Charles THOMAS’ Post

It's intriguing to note how many articles discussing the latest generation of board games often begin by critiquing classics like Monopoly, highlighting their lack of dynamism and other modern board game elements. While transitioning from traditional games like Monopoly or Cluedo to more contemporary options is a positive step, it's only part of a larger picture. The core issue, in my view, lies within the broader market environment. The mass market presents significant obstacles, delaying the introduction of quality games, which can take approximately 3-5 years to hit the market. Crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter, Gamefound, and Indiegogo play a crucial role in supporting game designers, offering a platform to connect directly with players. However, it's important to recognize that these platforms, while beneficial, are not sufficient on their own. The reach of these platforms is limited compared to the vast market of potential players. This means that many innovative and engaging games may not get the exposure or audience they deserve, highlighting a gap in market accessibility and the need for broader strategies to connect game creators with a larger, more diverse player base. The board game industry, like many others, must evolve. Currently, established brands tend to stick to traditional strategies focused on scaling up. However, as Martin Reeves points out in his strategy palette, we need fresh, dynamic players in the market – those who are fast, adaptive, and capable of orchestrating change. This is the focus of my Major Research Project for my Master's degree in the SFI program at OCAD University, where I explore how the market can be reshaped with innovative, eco-friendly, and inclusive strategies, positioning stakeholders, particularly startups, for growth and resilience in the future market.

Game Cookies: Shifting Strategies, New Releases, and Industry Updates 🍪 Hello modders and adventurers! Here's a roundup of the latest news in the gaming industry, highlighting key developments and exciting announcements. Let's dig in! 🍪 Take-Two to Potentially Sell or Shut Down Private Division 🍪 Take-Two Interactive is reportedly considering selling or shutting down its indie publishing label, Private Division, which includes Kerbal Space Program 2 developer Intercept Games and OlliOlli World maker Roll7. Intercept is expected to close on June 28, 2024, with Roll7 facing a similar fate. This decision follows layoffs and a focus on more profitable ventures. 📣It’s sad to see promising studios facing closure due to financial pressures. This reflects the harsh realities of the gaming industry's economic environment. 🍪 Hypersonic Laboratories Raises $7M for Modding Platform Helix 🍪 Hypersonic Laboratories has secured $7 million in a Series A funding round led by Play Ventures to develop its modding platform, Helix. Initially launched as a web3 platform, Helix has pivoted to web2, removing blockchain and NFTs to focus on role-playing mods and servers. 🍪📣 This funding boost is a testament to the growing interest in user-generated content and the modding community. It's exciting to see more tools being developed for creators. 🍪 Netflix's Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft to Premiere in October 🍪 Netflix, in collaboration with Crystal Dynamics and Powerhouse Animation Studios, Inc., has announced the release of the new animated series "Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft" on October 10. The series will follow Lara Croft's adventures post-Survivor trilogy, focusing on her quest to reclaim an ancient relic stolen from Croft Manor. 🍪📣: The new series is a thrilling addition to the Tomb Raider franchise. With Hayley Atwell voicing Lara, fans can look forward to an engaging story that bridges the gap between the Survivor trilogy and the original games. Not sure if a live action could be a better approach for a wider audience. --- Stay informed, keep exploring, and remember: In the gaming world and in the life itself, integrity are key. 🍪 Don't forget to share this post and click the bell on my profile to stay updated with the latest news! 🔔 Sources: - Take-Two to Potentially Sell or Shut Down Private Division: https://lnkd.in/eiQNg72K - Hypersonic Laboratories Raises $7M for Modding Platform Helix: https://lnkd.in/ehsx-X-v - Netflix's Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft to Premiere in October: https://lnkd.in/e4mTKfw3

