The Big Game

I noticed something going on in the social gaming market. Have you noticed that it seems there is a lot of business (and money for that matter) flying around social gaming, mobile gaming and virtual gifts? At first I was like “Sure those things are very popular” but then I took a deeper look into it.

Mark my words — Games are the secret to success of Facebook, iPhone and any platform for that matter.

No doubt there is more there than just playing games to these services and devices. I have just noticed that these wildly successful platforms are propped up by this gaming phenomenon that is taking place. The games are what keep the customer occupied for long periods of time.

So what does this mean?

Software as a form of entertainment has been around nearly 20 years. We’ve all heard how video games are eclipsing Hollywood blockbusters. There isn’t any news here. I beg to differ. You see there is this huge rise in a new type of casual gamer. Not the twenty-something playing Modern Warfare on XBOX 360. Instead a forty-something playing Farmville.

This is a fundamental shift in the marketplace. A shift that only insiders of these platforms seem to understand and are positioning to themselves to take advantage of.

What can you do about it?

Imagine the applications of the future to feel more like real-time strategy games than Microsoft Office. Imagine a world where badges and ranking are aspects to how people are rewarded for a job well done. Imagine forms of virtual gifts, credits and currency. Imagine how gaming will influence the way we work and live and I think you’ll be on to something.

Posted on Apr 01, 2010 by Kevin Milden

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