skill games: the past, present, and future of casual, competitive gaming | greg canessa
TRANSCRIPT
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Skill Games: The Past, Present, and Future of Casual, Competitive Gaming
Greg CanessaSenior Vice President and General Manager
GSN Games / Sparcade
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What are skill games and why should you care?
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My Background in Games
• 25+ years• Passion is ecosystem creation• My CV:• Creator of XBLA• Oversaw Battle.net • Led Activision Mobile • VP, Game Platforms @ PopCap• GM of Sparcade
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What Makes a Game of Skill?
game type (chance/skill) wager
payout
game of chance wager
payout wager
game of chance
payout
= social casino
= skill games
= sweepstakes
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Skill Games Origins: On the Web
20031999
But even further back…Golf Tournaments, Bowling Leagues, Carnival Games, etc.
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Skill Games Today: On Center Stage
eSports: Start with hardcore genres
eSports: Migrating to mid-core
Fundamentals: skill competition, prizing and embracing a vibrant community of passionate players
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Skill Games for the Mass Market: A Perfect Storm of Opportunity
Casual Game Ubiquity
Rise of eSports; Competitive Gaming
on Center Stage Mobile: Ultimate Install Base
Other Factors: F2P limitations, static App Store, big mobile brands
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Skill Games: Broad Audience
$9B by 2017*Appeals equally to
all demographics**
50% of iOS install base TAM in U.S. alone**
40% of mobile users would play for money**
*Source: Magid Associates, 2014
**Source: GSN Consumer Testing
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Introducing Sparcade
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Sparcade Learnings
• Single destination • Lead with big brands• Known play patterns• Fairness • Low stakes = excitement• Significant free experience • Social layer and meta game
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Considerations for Making a Skill Game
Player Factors
o Is this game skill-based?o Can I get better at it?o Is it fun to play over and over?
Business Factors
o Play session lengtho Conversion potentialo Ability to stay true to the
brand?o Is it a lasting franchise?o How does IAP impact win state? Mobile
Factors
o Great touch controlso Fits on a mobile displayo Asynchronous playo Social feature compatibility
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Not Every Game Works…
Examples of mobile games that won’t work:
Of the Top 50 Grossing Titles in the App Store…
Only 8 meet the criteria to be a skill-adapted game
Games of Chance
Long Play Session, Too IAP Dependent
Casino, dice, poker
Card battlers, city builders, sims, RPGs
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What Are Some Genres That DO Work?
Extremely popular and quick to play
Endless Runners
Perfect for skill but concentrated IP
PhysicsFlickers
Quick flick- based gameplay
Side Platformers
Proven genre for skill and mobile
Puzzle &Match-3
Skill-based and strong nostalgia
RetroArcade
Timeless appeal and very casual
Card &Board
Hunting, pool, racing and more
CasualSports
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The Opportunity: Beyond Free to Play
Create a new monetization model and industry category in the
App Stores
As an industry, we have a rare opportunity to establish a completely new ecosystem on mobile
New way for players to interact with your game; viable design
alternative to F2P
Devs
PublishersPlayers
Industry
Unlock a competitive
community that exists for your brand
A new way to compete in games you love and take
part in a passionate community
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Thanks! Q & A