What's the point of having a blog if you can't shill for your new employer? This is the start of my second week here at Flowplay and they've (we've) launched a cool new gaming site called ourWorld
My title is Customer Experience Manager, so I'll be in charge making sure every little thing you see, do, and experience on the site is either perfect, or has being made perfect on the 'to-do' list. If it's not perfect, I'm also the person who'll be making it right.
Unlike other game aggregate sites, where there's simply a list of games, ourWorld is a beautiful, avatar based, WORLD, and games are the featured attractions. It's very much like an online theme park.
It's brand new, there's tons of content still in the pipe, and you get a lot of play out the free membership. Check it out! My avatar's name is Wylde, and if you ask, I'll be your friend.
Oh, if you have suggestions about the site, or find something that isn't perfect (and I'm sure you will), don't be shy about letting me know.
Hint: Level up by spinning the prize wheel.
Thanks!
-Adam
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Two of my Favorite Things
From Kotaku
Gingerbread: Tapping the Casual Cake Market
I don't know if this makes me want to snack, or game. Aw heck, who needs to choose!
-Adam
Gingerbread: Tapping the Casual Cake Market
I don't know if this makes me want to snack, or game. Aw heck, who needs to choose!
-Adam
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Facebook Experiment
Since I just spammed all my Facebook friends, I figure I might as well commit all the way and post here too. The point of Facebook is to bring people together, after all. I decided I'd use its event organization tool to spread the word about Western Allied Robotics' next tournament, Seattle Bot Battles 6.
I just checked, and there are no gaming tournaments listed in the Seattle area AT ALL. Is this a mistake? I think it might be. It seems like people who belong to gaming fan groups would be interested in finding gaming events in there area. Given how easy it is to set up an event (SBB6 took me less than an hour) and invite a lot of people who are probably interested, it seems like a no-brainer.
Am I missing something?
-Adam
I just checked, and there are no gaming tournaments listed in the Seattle area AT ALL. Is this a mistake? I think it might be. It seems like people who belong to gaming fan groups would be interested in finding gaming events in there area. Given how easy it is to set up an event (SBB6 took me less than an hour) and invite a lot of people who are probably interested, it seems like a no-brainer.
Am I missing something?
-Adam
1000 True Gamer Fans
This article asserts that if you have a 1000 fans, spending $100 per year on whatever it is you do, you should be able to make a comfortable living, provided you keep your costs down. It's talking about an internet business, so yes, it makes perfect sense.
Could this be a viable strategy for a one-person-band game publisher? With a little custom built strategy, I think so.
-Adam
Could this be a viable strategy for a one-person-band game publisher? With a little custom built strategy, I think so.
-Adam
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
More Sad News
Arthur C. Clarke dies at 90
I think it's safe to say he was my favorite author. I don't read a great deal of fiction, so when I do I want it to be great. Clarke's work was.
-Adam
I think it's safe to say he was my favorite author. I don't read a great deal of fiction, so when I do I want it to be great. Clarke's work was.
-Adam
Friday, March 14, 2008
Good News, Everyone!
Or perhaps not.
From GamingReport.com
There's always reason to be concerned when an industry veteran leaves WotC and is replaced by someone from Hasbro corporate. I know nothing of Greg Leeds, but the success rate of non-game industry people selling games to gamers is distressing. If he's not on point with what these products are and why they appeal to the people they appeal to, WotC's probably going to have a new president in about 18 months.
My advice to Greg would be this: You are now the most important person in the hobby game industry. For the first few months, go to as many game conventions as you can. Meet the fans. Play games with them. Play OTHER company's games with them. LISTEN to them. Gamers are similar to any other fan, passionate, opinionated, smart. One convention won't do. You need to go to all of them. Different fans have the same core desires, but different priorities. You only get this after talking with a few thousand of them. This isn't like luggage, household goods, or even normal toys because unlike those products, everyone doesn't use and understand them. Odds are you don't use or understand them. Everyone knows and understands toys, Samsonite bags, and P&G products. You kneed to understand D&D just as well as you understand those things. Unfortunately, unless you're already a gamer (my money's that you're not), that'll require some homework and a few field trips. Just to be clear, the usual executive tactic of sitting down and playing each game once doesn't do the trick. Would you understand golf and golf fans after playing one round?
If you don't think you need to understand hobby games and their fans, enjoy your 18 months.
Regardless, GOOD LUCK!
