http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/2013/04/land-free-getting-your-moneys-worth-free-play-games
Showing posts with label free to play. Show all posts
Showing posts with label free to play. Show all posts
Monday, 6 May 2013
Tuesday, 9 April 2013
Saturday, 6 April 2013
EA: Ignore the vocal minority - the market likes free-to-play
The angry whining of teens on the internet should not be mistaken for actual, real-world opinion.
That much is certainly true. Whether it can be applied to arguments surrounding free-to-play gaming is probably slightly more debatable.
There’s no confusion as to which side of the fence EA sits on, however. EA All Play senior VP Nick Earl says that there’s no disputing free-to-play’s victory in the modern games market.
That much is certainly true. Whether it can be applied to arguments surrounding free-to-play gaming is probably slightly more debatable.
There’s no confusion as to which side of the fence EA sits on, however. EA All Play senior VP Nick Earl says that there’s no disputing free-to-play’s victory in the modern games market.
ANALYSIS: Free-to-play games putting pressure on triple-A
In an increasingly fractured market there are less and less outright villains in the games business, save for one business model: free-to-play
Thursday, 4 April 2013
Critical Consensus: Ridiculous Fishing - A Tale of Redemption
Critical Consensus: Ridiculous Fishing - A Tale of Redemption
Vlambeer's mobile title is highest scoring game of 2013 so far
Vlambeer's mobile title is highest scoring game of 2013 so far
On paper, the fishing game seems like a pretty ridiculous concept all round. It's a fairly sedentary hobby, epitomised by calm mornings on a chilly river bank, in which the ultimate achievement is to drag a slimy, smelly creature out of its natural habitat before photographing it and either putting it back or stuffing it for the wall of your house.
Wednesday, 20 March 2013
The story behind the smash hit Ridiculous Fishing
The story behind the smash hit Ridiculous Fishing
Has your best idea just been ripped off? Here’s how a small game studio bounced back from a clone attack to make one of the year’s hit mobile games.
Few think of the app stores as hostile, but mobile developers struggle every day to survive in an increasingly crowded market. They cast their lines in murky waters, cross their fingers, and hope players will bite.
Game developer Vlambeer was unlucky. It found a shark in those waters. Now, it has bounced back from a near-fatal cloning incident to claim one of the most popular games on iOS. “For a while, we just lost all faith in creativity as a way to earn a living,” Rami Ismail, one of the two members of the Dutch studio, told us.
Vlambeer’s extreme-sports game, Ridiculous Fishing, launched last month to massive acclaim and sales success. It’s based on the studio’s first-ever title, the Flash game Radical Fishing, which a rival ripped off at an unfortunate time. In July 2011, Gamenauts released a clone called Ninja Fishing just as Vlambeer was preparing to announce its remake.
Has your best idea just been ripped off? Here’s how a small game studio bounced back from a clone attack to make one of the year’s hit mobile games.
Few think of the app stores as hostile, but mobile developers struggle every day to survive in an increasingly crowded market. They cast their lines in murky waters, cross their fingers, and hope players will bite.
Game developer Vlambeer was unlucky. It found a shark in those waters. Now, it has bounced back from a near-fatal cloning incident to claim one of the most popular games on iOS. “For a while, we just lost all faith in creativity as a way to earn a living,” Rami Ismail, one of the two members of the Dutch studio, told us.
Vlambeer’s extreme-sports game, Ridiculous Fishing, launched last month to massive acclaim and sales success. It’s based on the studio’s first-ever title, the Flash game Radical Fishing, which a rival ripped off at an unfortunate time. In July 2011, Gamenauts released a clone called Ninja Fishing just as Vlambeer was preparing to announce its remake.
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
Spyro takes another leap onto the iPad in Skylanders: Lost Islands
http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/iPad/Skylanders%3A+Lost+Islands/news.asp?c=45605
Activision has just released another iPad title set in its increasingly popular Skylander universe. It's called Skylanders: Lost Islands, and it's a freemium build-'em-up that tasks you with restoring the lands of the Mabu to their former glory.
Activision has just released another iPad title set in its increasingly popular Skylander universe. It's called Skylanders: Lost Islands, and it's a freemium build-'em-up that tasks you with restoring the lands of the Mabu to their former glory.
