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by Published on December 12th, 2012 22:58- Categories:
- DCEmu
The Game Monetization Summit offered some crucial advice from key players and discussed the secrets of whales
The Digital Game Monetization Summit in San Francisco had a number of speakers and panels that not only presented opinions and analysis, but also refreshingly presented us with some specific numbers and examples. Since digital distribution is generally opaque, getting some insight into the amount of money being made, and how, is vitally important. The following overview hits some of the high points of the varied array of presentations.
Paul Thelen, CEO of Big Fish, offered a look at the lessons Big Fish has learned from the business of casual games. Big Fish has been profitable all through its 11-year life span, and continues to grow at “healthy” double-digits. Thelen noted that while the PC is not considered a growth platform, Big Fish is still adding audience for its PC games - so it's a growth platform for them. According to Thelen, Big Fish is making money with a variety of business models, from premium casual games sold for $19.99 to free-to-play games. Thelen's key advice is to try and continually reinvent yourself. “Just because we made money doing this last year doesn't mean we will make money doing this again next year,” he noted.
“You need to match the game mechanic to the business model, and the monetization needs to match the business model of the game,” Thelen said. “If you have a game that has 6 to 8 hours of linear gameplay and when you finish it, you're done, there are very limited ways you can monetize that game. What we've done is a simple transaction; you buy it, just like you would buy a book. It's very hard to monetize a book with free-to-play.” Big Fish provides a variety of price points for its games, ranging from a $19.95 'collector's edition' to a standard edition at $6.99 or $9.99, as well as subscriptions and free-to-play.
Kongregate's big spenders
Big Fish is planning to launch some 250 games in 2013, and Thelen said that almost all will have a positive return on the PC. Big Fish now is in the process of bringing many games to mobile; Thelen points out that a high production value game for Big Fish, which would cost about $500,000 to produce, can be ported to the iPad for about $20,000. “Now you have a half-million dollar game on a hyper growth platform, and that game has already returned a profit to the developer,” Thelen said.
Thelen provided some eye-opening numbers about the state of the business. “Free-to-play is a huge market, and there are people making crazy amounts of money,” Thelen said. “Supercell came from nowhere after a lot of mistakes, and they are now making $300 million on two games on iOS alone.” Thelen also noted that free-to-play games reach 1.2 billion PC users, and that 14 million gamers are visiting Big Fish each month, so there's plenty of room for growth.
"Just because we made money doing this last year doesn't mean we will make money doing this again next year"
Paul Thelen, Big Fish
The next session featured panelists talking about the business of games, and they noted some astonishing statistics. For example, mobile hit Temple Run quintupled its revenue when it switched to a freemium model. While many have focused on creating casual games for the greatly expanded demographics available through social, online, and mobile platforms, some of the panelists felt the opportunity lies elsewhere.
“If you look at what people successfully did on Facebook or the early days of mobile, a lot of it was about cheap user acquisition through the spammy virality that Facebook allowed for a while, or manipulations of the terms of service from Apple or Google on the mobile side. That's gone away,” said Greg Richardson, CEO of Rumble Entertainment. “Of the $50 billion that was spent worldwide last year on games, less than 10 percent was spent on casual content. These companies were really smart around analytics and monetization and very light in terms of product and content creation. I'm not sure any of those things are particularly sustainable. The future lies in going into the larger part of the market which is people that self-identify as gamers, and where the user acquisition and long-term value creation comes from making great games.”
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...om-key-players
...by Published on December 12th, 2012 22:52- Categories:
- Raspberry Pi
If you’re lacking useful equipment for your Raspberry Pi hacking adventure, such as an HDMI monitor or power supply, this handy write-up will show you how to continue your hacking. All you’ll need is a laptop, the Raspberry Pi itself, an SD card, and an Ethernet and micro-USB cable. As noted in the article, it’s not really recommended to power the ‘Pi off of USB only, so this could potentially be a source of problems.
This hack begins by installing Linux on an SD card per this setup page, then using a Virtual Network Computing [VNC] setup to work with your Raspberry Pi. There are a few steps in between being able to do this, like setting up network sharing, and sleuthing out the IP address of the new processor, but everything is explained in detail for Mac and Linux. Windows users will have to do a bit of “sleuthing” of their own, but if you have some more information on this process, we’d love to hear about it in the comments!
http://hackaday.com/2012/12/12/raspb...ommando-style/ ...by Published on December 12th, 2012 22:50- Categories:
- DCEmu
Some gaming enthusiasts find buying games on the High Street safer than via online, says Ubisoft.
