Posts

Facebook Game Dashboard

February 8th, 2010

Now that Facebook has launched its redesign I am sure there will be a lot of posts about what it means for the social gaming sector. Rather than parrot what the 150 “experts” will be writing, I wanted to comment on a couple of observations.

First, it was very interesting to see the breadth of games my friends are playing. It’s not just Fishville, Happy Aquarium, Mobsters 2 and the other top games, but there is huge variance among people. They also seem to be very open to trying new, innovative titles. Though anecdotal, it shows people are not as set in their purchase patterns as they are in, say, the casual gaming space. Although the games often share a core game play mechanic with leading products, it demonstrates that by fast following with a unique twist that reaches customers on an emotional level there are tons of opportunities.

My second observation is how aggressively the major social game companies are advertising on the game dashboard to people already playing their games. This shows the importance of ensuring the games monetize well to justify the cost of bringing the player back (and I have seen these ads even for games that have a high level of organic engagement).

Although you will see many more posts across the industry about the Facebook games dashboard, these are my two cents (and you got them for free….how lucky!).

Lloyd Melnick

Chief Customer Officer

Tags: casual gaming, downloadable games, facebook, Game review, gameplay, Gamer, games, iphone, itouch, myspace, scamville, social gaming, social media, video game marketing, video games
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Facebook game The Crazies: They Just Won’t Die

February 1st, 2010

Just another Facebook game right?

Not this time. The Crazies have arrived!

When I was asked to play The Crazies, I thought “this will be just another game to pass time. I’m already playing Mafia Wars. I have put so much time into Mafia Wars.”

After, a little bit of pushing I agreed. “WOW” would be a good word to use here. After reading the instructions and working through the tutorial, I started playing. From level one the intensity was incredible. It started off slow to allow you to learn the controls like any other game. By the time you reach level two or three, you are so involved that your heart feels as if it is about to beat right out of your chest. The Crazies are coming out of the woodwork. The Crazies came from the left…no the right…no from top to the bottom. With each wave of the Crazies, they become more reluctant die so the intensity and quick reaction of the player becomes electrifying. Eyes and hands are moving from side to side trying to insert barriers and shooters to stop these Crazies, but they just keep coming at you.

The Crazies game is nothing like any other Facebook game that I have seen. For those who like badges and metals, you will not lose any of that. The Crazies will post level promotions and badges that you earn so your friends can still follow your progress and maybe even join in on your fun.

I do recommend this game, but not to anyone with a weak heart! This game will have you jumping up and down and shouting at your computer screen by the time you reach level 3. So, go CRAZY and ENJOY. It’s a great game.

Ronnie Bourgeois

Tags: casual gaming, downloadable games, Drinking Buddiesm, facebook, Game review, gameplay, Gamer, games, iphone, itouch, myspace, scamville, social gaming, social media, The Crazies, video game marketing, video games
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Facebook Credits: Social Media Money

January 30th, 2010

Anyone who has known me for at least 15 seconds knows that you are probably not going to find anyone more skeptical/cynical. All the chatter about how Facebook credits will invigorate the Facebook gaming space didn’t really have much of an impact on me…until I started playing Happy Island.

In three days, I have spent more real currency than I have in several months playing Café World, Tiki Farm, and Fishville combined. It is just so seamless and easy to spend money that you can’t resist (or at least I can’t). This is a game changer (pardon the pun, but again, my blog, I can do these type of things).

It’s very exciting and I can’t wait until we get Facebook credits in our games. Stay tuned!

Lloyd Melnick
Chief Customer Officer

Tags: casual gaming, downloadable games, Drinking Buddiesm, facebook, Game review, gameplay, Gamer, games, iphone, itouch, myspace, scamville, social gaming, social media, video game marketing, video games
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Facebook and Social Gaming: ‘The Crazies’ Survival Kit

January 25th, 2010

In anticipation of the upcoming The Crazies Tower Defense game based on the movie release, I have created a Basic Survival Kit in case of a Crazies attack. Don’t get caught unprepared when those killer viruses start transmutation in a neighborhood near you!

It is a good list for other, more run of the mill-type emergencies… though not as fun as using it against the hordes of infected Crazies!

1. Bleach. Not only will a few drops purify water sources for drinking, but bleach can also offer a quick fix during a surprise attack. Simply throw some at the eyes of perpetrating Crazies to add valuable seconds in your escape! How it burns!

