Video Gaming (OT)

bkeich 2021-08-04 23:58:22 UTC #1

I thought I would start this thread here not knowing if any of you are “gamers”, but guessing a few are as some of us are in the same age group and we do have a few younger than myself.

Saw today that New World is getting delayed AGAIN, but only by a month (9/28). Honestly, it doesn’t bother me, get the fixes in, and I understand thag launch is tough on these guys, so if there is stuff that needs fixing, what is a month really.

They just finished the open Beta today and reviews are mixed, but I would say more positive than negative.

I bought the game almost 18 months ago, can’t wait to try it. I skipped the Beta because I just don’t like them, if I want to play I want to make progress, not have to repeat myself once it is all cleared. Did anyone play?

Patchmk88 2021-08-05 00:42:20 UTC #2

I game but pretty much only play MLB The Show. Wish I could get into other games but it’s the only one I’m any good at.

bkeich 2021-08-05 16:44:13 UTC #3

Looks like this attempt was a fail Patchmk…. Just you and I interested I guess.

bkox 2021-08-05 16:50:38 UTC #4

I play Runescape... dont laugh..

tom81 2021-08-06 15:31:32 UTC #5

Laugh? I play Clash Royale

fish 2021-08-06 15:45:23 UTC #6

Full disclosure, I haven't played a video game since I was 19 a long long time ago. But I am curious (from an investing perspective) if anyone has experience on the Skillz platform, which apparently lets the user play games developed by contributors for cash prizes (while also giving the developer a cut). Not too unlike fantasy sports I guess. From what I understand, the games aren't that great, but I'm curious if anyone has experience with the platform.

bkox 2021-08-06 16:02:25 UTC #7

I have a very limited experience with skillz as a user.. but I can give some insight into their business model. Right now they seem to be relying heavily on using incentives to get new users. I use a program called swagbucks to make a few extra bucks per month. And for over a year now Skilllz has had multiple offers to get users to sign up to their program and deposit $10 and then you get $40 on swagbucks.

The interesting and weird thing.. there is only a requirement to play a $1 game to get the $40 incentive. You can then withdraw the remaining money. I will say that I doubt the player retention rate from these swagbucks offers are very high. People there are just looking for the easiest way to get a few bucks.

examples of the offers:

After considering Swagbuck's cut.. they have to be paying at least $60 for every user that signs up.

fish 2021-08-06 18:07:01 UTC #8

Thanks for the insight! Do the most popular games seem to the casino-type games then? The concept is interesting but I'm left wondering where it's going without more appealing content. The interface didn't look great either when I tried surfing around.

bkox 2021-08-06 18:20:56 UTC #9

They have a decent quantity of games.. but they seem very simplistic. IMO thats not going to bring in the big mobile gamers that immerse themselves in games like angry birds and candy crush.. It seems they use the casino games to try to draw in the gamblers who will then try the other offerings. I dont see this bringing in the type of gamer that sits an plays a game for an hour or more a day. IMO its going to bring in the gamblers who might be looking for variety.. but the gambling space is already pretty saturated and will be hard to keep raising their active user base numbers.

It seems to be a viscous cycle issue.. they need more users to raise revenue to get better games... but they need better games to attract more users.

I think the idea of gaming and gambling/risking money is a great concept .. and the company that gets it right will end up being huge... but IMO skillz isnt that company it its current form.