-Adam
From GamingReport.com
Joyce Greenholdt Reports: Wizards of the Coast Inc., subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc. and leader in trading-card games, role-playing games, and shared-world fantasy fiction, today announced Greg Leeds as the new President of Wizards of the Coast.I remember Loren's first day. I said "Great, just what this company needs, another VP." Of course, he overheard me. He gave the impression he thought it was funny (I *was* sort of kidding). Based on that awkward first impression, my opinion of Loren was always positive. I haven't agreed with everything WotC's done over the last half dozen years, but as far as I know, Loren's a stand up guy that will be missed.
Leeds is moving to Renton, Wash., following seven years at Hasbro where he headed up International
Marketing and helped to develop Hasbro’s global brand management methodology. Prior to that he led Hasbro’s Boys group and had extensive experience in marketing, operations, and sales at both Samsonite and Procter & Gamble.
“Wizards is a fantastic game company with great opportunities to expand and enhance player communities around the world,” said Leeds. “I feel privileged to join the team and carry-on our culture of captivating gamers everywhere they want to play.”
After a distinguished 12-year career at Wizards of the Coast, Loren Greenwood is stepping down as President and CEO and leaving the company effective March 21.
There's always reason to be concerned when an industry veteran leaves WotC and is replaced by someone from Hasbro corporate. I know nothing of Greg Leeds, but the success rate of non-game industry people selling games to gamers is distressing. If he's not on point with what these products are and why they appeal to the people they appeal to, WotC's probably going to have a new president in about 18 months.
My advice to Greg would be this: You are now the most important person in the hobby game industry. For the first few months, go to as many game conventions as you can. Meet the fans. Play games with them. Play OTHER company's games with them. LISTEN to them. Gamers are similar to any other fan, passionate, opinionated, smart. One convention won't do. You need to go to all of them. Different fans have the same core desires, but different priorities. You only get this after talking with a few thousand of them. This isn't like luggage, household goods, or even normal toys because unlike those products, everyone doesn't use and understand them. Odds are you don't use or understand them. Everyone knows and understands toys, Samsonite bags, and P&G products. You kneed to understand D&D just as well as you understand those things. Unfortunately, unless you're already a gamer (my money's that you're not), that'll require some homework and a few field trips. Just to be clear, the usual executive tactic of sitting down and playing each game once doesn't do the trick. Would you understand golf and golf fans after playing one round?
If you don't think you need to understand hobby games and their fans, enjoy your 18 months.
Regardless, GOOD LUCK!
-Adam
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Things you can do when you aren't working
For the last two days I've been redesigning our robotic combat club's website.www.westernalliedrobotics.com
I have to say, I'm pretty happy with the results. The headers turned out great, and the design-y stuff looks just like I want it to. I rebuilt the site using Adobe Dreamweaver (I can't code, sorry) and I couldn't be happier with how the program works. Pretty much everyting that was bedeviling me the first couple of days I've managed to figure out. Eventually I'll need to read up on the advanced stuff, but for what I need to do right now, I'm managing just fine.
The goal is a site that:
- Provides current members with rules and event updates
- Provides robotic combat fans a cool place to find out about local events, see pictures and videos.
- Provide new builders with resources so they can get started with ease.
-Adam
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Gary Gygax - RIP
Reported by CNN
I never met Gary, though I believe he made several trips to the Wizards of the Coast offices while I was working there. If I did pass him in the halls or attended a function he was at, I am unaware of it. I sort of wish I had made more of an effort to shake his hand back when I would have had the chance to.
I've said before that everything great about gaming sprouts from revolutionary ideas. Dungeons & Dragons is a great example of that. While D&D is over 30 years old, the spirit that created it remains the future of our hobby. A hobby that defines so many of us in so many profound ways. It's our work, our play, our imaginations given form. Gary Gygax was a pivotal figure in bringing all of that to all of us. Thanks.
Gary's heaven is a heaven I look forward to.
-Adam
I never met Gary, though I believe he made several trips to the Wizards of the Coast offices while I was working there. If I did pass him in the halls or attended a function he was at, I am unaware of it. I sort of wish I had made more of an effort to shake his hand back when I would have had the chance to.
I've said before that everything great about gaming sprouts from revolutionary ideas. Dungeons & Dragons is a great example of that. While D&D is over 30 years old, the spirit that created it remains the future of our hobby. A hobby that defines so many of us in so many profound ways. It's our work, our play, our imaginations given form. Gary Gygax was a pivotal figure in bringing all of that to all of us. Thanks.
