Monday, September 25, 2006

Massively Multi Player Role Games

MMPRGs are growing very fast. They do well, particularly in younger markets. Have we got an in? I'm not suggesting we become a games developer (not yet, anyway) but we could certainly partner up with a big un doing good stuff online.

Here’s conversation I had this morning. It would be great if others who a) know more about gaming b) actually play games like Secondlife or Everquest, could share their wisdom on this.

Me:"
I think there is some real fun to be had is with younger markets - the unders 27s in particular; They love the multi-multi-role-player games (imagine a Match football one with news via text messages etc etc)
He: I could imagine a Max site where one builds cars in cyberspace then shows off with 'em. Kind alike Fast & Furious meets Second Life. Doubtless this already exists somewhere?
Me: Yeah it kind of does, that's the problem I suppose. But in these online ‘virtual world’ games people develop new levels just for their mates. Perhaps we could do a deal with a developer to do a Max level or a Match level in a footy one (dunno if there are MMRPG in football but I imagine pretty much every new PlayStation game will come set up to play against others online.
I'm pretty sure a game like Grand Theft Auto, Need For Speed or Gran Turismo offers some of the functionality. Not sure they do the full virtual life thing - which may be somewhere we could do something different. ie a level could be a Max Power show and you have to build cars to win prizes at it, and have the best stand, with the best birds on etc
There could be two revenue routes: selling ads/sponsoring elements in the game itself and or sms to buy upgrades or get news of what others are doing/ allow others to share what they are doing. "

What are the chances of an MCN race championship in SecondLife, or an LRO off road centre? Is this new marketing, new revenue - or both?

er... please post your thoughts -

3 comments:

  1. You'll never persuade any 'responsible adult' over the age of 30 to accept that there is money to be made and publicity to be had in computer games.

    And by the time they'll learn, they'll have not only missed the boat, but also the hovercraft, catamarang, and the parting of the water by the second coming.

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  2. I think you may have hit the nail on the head. The real market here is probably under 27s. Those over that age have difficulty understanding how big and how important this is because they don't really 'get' this generation's behaviour and motivations. I'm hoping this Blog will go some way to helping those of us over 27 (myself very much included) bridge that gap. If you've got examples you can give to help make the case - all the better!

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  3. BTW: Found this online soccer management game http://uk.cm-online.com/main/authentication/viewLogin
    And at this site: http://www.mmosite.com/ you can find news about a MMRPG where you are a street soccer player (from Korea)

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