The firm’s free-to-play publishing director Thomas Paincon said that some consumers trust the High Street over online services and free-to-play games. And that’s why the firm is launching a boxed version of digital F2P title, The Settlers Online.
Paincon said: “Now, with the opportunity to reach more players and monetize them through their regular channel in retail, we should experience nice results.
“Some players tend to trust what packaged goods offer, even for free-to-play online titles, more than spending money directly online.”
Paincon hopes that releasing the firm’s browser games at retail will help widen the potential audience for Ubisoft’s titles.
The news follows a similar move from free-to-play giant Bigpoint. The firm has released a trio of its titles at UK retail via Contact Sales.
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/ubiso...online/0108019 ...by Published on December 12th, 2012 22:48- Categories:
- Apple News,
- Android News,
- Apple iPad,
- Apple iPhone
As of midnight tonight, Football Manager Handheld 2013 will be available on iOS and Android devices.
The game brings together a number of enhancements implemented as a result of user feedback with improvements including an all-new player comparison module, twitter support for all devices and skins developed specifically for tablet devices.
Football Manager Handheld 2013 also allows consumers to purchase unlockable features including the introduction to the club of a ‘sugar daddy’, the option to expand the club’s stadium and step into the position chalice of the ability international management from the beginning of the game.
As with previous iterations of the game, several of these unlockable extras can also be earned through in-game achievements – a tradition adhered to in the handheld SKU.
The game will be available from iTunes, Google Play and the Amazon App Store as of midnight tonight.
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/footb...onight/0108026 ...by Published on December 12th, 2012 22:46- Categories:
- Xbox 360 News
Assassin's Creed III is the fastest-selling game in Ubisoft's history, shifting 7m units worldwide.
The publisher also showed off some other intriguing stats. Players have spent a combined 8,200 years playing the solo missions, with three billion assassinations.
The company boasts that it has had a lot more success with the multiplayer this time around. Twice as many players have played the game's multiplayer mode than last year's Assassin's Creed: Revelations, with over five billion sessions.
“We are delighted with the performance of Assassin’s Creed III this Christmas,” said UK MD Rob Cooper.
“This is a beautiful and epic game of exceptional quality and we’re pleased that our fans have responded so well to the brand new universe, storyline and game experience.”
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/assas...s-sold/0108027 ...by Published on December 12th, 2012 22:23- Categories:
- Ouya Android Console
The eSfere video game console has made its way onto crowd-funding site Idiegogo and intends to bring Android apps to your living room TV.
“Mobile apps have transformed the electronic gaming ecosystem. Each week thousands of new titles, with remarkable graphics and audio, are available for smartphones and tablets for low prices or even free,” reads eSfere’s Indiegogo page.
“Why should we settle for playing them on a 4 inch, 7 inch or 10 inch screen device? Why can’t we enjoy our favourite games on our large screen TV at high quality without having to resort to home video game consoles and their high priced games?”
The console boasts a Tegra3 quad core processor or above, 2GB RAM, 16GB internal flash storage, two USB ports, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, HDMI connection for up to 1080p HD, multitouch gamepad controller with integrated accelerometer and gyroscope, and Android 4.1 operating system.
The gamepad controller is designed to keep the touch surface experience of a mobile device, but those who have longed for physical buttons on their tablet or smartphone will be pleased to hear that the eSfere controller comes with a set of detachable silicone buttons and d-pads to easily adapt to your favourite games.
This console is potentially good news for both gamers and developers. Users can pay a relatively small amount for an app-port of an AAA game and play it on a big TV, and developers don’t need to make special adaptations, just continue making Android games as they normally would.
The eSfere needs to raise $390,000 by January 21st. Check out the eSfere Indiegogo page to find out more.
http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/read/...screens/029803 ...by Published on December 12th, 2012 01:18- Categories:
- Snes News
"BSNES author and game collector Byuu has decided to put his entire collection of SNES games up for sale — at the low price of 24,999USD. The collection covers *every* game ever made for SNES, all in the original covers. From the article: 'The seller, who goes by the name "Byuu" on Reddit, says that every single game in the collection comes with its original box and approximately 85 percent of the games come with their original manuals. The collection does not include unlicensed games, and every game has been professionally cleaned and tested. "They all work perfectly," Byuu says.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/300830169972You are bidding on a complete set of every North American Super Nintendo (SNES) game ever released. This set is the result of half a decade of collecting....