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
F2P Summit: The 15 golden rules of free-to-play
Speaking at the F2P Summit in London this morning, Gamesbrief’s Nicholas Lovell gave an enlightening talk in which he gave the audience his 15 golden rules for free-to-play game design. Lovell is well-placed to advise the delegates at this, the conference’s second year: he advises a number of studios large and small on how to succeed – though he admitted his advice was slightly biased towards mobile because that’s where most of his clients are operating. What follows, though, is not solely of use for those making mobile games, but contains valuable advice for those working elsewhere. The principles are broadly the same, whether on console, PC, Facebook or the App Store.
http://www.edge-online.com/features/f2p-summit-the-15-golden-rules-of-free-to-play-game-design/
(Text beyond the cut)
Saturday, 15 September 2012
Classic PC review: Grand Theft Auto 1
Grand Theft Auto. In the month leading up to the release of Grand Theft Auto IV for the Xbox 360 and PS3 on the 29th of April, here at videogamesblogger.com we’ll be looking back at the series that revolutionized the videogame industry, selling an amazing 65 million copies worldwide. The game that took us on our first visit to the dangerous streets of Liberty City, San Andreas and Vice City is the 1997 PC and PlayStation hit, Grand Theft Auto.Read more: Classic PC review: Grand Theft Auto 1 (now a free download) http://www.videogamesblogger.com/2008/03/27/classic-pc-review-grand-theft-auto-1-now-a-free-download.htm#ixzz26UYbuuoq
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
Rockstar Games
I think the Rockstar Games story is a fantastic saga to read about - If the Social Network got greenlit for a movie, I think the story of two brothers from England becoming the most influential figures of the games industry is surely worthy of being made for the big screen! From their beginnings in the music industry, via Lemmings and Dundee, via Race and Chase ... the iconic R* logo .... the leap into 3D with GTA III .... the attention to detail in both "Miami Vice" 80s styled Vice City and 90s "Bloods and Crips" LA portrayed in San Andreas .... to Hot Coffee - a watershed for the process of modding - and then Niko Bellic's turn as protagonist in GTA IV and New York being swamped with R* flyers in a wash of old school flyering inspired from the music industry that originally captured the imaginations of the two Houser brothers. Throw in Red Dead Redemption and LA Noire, showing R* are no one-trick ponies, and even the sport of kings, Rockstar Games Table Tennis!!
For a sense of nostalgia - as well as good research obviously! - you can download the first GTA and GTA2 from the R* website at http://www.rockstargames.com/downloads#/?collection=7
This shows great value for money as others could have cashed in here! But it increases the power of the brand.
The website also has a wide range of wallpapers - http://www.rockstargames.com/downloads#/?collection=1 I can't think of many other videogame developers whose logo I would want on the wallpaper of my PC, but it works! To bastardise the famous Barcelona tagline, Rockstar have become more than a games company. The word Rockstar has many connotations - glamour, danger, success, rebellious, wealth, cavalier - it's easy to see why the brand stands out among its competitors - few inspire the same dangerous cool as the team at R*.
For those wish to delve further into the story of Rockstar Games - If I had the power to do so, I would get the department to buy each of you a copy but alas not - you may wish to take a look at the following book: (Don't know if it's available in any local library)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jacked-unauthorized-behind---scenes-ebook/dp/B006FH0C6E/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1347472554&sr=1-1
I bought it on Kindle for £8.99 though it's about £13.99 in Waterstones.
Though I would definitely suggest downloading the 'trial chapter' as it's a very easy read and full of interesting information.
For a sense of nostalgia - as well as good research obviously! - you can download the first GTA and GTA2 from the R* website at http://www.rockstargames.com/downloads#/?collection=7
This shows great value for money as others could have cashed in here! But it increases the power of the brand.
The website also has a wide range of wallpapers - http://www.rockstargames.com/downloads#/?collection=1 I can't think of many other videogame developers whose logo I would want on the wallpaper of my PC, but it works! To bastardise the famous Barcelona tagline, Rockstar have become more than a games company. The word Rockstar has many connotations - glamour, danger, success, rebellious, wealth, cavalier - it's easy to see why the brand stands out among its competitors - few inspire the same dangerous cool as the team at R*.
For those wish to delve further into the story of Rockstar Games - If I had the power to do so, I would get the department to buy each of you a copy but alas not - you may wish to take a look at the following book: (Don't know if it's available in any local library)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Jacked-unauthorized-behind---scenes-ebook/dp/B006FH0C6E/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1347472554&sr=1-1
I bought it on Kindle for £8.99 though it's about £13.99 in Waterstones.
Though I would definitely suggest downloading the 'trial chapter' as it's a very easy read and full of interesting information.
Sunday, 19 August 2012
What is a video game?