Gary's heaven is a heaven I look forward to.
-Adam
Friday, February 29, 2008
Tribes - Another Take
It's no big secret that I'm a democrat. I find the presidential race both facinating and exciting. All of the candidates were surprisingly strong, capable, and interesting. The final two democrats, particularly so.
But that's not what you hear on talk radio.
Instead of hearing "I like person X for reason Y", we hear versions of "I hate person X for reason Y". For a while it was disheartening to me. Don't these people know the two leading candidates are two sides of the same coin?
Than it hit me, these are the same sorts of hyperbole filled discussions I read on gaming message boards. Console Wars. Board gamers "hate" Collectible and Video Games. Console Gamers "hate" World of Warcraft. World of Warcraft players hate sunlight...(kidding!)
People are emotionally invested in the choices they make, and the more emotion they invest, the more difficult it is for them to accept opposing viewpoints. Criticism of their choices equates to criticism of them, and that can cause folks to lash out in response. This most often manifests in the anonymous worlds of radio and the internet, thankfully. I've haven't heard about fist fights at the political caucuses and game conventions tend to be peaceful affairs.
Bring it home Adam!
If you're releasing a new game that going to go head to head with an existing game with an existing fan base, be aware that you're not just competing with that game, you are indirectly attacking the choices made by the fans of that game. They will resist, even if your game is better, because quitting their game is like admitting they made a mistake playing it the first place. That's one of the reasons it's so much easier to launch a new game in a genre dominated by one product when that product is in decline (WoW replacing Everquest). When fans are making the decision to quit on their own, being the fresh, new thing is exactly what they want and where you want to be. The rest of the time, you're better off finding new customers who are looking for entirely new experiences.
-Adam
But that's not what you hear on talk radio.
Instead of hearing "I like person X for reason Y", we hear versions of "I hate person X for reason Y". For a while it was disheartening to me. Don't these people know the two leading candidates are two sides of the same coin?
Than it hit me, these are the same sorts of hyperbole filled discussions I read on gaming message boards. Console Wars. Board gamers "hate" Collectible and Video Games. Console Gamers "hate" World of Warcraft. World of Warcraft players hate sunlight...(kidding!)
People are emotionally invested in the choices they make, and the more emotion they invest, the more difficult it is for them to accept opposing viewpoints. Criticism of their choices equates to criticism of them, and that can cause folks to lash out in response. This most often manifests in the anonymous worlds of radio and the internet, thankfully. I've haven't heard about fist fights at the political caucuses and game conventions tend to be peaceful affairs.
Bring it home Adam!
If you're releasing a new game that going to go head to head with an existing game with an existing fan base, be aware that you're not just competing with that game, you are indirectly attacking the choices made by the fans of that game. They will resist, even if your game is better, because quitting their game is like admitting they made a mistake playing it the first place. That's one of the reasons it's so much easier to launch a new game in a genre dominated by one product when that product is in decline (WoW replacing Everquest). When fans are making the decision to quit on their own, being the fresh, new thing is exactly what they want and where you want to be. The rest of the time, you're better off finding new customers who are looking for entirely new experiences.
-Adam
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Great Minds Rip Each Other Off
(Kidding!)
Don't you hate it when you have a great idea. An epiphany, really, and then you find somebody else not only had the same idea, but has already made it happen?
The basic premise of RPG Superstar exactly what I have been thinking about for the last week, though in my fantasy world (as opposed to Piazo's actual real world) the competition was with an assortment of tabletop game types (card games, board games, miniatures-type game, etc.)
RPG Superstar
Perhaps it's time to shoot Paizo an e-mail?
-Adam
Don't you hate it when you have a great idea. An epiphany, really, and then you find somebody else not only had the same idea, but has already made it happen?
The basic premise of RPG Superstar exactly what I have been thinking about for the last week, though in my fantasy world (as opposed to Piazo's actual real world) the competition was with an assortment of tabletop game types (card games, board games, miniatures-type game, etc.)
RPG Superstar
Perhaps it's time to shoot Paizo an e-mail?
-Adam
Trading Card Games aren't really addicting
Starbucks shut down for 3 hours yesterday. I sort of knew it was going to happen, but didn't really pay any attention because, like most people, I don't buy much coffee in the afternoon. Of course, every form of media picked up on the story and Starbucks received a massive amount of publicity. I would be amazed if, when it all gets added up, they lost a meaningful number of sales.