https://lnkd.in/gTMMXQra Australian game developers have been quietly forging a revolution in the gaming world, perhaps without you even noticing. It's a narrative not unfamiliar to me; as someone who witnessed firsthand the ravages of the Global Financial Crisis on the burgeoning industry, leaving bright-eyed creators like myself grappling with an uncertain future. Undeterred, we adapted and evolved, plunging ourselves into the vibrant, interesting, and weird world of mobile gaming, a frontier that saw Australian innovators flexing their imaginative prowess in unprecedented ways. Yet, as time unfolded, it seemed that nascent blossoming of the industry would be stifled, struggling once again against dwindling support from governing bodies and watching golden opportunities seemingly ebb away. But I've found resilience has always been a hallmark of the industry. Even in those challenging moments. Each setback, a step towards honing skills and fostering a determination that I've seen evolve into something awesome to see. Over a journey spanning nearly two decades, I've found the industry transformed, with Australian developers emerging as formidable players on the global stage. These teams have faced adversity with grit, resilience, and creativity, showcasing to the world that we're always equipped to dazzle - only awaiting the right moment to shine. What I'm seeing is that the Australian gaming industry isn't merely surviving; it's flourishing, with a renewed energy that is both magnetic and infectious. At the epicentre of this renaissance are local devs - the talents proving, that Australia's gaming chops have always been capable of exceeding expectations, needing only the spark of opportunity to unveil the brilliance, and the rest of the world seems to agree, if the sales numbers of games like Cult of the Lamb, Hollow Knight, Untitled Goose Game and many more are anything to go by. Today, Australia doesn't just participate in the indie gaming narrative; it leads, shapes, and inspires, showcasing an indomitable spirit that has always punched above its weight, now unfettered and ready to create worlds beyond our wildest imaginations. It's a really exciting time to be an Australian game dev. #gamedev

Let's delve into the captivating world of indie games and the remarkable contributions of small indie studios in the gaming industry. Discover the vibrant landscape of indie games and the passionate developers behind these creative endeavors. Let's celebrate the hidden gems and innovative experiences crafted by indie studios, paving the way for a gaming renaissance! Join me as we explore the impact of supporting small businesses in the gaming ecosystem and the inspiring success stories of indie game developers. We'll delve into gaming diversity, the rise of indie game festivals, and the collaborative spirit driving this thriving industry. Whether you're a seasoned gamer, a game developer, or simply curious about the world of indie games, this article is for you! Let's come together as a gaming community to embrace and empower indie developers, championing their creative vision and hard work. Don't miss out on the magic of indie games! Click the link below to read the full article and share your thoughts in the comments. #Gaming #IndieGames #GameDevelopment #SupportIndieStudios #GamingCommunity #GamingRenaissance #IndieGameDevelopers #GamingDiversity #GamingPassion #SmallBusinesses #GameDiscoveries #Collaboration #Entrepreneurship #GameFestivals #GameInspiration #EmpoweringDevelopers #JoinTheFun #GamingCommunityLove #IndieGameSuccess #GamingTrends #GamingInsights #VideoGameIndustry #PlayIndieGames #GamingRecommendations #GamingAdventures #IndieGameSpotlight #GameJams #GamingCommunitySupport #GamingStartups #IndieGameRevolution #GameMarketing #GamingAchievements #IndependentCreators #GamingSuccessStories #NicheGaming #IndieGameShowcase #GameDesignCareer #GamingInspiration #IndieGameDevelopersUnion #GamingCollaboration #GamingforChange #GamingEntrepreneurship #IndieGameFestivals #EmpoweringIndieDevelopers #IndieGameHaven

💡 “The industry is changing—and companies are adapting accordingly,” said Anna Kozlova🇺🇦, Room 8 Group CEO, in her recent article for GamesBeat. From heightened competition to changing player preferences, the industry is at an important stage of its development. “Innovation and quality remain paramount,” Anna said. But given that development costs and player expectations are rising simultaneously, external support has become crucial. How is a shifting games industry affecting developers and publishers, and how can solutions providers help? Read the full article for more 👉 https://lnkd.in/g9N7JVts #Room8Group #GamesBeat

One of the most abused terms in the gaming industry in general and prevalently in the Indian gaming ecosystem is AAA, I have come across many people randomly throwing in the AAA tag to the games they are creating or reviewing without having an understanding of what AAA stands for in the gaming ecosystem globally. It is simply a term borrowed from finance by gaming portals to classify games based on certain parameters, it is very informal in nature too. Here are some of the common industry parameters for a AAA classification: 1. Development Budget - These games have a massive budget, usually ranging upward of $50 million for the production alone. 2. Team size - The production teams for AAA title video games are huge, with at least 50 to 100 employees working on it. 3. Game scope - These games usually have several features and modes and are narrative-based. 4. Genres - Action, Adventure, Shooter, RPGs, and Sports are the most commonly seen genres. 5. Graphics quality - They are expected to be high quality and have the latest graphics technology such as real-time ray tracing, particle effects, and detailed textures. 6. Technology usage - They use the latest technologies like game engines, custom development tools, and more. 7. Marketing push - Marketing budgets can also be similar to or even higher than the development cost. An example would be Final Fantasy VII, which cost around $45 million to make, and had a U.S. marketing budget of around $100 million, back when it was released in 1997. 8. Level of game polish/number of bugs - Triple-A games should ideally be well polished and have a small number of glitches or bugs due to the large number of people working on it and the budget. Hiring famous and established voice actors and character models is a well-established process for these games. 9. Franchise release - These games are usually intended to become a franchise post-success, for example, Skyrim, Dragon Age Inquisition, and FIFA. 10. Studio size and whether they’ve made AAA titles before - These games are usually made by large, established studios or talent experienced in making them. 11. Higher threshold for success - Ideally these games sell upward of 2~ million copies to break even if not profitable, though this depends on their total budget. Dear gaming community, it's okay and there is no shame in starting your journey as an indie studio, everyone came through this route. We as an ecosystem should first have great indie studios and AA studios before simply floating the term AAA to every post, conversation, panel discussion, or pitch. The industry-leading geographies and their ecosystems have put in decades of constant and quality work to be where they are, and we are just at the starting point with our push to be a globally relevant game development ecosystem. #gaming #Indiangaming

