James Hursthouse, CEO of Roadhouse Interactive
Mark Long, CEO of Meteor Entertainment
Trends in Online Gaming, from Transmedia to Free-to-Play
For over 30 years, video games have held a significant position in popular culture and in the technology industry. Console gaming has historically been the dominant platform and money-maker within the games business; however we have recently seen seismic shifts towards new models and platforms. The popularity of console gaming has leveled off. Mobile and social gaming are now at the forefront and there has been a huge increase in the prevalence of online games, many of which are one part of a larger mixed media strategy. Games aren’t just games anymore. They extend across film, books, action figures and beyond, opening doors for IP holders and brands of all kinds, even those outside the gaming space. And with an increasing amount of games adopting free-to-play business models, they are now more accessible than ever and reach a constantly widening audience. Join James Hursthouse and Mark Long for an intimate discussion about trends in the online gaming space and learn how these shifts within the game industry may be beneficial to your company.
2. WHO WE ARE
ROADHOUSE INTERACTIVE was founded in December 2009 to be an end-to-end solution
provider for high quality browser, social and mobile platform games. Roadhouse has grown to be
one of the largest independent studios in Vancouver BC, and develops third party and original
interactive content in addition to a game development and deployment platform.
“A 65-PERSON INDEPENDENT INTERACTIVE DEVELOPER”
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5. FAMILY GUY ONLINE™
Funded directly by 20th Century Fox as an extension of the immensely
popular Family Guy TV Series, Family Guy Online is an innovative ‘mid-
core’ free-to-play game available directly through any browser. The game
went into open beta in Q2 2012. Roadhouse is responsible for full game
development as well as ongoing game management while translating this
iconic brand to the online space.
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6. MECHWARRIOR TACTICS™
Due to launch in Q4 2012, Roadhouse is responsible for the full development
including art direction, product branding and game design while providing a
new, distinct vision for the iconic MechWarrior franchise.
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7. WHAT IS FREETOPLAY?
• Emerged in Asia around 2003.
• Primarily free / revenue from advanced features,
functionality, or related products and services.
• Earn or buy virtual currency.
• Alternative payment mechanisms.
• Attracts the widest possible audience.
• Overcomes piracy.
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9. GAMES THAT HAVE TRANSITIONED TO F2P
"For all we know there is a type of
game out there that will continue to
benefit from a subscription model,
I've just not heard of it yet”
ArenaNet's Chris Lye
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