[Editorial] World of Warcraft: MMOS - Selling Lifestyles, Not Just Games

BMunchausen · April 2014

Entertainers these days don't seem content to succeed at one thing. It's not enough for Justin Timberlake, Beyonce or Diddy to be pop stars—they've also got to be an actors, clothing designers, restaurateurs, and perfumiers. Making money in the entertainment business just isn't as straightforward as it used to be, so performers have learned to expand their brands beyond products and into lifestyles. Similarly, game makers are realizing if they want to survive, let alone thrive, they too need to expand their commercial and cultural reach.

Read more of Neilie Johnson's MMOS - Selling Lifestyles, Not Just Games.

Khebeln · April 2014

I want one of those mugs

Divona · April 2014

Words of advice: MMO - build community platform, don't just make a game.

Mors.Magne · April 2014

Blizzard's Fireside Gatherings are a particularly good idea. It's a pity that there are no Fireside Gathering events in the UK - I would certainly go.

The Fireside Gathering events work because the focus is still on the gameplay.

In contrast, CCP with Eve Online has been making bad decisions since about 2008. For example, I have bought all of the Eve Online books. However, the content of these books is all about the Eve universe outside of your spaceship, e.g. - nothing to do with the gameplay whatsoever.

The difference is that I am paying lots of money to collect cards in Heathstone because I see an enjoyable future lifestyle with the game. In contrast, I have just cancelled my two Eve Online accounts that I have had for seven years because Eve Online hasn't really progressed since 2008, e.g. - players will never have a meaningful experience outside of their ships (despite the teasing marketing).

twrule · April 2014

While some friends and I attended one of the 'Play!' symphony performances and found it enjoyable enough, I find myself pretty disturbed that people actually get into the rest of these things listed in the article, especially to the degree of investment some of them apparently do. Some of this goes beyond 'hobby' or 'pastime' territory and makes me question whether - as the title of this article implies - these people are trying to tie up their entire identities in their 'gaming' habits.

Razeekster · April 2014

The write up for this sounds like an excuse as if Blizzard actually needed to be making more money than they already are. It's laughable.

Horusra · April 2014

I fail to see where the write up sounds like Blizzard needed to do this....it is more a write up that they are smart to do this.

Razeekster · April 2014

Originally posted by Horusra
I fail to see where the write up sounds like Blizzard needed to do this....it is more a write up that they are smart to do this.

I quote, "Similarly, game makers are realizing if they want to survive, let alone thrive, they too need to expand their commercial and cultural reach." Blizzard is a huge thriving company already, they don't need to worry about surviving really lol

Horusra · April 2014

Originally posted by Razeekster
Originally posted by Horusra
I fail to see where the write up sounds like Blizzard needed to do this....it is more a write up that they are smart to do this.

I quote, "Similarly, game makers are realizing if they want to survive, let alone thrive, they too need to expand their commercial and cultural reach." Blizzard is a huge thriving company already, they don't need to worry about surviving really lol

So you just hating on Blizzard or failing to read about the other companies in the article?

BruceYee · April 2014

They should just make a WoW 2 and make it a sand box, then they'll never have to worry about money again.

That cup is pretty sweet though.

Lonzo · April 2014

Yes that is why no one cares about games like Tera, Rift, NWN to just name a few. As a succesful Developer you have to create communities and a good feeling about the gane, not just a game

odiasuda · April 2014

Originally posted by BruceYee
They should just make a WoW 2 and make it a sand box, then they'll never have to worry about money again.

That cup is pretty sweet though.

If you want to make money create something 12 people want - a sandbox MMO. A sound plan.

Crusades · April 2014

I'm pretty much a Tightwad with my money, but tonight I resub, roll a Dwarf, and purchase a new cup. Way to go mmorpg.com and blizzard and epic coffee cups.

CrazKanuk · April 2014

Originally posted by Torvaldr
Originally posted by Razeekster
Originally posted by Horusra
I fail to see where the write up sounds like Blizzard needed to do this....it is more a write up that they are smart to do this.

I quote, "Similarly, game makers are realizing if they want to survive, let alone thrive, they too need to expand their commercial and cultural reach." Blizzard is a huge thriving company already, they don't need to worry about surviving really lol

Tell that to DEC, Sun, Novell, and a myriad of other companies that used to be giants and are either gone, bought up, or struggling. Sony and IBM have been struggling to readjust and refocus. Blizzard and other companies do need to consider the future, but I'm not sure lifestyle is the way forward. I question whether those stars need to or just want to. It depends on what the goals are I suppose.

Wasted a whole semester on Novell! I think it was died before I got out of school, lol.

SunwolfNC · April 2014

Originally posted by twrule
While some friends and I attended one of the 'Play!' symphony performances and found it enjoyable enough, I find myself pretty disturbed that people actually get into the rest of these things listed in the article, especially to the degree of investment some of them apparently do. Some of this goes beyond 'hobby' or 'pastime' territory and makes me question whether - as the title of this article implies - these people are trying to tie up their entire identities in their 'gaming' habits.

Why are you 'pretty disturbed' by people taking part in something that's safe, enjoyable, and non-invasive to *anyone* other than the participants?

You don't find yourself 'pretty disturbed' over an RC plane flyer that has model planes in his office of a plane he's never flown 'in real life', or someone that has multiple UNSC tattoos and a Master Chief helmet on display, do you?

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[Editorial] World of Warcraft: MMOS - Selling Lifestyles, Not Just Games

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[Editorial] World of Warcraft: MMOS - Selling Lifestyles, Not Just Games

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