Gamescom – a whirlwind of 20+ meetings in three days, with 7 games experienced and over 40 km treaded. But beyond the bustling event, the struggles of indie developers captured my attention most. Every indie game developer I met seems caught in a familiar cycle: ✅ Passionately start developing the game. ✅ Master the 3Cs (Character, Control, Camera) and craft the first vertical slice. ✴ Realize funds are depleting quicker than planned. ✅ Pour in endless hours to finish the prototype. ✴ Find that publishers appreciate the prototype, but there's always a 'but'. ❌ Face the demand for audience/community/crowdfunding traction. ❌ Realize too late that all resources were burned on the prototype. The crux? Most indie developers perceive marketing and community building as the domains of expert publishers with deep pockets While partially true, you can get started yourself for a few hundred dollars. You should also do it: 1. To assist publishers at a later stage in the process. 2. To be able to assess publishers' work Where to start? Your game encapsulates value and dreams. So, tap into this, offering future players free yet enticing rewards. Whether it's exclusive content, a place in the Hall of Fame, or Discord perks, these can be the hook for your initial fan base. If you cannot find your first 1,000 fans this way, reassess your targeted audience. Integrate this into a meta-game where fans can unlock weekly missions, striving for rewards like a Steam Key after a few weeks. This strategy will validate your game's resonance with your audience and generate data to woo publishers or investors. All it takes is: - Outlining your rewards. - Brainstorming engaging missions (we offer templates). Then, you'll have an excellent engagement strategy. Spend a few hundred dollars on acquiring the first user base. Enjoy the magical higher-than-expected retention and animation of your community. Our tools help you manage missions, rewards, and data. The magic comes from your game! Thank you for all the talks and feedback! It was terrific to meet you all: Minh Tran Kira Matysiak Taiki Matehe Jakub Burdajewicz ➡️ Gamescom, Cologne Clara Reeves Seren Besorak Oskar Czarnowski Adrien Bacchi 🔜 Gamescom Samuel Gatte Julien Drouard Alexander Bergendahl Hugo Sahuquet 🔜 Gamescom Johanna Janiszewski Julien Herbin Laurane Mandin 🔜 gamescom Bram De Moor Business France UK Pavel Afanasiev Aleksa Jeremić Fernando Rabello Soren Lass Paweł Wierzbicki Imaad Manzar SpielFabrique Joe McKernan 🔜 Gamescom Julien Millet 🚉 Gamescom Manuel Wirth James Zinn

No matter how it may seem, nothing guarantees success... During the 18 months of development of our game "A Land Above Sea Below," we achieved success after success, reaching all our set goals. However, unfortunately, the end result wasn't what all signs had pointed to.First, I'd like to provide some context about what our team aimed to achieve with the game, aside from creating a pleasant, enjoyable, and fun puzzle strategy game. One of our main goals was to find a publisher who would stand behind our game and experience what it's like to work with a publisher to reach a release. The punchline here is that we did manage to achieve this goal :) However, during the development, it seemed like we could go much further.The first positive signs came about three months into development when we shared images and videos of the game on social media, and the audience responded wonderfully. We saw that potential players were interested in the project, so it made sense to invest our time and energy into it.Along the way, we participated in the Big Indie Pitch with the project, and we won. This was another positive sign that indicated we were on the right track.Our goal was to put together a vertical slice in half a year and start pitching it to as many publishers as we could. To our surprise, we didn't have to approach publishers ourselves; they came to us. We negotiated with over 20 publishers before finding the one we'd be happy to work with. Of course, there were some unserious applicants, but there were also many experienced companies with excellent portfolios. In the end, we reached an agreement with Skystone Games, one of the owners of which is David Brevik, who personally helped the team make some game design decisions later on.The game also performed excellently at the Steam Next Fest in June 2023, with over 18,000 wishlists, and it made it to the top 50 most downloaded and played games.In the week leading up to the release, we had over 30,000 wishlists, which also gave our small team reason to be optimistic. From the publisher's side, they expected this to be a pleasant surprise on the release day. We managed to organize a bundle with "Islanders," which was another huge honor for our small team.Then, on the release day, everything changed. The numbers fell far short of what the aforementioned positive signs had predicted. Despite the numerous positive indicators, the excellent publisher work, the market decided to throw a 20D dice, and it was determined that this project could get lost in the shuffle. Of course, many factors influence a game's success, and we haven't seen everything yet.And nobody should misunderstand us; we considered this game a success for us because we achieved all our predefined goals and learned a great deal from it. The next project is on its way :) Submitted October 21, 2023 at 06:32PM by carebotz https://lnkd.in/eFZzxxT4...

