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A Few Drops of Info |
| Posted on July 10, 2007 |
We have a press release going out tomorrow. Its mostly boring stuff concerning our financing, but it does mention a couple of newsbytes on the game we’re developing. If you’re reading this blog, I imagine you’re a hip netizen, searching for the next juicy gamedev morsel. Or more likely, you’re Ryan’s Mom. In any case, I thought I’d scoop our own press release, and spill the little bit of game-specific information it contains.
First, the game we’re making will be free to play. Why free? Well, as it turns out, people don’t like paying for things.
In all seriousness, there will be modestly priced premium features that we hope people find attractive, but they are certainly not required to play the game. And honestly, we expect the vast majority of our audience will play for free. Thats ok though. Your miserly ways are cool with us.
To that point, we’re not going to create a free-player “ghetto” by segregating the paying and non-paying audiences. As a gameplay experience, our customers will benefit from all the people playing, whether they are paying customers or otherwise. So its in the game’s interest to let people cohabitate however they want. Of course, many of you are just going to go off and form exclusive cliques anyway, but thats your business and nothing we’ve enforced through the game’s architecture.
Finally, the game we’re making can be described as “casual”. What exactly casual game means is a good question, and frankly something the industry is still coming to terms with.
From the perspective of the game we’re developing, casual means accessible.
Accessible refers to the fact that you don’t need to purchase, download, or install any software. You can play it in a browser whenever you’re interested enough to come check it out.
Accessible also refers to the shallow learning curve. Thats a fancy way of saying its easy to play. There are no complicated inputs or instructions. If you can use a mouse, and manage an AIM buddy list, you can play our game.
Accessible also means that the game will reward any amount of time that players can afford to spend playing it. If you can spare 5 minutes, you will have fun. If you want to invest more of your time, the game will reward you with increasing layers of depth and replayability.
Well, thats about all I can say for now. Stay tuned as we’ll be releasing more substantive news in the coming weeks.
This all sounds fabulous (and fabulously familiar)! Best of luck getting out there, and congrats on the VeeCee.
- Daniel, also posting to assure you that ‘competitors’ are watching, as well as proud parents!
Thanks Daniel. I guess the “hip netizens” of the world are actually reading this after all.
–toby
So a MapleStory and RuneScape knock off? Java or downloaded runtime? These two labels spend most of their time patching hacks. You guys have the resources to devote to fixing leaks? Here’s a tip - use embedded advertising. The public is used to seeing billboards. So put them in your game - and get paid for them. Here’s another tip - players, teenage boys 12 to 17, need money. They don’t have any. Allow them to use PayPal to earn dough by becoming experts in your environment. Have them build settings, or journeys, or tests, or what-have-you. You know, secondlife style - but for kids.
Contratulations on your funding and product release! We’ve worked in start-up organizations, wearing a lot of hats, managing multiple requirements - like you are doing and about to do more of. Let us know if we can help with strategic planning, accounting/financial management, capital structure, valuation,409A - anything that an interim CFO component can add to your management mix.
Good luck with your product launch and contratulations again on your venture funding!
[…] ‘In all seriousness, there will be modestly priced premium features that we hope people find attractive, but they are certainly not required to play the game. And honestly, we expect the vast majority of our audience will play for free,’ said Thinglefin founder Toby Ragiani on Thinglefin’s blog. […]
Some other moms are reading too.
Ya, well… I’m still reading and interested. I even gave you my e-mail address so that you “have me forever!” Lol…
Other than that, I’m just trying to be patient! I like everything I’ve read so far, except ix-nay to pretty much everything that AnonyMous said. Sorry, man… (or, er, woman…)
P.S. Can I ascertain anything by pondering the name “Thinglefin” or is my time better spent in other endeavors?
Woot! I am very excited for you guys. As a fellow indie dev (and ex co-worker) I am rooting for you all the way! oh and.. Spicy Chicken. I miss it.