Firsties Guest Blog: DFC - PlayFirst Grapevine
2008
by Nemone
DEC
9
In honor of the Firsties™ (where fans pick first!), we're proud to introduce David Cole and Joost van Dreunen, analysts with DFC Intelligence, a strategic market research and consulting firm focused on interactive entertainment and the emerging video game, online game, interactive entertainment and portable game markets.
Here, David and Joost share their Top 5 Trends in Casual Games. To receive free game industry research, visit DFC Intelligence.
1. Multiple Platforms: Now every game platform is embracing casual games. The Xbox 360 has Live Arcade, the PS3 has the PlayStation Network, the Wii has Virtual Console and the most successful platform of all, the Nintendo DS, is all about casual games.
2. Microtransactions: In the 1970s, consumers spent billions of dollars a year in the arcades one quarter at a time. Today, after an initial purchase, people often continue to spend in small increments on additional features such as avatar clothes or extra levels to enhance and expand the original experience of games like Diner Dash: Hometown Hero.
3. Going to Retail: You know casual games have arrived when retailers want to get involved. With the ability to see cards for consumers to download products online, stores like 7-11 and Rite Aid can carry products without having to sacrifice valuable shelf space.
4. Brands and Franchise: There are now entire companies devoted to copying the latest hit games. This means that in the casual game space it requires not only innovation but strong brands and franchises. Success comes down to marketing and distribution.
5. Everyone is a Casual Gamer: The stereotype of the casual gamer was a woman aged 35-54 that played as a quick work break. The success of products like the Xbox 360 Arcade and Nintendo DS and Wii show that casual games appeal to a much broader demographic.
Comments
Log In to Post a Comment
Recent Posts
Archive
PlayFirst is the creator of Diner Dash, Chocolatier, Dream Chronicles and other award-winning casual games.
posted Mar 28, 2009 7:32:04 AM