Online Gaming though Social Media

Social media’s presence in the last 20 years has made a significant impact on the gaming industry. Some will argue that Social Media is a detriment to society while others feel positive.  After the recent Cambridge Analytica Facebook scandal, a heavy discussion will follow which may cause fluctuation of trusts in social media. Even so, Social Media has become an integral part of our lives. It seems that it is here to stay and if you have a gaming brand, you can reap the rewards from utilizing this marketplace.

Social Media Gaming

One of the fastest growing sectors in the world is social media gaming and the top companies in the industry are making over $500,000 every day. When you consider that the industry is still in its infancy this is staggering growth.

Social Media Games

There are many different types of social media games but most follow a certain type of style that is most attractive to this ever-growing audience. The games focus their attention on attracting as wide an audience as possible by making them simple along with shorter gameplay compared with traditional online games.

Game Distribution

One of the main advantages of social media games is the way in which they are distributed. These games use existing relationships to help spread word of mouth, effectively garnering a large fanbase. With the larger interactive player base, users are more likely to stay playing the game, locked in by their friends.

Core Elements of Social Media Games

The best social games are based on different core elements. Successful games all follow a similar concept of leveraging visits that are brief but with high frequency. They should be available on a “Free to Play” basis and generate revenue via microtransactions.

Types of Social Media Games

There are four main types of social media games that work best and produce the highest revenues. These are:

1: Simulation and Resource Management Games

One of the most popular social game types is simulation and resource management games. The player is responsible for the management of resources to upgrade and build on new and existing creations. One of the best examples of this form of gameplay is Farmville. This game is based on players growing virtual vegetables along with fruits to raise farm animals. It has a whopping 83 million users along with more than 24 million fans on Facebook.

2: Social Media Gambling Games

There are many different types of social media gaming sites such as the online casino HolyMoly. Players can access the best mobile games such as blackjack and slots on their mobile phone for real or virtual money. There are big jackpots available and a wide choice of specialty gambling games such a bingo and scratch cards.

3: Social Media Care-Taking Games

One of the surprise gameplay types that has taken the world by storm is caretaking games such as Tamagotchi or Nintendogs. Players are responsible to take care of a virtual avatar or pet by interacting socially on a regular basis.

4: Social Media Arcade Games

The 1980s was all about arcade games with titles such as Tetris dominating the games market. Over the last few years, thanks to social media, this format of gaming has made a comeback and is now once again one of the most popular types of games.

Making Money from Social Media Games

There are many different types of advertising models that social media games use to generate a revenue stream. It is one of the leading sectors of coming up with new and exciting ways to monetize their platforms to improve their success.

How to Leverage Social Media for Games

The best designed social media games can create gameplay that provides the ability to incorporate social capital along with bragging rights. Users can display their game achievements, rankings and aggregate statistics to improve their “social status” with their friends.

Virtual Goods

The introduction for users to be able to buy and sell virtual goods has been able to create a huge global marketplace worth billion. Players can buy virtual products such as avatar accessories and power-ups to use in the game. Ninety percent of the revenue products by the best developers of social media games is created through virtual goods.

Conclusion

Social media has changed the landscape of the gaming industry. Games are now more revolved around a community rather an individual basis. If developers do not interact with their users on social media to try and create a community, their success will be short-lived. This sector is changing fast, so developers need to adapt quickly. Social media sites have the ability to make products go viral, but they also have the power to destroy companies overnight which is why user experience is essential to be successful in this industry.

We hope you found this promoted post as entertaining and informative as we did!