?


First, I would like to say the amount of information
being shared on this mailing list is astounding! I
couldn't imagine NOT being subscribed.

Now my question for the experts out there is on
Portals: Can you see any kind of improvement that can
be made in terms of layout or function? All of the
current famous sites out there each seem to have a
slight variation in how they present their "Top Ten"
lists and such, but one problem that they all seem to
share is the sort of "Blackhole" syndrome where a
worthy new title gets quickly shoved to the back
regardless of its quality.

I've spent some time now trying to think of a work
around that would not only appeal to the general
casual game consumer, but also to the developer in
that they'd be excited to see how their latest product
traveled through the ranks over time (and not
instantly into oblivion). Yes I realize pretty much
any developer is willing to have their games hosted on
any portal which has the possibility to make them
sales. What I want it to do though is have a unique
and innovative experience, for both consumer and
client, that has a large chance to grow in this
crowded industry. As you can probably guess it's a
rather daunting task that will need a large amount of
time, work and perhaps gobs of luck.

I am in the very early stages of designing the site
and want to discuss this a bit before moving forward.

Thank you all very much for your time,

Andy Dick


		
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