Goodbye Game Systems

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At some point we're going to stop using the word "Game System."

It's barely relevant now.  The XBox in my household has long stints as a video player, and before it that was my major use for the Wii.  Social media is integrating into everything.  Even "games" are changing into other things.

On top of that, games are going everywhere, from websites to phones.  A phone is a "gaming" device now.

So at some point, I think we're going to have to ditch the term "Game System" because Game Systems won't be about games alone.

At some point they'll be "media devices" or "entertainment systems" (much as some computers are pitched).  Oh sure it may be a tablet, or a phone, or something, but it won't be thought of as primarily a "gaming" system.

Now think of what that means geekonomically:

  • When the language changes, you have to change marketing tactics.  Smart marketers that can see this shift can market the devices that replace mere "gaming systems."
  • Technologists have to figure out just what these expanded systems do and don't do – and should and shouldn't do.  The range of what a product does gets fuzzier.
  • Developers . . . well you know what you're going through.  Get ready to find decisions about graphics, SDKs, and platforms getting a might more confusing.
  • Game developers will have to further think over demographics more carefully when pitching things on a device, distributing, etc.
  • What will happen to "game" websites in their coverage?  When games are everywhere and there's no true gaming device, there's a shift in reviews, classifications, and what is appropriate coverage.
  • The social and cultural impact of games will be further caught up in other media, and thus analyzing it or reporting on it is more complex.  Maybe on the plus side it'll minimize the various outbursts of "games are evil."

Someday, probably in the next decade, there will be no more "game machines."

Are you ready?

– Steven Savage

Promoting Professional Geekery #7: OK. So Write a Guide

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OK, I get it, I get it.  You're not up for writing an entire book promote progeekery, at least not right now.  So how can you leverage all those writing skills in promoting your love of turning hobbies into jobs, of turning fandom into careers?

Write a helpful guide to something relevant to progeekery.

There's probably plenty of things you could write on that'll help out current and future progeeks that aren't book-length.  These are more than a blog post, but less than the commitment to make a full book.

Consider:

  • Did you have a guide to a good resume?  Write it up.
  • Set up a photo gallery for your cosplay site?  Create a guide so people can do it easily.
  • Have a killer way to make a business card to promote your business?  Let' hear how you created that geeky ideal.
  • Have a job search guide for a given industry?  Write up your experiences so people can use it.
  • A guide to resumes for people into cosplay, or video games, or something else.

Where do you put this?  Well, consider:

  • Your website – and you better have a professional website – is a great place.  It shows employers/clients what you're good at and helps you be part your larger community.
  • See if any blogs, relevant fansites, etc. want to host it – you might find a side hobby doing that.
  • Try self-publishing since a lot of the platforms don't mind size – and set it to free.
  • Speak on your subject at a convention and hand out copies.

You've got a lot of knowledge.  So you're not up for a book (yet)?  Put that wisdom in a guide and release it to the world in guide form.

– Steven Savage

News Of The Day 10/11/2011

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China slows down, Zynga gears up, and more in Geek news!


Economics/Geekonomics:

A look at the expense of America’s declining transportation infrastructure. On the other hand, a good guide as to why infrastructure investment may be a good idea – if it happens, keep it in mind for a career opportunity. It may sound dull, but trust me, it’s not.


Has the Chinese economy hit a wall? Yves Smith notes some people are concerned, and we need to pay attention to this in case it impacts the world economy more.


Comics:

I missed this when it happened, but Barnes and Noble pulled DC comics from their shelves after DC made an exclusive classic comic deal with Amazon for the Kindle Fire. You can order them at the website, but not get them in the store. So what’s next here – will DC apologize, will they side further with Amazon, more exclusive deals . . . things could get very interesting. As always, the indies and smaller-press people need to make sure not to get stepped on.


Mobile:

Xyologic looks at Mobile Apps – though the tagline is how Android downloads will shortly top iPhone, there’s a ton of good stuff here.


RIM still has problems. How many times can I suggest, frankly, getting out?


Video:

HBO is coming onto Roku later this month. Roku keeps going despite a lack of news presence.


Video Games:

Now this got interesting: Zynga has its own gaming site, though you log on via Facebook (so far). Good strategy as they branch out – now a thing to watch out for is if they try and move onto other devices. There’s still a few confusing reports on how far this goes, so we hopefully will have an update tomorrow.


QUESTION OF THE DAY: Will Zynga create a full app portal and/or move to consoles?


– Steven Savage