SUSPECT: RE: [casual_games] multiplayer?

[Jónas Antonsson]

My money is on your last point. I think it hasn't fully broken out yet. Of
course this whole discussion lacks a proper foundation - a solid definition
of what we're talking about when we say "multiplayer casual games". We have
a pretty wide target.

If we include lotteries or casino games as casual games then we have a lot
of very successful multiplayer games, for example.

But - back to the point - I think we're pretty much talking about the same
thing. With that in mind I think that a multiplayer model for casual games
will be a logical extension to both the main distribution canal - internet -
and the nature of a lot of casual games - web based. A solid architectural
approach can introduce new dimensions, game-play aspects and social
structures that relate to, interact with or are a direct part of casual
games. In fact this is a center of study for me so it hits close to home.

As far as portals go, I have not been under the impression that multiplayer
models aren't something they'd consider - if done properly and in a
beneficial way to both developer and portal. In fact I've had talks with
portals about a game concept that we've been working on (gogogic) which is
multiplayer based and, so far, the dialogs have been positive.

Jónas B. Antonsson
COO (Chief Operating Officer)
--------------------------------
Gogogic ehf.
Fákafen 9, 108 Reykjavik, Iceland 
Mail jonas at gogogic.com
Mob +354 664 8600
Tel +354 534 7700
Fax +354 534 7701
Web www.gogogic.com
blog www.jonasantonsson.com 
--------------------------------



-----Original Message-----
From: casual_games-bounces at igda.org [mailto:casual_games-bounces at igda.org]
On Behalf Of Matthew Ford
Sent: 24. október 2006 20:28
To: 'IGDA Casual Games SIG Mailing List'
Subject: RE: [casual_games] multiplayer?

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? 
 
 

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