What if Wizards of the Coast decided not to publish a Magic expansion for a cycle? They've kept the same schedule for years: Big expansion in the fall, small expansions in the Spring and Summer. What if one spring they chose to not release anything. Spring is, traditionally, the softest season for game sales.
Would anticipation build, like a popular movie or video game sequel? Would people freak out? Would people just shrug their shoulders and note "they release too many expansions, anyway"?
For the record, I'm voting against the Freak Out option. Also for the record, that's what you're shooting for with your game.
-Adam
What if Wizards of the Coast decided not to publish a Magic expansion for a cycle? They've kept the same schedule for years: Big expansion in the fall, small expansions in the Spring and Summer. What if one spring they chose to not release anything. Spring is, traditionally, the softest season for game sales.
Would anticipation build, like a popular movie or video game sequel? Would people freak out? Would people just shrug their shoulders and note "they release too many expansions, anyway"?
For the record, I'm voting against the Freak Out option. Also for the record, that's what you're shooting for with your game.
-Adam
Define "Casual"
Casual games have the reputation of being the current 'in' trend in video gaming. With the Wii, success of Popcap and other online puzzle makers, and kids sites, it's easy to see how the market is growing. The barriers to entry on this type of gaming activities have never been lower. The games are available, easy to play, free or extremely inexpensive. One other defining characteristic is that established hobby-type video game players resent this trend.
I think they have a valid gripe. Talented game designers are being tapped to create these games to the exclusion of other, more traditional 'hobby' type games. It's an easy choice for publishers to make, as their profit margins have the potential to be great.
I was going to predict what this meant for the industry, but honestly I'm not sure. I guess I'll just leave it as an observation.
Does this mean anything to the future of the hard-core video game player and/or publisher?
-Adam
I think they have a valid gripe. Talented game designers are being tapped to create these games to the exclusion of other, more traditional 'hobby' type games. It's an easy choice for publishers to make, as their profit margins have the potential to be great.
I was going to predict what this meant for the industry, but honestly I'm not sure. I guess I'll just leave it as an observation.
Does this mean anything to the future of the hard-core video game player and/or publisher?
-Adam
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Red Mario
Much thanks to (the recovering) Wil Wheaton for bringing this to my attention.
The People's Mario
I don't remember communism being so stylish.
-Adam
The People's Mario
I don't remember communism being so stylish.
-Adam
Battlebots - ESPN
It's been a pretty exciting day for me. In addition to a job interview at an amazing company, my favorite show (ever?) may be returning to TV.
If you know me, you know I'm a combat robot enthusiast and fan. This is way cool.
I may not be building a heavyweight, like what would compete at Battlebots, but TV exposure is likely to be a huge boon for our local robotic combat club, WAR and I am all over that.
I've already contacted Battlebots and asked what our club can do to help support their new event. IMHO, combining the power of TV exposure with the infrastructure of the existing hobby clubs is the key to a level of success the sport/hobby hasn't yet enjoyed.
Fingers crossed & Weeeee!
-Adam
If you know me, you know I'm a combat robot enthusiast and fan. This is way cool.
I may not be building a heavyweight, like what would compete at Battlebots, but TV exposure is likely to be a huge boon for our local robotic combat club, WAR and I am all over that.
I've already contacted Battlebots and asked what our club can do to help support their new event. IMHO, combining the power of TV exposure with the infrastructure of the existing hobby clubs is the key to a level of success the sport/hobby hasn't yet enjoyed.
Fingers crossed & Weeeee!
-Adam
Go with the Flow
In my week-long search to remain an industry insider, I've already had a couple of job interviews. I try to remain calm at these things, but when the outcomes of these meetings are determining the future security of my family, well, nerves do set in. Hopefully I represented myself well.
The first was on Monday with Wizkids, which was cool. I like their products and I love how they have opened up the gaming market with new genres. In fact, that they've done it twice is remarkable. Pre-painted plastic miniatures, first. More recently with the die-cut plasti-card games. In my opinion, innovation like that is how you succeed. Being a part of a company that shares my vision on the path to success is extremely appealing.
Today's interview was with Flowplay. They're an online gaming service and I have to say I was mightily impressed. I'm really hoping they were half as impressed with me as I was with them.
Derrick, if you read this, I loved your hat. With our without me, I think they have a great shot at success. Of course, with me, their chances improve by at least 10%. =-)
It'll be a week (at least) before I hear from either of them. Wish me luck!
