[casual_games] multiplayer?

[Matthew Ford]

Ahh, I'd love to hear discussion about this one. Last time I heard this
discussed, it was said that portals often prohibit apps from connecting
users to the developer's server for fear the developer will steal their
future business-- for example wean them off the portal and start to sell to
them directly. But I don't recall an extended discussion of this and I'd
really appreciate any more info on the subject.

As well as recounting the situation as it stands now, I'd appreciate any
speculation on how this may change in the future, and how a developer can
build a game in a way that allows multiplayer connections among players but
avoids whatever the portals may fear.

Or in fact is the market ready now for multiplayer-oriented casual gaming,
and it simply has not broken out yet?


Matthew Ford
matthew at fordfam dot com

-----Original Message-----
From: casual_games-bounces at igda.org [mailto:casual_games-bounces at igda.org]
On Behalf Of John Falconne
Sent: Wednesday, 25 October 2006 1:31 AM
To: casual_games at igda.org
Subject: [casual_games] multiplayer?

One thing that surprises me is how few multiplayer options there are for
casual gamers. Why is that? My friend, another game developer, said it's
because there's no way for a casual game developer to make money on
multiplayer games. Is that true? Are there no viable business models around
that make multiplayer game development appealing to casual game developers?