All 721 games sold at retail in the United States, Canada and Mexico are included.
Also included is every single box ever released. Note that Mario-All Stars+World, Super Scope 6, and Miracle Piano did not have individual game boxes.
Also included is 605 unique game manuals, comprising 84% of all manuals. I have approximately half of the rarest manuals here, but you can see specifics below.
Also included are 400-700 white box inserts, 400-700 white usage instruction booklets, 400-700 Nintendo Power advertisement cards and posters, 300-500 registration cards, and 100 or so posters.
Also included are 26 duplicate games, 15 duplicate boxes, and 50-100 duplicate manuals.
What is *not* included is any not-for-resale, unreleased, and unlicensed games.
Please see the list below for the full inventory.
This set was built by purchasing used carts, instructions and boxes from countless sellers. The conditions of each item vary, as indicated by the below list.
I have made an effort to ensure that the most desirable carts have intact labels. Any boxes that had seriously damaged front or back artwork were replaced. This is where most of the duplicates come from. But by no means is this a pristine set. We are talking about used games more than 20 years old. There will be creases, there will be folds, there will be finger smudges. The list below shows you the conditions for each item I have.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/300830169972by Published on December 12th, 2012 01:12
Amazon is hosting another games-only Gold Box event, discounting one game all day and several for two-hour windows. The Deal of the Day is Assassin's Creed 3 for $33 on PS3 or Xbox 360, bundled with $3 credits for Amazon Instant Video, Digital Games, and Gaming Trade-In Credit.
Lightning Deals still to come include various headsets, Rhythm Thief, Dishonored, and Adventure Time: Hey Ice King, etc. Obsessively follow the deals throughout the day at this link.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/goldbox/ ...by Published on December 12th, 2012 00:43- Categories:
- Nintendo DS News,
- Nintendo 3DS News,
- Nintendo Wii News,
- Wii U News
Nintendo of Europe has outed its software release schedule for Wii U and 3DS over the coming months.
Of note is confirmation of Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels for a 3DS eShop release on December 27, followed by Mega Man 2 and Ninja Gaiden 2: The Dark Sword of Chaos both in 'Q1' 2013.Here's the list:
Nintendo 3DS (Packaged Games):
Paper Mario: Sticker Star | Nintendo - 7th December, 2012
Scribblenauts Unlimited | Nintendo - 8th February, 2013
Wreck-It Ralph | Activision - 8th February, 2013
Super Black Bass | Koch Media - 15th, February 2013
Viking Invasion 2 - Tower Defense | Bigben Interactive - 22nd, February 2013
Crash City Mayhem | Ghostlight Ltd - 22nd February, 2013
SMT: Devil Survivor Overclocked | Ghostlight Ltd - 22nd February, 2013
Imagine Champion Rider 3D | UBISOFT - February 2013
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed | SEGA - February 2013
Dr Kawashima's Devilish Brain Training | Nintendo - 8th March, 2013
Puzzler World 2013 | Ideas Pad Ltd - 8th March, 2013
Jewel Master: Cradle of Egypt 2 | Just for Games - 13th March, 2013
The Hidden | Majesco - 13th March, 2013
Pet Zombies | Majesco - 13th March, 2013
Face Racers | Majesco - 13th March, 2013
Nano Assault | Majesco - 13th March, 2013
Hello Kitty Picnic with Sanrio Friends | Majesco - 13th March, 2013
Monster High: Skultimate Roller Maze | Little Orbit - 13th March, 2013
Mystery Murders: Jack the Ripper | Avanquest - 15th March, 2013
Puzzler Brain Games | Ideas Pad Ltd - 29th March, 2013
Funfair Party Games | Avanquest - 29th March, 2013
Midnight Mysteries: The Devil on the Mississippi | Avanquest - 29th March, 2013
Luigi's Mansion 2 | Nintendo - March 2013
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate | Capcom - March 2013
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow - Mirror of Fate | Konami - March 2013