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞 is a character from an indie game, made by a ex-Roblox dev, now officially in Fortnite. Here's why the UGC → indie pipeline is exciting: 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭... Lethal Company is the break-out hit of developer Zeekerss... but only if you haven't been paying attention. In fact, Zeekerss had been developing on Roblox since 10 years old, racking up 10+ million visits on viral games from 2012-2016. From there he began learning Unity, shipping a few Steam games to test the waters. Then in 2023 — still only 21 — he made Lethal Company, which... 🏆 Won several awards 👥 Broke 100,000 CCU 💰 Sold 10+ million copies (over $100m) And now it adds the ultimate accolade to its resume: a Fortnite collab 🪂 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬: 🍿 Is this... transmedia? 👾 After the success of the Barbie movie ($1.5 billion) & Mario movie ($1.4 billion) last year, many of us are using the term transmedia to mean "what IPs can the film industry adapt." That's a narrow view. First of all, we've long seen the way that movies can lead to great games or toy lines. Second, the result of it doesn't have to move between media — sometimes it's just between more traditional or user-driven platforms, each of which have a different audience and vibe. 🔴 It's not just happening in games 🕹️ In the world of video, YouTuber VivziePop decided she wanted to make her own cartoon series and self-publish it on the platform. The resulting series — Hazbin Hotel — really impressed both Amazon & A24, who decided to produce and distribute two seasons as a test on PRIME Video. It's all the same phenomenon: Film/Streaming giants will look to YouTube for new concepts, publishers will court Fortnite and Roblox studios to develop new flagship titles. The creative industry always wants new ideas with proven interest: UGC has them. 🪜 Platforms aren't stepping stones 🪨 I can easily see how major Film, Streaming, and Game distributors would love talented young creatives to tinker on UGC platforms and then sign a major contract with them — platforms certainly won't. Clearly, YouTube, Roblox, and Fortnite have cemented themselves as the best way to begin a creative journey. Many can even make 8- or 9-figures without looking elsewhere. But when poaching top talent becomes more common, they'll need to create compelling reasons not just to start with them, but stay throughout their career... YouTube TV. Epic Games shipping projects with UEFN/creator tools. Roblox scaling users 20% YoY to match their top creator's scale. All of these platforms are trying to make sure there's never a "next" step. And they just might do it.

We believe in the power of indie game developers to drive innovation and creativity in the gaming industry. As the gaming landscape evolves, it's crucial to provide these talented creators with the tools and platforms they need to succeed. 🎮 Why Indie Developers? Indie developers bring fresh ideas, unique experiences, and diverse perspectives to the gaming world. However, they often face challenges in distribution and monetization. That's where OffGamers steps in. 🚀 Our Commitment OffGamers is committed to supporting indie developers by offering robust digital distribution channels that reach a global audience. Our platform ensures that their games are accessible to players worldwide, providing a seamless and efficient distribution process. 💰 Monetization Made Easy We understand the importance of sustainable revenue streams for indie developers. Our platform offers various monetization options, from in-game purchases to subscriptions, enabling developers to focus on what they do best—creating amazing games. 🤝 Partnering for Success By partnering with OffGamers, indie developers gain access to a supportive ecosystem designed to maximize their potential. We provide marketing support, analytics, and customer insights to help developers refine their strategies and grow their player base. 🌍 Join Us We're excited to be part of the journey for indie developers, helping them turn their visions into reality. Together, we can shape the future of gaming. #IndieDev #GameDevelopment #OffGamers #DigitalDistribution #GamingIndustry #SupportIndieGames #Monetization #GameCreators