Jonathan Knight’s Post

🎙 The New York Times is a gaming platform. With 10 million subscribers, the Times has a huge audience and has launched hit games like Connections and Strands (in beta), and acquired viral sensation Wordle in 2022. Your host, Niko Vuori, speaks to the Head of Games at The New York Times, Jonathan Knight to learn more about its games strategy, including topics like: - NYT's drive to publish games / subscription strategy - Moving customers from one product to another - A subscription business around casual games - What does a games community mean to The NYT? - Game design for word games - How does the NYT manage growth? - NYT's app : strategy and games - Converting players of games to full subscribers - Partnerships - Exciting games Apple: https://lnkd.in/gBY3Mi82 Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ghxRQ9rH Youtube: https://lnkd.in/ghVbHNHY We’d also like to thank Lightspeed for making this episode possible! With its dedicated gaming practice, "Lightspeed Gaming," the firm is investing over $7B in early- and growth-stage capital — by far the largest fund focused on gaming and interactive technology. If you’re interested in learning more, go to https://gaming.lsvp.com/.

The gaming industry is making a strong comeback in 2023 and is set to grow even more in 2024. But it’s a hard market. Newzoo's report shows the industry, now worth $184 billion, is expected to reach $205.4 billion by 2026, with a CAGR of 1.3% per year. Generative AI is getting more play in the game-making biz. But for the current year, don’t expect it to totally change game production. It's more about fine-tuning existing processes. As the market expands, competition becomes fiercer. Companies are still going through restructuring, becoming more cautious with their spending. So, in 2024, it’s important for game studios to focus more on making higher-quality games and retaining users than on launching big new projects. ↑ And here is how the Easy Monetization solution can help publishers win the competition. Our experts take care of all the tedious monetization aspects, offering guidance on cost-effective strategies and helping adjust the setups for new markets. If you have any specific questions about how different apps retain users, feel free to ask, as we're researching this topic! 🔍 For more insights, check out Newzoo's report: https://lnkd.in/ewiZg4UW #gaming #mobilegaming

KLAUS TEUBER REDESIGNS MONOPOLY Monopoly and Catan, are two monumental milestones in the history of tabletop games. Monopoly, in the form we know it today, was created in 1935 by Charles Darrow.  It is considered the most recognizable and commercially #successful #boardgame globally and around 64% of the U.S. population have played Monopoly at some point in their lives. Catan, designed by Klaus Teuber, was first published in 1995, attracting a #newgeneration of players gaining popularity for its innovative strategic gameplay, replayability, and #socialinteraction, and it is credited to contributing significantly to the renaissance of modern #tabletopgames. Both games are separated in their creation by sixty years, and #gamemechanics surely evolved in those six decades. Klaus Teuber passed away in 2022, but if we could, it would be interesting to ask him how he would have developed the original Monopoly to make it more appealing to the younger players. Here's how Klaus Teuber, known for his strategic and player interaction-focused games, might have modernized Monopoly to make it more appealing: ✅ INCREASED PLAYER INTERACTION: Negotiation and Trading: Teuber could introduce a mechanic where players can negotiate deals to buy, sell, or trade properties directly with each other. Variable Rent System: Instead of a fixed rent based on a die roll, Teuber might introduce a system where players can set their own rent based on market dynamics and negotiate effectively. ☑ REDUCED RUNAWAY LEADER SYNDROME: Catch-up Mechanics: Teuber might introduce mechanisms that help players who are falling behind. This could involve opportunities to earn quick cash, steal resources from leading players, or trigger events that disrupt the game's flow and give everyone a chance to catch up. ✅ STRATEGIC DEPTH: Variable Board Setup: Instead of a static board, Teuber could create a modular board where players can choose the layout before the game begins. Development Options: Beyond simply buying houses and hotels, Teuber could introduce a system where players can invest in infrastructure improvements, resource production, or even influence events on the board. ☑ SHORTER PLAYTIME: Alternative Win Conditions: Monopoly can drag on for a long time. Teuber could introduce alternative win conditions, such as reaching a specific point total. ✅ THEMING AND STORY: Modern Theme: Instead of the classic streets, Teuber could introduce a modern theme where players compete in a different economic sector, like tech startups. Events and Randomness: Teuber could introduce a deck of event cards that trigger random situations, adding a touch of excitement and unpredictability. These are just a few ideas that Teuber might have implemented. What do you think of the way he would have redesigned this Hasbro classic? #success #tabletop #inventors #innovation

The gaming business continues to heat up with major content developers broadening their reach beyond player consoles, sponsored competitions, and endorsements. Moving into a fast-paced, mobile environment creates additional excitement within the game over and above what their experience was with the original. What if you could take player engagement to a whole new level on mobile devices? You can with TONE! Our Audio-Activated QR solutions ignite the action with in-game promotions, team offers, player loyalty points, and merchandise deals—anytime or anywhere throughout the game. All are connected within your brand’s existing app enabled with TONE-Tags. Simple, easy to integrate, and a profitable way to extend playing time. Are you game? Get TONE to find out: https://lnkd.in/dhF7-jcX #TONEGames #TONEAlerts #TONEConnects #AudioQR

TONE is revolutionizing how to enhance player engagement on mobile devices. It's fascinating to see how content developers are expanding their reach and creating new experiences for players. The concept of Audio-Activated QR solutions is incredibly promising, offering a seamless way to integrate in-game promotions, team offers, loyalty points, and merchandise deals within a brand's existing app. This not only enhances the player experience but also presents a lucrative opportunity to extend playing time and drive revenue. TONE iT!

