Skillz aims to take a new approach on mobile games
A new mobile games platform for Android developers has launched this week. The platform comes from a company called Skillz, which is a startup based in San Francisco, California, and the platform puts a new twist on mobile games and their monetization. According to Skillz, the platform introduces real-money prizes into mobile games, quite literally enabling consumers to win cash for playing the games making use of the platform.
Gaming continues to change as consumers become more mobile
Mobile games are one of the fastest growing sectors in the game industry. Consumers around the world have expressed both joy and enthusiasm for mobile games that is not entirely common in the game industry, which is constantly awash with criticism and cynicism. As mobile games become more common, developers are beginning to feel the need to separate themselves from the competition. Until recently, most mobile games have been fundamentally similar, if not identical. Skillz believes that real-money prizes may provide developers with an adequate way to establish an innovative presence in their field.
Platform allows for small cash prizes
The money offered through the platform is very real and gamers have the chance to win these funds if they perform well enough. The platform fosters competition with other gamers, pitting them against one another to determine who will win a real-money prize. While the concept seems somewhat gladiatorial, the funds awarded to gamers are very small, most being in 45 cent increments, yet there are abundant chances for gamers to win up to $1,000. Nonetheless, Skillz believes that adding a financial incentive into mobile games could have a powerful effect on consumers.
Platform is not technically set up for gambling
On the surface, the platform may seem bear some resemblance to gambling. Skillz does not, however, enable gambling. The platform allows consumers to place bets on skill-based games. Such games rely less on chance and more on the capabilities of the player. Because the outcome of these games is not determined by simple luck, gambling is considered a non-issue.
Mobile games becoming more than simple entertainment pieces
Mobile games have become a significant part of the lives of consumers around the world, as well as that of the game industry as a whole. Games have been growing as more than simple entertainment pieces for some time and are beginning to become effective marketing and networking tools for a variety of industries. The Global Gaming Initiative believes that mobile games can be used for much more than just entertainment and envisions a future where these games have a powerful social impact.
Company seeks to leverage mobile games to support charities around the world
Global Gaming Initiative is a developer of mobile games, having released its first title in early 2012. While the company does have its roots in game development, it has a much more ambitious view of mobile games. The Global Gaming Initiative strives to connect gamers with charities around the world, essentially turning mobile games into platforms where these charities can be discovered. Global Gaming Initiative plans to release the first mobile games associated with charities in June. Half of the revenue that these games produce will be directed to the charities they are meant to support.
Gamers show strong interest in charitable work
Global Gaming Initiative is a for-profit company that fashions itself as a game publisher rather than a developer. Elizabeth Sarquis, CEO and founder of Global Gaming Initiative, believes that mobile games could be an effective way to support charities and promote generosity among gamers, a demographic that has shown a strong favor for charities in the past. Gamers have proven to be enthusiastic when it comes to matters of charity, throwing their considerable support behind initiatives that they care about. Such was the case when John “Totalbiscuit” Bain, a popular YouTube commentator focused on gaming, campaigned to support Charity: Water through King of the Web, a web-based popularity contest in 2011. Through this contest, Bain succeeded in raising a substantial sum of money for his chosen charity, the entirety of which went directly to this charity.
Tapping the generosity of gamers may be a boon for charities
Tapping into the charitable nature of gamers may be an effective business model. Sarquis is interested in Global Gaming Initiative generating a profit, but is also eager to help support charitable causes through mobile games. This approach to gaming may end up being a powerful boon for the charities that manage to attract support through Global Gaming Initiative.