2. Mini Ax. Cuts down trees for both fire and fort construction in order to protect you against the elements. Plus, it is great for slicing and dicing the Crazies. You can’t go wrong with this handy tool!

3. Emergency Crank 2-way Radio. Learn about your predicament. Call in your location. Let the military know you are not infected to avoid that tragic ’survive a zombie invasion only to get a bullet between the eyes’ ending. Oh yeah, we have all seen that movie!

4. Gun. Hunting animals for food, keeping aggressive survivors away, the typical ’shot in the brain’ zombie-like kill. Downside: running low on ammo. Upside: your mini ax will never run out.

5. Duct tape. Handy in every-which-way possible when dire situations threaten your survival– just ask MacGyver. And though MacGyver never used it for tying up Crazies to extract some sort of antivirus, I am sure he would approve!

6. Medicine & antibacterial care. Clean your wounds and treat small conditions before they turn sour. Remember, when a member of your party is bitten by an infected friend or family member, do not try to treat them and do not ignore the impending doom! One swift blow to the head with your trusty mini ax is the only sure-fire treatment for any possibly contaminated party members.

7. Gasoline. For many uses– from driving to safety and fueling your fire to cook to thoroughly toasting Infected remains for disposal. Better safe than sorry: shoot between the eyes, remove the head and burn. No coming back from that. Just don’t forget the matches!

Check out our Twitter account @TheCraziesTD and Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Crazies-Tower-Defense/199121078443 for more helpful advice when the going gets tough, and the neighborhood gets Crazy!

Gwendolyn Borgen

Tags: casual gaming, downloadable games, Drinking Buddiesm, facebook, Game review, gameplay, Gamer, games, iphone, itouch, myspace, scamville, social gaming, social media, video game marketing, video games
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The Return to the Social Roots of Gaming

January 23rd, 2010

Way back when, gaming was simple. The graphics basic, limited by the technology of the age; therefore, the game play and goals were basic. All you had to do was play to get to the next level (even though all levels were basically the same in design/story) and play to achieve the highest score such as in Space Invaders. Gaming was a social event, being mainly played out in arcades in the accompaniment of your peers, where competition through high scores was key motivational factor to keep on playing.

The next incarnation was gaming consoles and games with more complex stories. The first I remember playing was Mario. The reasons why you played changed– you would play for the story and the main goals were no longer to rise in rank or to get the high score to impress your friends. You played to be a part of the environment, to explore different levels, and to be a part of the story as it unfolds. Gaming moved away from its social roots in the arcade to a more personal, home venture.

Jump ahead a few decades.

The advent of online gaming is claiming the time of committed gamers now. Call of Duty is one of the main games. The goals of the gamer have changed again. No longer do people play to get new levels nor for the story, but the goals mirror their arcade roots. The goal of the social gamer is to gain stats and play against friends to achieve the high score all from the comfort of your home.

Now, the social gaming consoles are limited to those who own them; however, with social games online, such as those on Facebook, the need for gaming is now met. It is no longer along the lines we once played such as Final Fantasy. It is back to the basics: simple levels, basic graphics, and the goal of social competition to keep you coming back.

Do high scores, ranking, and social recognition outweigh the story or the actual complexity of game play? I for one love a great game with epic stories that challenges you, but I can understand the even more addictive nature of surpassing your peers in competition. It is what makes you come back, even when the dynamics of the game is as repetitive as sowing crops.

Gwendolyn Borgen

Tags: casual gaming, downloadable games, Drinking Buddiesm, facebook, Game review, gameplay, Gamer, games, iphone, itouch, myspace, scamville, social gaming, social media, video game marketing, video games
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Drinking Buddies Facebook Social Games Spans Many Countries

January 19th, 2010

It’s been one month since we’ve launched Drinking Buddies and I decided that I’ve amassed enough reasons to celebrate it.

Driving to one of local bars in Chapel Hill, where my friend Tom works as professional intoxicator, I’ve been thinking about how challenging it has been for me as a Producer. In fact, very little of my experience that I’ve gained producing casual games could be applied to producing the Facebook social game Drinking Buddies. The main difference in producing social games for Facebook or any social platform is there’s no such thing as a “postmortem” simply because there’s no Golden Master. As long as our game is gaining new users it will continue evolving and eventually become an even important part of my life and, hopefully, my project for years to come. Basically, once any game on a social platform is launched you can have a “postpartum” with your peers and then it’s going to be a series of numerous check-ups. It sounds so much like a living being it’s scary, isn’t it?