Check this out! We're excited to share our awesome updates! We’re not just watching the gaming industry evolve—we're actively shaping it. Our mission at VPLAY is to create a seamless, engaging, and rewarding experience for all users, whether you're a seasoned player or new to the GameFi space. Today, let's talk about our latest innovation: reward rates for P2E (Play-to-Earn) games, coming soon to our platform. A Visionary Approach to GameFi - At VPLAY, we're not just copying traditional gaming experiences; we're spotlighting the unique perks of crypto gaming. We offer unparalleled opportunities with insightful categories, filters, and built-in gaming insights—achieving something never before seen in GameFi. Understanding Rewards Metrics - One of the key features we’re introducing is detailed rewards metrics for NFTs. Our goal is to give you the tools you need to maximize your in-game assets. With VPLAY, you’ll have access to reliable data and visually intuitive graphics that simplify complex metrics. This makes it easier for everyone—from newbies to experienced gamers—to make informed decisions. Visual Enhancements for User-Friendly Navigation - We know that navigating rewards metrics can be overwhelming, especially if you're new to GameFi. That’s why we’ve integrated visually appealing graphics that make it easy to interpret and analyze your data. Our goal is to create an environment where users of all experience levels can quickly and effortlessly grasp the performance and potential of their in-game purchases. The Transparency Advantage - In the world of NFTs and P2E games, transparency is crucial. VPLAY provides a user-friendly dashboard showcasing aggregated data from the top 100 NFT games. This transparency extends to key metrics like floor prices, average prices, and market caps. By offering clear and accessible information, we empower you to make strategic investment decisions. Join the VPLAY Movement - The gaming industry is rapidly evolving, and we’re not just a platform; we’re a movement towards a more informed, connected, and personalized gaming experience in the Web3 era. Our user-centric approach and commitment to transparency ensure that you have the tools and insights needed to navigate the exciting intersection of NFTs and gaming. How can I be a part of the VPLAY community? - By joining VPLAY, you’ll gain access to a wealth of resources and a friendly community of gamers. Stay informed, make strategic decisions, and be part of the future of GameFi. As we look ahead to 2024, our integrated platform is designed to make the often complex world of NFTs and P2E games more accessible and engaging. We’re committed to a supportive gaming community, providing the insights and tools needed for you to thrive. Thanks for joining us today!

Exciting news Gaming Fanatics! Have you ever wondered if the global online gaming industry could be revolutionized by Europe's technologically advanced gaming offshoots? Let's consider one standout example. Meet Vivid Games, a pioneering gem from Poland. Founded by Jarek Wojczakowski and Remigiusz Koscielny, Vivid Games is widely acknowledged as one of the most technologically advanced, independent mobile games development studios in Europe. Their ingenious design, unique proprietary technology, and swift porting of games across diverse platforms have solidified their competitive edge. Simultaneously, their agility in adapting to market demands sets them apart. Intrigued? Read more here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dYnbPamG With them on board, we can't wait to see what's next for the global online gaming industry! #VividGames #gamingrevolution #EUStartups #technology #innovation #onlinegaming

Technology Trends in Gaming: Changing The Way We Game, How We Play, Where We Play #GamingTrends #TechInGaming #FutureOfGaming #GamingTechnology #GameInnovation #NextGenGaming https://lnkd.in/dBAvSc6X

The Game Awards is stunning display of everything wrong with Games right now. Games are the largest driver in entertainment revenues and have been for years and yet we're desperate for validation from everyone outside of Games. And celebrating our accomplishments doesn't appear to be enough, we need to show everyone what's coming for fear of losing their attention or approval. Can you imagine any other awards show not being introduced and celebrated by those who lead the craft? I'm a huge fan of celebrity, but it's time to start investing in the celebrity of game makers. Studio leaders need to invest in media training in our leaders, invest in press junkets at the release of our titles featuring those leaders, and start having the confidence in ourselves to promote our own. I'm the first to recognize that it takes dozens or hundreds (or thousands) of people to make our games, and you won't be able to celebrate everyone with every launch, but celebrity developers will serve all of our interests. Yes, this will give negotiating power to some of our best, but it's about damn time we do if we want to get through this next plateau in Gaming. And Gaming is an artform, one that deserves celebration of the people who spend their lives attempting to perfect that craft. Awards shows should be about the work individuals accomplished, not just the titles they created. We don't need another E3-like event for which to strive to create a demo. This isn't to take away from the fun everyone had at the event or detract from the work Geoff has done in pulling off one of the biggest events in our industry, but if this is all we can hope to strive for then we'll never earn the respect we deserve from ourselves let alone others. Games deserve better.

🎮 Gaming Industry Evolution Are we on the cusp of a new era in the #gaming industry? 🚀 Is the era of 🏰 walled gardens 🏰 coming to an end? Are we on the brink of a new dawn, with the rise of independent #publishing platforms fostering stronger player-developer bonds? 😈 The existing giants won't vanish overnight. 💥 The platform ecosystem is becoming denser and more intricate. Take Itch.io, for instance—it's not perfect, but it offers a glimpse of where gaming platforms could be heading. 💥 Let's not forget that as new platforms emerge, they might also create their own boundaries. We might witness evolving versions of #walledgarden platforms rather than a complete shift towards openness. 😈 Anyway, 😃 we are now in a period where walled gardens are discussed a lot. The possibilities are boundless. Exciting times lie ahead in the gaming industry! 🚀🎮 LootLocker #gamedev #development #gamingindustry https://lnkd.in/dQYcE5K2