-Adam!!!
The first was on Monday with Wizkids, which was cool. I like their products and I love how they have opened up the gaming market with new genres. In fact, that they've done it twice is remarkable. Pre-painted plastic miniatures, first. More recently with the die-cut plasti-card games. In my opinion, innovation like that is how you succeed. Being a part of a company that shares my vision on the path to success is extremely appealing.
Today's interview was with Flowplay. They're an online gaming service and I have to say I was mightily impressed. I'm really hoping they were half as impressed with me as I was with them.
Derrick, if you read this, I loved your hat. With our without me, I think they have a great shot at success. Of course, with me, their chances improve by at least 10%. =-)
It'll be a week (at least) before I hear from either of them. Wish me luck!
-Adam!!!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Free Content Model Examples
This time from Wired How-to Wiki
Honestly, I dislike most of the listed 'solutions'. I want a site where game designers can contribute to the site and profit directly from their contributions. A free model may not be appropriate. Some amount of free content will be essential, however.
-Adam
* '''CPM ads''' ("cost per thousand views"; banner ads online and regular ads in print, TV and radio)
* '''CPC ads''' ("cost per click"; think Google ads)
* '''CPT ads''' ("cost per transaction"; you pay only if the customer brought to you from a media sites becomes a paying customer. Here's [http://seekingalpha.com/article/12247-ebay-s-ad-network-ready-to-launch-ebay-goog an example].)
* '''Lead generation''' (you pay for qualified names of potential customers)
* '''Autoresponder Memberships''' (people pay for email; [http://FreeBusinessModel.com watch this free video])
* '''Subscription revenues'''
* '''Affiliate revenues''' (e.g., Amazon Associates, [http://imsimple.com/cb Products + Clickbank])
* '''Rental of subscriber lists'''
* '''Sale of information''' (selling data about users--aggregate/statistical or individual--to third parties)
* '''Licensing of brand''' (people pay to use a media brand as implied endorsement)
* '''Licensing of content''' (syndication)
* '''Getting the users to create something of value for free and applying any of the above to monetize it'''. (Like Digg or our own Reddit)
* '''Upgraded service/content''' (ed: aka "freemium")
* '''Alternate output''' (pdf; print/print-on-demand; customized Shared Book style; etc.)
* '''Custom services/feeds'''
* '''Live events'''
* '''"Souvenirs"/"Merchandise"'''
* '''Co-branded spinoff'''
* '''Cost Per Install''' (popular with top Facebook apps who can help others get installs)
* '''E-commerce''' (selling stuff directly on your website)
* '''Sponsorships''' (ads of some sort that are sold based on time, not on the number of impressions)
* '''Listings''' (paying a time based amount to list something like a job or real estate on your website)
* '''Paid Inclusion''' (a form of CPC advertising where an advertiser pays to be included in a search result)
* '''Streaming Audio Advertising''' (like radio advertising delivered in the audio stream after a certain amount of audio content has been delivered)
* '''Streaming Video Advertising''' (like streaming audio but in video)
* '''API Fees''' (charging third parties to access your API)
Honestly, I dislike most of the listed 'solutions'. I want a site where game designers can contribute to the site and profit directly from their contributions. A free model may not be appropriate. Some amount of free content will be essential, however.
-Adam
Monday, February 25, 2008
Urge to Kill...Fading
The Comedy Central site says there will be new episodes starting tomorrow.
Breath. I...can...make...it... Breath.
-Adam
Breath. I...can...make...it... Breath.
-Adam
OUTRAGE!
Warning: Not game related.
What the hell!?!?!? The Daily Show is STILL in reruns? Last week was a holiday, and Stewart had to get ready for the Oscards, sure. I was distressed, but I handled it.
The writers strike ends and they go back to work for TWO DAYS? TWO FREAKING DAYS?
I'm dying here. I had hoped a blog rant would help. It hasn't.
I NEEDS ME SOME NEW DAILY SHOW AND COLBERT REPORT!!!!
-Adam
What the hell!?!?!? The Daily Show is STILL in reruns? Last week was a holiday, and Stewart had to get ready for the Oscards, sure. I was distressed, but I handled it.
The writers strike ends and they go back to work for TWO DAYS? TWO FREAKING DAYS?
I'm dying here. I had hoped a blog rant would help. It hasn't.
I NEEDS ME SOME NEW DAILY SHOW AND COLBERT REPORT!!!!
-Adam
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