We’ve hit 10K+ MAU (Monthly Active Users) yesterday. In fact, this the main reason I’m visiting my bartender friend Tom tonight. Of course we have long way to go to compete with 800 hundred pound gorilla games from our West Coast competitors. Yet it feels great to check our rankings every day and see how many new folks came aboard. “Look,” says Lijith, who leads our project on our developer’s side, “we are moving into the right direction! We got another 500 folks to share drinks with their friends tonight. Isn’t that great?”

It is great, indeed. Lijith and I have been living a very intense life lately. Our working hours have extended in a desperate attempt to cover each other’s normal working hours so both of us in fact feel relocated to the other’s country. My day starts very often in Kochi, India when the rest of my neighborhood rests peacefully in Orpheus’ arms and Lijith wraps up his work day when his native town is about to call it a night.

Cheers, Lijith!

Let’s go wild – you in Kochi and me here in Chapel Hill once we hit 500.000 users per month.

Dimitri Kirin

Tags: casual gaming, downloadable games, Drinking Buddiesm, facebook, Game review, gameplay, Gamer, games, iphone, itouch, myspace, scamville, social gaming, social media, video game marketing, video games
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Gamer Review: Tower Defense Games for the iPhone

January 17th, 2010

I have seen many lists reviewing Tower defense Games for the iTouch and iPhone, but none of them comprehensive enough to truly paint a picture of what is out there and what is worth it.

So here it is…not just three or so TD games reviewed, but a whole pile of them (in no order whatsoever). There are some more TDs that I do not own and therefore have not reviewed, such as Dungeon Defense, Tridefense, Staunch Defense, A Bugs Defense, Garden War, Hexagram, Critter Wars, Towers in Space, Besiegement,but they did not stand out too much graphic/review wise for me to invest.

Gameplay-wise: I cannot judge since I have not played them yet.

On a side note: I bought all these games (except for those that the lite version fell short) for 99 cents to $1.99. It took patience, luck, and an App Sniper or App Miner, which I highly recommend.

Final tip: if you type in “Tower Defense” in the app store be prepared to get back results that are not TD games (such as Castle Defense games and apps such as Trenches); however, this is a good way to search for new TDs and how I came across most of the below.

1. Geodefense & GeoSwarm
Current Price: 1.99 each
Lite Version: Yes
I will lump these two together for they are basically the same besides one key difference: Geodefense is the traditional TD and GeoSwarm is in sandbox mode. These are two of my favorite TDs due to the retro graphics– and when I say retro, please throw out any basic meanings of the word. It is truly a beautiful gameplay. I enjoy the music too on this one, and is one of the few games I actually like to play with the sound on. The best bit of news: very challenging, which is a plus to any experienced TDer!

2. Ninja TD
Current Price: 2.99
Lite Version: Yes
Overlooked in my book, because I hardly hear anything about this TD Game yet it is my favorite TD next to geoDefense. Nice Graphics, varying levels with different strategies needed for each, and my favorite aspect: the more active part of the gamer. You cannot just build the towers, you also are responsible for contributing to your base’s defense by casting ‘magic spells’ (whether it is spells to lightning zap the creeps, expose cloaked creeps, to make more money, or several more options). Another challenging game dependent on strategy, especially when you increase to the higher levels- Ninja TD is a must have game!

3. The Creeps!
Current Price: .99
Lite Version: No
The second Tower Defense game I ever played, and thereby deserving a spot near the top. This game is good to an introduction to TD games in my opinion– it is easy and pretty basic but fun and well animated. It has a cute storyline: defend a sleeping boy from his nightmares with use of glue, flashlights, etc. Also, for those into Pocket God– it does do some crossover.

4. Warp Defense
Current Price: .99
Lite Version: No
Another retro TD game, but it is a very different feel from GeoDefense (which is good, otherwise why get both?). I would recommend this game because it is visually appealing and a good price– however in the reviews there were some complaints of crashing but I have yet to encounter a bug.

