Video game for the enhancement of the territory and culture
New design in the video game industry implies increasing costs for software development and licensing. Furthermore, the development of new products is increasingly facing with new business models such as the free-to-play one, which is based on the free trial period of the game and the following option to pay via app via microtransactions for additional content, expansions and features. In this context, are emerging opportunities related to PC and mobile platforms, from which to start developing innovative videogames that can enhance the location of game setting, and stimulate the public to visit it.
Description
The new design area proposing considerable challenges, is implying an increase of costs for software development and licensing. Moreover, obvious difficulties companies converting new business models, go beyond the simple marketing of the game and offer to user a real game experience. So, should be mentioned the transition to the concept of game-as-a-service (GAAS) and the free-to-play model based on micro transactions compared to the traditional pay-to-play model. In the last 5 years, a free-to-play model has been adopted, starting with the mobile platform. The game is free, with the option to pay by app via microtransactions for additional content, expansions and features, or items for the game. This model replaces the traditional pay-to-play model, with a one-time payment at the beginning of the game. Although the dislocation of the premium model to the advantage of the free time trial, involves challenges in game engineering (that is how to monetize without negatively affecting the player's experience), this model offers clear advantages in a business perspective. In particular, the free version of the product represents a powerful marketing that allows to catch users at low cost. Furthermore, this model helps to erase piracy that still afflicts the music and film industry.
Target
A recent survey conducted by Fondazione Symbola has shown that Italian developers are focused on adventure, action, arcade and puzzle video games. Furthermore, the programming and game design activities are the most frequent, ahead the graphics and script. The analysis prepared by Fondazione Symbola has found a prevalent production for PC and mobile (37 and 35%) compared to that lined up for consoles and online games (14 and 13%). In addition, 42% of video game developer studios state to be involved in the development of video games for virtual innovative market. Their products are directed more to the foreign market than to the domestic one, to Europe (93%), North America (83%), Asia (64%) and South America (58%).
Facing challenge, the player is led into a narration which, drawn on reality, can be transformed into an educational action. The video game encourages the learning of a story and to discover a place, by highlighting the charm and pushing the user to visit it. On the one hand, the enhancement of a place also passes through the console, the PC and above all through the smartphone. On the other hand, plays a fundamental role the ability of developers to convey as best the beauty and peculiarity of a location especially if it is new.
Innovation
Innovative solutions are required to start game analytics processes, integrate technological tools to improve game quality, understand the behaviour of gamers and enhance the quality of the game experience. In particular, ideas are sought that through the video game, even in free-to-play mode, are able to offer an innovative gaming experience and enhance the location in which the video game is set, thus stimulating the public to visit it personally.