The Croods: Prehistoric Party | Namco Bandai - March 2013
ATV Fever | Enjoy Gaming Ltd - March 2013
Hello Kitty Picnic | 505 Games - Q1 2013
3DS Jewel Quest 4 Heritage | Media Sales and Licensing - Q1 2013
3DS Jewel Quest Mysteries 3 The Seventh Gate | Media Sales and Licensing - Q1 2013
Fire Emblem: Awakening | Nintendo - April 2013
Animal Crossing (temp name) | Nintendo - Q2 2013
Nintendo 3DS (eShop Downloads):
The "Denpa" Men: They Came By Wave | Genius Sonority - 6th December, 2012
CRIMSON SHROUD | Level-5 IA Inc. - 13th December, 2012
Hydroventure: Spin Cycle | Nintendo - 13th December, 2012
Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (VC) | Nintendo - 27th December, 2012
escapeVektor | Nnooo - December 2012
Nano Assault EX | Shin'en Multimedia - December 2012
Ghosts'n Goblins (VC) | Capcom - 3rd January, 2013
Tokyo Crash Mobs | Nintendo - 17th January, 2013
Fractured Soul | Endgame Studios - January 2013
PICROSS e2 | JUPITER - January 2013
NightSky | Nicalis - Q1 2013
ATV Wild Ride 3D | Renegade Kid - Q1 2013
HarmoKnight | Nintendo - March 2013
Harvest Moon (VC) Natsume - Q1 2013
Legend of the River King (VC) | Natsume - Q1 2013
Pinball: Revenge of the Gator (VC) | Nintendo - Q1 2013
MEGA MAN 2 (VC) | Capcom - Q1 2013
Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos (VC) - Tecmo Koei - Q1 2013
Wii U (Packaged Games):
Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge | Nintendo - 11th Jan, 2013
SiNG PARTY (with Microphone) | Nintendo - 18th Jan, 2013
Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth | UBISOFT - 24th Jan, 2013
Scribblenauts Unlimited | Nintendo - 8th Feb, 2013
NBA2K13 | Take Two - 11th Feb, 2013
Rayman Legends | UBISOFT - 28th Feb, 2013
F1 Race Stars | Codemasters - 1st Mar, 2013
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate | Capcom - March 2013
The Croods: Prehistoric Party | Namco Bandai - March 2013
Aliens: Colonial Marines | SEGA - Q1 2013
Need for Speed Most Wanted | EA - Q1 2013
LEGO City: Undercover | Nintendo - Early 2013
Pikmin 3 | Nintendo - Q2 2013
Wii U (eShop Downloads):
Funky Barn | Tantalus - 6th December, 2012
Mighty Switch Force! Hyper Drive Edition | WayForward - 6th December, 2012
Toki Tori 2 | Two Tribes - 20th December, 2012
Zen Pinball 2 | Zen Studios - December 2012
Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien | Gaijin Games - Q1 2013
Mutant Mudds Deluxe | Renegade Kid - Q1 2013
The Cave | SEGA - Q1 2013
http://www.computerandvideogames.com...ease-schedule/ ...by Published on December 12th, 2012 00:27- Categories:
- DCEmu
A new report by GameTrack shows that America is still the Western world's gaming superpower. American gamers still outnumber their UK counterparts, they play across more devices and mediums, and they also show the largest appetite for online gaming.
Thanks to the study, run by Ipsos nMediaCT, we know that almost half of the American gaming audience (48 per cent) play online games, compared 42 per cent who played packaged games. And while it's still easy to think of big MMOs like World Of Warcraft when online gaming is mentioned, 27 per cent of that online gaming in the US is through browsers. 31 per cent also played games through apps on their phones and tablets, a figure that seems surprisingly low considering most people have a mobile phone capable of hosting those apps.
By comparison the UK gamers are still traditionalists, with packaged games still the biggest part of the audiences' gaming diet, followed by online and apps. In the online category play is distributed evenly over downloads, social, multiplayer and browser.
This order of importance for packaged, online and app games is mirrored by France, Germany and Spain. In monetary terms, packaged is still the most important player, although the report notes this share is falling in both the UK and Spain.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...ng-super-power ...- Search DCEmu
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Catherine: Full Body’s English translation for the Vita