5. ElementalMonster TD
Current Price: 3.99
Lite Version: No
This is the first TD I tried where the game allowed you to choose which selection of towers you wish to bring to each game, therefore allowing you to strategize even before the game starts. You earn different ‘cards’ that have monsters/etc on them that you can use as ‘towers’ for battle. Also, unlike many TD games where you build stagnate towers, you place monsters/knights/etc that will actively fight. Great game, recommended especially to those who enjoy card type games, but on a sidenote: it may say monsters but has all types of creatures from mythological ones to knights to large animals so at times it feels all over the place. Also- a downer: do not upgrade your tower too much or it may just disappear! The ratings in the app store are lower than they should be– many people gave it less stars due to an update that included advertisements. However. the developers (thank goodness) did away with the in game ads.

6. FieldRunners
Current Price: 2.99
Lite Version: No
An open sandbox type gameplay. Very easy when you understand the strategy of sandbox play, but enjoyable. The only downer is it seems limited map wise and has little replay value imo. There is a new update where you can buy new maps for .99 each. I was wondering why this previously rated 5 star app was now only 3.5 stars but can understand why. These new maps should be free imo for the game to be worth 2.99 (and I know many users paid more than that for this game).

7. Comets and Craters
Current Price: 2.99
Lite Version: Yes
Build Towers and collect resources type game. Some of the ‘towers’ you can build in the creeps path which is cool, however there are not enough maps especially for the price.

8. Dictator Defense
Current Price: 2.99
Lite Version: Yes
A Plants versus Zombies type game play (which is actually soon coming out for iPhone!), but until it gets here Dictator defense may satisfy those who enjoy this type of TD gameplay. I only have played the lite version: from what I can tell from that limited view, it is easy but fun and different from the usual TD setup. Also has a fun game play, but not for those who are politically sensitive. They should probably bring down the price to make it a good game to buy though.

9. Vector TD
Current Price: 1.99
Lite Version: Yes
Again, only played the lite version. A retro type feel, but graphically less than both geoDefense and Warp defense. I would say pass, unless it comes down in price and you truly love TDs.

10. Defender Chronicles
Current Price: 4.99
Lite Version: Yes
This brings a different feel to the traditional TD, in that you are not looking down at the map in a bird eye view, but instead you view it perpendicular to the horizon. I have to say, I bought this excited about it– but have yet to get into it. I guess I am too biased toward the bird eye view, however for those who love trying something different and do not mind the high price, I would recommend this game. I know the reviews for this game are awesome, I might go back and give it another try.

11. 7 Cities
Current Price: 2.99
Lite Version: No
Build towers to protect the waterways of your base. Fight against ships and sea monsters… fun, straightforward. However it is short for the price.

12. Zombies Attack! & Zombie Attack: Second Wave
Current Price: 1.99 / 3.99
Lite Version: Yes / Yes
Zombies are attacking your shack, and you are responsible to run around and setup weapons on your property. You do not just touch the area where you want the weapon, but move the guy in order to set it up. Sandbox feel, 3d graphics, but I do not really enjoy the gameplay since it gets frustrating trying to move the guy around to place weapons– however it is a new take on traditional TD gameplay– I give it that. Another con is their is only one map. I have not tried Number II of this game (Zombie Attack: Second Wave 3.99) but will soon considering they just put out a Lite version (Zombie Attack! Bridge Defense).

13. Retro defense
Current Price: 3.99
Lite Version: Yes
First TD I have ever played, though I have only played the lite. I love the retro feel, as you can tell from my previous reviews– however it is filled with bugs. Until they fix the bugs (which I do not think they are going to do) I would recommend you stay away from this one. Also, it is a high price and I have had it in my Sniper for over a year without any price drops.

14. Moonlight Minions
Current Price: .99
Lite Version: Yes
Interesting graphics- for some reason it reminds me of deep water sea life. Your towers are what seems to be coral, and the creeps are glowing monsters. This game has yet to capture my interest to keep going back and playing it. Normally when I get a game, I play it like mad for the first day until I beat it– but this has not has that effect. It just does not add any new dimension to gameplay that I have not already had. However, if you yearn for some basic TD gameplay with new pretty cool graphics and at .99, this one is for you– the only true negative I have seen so far is it has some bugs.

15. Star Defense
Current Price: .99
Lite Version: Yes
This game stands out because it is not a one dimensional field that you are placing the towers on. Instead, it is a planet– and as a planet it is round. You spin the planet to decide where to place the towers in this 3 dimensional game (traditional/not sandbox). There is also an online challenge system with leadership boards for those who enjoy playing with others. For .99 this is a must have.