Before we start our examination of the industry we need to get it straight what it is we are talking about. Please have a read below of the article by Nadia Oxford on http://gametheoryonline.com/
What, by definition, is a “video game?” Earth’s greatest scholars agree that it has something to do with sitting in front of the television and rescuing princesses, usually by way of manipulating a controller that is attached to a game box, which, in turn, is attached to a television.
While that description of a video game isn’t necessarily incorrect, it’s about ten years out of date. Console and PC gaming is still very relevant, but now it’s supplemented by alternative methods of gaming–many of which are free, or at least very easy on the wallet.
When you think of video games, make sure you leave some brain space for its offshoots, including:
Portable Games — It was Nintendo engineer Gunpei Yokoi who realized, as far back as 1980, that commuters might appreciate being able to play electronic games on the go. The Game & Watch series of games was subsequently born, each with its own self-contained game (often an adaptation of an arcade hit) and a built-in liquid crystal display.
In 1989, Nintendo released the Game Boy, a handheld gaming system that could switch out game cartridges. The handheld gaming market exploded from thereon, with Nintendo generally holding the biggest pieces of the pie thanks to hit portable systems like the Game Boy Advance and the Nintendo DS.
Whereas portable games were once simplified versions of console games, or else designed in a way that kept them from using too many resources, modern handheld systems like the Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita are capable of displaying graphics on par with a console. Portable games can be purchased at retail, or downloaded via a system’s specific online store. Portable games are also currently facing a lot of competition from:
iOS/Smartphone Games — The term “iOS game” refers to any game that’s running off Apple’s mobile operating system. iOS games can include titles for the iPad and iPod Touch line of tablets/music players, but it’s most commonly used to identify a game that’s running on the iPhone.
iOS games are typically simpler than console or handheld games; you’ll find a lot of quick distractions and compelling puzzle games. However, the market is quickly becoming more complex, and the general low price of iOS games (which are bought and downloaded via Apple’s App Store–unlike handheld gaming systems, there is no physical media involved) make them good impulse buys.
Smartphones that run on Google’s Android operating system are also a popular choice for on-the-go gaming.
Downloadable Games — Pertains to games that are downloaded from an online store, as opposed to games that are published on a physical medium, like a disc or a game card. Downloadable games can be just as complex as console games that are bought at retail (in fact, PC gamers favour downloading big releases on Steam, a PC-based online distribution platform), though smaller, casual games are very popular, too. Downloadable games are usually cheaper than titles bought at retail. Popular distribution platforms include Steam, Xbox Live Arcade, the Wii Shop Channel, the Nintendo DSi Store, the Nintendo 3DS eShop, PlayStation Network, and the App Store.
Free-to-Play Games — Free-to-play games are, as the name suggests, free to play. Typically, these games run on web browsers, or on iOS platforms. They’re free to download and you can usually play them for as long as you want–though most of these games lock up a certain portion of their content until you pay for said content through an electronic transaction (usually via a credit card). These “microtransactions” are typically a few dollars, though most free-to-play games do offer you the chance to purchase super-cool items for much larger sums of money.
Social/Facebook Games — Social games have made a recent splash in the gaming landscape. Social games encourage sharing between players, and run off social networks as a result, with Facebook being the most popular. Usually, players are tasked with building towards or maintaining a goal, and are rewarded for interacting with each other, and for getting friends to play along, too. Most social games fall under the free-to-play category as well.
Zynga is currently by far the biggest developer and distributor of social games. Some of Zynga’s most popular works include FarmVille, CityVille, and Mafia Wars.
Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) — MMOGs usually offer a big world for the player to explore. In this world, players can communicate with each other, unite to complete goals, or even compete. MMOGs tend to be deep and complex, with one of the most famous examples of the genre being Blizzard’s World of Warcraft.
Many MMOGs can be played on an Internet browser and cover a multitude of genres. It’s an especially popular market for kids thanks to games like Free Realms (Fantasy), Moshi Monsters (Fantasy/Educational) and NeoPets (Virtual Pets).
Depending on the game, MMOGs can follow the free-to-play formula, or require a monthly subscription from the player. Oftentimes, the game can be played for free until a certain level is reached, and then a subscription is required.
Triple A/”Blockbuster” Games — There’s still a place in the market for big-budget games that spend two years or better in development. These are the high-profile, widely-advertised games that are sometimes referred to as “Blockbuster” games. On a Nintendo console, it might be a new Legend of Zelda game; on the PlayStation 3, the Xbox 360, and/or the PC, it might be a new Call of Duty or Halo title. Blockbuster games tend to be developed with the core gamer in mind, though everyone is invited to enjoy them.
