Netbooks Are the Next Gaming Platform
The video game industry netted over $20 billion dollars in 2008. It continues to expand into new markets and new platforms. The Netbook is the next logical platform for growth.
For detailed analysis, please read this article I wrote and then tell me what you think about the topic:
Netbooks Are the Next Gaming Platform
I’d really like to see MUDs make an effort to really move into this area. They are so well suited to the netbook platform – low hardware specs, primarily keyboard based interface, casual style use, users tend to be more into typing/reading/writing.
This is definitely an opportunity for smaller, independent game developers to grab some market attention. At the end of 2009, there should be 50+ million netbook owners. That is a gigantic installed base of users with hardware best suited to low-tech, gameplay oriented games rather than technology pushing games like L4D, Crysis, etc.
http://hommkingdoms.uk.ubi.com/
Heroes of Might and Magic, online version. A “browsergame”. Not necessarily the only way to provide games for netbooks, but the “no installation, no download, no fees & free to play” (and then you suddenly have an item mall or something like that, or a subscription giving you certain boni) idea just suits them too well.
Another example for a game that does not require a graphics accelerator card or a good processor, only 1024×768 resolution, is NAVY FIELD. It is basically sinking ships online.
http://www.navyfield.com/
The german/european provider of this originally korean game ( http://www.navyfield.eu/ ) just opened the third server and they are making money like hay in summer.
Because they demand only 1-4 EUR for extras, people pay without breaking a sweat now and then for a special extra without hesitation.
The game engine is actually outdated, but the basic idea is…:
1.) free to play, with optional low cost extras that you can buy
- I am sure they make even more money than with a subscription model
2.) lowest hardware requirements
3.) simple, yet interesting gameplay
Nothing beats all 12 shells of the four x35,9″ turrets of your light cruiser hitting and totally crippling the pesky enemy destroyer that dared to launch 6-8 torpedos at your ship! :>
Great suggestions. Games like these are really going to benefit from the netbook explosion.
I guess Wiqd and I should really hammer out a design document for our Harvest Moonish game. It seems to me that low spec (isometric sprite art), browser-based (no client) quick session games would fit the bill.
I’m idly wondering how Puzzle Pirates is faring on netbooks.
Thanks for reposting this article, Muck.
I’ve been looking at new notebooks myself. I want to get a mac, but my hubby is freaking because he wants me to get a PC so that games can be played on it. I tried to make the argument that it is for school and work so I shouldn’t be playing games on it, so that is probably all the better. We will see…
I will be writing a review of the Acer Aspire One 10.1″ this month. When I do I’ll make sure to post about it. So far, its awesome.
I don’t really see netbooks as a viable gaming platform. In my eyes they are too small to compete with a real laptop, and not large enough compared to the iphone. Keyboard seems too small for serious mudding to say nothing of actually reading the display. Yes you can buy a full size keyboard/mouse, but by this point you’re probably better off dropping the same or less money on a two year old desktop machine.
Ultimately though I see netbooks themselves going extinct between lightweight laptops and expanded smartphones.
Well, you need to try one. I can still type well over 100 wpm with ease on a netbook keyboard, and the display is excellent. Super clear, vibrant, very readable. For casual games, MUDs, flash games, browser based games, and more the netbook performs marvellously.
I have been reading some info about the chip NVIDIA is making that can run Left 4 Dead at 20 fps. Not great, and not the platform I’d play Left 4 Dead on, but still great evidence of the possibilities.
http://forums.sinsofasolarempire.com/341801
One of the developers of “Sins of a Solar Empire” is promoting the game. Some key features:
- low price tag of the game, 20-25$, the 3 planned “micro-expansions” are sold for 10$. If you buy them all, you paid even a bit more than the usual price for a game. But people accepted and embrace the concept.
- the game runs on older hardware, even on a laptop not really made for gaming.
- it still looks pretty, despite the low hardware requirements.
I feel the game is a bit lacking in single player, and multiplayer needs too much time. Nevertheless, it became game of the year of some magazines. And I bought it, plus the first micro expansion. Despite it not being entirely my kind of game, with some apparent flaws. It is just well done, both graphically, in terms of interface, general feel and distribution.
I think there might be some lessons for MMORPG makers in the truly stellar success of this space RTS game.
Tesh will probably like the payment options, Muckbeast might like the low hardware requirements, scifi freaks will love the visuals and theme, and even I cannot resist to love it, too, despite some flaws, for some odd reason.
P.S.: They sold basically only starbases for all three races, mines and an improved technology tree for 10$. This is actually… not much for the money. But on the other hand, people might say, 10$ are not much compared to 50$, so let’s have it.
I am suddenly not really sure if a smart sales strategy is good for gamers, too…^^
I love what they did with Sins of a Solar Empire. They also did not package it with oppressive, destructive “punish the honest” copy protection. I actually went to the store to buy this game a month or so ago and it wasn’t there.
I might need to pick that game up. If not for a netbook, for regular play. I believe they have multiplayer co-op, and my wife and I are always looking for games that support that (there aren’t many of them
).
That’s an interesting article. I just wondered if you could tell me where to find more info on this topic ?