16. Navy Patrol Coastal
Current Price: 4.99
Lite Version: Yes
Great water graphics, relaxing in the way that you can touch and interact with the water. Gameplay is the basic sandbox with fighting against airplanes and ships… Have not bought the full version because it is expensive and the lite version did not impress me that much to spend 4.99. Maybe the full version is better than the lite? The reviews are certainly high enough by others.

17. TowerMadness
Current Price: 2.99
Lite Version: Yes
Protect the sheep from aliens who want to turn them into scarves. Fun storyline, and it stands out from other TD’s with its 3D graphics and ability to view the action both in bird eye view and ground level. Sandbox mode. I have not bought the full version because I still think it is too expensive for what it is. Also, I wish the weapons were fun as well (they are just the typical gun type). For such a fun storyline, it should have fun weapons imo.

18. Tap Defense
Current Price: Free
Free- so give it a try. Standard TD gameplay in a scenario typical of medieval war.

19. Magical Tower Defense
Current Price: 2.99
Lite Version: Yes
I have only tried the lite version, from what I hear though via reviews the full version is too short. This game is a typical TD, nothing special to it. Your towers are magical beings… I still do not know what each’s strengths are though. I often like straightforward tower strengths (i.e. it does not take a genius to figure out the glue in the Creeps is going to slow the enemy). Sometimes it is fun to guess what does what, but most of the time I like to know going in.

20. INKoming!
Current Price: 1.99
Lite Version: Yes
Interesting concept (ink/paper)– however one huge drawback: you cannot decide where to place the towers. You must place your ‘ink’ towers in predetermined locations. So because of this, Tower Defense enthusiasts may hate the constraints, but those unfamiliar with TD games may like it. Because of this, I have not bought the full version, however if it ever does go down in price I may try it out.

21. Sentinel & Sentinel 2
Current Price: .99 / 2.99
Lite Version: No
Aliens attacking a base, collecting resources, typical TD… I only have Sentinel 1 and I liked it. However, nothing special, very short, needs more maps.

22. League of Legends
Current Price: Free
Again, free, so try it out. Typical sandbox TD game style. Simple, easy, simple in gameplay to Fieldrunners but with more of a fantasy twist in the storyline.

23. Paper War Tower Defense
Current Price: 1.99
Lite Version: No
One TD I cannot review since I have not played it yet. It looks very good, but without reviews and at 1.99 I will save my money until a lite version/price drop happens. However, I am looking forward to when I can try this one out because the screen shots look cool. I am hoping it adds another dimension to gameplay than the typical TD, but will have to wait to see for that.

Next week: Top Ten Must have Games for the iPhone. If I can keep it limited to ten!
Gwen Borgen

Tags: casual gaming, downloadable games, Game review, gameplay, Gamer, games, Gwen Borgen, iphone, itouch, myspace, scamville, social gaming, social media, video game marketing, video games
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The Economics of Social Gaming and Social Media

January 15th, 2010

It seems that every week we move forward in social gaming we come across another fun challenge. This week it became really cool. For the first time in over sixteen years, I am able to apply my economics background to the workplace. For those who don’t know, I have an undergraduate degree in Economics from Johns Hopkins where I studied under Dr. Steve Hanke (Forbes columnist and advisor, either current or past, to Argentina, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Ecuador and others). I completed the coursework for a MA in Economics from George Mason under Nobel Prize winner James Buchanan. Afterward, I was an economist of the US government for three years and had one of the first academic articles published on the European online retail market in 1989. Despite this training, I have not really had an opportunity to apply this knowledge to Merscom since co-founding it 16 years ago. That situation changed last week!

Unlike with our core and casual games, our Facebook social games rely on an in-game economy to generate revenue. While developers, especially ours, are brilliant at creating fun entertainment experiences, very few understand the principles of economics. Even when looking at highly competitive products, it is obvious that they understand gameplay but do not understand economics. In their defense, the leaders of many real economies really don’t understand economics either, present company included. I am spearheading Merscom’s efforts to turn virtual economies in our social media games into something that both enhances game play and improves monetization… and I love it. It is nice to step back from day-to-day activities building and running a business to really explore a situation analytically.

Lloyd Melnick
Chief Customer Office

Tags: casual gaming, downloadable games, Dr. Steve Hanke, economics, Gamer, James Buchanan, myspace, scamville, social gaming, social media, video game marketing, video games
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