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What, by definition, is a “video game?” Earth’s greatest scholars agree that it has something to do with sitting in front of the television and rescuing princesses, usually by way of manipulating a controller that is attached to a game box, which, in turn, is attached to a television.
While that description of a video game isn’t necessarily incorrect, it’s about ten years out of date. Console and PC gaming is still very relevant, but now it’s supplemented by alternative methods of gaming–many of which are free, or at least very easy on the wallet.
When you think of video games, make sure you leave some brain space for its offshoots, including:
Portable Games — It was Nintendo engineer Gunpei Yokoi who realized, as far back as 1980, that commuters might appreciate being able to play electronic games on the go. The Game & Watch series of games was subsequently born, each with its own self-contained game (often an adaptation of an arcade hit) and a built-in liquid crystal display.
In 1989, Nintendo released the Game Boy, a handheld gaming system that could switch out game cartridges. The handheld gaming market exploded from thereon, with Nintendo generally holding the biggest pieces of the pie thanks to hit portable systems like the Game Boy Advance and the Nintendo DS.
Whereas portable games were once simplified versions of console games, or else designed in a way that kept them from using too many resources, modern handheld systems like the Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita are capable of displaying graphics on par with a console. Portable games can be purchased at retail, or downloaded via a system’s specific online store. Portable games are also currently facing a lot of competition from:
iOS/Smartphone Games — The term “iOS game” refers to any game that’s running off Apple’s mobile operating system. iOS games can include titles for the iPad and iPod Touch line of tablets/music players, but it’s most commonly used to identify a game that’s running on the iPhone.
iOS games are typically simpler than console or handheld games; you’ll find a lot of quick distractions and compelling puzzle games. However, the market is quickly becoming more complex, and the general low price of iOS games (which are bought and downloaded via Apple’s App Store–unlike handheld gaming systems, there is no physical media involved) make them good impulse buys.
Smartphones that run on Google’s Android operating system are also a popular choice for on-the-go gaming.
Downloadable Games — Pertains to games that are downloaded from an online store, as opposed to games that are published on a physical medium, like a disc or a game card. Downloadable games can be just as complex as console games that are bought at retail (in fact, PC gamers favour downloading big releases on Steam, a PC-based online distribution platform), though smaller, casual games are very popular, too. Downloadable games are usually cheaper than titles bought at retail. Popular distribution platforms include Steam, Xbox Live Arcade, the Wii Shop Channel, the Nintendo DSi Store, the Nintendo 3DS eShop, PlayStation Network, and the App Store.
Free-to-Play Games — Free-to-play games are, as the name suggests, free to play. Typically, these games run on web browsers, or on iOS platforms. They’re free to download and you can usually play them for as long as you want–though most of these games lock up a certain portion of their content until you pay for said content through an electronic transaction (usually via a credit card). These “microtransactions” are typically a few dollars, though most free-to-play games do offer you the chance to purchase super-cool items for much larger sums of money.
Social/Facebook Games — Social games have made a recent splash in the gaming landscape. Social games encourage sharing between players, and run off social networks as a result, with Facebook being the most popular. Usually, players are tasked with building towards or maintaining a goal, and are rewarded for interacting with each other, and for getting friends to play along, too. Most social games fall under the free-to-play category as well.
Zynga is currently by far the biggest developer and distributor of social games. Some of Zynga’s most popular works include FarmVille, CityVille, and Mafia Wars.
Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) — MMOGs usually offer a big world for the player to explore. In this world, players can communicate with each other, unite to complete goals, or even compete. MMOGs tend to be deep and complex, with one of the most famous examples of the genre being Blizzard’s World of Warcraft.
Many MMOGs can be played on an Internet browser and cover a multitude of genres. It’s an especially popular market for kids thanks to games like Free Realms (Fantasy), Moshi Monsters (Fantasy/Educational) and NeoPets (Virtual Pets).
Depending on the game, MMOGs can follow the free-to-play formula, or require a monthly subscription from the player. Oftentimes, the game can be played for free until a certain level is reached, and then a subscription is required.
Triple A/”Blockbuster” Games — There’s still a place in the market for big-budget games that spend two years or better in development. These are the high-profile, widely-advertised games that are sometimes referred to as “Blockbuster” games. On a Nintendo console, it might be a new Legend of Zelda game; on the PlayStation 3, the Xbox 360, and/or the PC, it might be a new Call of Duty or Halo title. Blockbuster games tend to be developed with the core gamer in mind, though everyone is invited to enjoy them.
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